Creating a Low-Tox Home & Nursery for Your Child

When I worked in fertility, one of the most common questions I would get asked is for recommendations for the nursery. 

The options for choosing furniture and products for the bedroom is endless, and considering we spend a large majority of our time in our bedrooms, in our most vulnerable state, choosing low-tox furniture and pillows is the best option, both for your health and for the health of the planet. 

Many of these products are more expensive, but consider them an investment. You are investing in optimising your sleep and therefore your health and vitality, plus many of these products are built to last, so you hopefully won't need to keep buying…and buying and buying. 

Many of the sleep related products have flame retardants that take up to 10 years to stop emitting fumes as well as carcinogenic chemicals such as melamine, polyurethane and formaldehyde that also off gas. 

1. Mattresses

Considering our faces and bodies are RIGHT there on our mattress, we don't want any hidden nasties in the foam or lining of the mattress. When choosing a mattress, the best option is natural latex. Brands that provide these mattresses include:

• Peace Lily 

• The Natural Bedding Company

• Zenna

• Latex Bedding Co 

For a more detailed read about the issues with our mattresses go here.

2. Pillows and inserts 

Similar to mattresses, most pillows contain substances that are not ideal to be breathing in for 8 plus hours a night. This is something to consider even more so if you or your child suffers from allergies, congestion or skin irritations. Like mattresses, pure natural latex is a great option, as are buckwheat filled pillows.   

My top picks for pillows are:

• The Natural Bedding Company ( has a great options for kids) 

• Zenna 

3. Sheets and blankets 

Look for 100 percent certified organic sheets, blankets and pillow cases. GOTS certified in the gold standard. This ensures there is no bleach, formaldehyde or toxic dyes in any part of the product and that fair working conditions are met every step of the way from raw materials to finished product.  

Some of my favourite brands are:

• Bhumi

• Sheet Society

• Bed Threads

• Organic Nest

• The Natural Bedding Company 

• Little Myrtle ( for babies and kids) 

• Ergo Pouch (for babies and kids) 

4. Bedframes, cots and bassinets 

Look for frames that are made from solid wood and that have not been treated. Lesser quality products such as particle boards, imported timber, pine or bedframes made with material will emit chemicals.  

Some good options to consider are:

• The Natural Bedding Company (this one just keeps coming up!)

• The Comfort Shop 

• Organature (excellent range of cots, bassinet and beds, plus much more). 

5. Lighting

Say no to blue lights! Or any lights really, apart from those that come from these retailers ESPECIALLY for in the bedroom.

• Block blue light

• Bon Charge

For more information on how blue lights affect our sleep, you can read my post here. 

6. Electrical configuration and EMF considerations 

All power points and electrical operated products such as lights, fans and phone chargers emit some degree of electromagnetic radiation. It’s advised to have the power switches near your bed turned off while sleeping, or if you have to have it on, keep the object it's charging as far away from your head as possible. Ideally, do not have the power point right next to the bed but I understand many people do for ease and the layout of houses are often built this way. However, it generally means that there are an abundance of electrical wires that are in the wall, again, just behind your head. 

A building biologist will be able to confirm for you how much EMF radiation your bedroom is exposed to, and how to help you further with this. 

For an interesting example, we used a fan in our bedroom, which was next to my side of the bed, for white nose and to keep the room cool. When tested, the EMF exposure right next to the fan is through the roof. Move away 10 cm, and it starts to drop. Move away 30 cm, it drops significantly. Move away a metre, and it's next to nothing — so distance does matter. 

7. Sleepwear

Similar to sheets and blankets, look for 100 percent certified organic, GOTS if possible. 

Some favourites include:

• Bhumi

• Organic Nights

• Organature

• Wilson and Frenchie

8. Teddies and comforters 

I know you're not in full control of who gives your child what teddies, but do your best to prioritize teddies and comforters, or loveys from GOTS certified organic materials. Some favourite brands include:

• Teddy bear treasures

• Hello Charlie

• Bears for Humanity 

9. Baby monitors (if using) 

If you must use one, keep them as far away from your baby's head as possible. 

• Bebcare looks possibly acceptable

This is also a good read about this topic here.

10. Air quality 

Keeping the bedroom free of mould, and purifying the air is an excellent idea. Even if the house is mould-free, the pollutants that come through the windows, the dust and bacteria on our clothes and shoes, the pet hair etc, can all reside in even the healthiest home. 

If you live in a mould-susceptible region, invest in a dehumidifier that can be used in various rooms of the house as needed, as well as an air purifier. 

My brand recommendations are:

• Inovair

• Aus Climate

• Phillips 

For much more information in this topic, and why clean air matters, read here.