Your Baby’s First Environment: A Healthier Approach to Nursery Design
Discover simple, sustainable ways to create a nursery that supports your baby’s health and comfort from the very beginning.
WORDS Lisa Sternfeld
Designing a nursery is one of the joys of preparing for a new baby. When I had my son, I focused on creating a soothing space filled with natural textures and calming colors. It felt thoughtful and intentional, until I learned just how much more goes into making a space truly healthy.
Everything changed when he became a toddler and began experiencing severe respiratory challenges that no doctor could fully explain. After months of searching for answers, I turned my focus to our home, and what I discovered transformed my understanding of design and wellness. I immersed myself in the science of indoor air quality, non-toxic materials and how our environments impact health. Years of study and formal training led me to become a WELL AP and passionate advocate for safer homes – a journey that ultimately led to the creation of WLLW.
A Brooklyn home’s nursery. Photo courtesy of Christian Harder
What I learned is something every parent deserves to know.
Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to environmental exposures. With developing organs and immune systems, they breathe more rapidly, absorb more substances through their skin, and spend much of their time close to floors, where pollutants accumulate. According to research, even low levels of toxins like phthalates and flame retardants can disrupt brain development and hormonal balance. Dr. Frederica Perera of the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health explains that, “early-life exposure to pollutants has been linked to a wide range of developmental and health issues, from asthma to cognitive delays.”
“Early-life exposure to pollutants has been linked to a wide range of developmental and health issues, from asthma to cognitive delays.”
Dr. Frederica Perera
Designing a nursery is about more than how it looks. It is an opportunity to create a space that truly supports your child’s health from the very beginning. A healthy nursery gives your baby a calm, clean and safe place to begin life, and lays the foundation for lasting wellbeing.
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Upper East Side home designed by Jessica Schuster Interior Design. Photo courtesy of 1stDibs |
Townhouse in New York City’s West Village. Photo courtesy of Vincent Dilio |
Air Quality
A baby’s lungs are still developing, so clean indoor air is essential. Nurseries often contain new furniture, paint and soft furnishings that can release chemicals through off-gassing. To reduce exposure, air out the room early, open windows daily when possible, and use a HEPA air purifier, such as the Alen BreatheSmart, to remove dust, allergens and airborne particles.
Humidity also affects respiratory health. Dry air can irritate airways, while too much moisture can lead to mold. Keep the nursery between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent. A cool-mist humidifier can help maintain balance, just be sure to change the water daily and clean it regularly – the stainless steel Carepod One is a good choice.
Avoid synthetic air fresheners, candles and heavily fragranced cleaners, which can contribute to indoor pollution. Choose unscented or naturally fragranced products, like those created by Koala Eco, made with non-toxic, transparent ingredients.
Lighting and Sound
Soft, layered lighting helps create a calming atmosphere that supports restful sleep. Use dimmable bulbs or plug-in dimmers on overhead lights and lamps to gently transition from day to night. Choose warm-toned lighting, which mimics sunset hues and signals to the body that it’s time to wind down. A low-glow night light can offer comfort during nighttime feedings without overstimulating your baby.
Sound also helps set the tone of the room. A white noise machine can muffle household activity and provide a consistent, soothing backdrop. Improper use can lead to hearing loss, however. Keep the volume at no higher than 55 decibels and place the device at a safe distance from the crib. A minimum of 7 feet from your child’s head is recommended to protect your baby’s hearing while still creating a sense of calm. Momcozy’s Smart Baby Sound Machine offers a range of customization options and can be managed from your phone.
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Crosby Street Apartment in Soho designed by Ember Studio. Photo courtesy of David Mitchell |
Houston home designed by Amanda Medsger. Photo courtesy of Lindsay Brown |
Walls and Paints
If you’re painting the nursery, choose mineral or zero-VOC paints to minimize chemical exposure. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can linger in the air long after paint has dried. Mineral paints are an excellent option as they’re made from natural materials like lime and clay. They are breathable and do not off-gas. Aim to finish painting a month before your baby arrives and ventilate well.
Wallpaper can also be a source of VOCs, adhesives and dyes. If you’re using wallpaper, opt for those made with natural fibers, printed with water-based inks, and applied with low-toxicity paste. Look for products labeled PVC-free and Greenguard Gold certified to ensure better indoor air quality. Chasing Paper’s traditional wallpaper, for example, is non-toxic and made from FSC-certified paper.
Flooring and Rugs
Wall-to-wall carpeting can trap dust, allergens, and moisture, so if your nursery already has it, vacuum regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum. For new installations, choose wool over synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester, which can off-gas and irritate skin. For rugs, opt for natural materials like organic cotton or wool, ideally certified by OEKO-TEX or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) to ensure they are free from harmful chemicals and dyes. Natural fiber rugs, like those produced by Lorena Canals, are breathable, soft underfoot, and safer for babies as they begin to crawl and explore. Use a rug pad made from natural latex, jute or wool rather than synthetic versions that may release VOCs into the air.
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LA home designed by Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen. Photo courtesy of Stephen Kent Johnson |
Vaucluse Residence designed by Phoebe Nicol. Photo courtesy of Phoebe Nicol |
Textiles and Bedding
Choose breathable, natural materials like organic cotton, linen or wool for crib sheets, swaddles and sleepwear. These fibers help regulate body temperature and support airflow, which is important for babies still learning to self-regulate. Avoid quilted or plush bedding that can lead to overheating.
For waterproof mattress pads, look for ones made with GOTS-certified organic cotton and a food-grade polyethylene backing. Avoid PVC or vinyl, which can off-gas and affect indoor air quality. KATU makes mattress pads without any vinyl, PVC or phthalates.
Curtains made from natural fabrics like unbleached cotton, linen or wool can also support better sleep by filtering light and helping create a calm, healthy space. Rawganique creates curtains from organic hemp which are chemical free.
Storage and Organization
Keep clutter to a minimum with breathable storage like Makemake Organic’s handmade cotton bins, or natural fiber baskets. These materials support better air quality and avoid the off-gassing that can come from plastic containers. Avoid storing items with synthetic fragrances or older toys made from unknown materials. As your baby begins to crawl and explore, safe and organized storage helps keep the space both functional and healthy.
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Home in the Hollywood Hills designed by Katie Hodges Design. Photo courtesy of Haris Kenjar |
Brooklyn Brownstone home designed by architects Brooklyn Studio and interior designer Augusta Hoffman. Photo courtesy of Tim Lenz |
Simple Strategies for a Healthier Nursery
- Air quality: Use a HEPA air purifier and avoid synthetic fragrances.
- Paints: Choose zero-VOC paint or mineral-based options.
- Flooring: Choose wool carpeting over synthetic fibers; vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter.
- Rugs: Opt for organic wool or cotton rugs with natural latex or felt pads.
- Furniture: Select solid wood or Greenguard Gold-certified pieces with non-toxic finishes.
- Mattress: Choose a certified organic mattress made without polyurethane foam or flame retardants.
- Textiles: Stick to certified organic cotton, linen or wool.
- Lighting: Use dimmable lights to create a calm setting.
- Storage: Use breathable bins and avoid storing products with toxins.
Every choice you make while preparing your baby’s nursery is an act of care. When you take steps to improve air quality, reduce chemical exposure, and create a calming, low-toxin environment, you’re doing more than setting up a room. You’re shaping your child’s first experience of the world. A thoughtful nursery becomes more than a beautiful space; it’s the foundation for a healthier, more supported start at home.
Download WLLW's How to Design a Healthy Nursery Checklist here.
Feature Image: Caravan Crib by Kalon Studios. Photo courtesy of Kalon Studios
Photography: Christian Harder, 1stDibs, Vincent Dilio, David Mitchell, Lindsay Brown, Stephen Kent Johnson, Phoebe Nicol, Haris Kenjar, Tim Lenz
