How to Create an Eco-Friendly Baby Nursery

If you are reading this article it's likely that you are expecting a baby, so congratulations! It's certainly an exciting time and one of the most anticipated experiences (aside from the arrival of your little one) is setting up the nursery. If you have been to one of the big baby stores you know that it can make your head swim a little. There are literally millions of options to choose from and to be frank most of them are not all that baby friendly let alone environmentally friendly.

Not your nursery you think! Well, good for you. With just a little effort you can find some eco-friendly options that will help you set up a one of a kind room for your baby and get them started down the road to being a responsible steward of our planet.

Keep reading and I'll let you in on a few products that I couldn't live without and I know you won't be able to either. Some may cost a little more green upfront but in the long run they will be well worth the investment.

A fresh coat of paint. One of the first things to do when creating a nursery is to pick the color. Most people don't give it any thought beyond that which is a shame. A lot of commercially available paints contain Volatile Organic Compounds which can cause health problems long after the paint has dried. As consumers have become more aware some VOC free options are now available and come in a wide range of colors. Check out www.benjaminmoore.com for their stylish new line called Natura which is available nationwide in the Spring of 2009.

Window coverings. A dark room helps baby sleep and this will be vitally important (trust me). To keep things green check out the Hunter Douglass line of PVC free and recyclable designer shades. Details are available at www.hunterdouglass.com.

Now I lay me down to sleep. Pick a mattress made of wool casings or organic cotton filling. Traditional mattresses can give off potentially cancer causing chemicals. www.simplybabyfurniture.com has a great one for only $159.

Dressing the bed. Be sure baby has a safe and organically produced place to lay his or her head. By using bedding made in this manner you not only protect your child from harmful chemicals but protect the earth as well. www.kushtush.com has a complete line of some truly adorable styles.

Starting at the bottom. One of the best ways you can protect the environment and your child is by using cloth diapers. Disposables are not only hard on your wallet but they are hard on the earth as they sit for years in landfills. Cloth is reusable and a great way to show your commitment to the planet from day one. www.cottonbabies.com is a top rated site and offers free shipping on orders of $74.95 and up. The best part? Buy diapers once and you are done. Your childs college fund will thank you!

It's simple to start your child off in the best way possible. And most important you will set a great example and show your child that being a good steward of the planet is an essential part of living on it.