I Want a Low-Toxin Nursery... But Where Do I Even Start?
Designing a nursery sounds dreamy in theory, but the second you start actually planning it, the overwhelm creeps in.
It’s like you blink and suddenly you’re juggling a dozen tabs open on your phone, all filled with conflicting advice about cribs, certifications, and “safe” paint brands, and what was supposed to be a simple nesting project turns into a scary nightmare about indoor air quality and mattress materials.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself searching something like “is MDF toxic” at midnight, right before adding four different cribs to your cart only to abandon them all because you’re just not sure which one is the “right” choice.
The good news is that you really don’t have to make every decision perfectly or turn your nursery into a lab-tested wellness haven to make it meaningfully safer and more comfortable for your baby. There is a middle ground, and it’s doable.
Let’s talk about how to find it.
Start with the things that matter most
When it comes to creating a low-toxin space, the biggest wins usually come from the biggest pieces. That means focusing first on the items your baby will spend the most time around, like the crib mattress, the crib itself, your glider or rocker, and maybe a changing pad or rug if you’re using one regularly. These are the things that make up the foundation of the space and can contribute the most to indoor air quality, comfort, and peace of mind.
If you’re not sure where to begin or your budget is tight, I almost always recommend starting with the crib mattress. Your baby will be sleeping on it more hours in a day than they’ll be awake, and a safer mattress can make a big impact with just one decision. Look for options that use natural materials like organic cotton or wool and avoid polyurethane foam, vinyl covers, synthetic waterproofing, flame retardants, or chemical adhesives.
You can also look for trusted certifications like GOTS for textiles or Greenguard Gold for low emissions, and if a brand is clearly sharing what isn’t in their product, that’s usually a good sign they’ve done their homework and want to help you do yours.
You don’t have to do everything
I live by the 80/20 rule when it comes to creating a healthier home, and I fully believe it applies to the nursery too. You don’t have to get every single thing “right” or stress over every surface. You don’t have to buy all new furniture or swap out anything that doesn’t come with a long list of eco-labels. You can make thoughtful choices in the areas that matter most to you, and then give yourself a whole lot of grace for the rest.
The goal isn’t perfection, and it definitely isn’t panic. It’s about small changes that add up to something better. Not perfect…just better.
If a safer crib mattress and zero-VOC paint are all you can manage right now, that’s still a really solid start. If you’re able to go a step further with a Greenguard Gold certified crib or natural fiber rug (wool or cotton), even better. Remember - progress is the goal, not purity.
Mind the Materials (But Don’t Panic Over Every Label)
Here are a few easy swaps that can make a difference:
Paint: Choose zero-VOC paints and aim to paint at least a few weeks before baby arrives (and yes, crack those windows).
Rug: Go for wool, cotton, or jute instead of synthetic fiber rugs with chemical backings.
Curtains & Textiles: Natural fibers like organic cotton or linen are breathable, washable, and free of added flame retardants.
And if you can’t make every swap? That’s okay. Maybe the rug isn’t perfect, but your air purifier helps offset that. It’s all about the overall picture, not perfection.
Let someone else do the research
Here’s the thing: you have enough on your plate already. You’re growing a whole human, probably juggling work or other kids or just the general busyness of life, and you don’t need one more task that eats up your time and mental energy.
That’s exactly why I started offering nursery design services in the first place - to take the research, the sourcing, the back-and-forth decision fatigue off your shoulders and just give you a beautiful, safe, thoughtfully curated space that you can trust.
Whether you use my free shoppable mood boards or you work with me on a custom design for your unique space, my goal is always to help you skip the hours of Googling and go straight to that feeling of “yes, this is exactly what I was hoping for.”
Just say no…to perfectionism
Low-toxin living is not an all-or-nothing pursuit - it’s about reducing exposure where you can and letting the rest go. You don’t need to toss out every synthetic thing you own or live in fear of every piece of plywood.
When I say I live by an 80/20 rule, I mean it. I try to be intentional where it counts, but I also believe in grace for the rest. If a hand-me-down glider works for your space and your budget? Beautiful. Balance is the goal.
Take a breath, you’re doing better than you think
If you’ve read this far, I already know one thing about you: you care. You’re trying. You want to make choices that feel good for your family, not just in style but in substance. That alone puts you miles ahead of where you think you are.
So take a deep breath, you don’t have to get it all right. You’re doing beautifully just by being mindful and intentional with what you bring in. I hope this helps you create a little haven where you and your baby can rest, connect, and start this next chapter with a little more peace and a little less pressure.
And if you need help pulling it all together? I’d love to come alongside you.
Start here:
Take a peek at the Look Book, a collection of free nursery designs made with low-toxin, baby-safe products that are as beautiful as they are thoughtfully sourced. Or learn more about custom design services if you’re looking for a one-on-one experience that’s tailored to your space, your style, and your values.
