Welcoming Your New Baby into a Toxin-Free Natural Home: Suggestions for Keeping Your Home Free from Harmful Chemicals

A new baby makes us strive to be better people and to make our home (and the planet) a better place for the new little person who will soon be arriving. If you have decided to bring your baby into a toxin-free natural home, you will be considering ways that you can make your house as eco-friendly as possible. Here are some suggestions to help you on your way as you create a clean, healthy, all-natural home.

What are Toxic Spots in Your Home? Check Foundational Items (like Flooring and Furniture) First.
You’ve heard it said that there tend to be more toxins inside the home than outside… It’s time for you to locate the primary causes of toxins in your home, and do what you can to eliminate them. First of all, consider some of the foundational elements. If you have carpets, it’s time to give them a good cleaning (with an eco-friendly cleaner, naturally), and them keep them that way with a HEPA vacuum. If it’s time to replace the flooring you have, be sure that you choose a sustainable hardwood floor or an environmentally friendly, untreated carpet and natural padding to eliminate the toxic emissions given off by standard flooring materials. Request non-toxic adhesives from the installer, too. Furniture, as well, tends to release noxious chemicals (such as fire retardants and stain repellants) into our surroundings. When you purchase new furniture, be sure to avoid anything pre-treated, and look for all-natural pieces made from sustainable materials. If your existing couch or easy chair was manufactured with stain-preventing chemicals, just be sure to keep your house well aired and to mop up any spills on furniture with a green wipe instead of a toxic alternative.

Keep Baby’s Nursery Completely Eco-Friendly and Toxin Free
Because your little one will be spending so very much of her time for the first few years in her nursery, it’s vital that this room, in particular, be as free from harsh chemicals as possible. Most important is her bed: Invest in chemical-free baby bedding and an organic mattress to ensure that her immediate sleep environment won’t surround her with toxins. Organic baby clothing is easy to find and very competitively priced in today’s global marketplace; likewise with planet-friendly baby toys. Don’t forget other essential items that are in constant contact with your baby and her vulnerable body, like diapers, bath cloths and towels, and body care products (diaper balm, baby wash, shampoo, and more). These, too, must be as clean and natural as possible to protect your wee baby from harmful toxins and the risk for immediate and long-term health concerns.

Use Your Good Common Sense to Keep Your Home Safely, Naturally, and Genuinely Clean
To keep a home as clean and fresh as possible, use your common sense. Encourage fresh air and circulation by opening windows whenever you can. Plants are wonderful natural and attractive air fresheners; you can give them a little help by purchasing a good-quality air purifying system. Cut down on the chemicals used in your home each day by choosing environmentally friendly cleaning products and detergents (such as those made by MiEnviron or Shaklee). Set a firm rule that all boots and shoes come off at the door to cut down on the dirt that is tracked inside, and be vigilant in cleaning all dirty pet paws at the door, as well.

While creating the most eco-friendly environment you can for your new child may take a small investment of time and a few dollars on your part, the positive results will last for her lifetime. Once you have started on the path to building a greener life on your piece of the planet, you’ll begin to discover new ways each and every day to make our Earth a cleaner, better place. Don’t forget to share these ideas with us… we (and our readers) would love to hear from you!