Toddler Bedroom

Toddler Beds

Getting that first bed is often a big event for a toddler. It’s a big milestone for them and parents too! Now they really feel like a “big kid”in that toddler bedroom.

Choosing a bed constructed of materials such as natural wood or metal frames is best to keep the room healthy and reduce chemical exposures. Check for lead-free, cadmium-free painted surfaces as toddlers often chew on things!

Even more important is to choose a healthful mattress. Most mattresses are not healthy for children. They contain plastics, chemicals, foams and fire-retardants all of which continually off-gas harmful chemicals. Your child will be sleeping next to these chemicals for hours at a time. Organic mattresses are a much healthier option for a toddler bedroom.

Organic Sheets

Bedding such as sheets, comforters and pillows can make a toddler bedroom healthier, if they are certified organic. If not organic, these items can contain many chemicals which are absorbed through the skin or lungs. And remember, not all organic fabrics are the same or have the same levels of purity. It’s important to know the processing from start to finish if you want truly toxin-free bedding.

There are surprising amounts of harmful chemicals found in standard children’s bedding. Formaldehyde is one chemical found in wrinkle-free and stain- resistant fabrics. It is odorless in fabrics, and many people SEEM to tolerate it, yet it is harmful to human cells and developing bodies. It is not clearly known what the long-term effects are, but if it can be avoided, it’s best to do so, as many scientists recognize it as carcinogenic.


Bedroom Pillows

A bedroom pillow is another item that your toddler may be getting for the first time in that new toddler bedroom. Since their face will be next to the pillow for long periods of time, the fewer the chemicals in it, or on it, the better. Encasing the pillow can help too and is especially helpful in protecting from dust mite exposures. These tiny mites multiply and increase over time and can cause respiratory symptoms, itching, puffy eyes, and other symptoms.

Carpeting

Many parents do not realize the many chemicals and considerable off-gassing most carpets emit. They also accumulate a lot of dust and debris over time and even with regular cleaning are not as clean or healthy as wood floors. Wood flooring or eco-friendly vinyl floors are best for a toddler bedroom to prevent these exposures. Healthier carpeting such as those made of wool or natural fibers can be purchased. It’s important to know the construction process for the backings of these carpets, as they are often the main culprits in emitting the most toxins!

Bedroom Rugs

Bedroom rugs can be used to place on wood or vinyl floors. These will make the room cozier and it just feels better on bare feet! Choose organic, washable materials whenever possible to keep the room cleaner and free of toxins.

Bedroom Storage

As recommended in baby bedrooms try to keep as many stuffed animals out, as well as books, shoes, and even clothing to prevent chemical exposures. Some toddlers are very sensitive to the inks or chemicals found in books. Shoes can outgas harmful chemicals and track in things such as outdoor fertilizers, pesticides or cleaners. Keep as many unnecessary things out of the toddlers bedroom and store in a hallway closet or another room if possible.

Sleepwear

Lastly, keep in mind most children’s sleepwear has fire retardants in the fabric as required by law. Some question whether the relatively low incidence of house fires warrants the widespread use of fire retardants in children’s sleepwear and mattresses. The long-term effects of these chemicals is very likely more of a threat than the potential fire hazards they’re trying to prevent.

Organic sleepwear can be purchased, or even cotton-types can be a healthier alternative. These also allow for better ventilation and cooling as the child perspires at night.

Your toddler’s long-term health can be greatly enhanced by making his or her room as free as possible of irritating or harmful substances.

Return from Toddler Bedroom to Kid's Bedrooms

Return from Toddler Bedroom to Healthy Bedroom Ideas Homepage