Greening the Nursery Part Three: Green Furniture

Article by Tara Smith

There are many things to consider when purchasing furniture for your new baby’s nursery. While many people might think a green nursery is out of their price range, there are many green options available that don’t cost a lot. Buying furniture is one of the most exciting things to do to prepare for a new baby, and there are just a few health and environmental concerns to be aware of before you decide on a crib and other furniture.

First, and foremost we have to consider the safety aspect. Because your baby will be spending a lot of time in a crib, and many times will be unsupervised, most safety concerns are related to the crib. While many experts will recommend that you not buy a used crib, I believe that most relatively intelligent adults can take precautions to ensure that a used crib is safe. Buying a used crib can be the most budget-friendly and environmentally-friendly option, if you can find one that is safe. For example, you’ll want to make sure the crib was manufactured after the current U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission set safety standards. But the biggest measure you can take is to get the product model number and check to make sure it hasn’t been recalled. Other safety measures you could take could include, buying used from a reputable used baby store that has guaranteed the product, buying from a trusted friend or relative, and buying a crib that is only a year or two old. Make sure you check that all the screws and hardware are fastened correctly. In my opinion, it’s best not to use an antique crib. Antique cribs can have slats that are too far apart, and can have finishes that contain lead, and other toxic materials.

I initially bought a used crib for my daughter at a yard sale. However, I made an agreement with the seller that if the crib had been recalled, or if it was missing hardware, I could return it for a full refund. After we got it home, we checked online to make sure it was not recalled, and it was manufactured recently. It was, but it was missing hardware and so I returned it. I wish I would have spent more time looking for a used crib, but we ended up just buying a new one. The greenest crib option for most people on a budget will be to buy used. But there are green options available if you are buying new. If you have the money, consider the highest quality solid wood crib you can afford, that way you can pass it down to your children. Additionally, if you spend a little bit more money you can get a crib that will convert into a toddler bed and then into a headboard and footboard for a double bed.

If you want to make sure you’re buying a product that uses sustainably harvested wood, look for certification from The Forest Stewardship Council, which is a nonprofit organization that encourages green and sustainable production practices. The FSC certifies manufacturers based fifty-seven different criteria that protects wildlife and regulates pesticide use. Other organizations that certify sustainability include the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, however this group is industry-based and its standards are not as high as those of the FSC.

Another issue of concern with nursery furniture is the chemicals used in production. While the majority of cribs are solid wood and the finishes are regulated to be non-toxic, other furniture, such as changing tables and dressers can be made with cheaper pressed wood materials, which can off-gas significant amounts of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde can irritate young babies eyes, skin and throat and cause nausea. Medium-density fiberboard especially, is noted for emitting the highest amount of formaldehyde. For this reason, buying used is also a good idea, as used products have likely off-gassed the majority of the chemical odors. Additionally buying used solid wood furniture is a budget-friendly alternative to buying new solid wood furniture. If you have to buy pressed wood furniture new, consider leaving it outside or opening the windows and allowing it to off-gas as much as possible before exposure to the baby.

Most of all, when it comes to baby furniture and safety, it’s important to consider all the current safety standards, but also to use your own best judgement by examining everything carefully. If you open your mind to the possibilities, you can decorate the nursery well on a budget and be green at the same time.