How to Create a Non‑Toxic Nursery That Grows With Your Baby

Minimal, natural materials are best for a non-toxic nursery

If it is one room I am deeply passionate about, it is the nursery. And it's not because nurseries are the cutest little rooms in the home, or that babies get the cutest pieces of decor or clothing - no, it is because they can be the most toxic.

WHY?

Because (and this is especially true if you are a first-time parent), they contain the most NEW items.

New cribs, mattresses, carpets or rugs, play mats, curtains, rockers, dressers, change tables, clothing, toys...the list goes on. And don't get me started on the potential dangers if you have renovated the room and filled it with off-gassing building materials and finishes.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the essential items (and their ingredients) to consider, ensuring nursery air is clean, materials are safe, and the space feels timeless.

1. Why the Nursery Can Be More Toxic Than You Think

Nurseries often contain brand-new furniture, synthetic rugs, freshly painted walls, and plastic toys, all of which may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), flame retardants, formaldehyde, PFAS, and other hidden toxins. Research shows that indoor air pollution levels spike in newly constructed rooms. Since babies breathe more air per body weight and spend up to 16 hours a day in these spaces, their exposure is higher. (source)

2. Choosing Safe Furniture That Stands the Test of Time

Flat‑pack furniture or pieces made of MDF often off‑gas formaldehyde. (source).

Instead, look for:

• Solid wood furniture with natural, water‑based finishes

• Low‑emission certified pieces (e.g. ARB‑compliant or FSC certified)

• Convertible cribs or dressers that adapt as your child grows

Your investment goes further—and safer—with selections that last.

3. Flooring & Rugs: The Quiet Toxic Sources

Many textiles, especially synthetic rugs and carpets, are treated with stain-resistant coatings containing PFAS (“forever chemicals”) or made with adhesives that release VOCs over time (source).

For healthier alternatives:

• Choose wool, organic cotton, jute, or sisal rugs without synthetic backing

• Avoid treated linens and adhesives

• Look for OEKO‑TEX, GoodWeave, or GOTS certification when buying.

These natural fibres support cleaner air and softer floors for playtime too.

4. Paints, Walls & Decor: Keep VOCs in Check

To reduce chemical off‑gassing:

• Use zero‑VOC or low‑VOC water‑based paints

• Avoid wallpaper with vinyl or chemical adhesives

• Be sure to ventilate the room well after painting and before bringing in the baby

• Run a true HEPA air filter (ensure it is sized appropriately for the room, i have a blog post on how to do that here)

  
  

Lighting and ventilation also play a key role in healthy nursery design—natural light, sheer curtains, and natural ventilation airflow help flush out pollutants.

5. Clean Air Doesn’t Happen by Accident

Clean air needs intentional support:

• Use a HEPA-rated air purifier sized for the room

• Keep humidity in the 30–50% range to prevent mould

• Vacuum with HEPA filters and avoid synthetic air fresheners

• Skip scented sprays, plug-ins or soy/paraffin candles

These simple steps support respiratory health and comfort.

Natural nursery design is my jam

Ready to Start Lessening Unseen Risks?

To help, I’ve put together two step-by-step resources:

• 📘 Healthy Nursery Renovation Edition E‑Book: (AU$29.99): Covers everything from building materials like paint, spackle, sheetrock, carpets and curtains, as well as mattresses, furniture, air filtration and decor. Features trusted Australian brands with safer chemical profiles, available here.

• 📘 Healthy Nursery Decor Edition E‑Book (AU$44.99): Covers everything from mattress materials and furniture to air filtration and decor. Features trusted Australian brands with a safer chemical profile, available here.

• 📋 Non‑Toxic Nursery Checklist (AU$3.00): A budget-friendly guide summarising key swaps to eliminate hidden toxins in mattresses, carpets, paint, toys, bedding, and more, available here.

Final Thoughts

Your baby spends a LOT of time in their nursery—and the air they breathe matters. By choosing non-toxic materials, ventilating well, and avoiding harmful products, you’re not just designing a pretty room—you’re creating a healthier environment that supports their development from day one.

Want help tailoring your nursery layout or selecting low-tox options in Australia? I’m always happy to offer design advice that keeps both style and health front of mind.

Explore my Healthy Nursery E‑Books, or grab the Non‑Toxic Nursery Checklist and take the first step toward a safer, calmer space for your child.