My Ultimate Non-Toxic Nursery and Beyond

Preparing for a baby comes with so many decisions. The crib, the mattress, the diapers, the stroller. There is an endless amount of options for each product, and it can be overwhelming to know what to look for!

I’m sharing my baby registry favorites and the things I look for when creating a nursery, along with additional brands to explore in hopes this makes it easier for you to figure out exactly what you want and why. My registry goes beyond the nursery itself: we’ll cover getting out of the house, bath time, diaper changes, feeding, and those little essentials you’ll be glad to have on hand.

Before diving into the products, I want to share something really important: creating a 100% “non-toxic” home isn’t realistic. My goal is to make thoughtful choices, prioritize the things we use most, and keep it manageable. You do not need every item on this list, and you do not need to replace everything you may already own. If you’re looking for more ways to make changes throughout your home, start with my guide to creating a healthy home.

Also, we cosleep with our babies and I personally would much rather invest in clean baby products versus spending a bunch of money decorating a nursery. We keep things in the nursery like clothes and eventually transition the baby to the crib there but that is not our priority with a newborn. And as you navigate through this and filter out what you want to save or splurge on- try to think of the things that baby breathes in, or what touches babies skin or what they ingest. That will really help you prioritize clean products! For example, organic cotton clothes, an air filter, a high quality mattress, soap, glass bottles, etc. 

What I Look for in Baby Products

“Natural,” “organic,” and “non-toxic” can mean different things depending on the product. I want to know what something is made of, what treatments have been added, and whether the exact model meets the safety standards that apply to it.

• Added flame-retardant chemicals: These can be used in furniture, textiles, and other products. Some have been associated with health concerns. I look for clear material information and ask manufacturers about added treatments. Every car seat and sleep product still needs to meet the applicable safety standards. Read more from NIEHS.
• Formaldehyde: Certain composite woods, adhesives, and finishes can release formaldehyde. Solid wood and products tested for low emissions are options I consider. Read more from the National Academies.
• BPA and phthalates: I pay attention to the materials used in bottles, toys, changing pads, and other items that touch food or end up in little mouths. Glass and appropriately made silicone can be useful options. A BPA-free label alone does not tell you everything about a product. Read more about these chemicals.
• PVC: I also look for PVC-free options, especially for feeding items and things a baby may mouth.
• VOCs: Paint, adhesives, furniture, and finishes can release volatile organic compounds. Low-emission products and good ventilation matter; smell alone cannot tell you whether a product is safe. Read more from the American Lung Association.
• SVOCs and fabric treatments: Some substances can collect in household dust. I ask about stain-resistant, water-resistant, antimicrobial, and wrinkle-resistant treatments instead of assuming those features are necessary.
• Electronics and monitors: Some families prefer wired or non-Wi-Fi options. I’ll include those below, without treating marketing claims about reduced EMFs as proof that one monitor will improve a baby’s health.

If the details aren’t clear, ask the company! Check the specific model, color, finish, and fabric because materials can vary within the same brand. The best source I’ve found for the greatest selection of non-toxic baby items is on the Modern Nursery website. You can use code TAYLORDUKES for 10% off on eligible products. 

I also like to set up new furniture well before the baby arrives, ventilate the room, and wash washable textiles according to their care instructions. A few hours in the sun can be amazing too!

Everything On the Go

1. Car seat: Correct installation and the right fit for your baby comes first. I like the UPPAbaby Aria. The Nuna’s PIPA line is another great option. I also like the Britax One4Life ClickTight all in one car seat. 
2. Extra car seat base: An additional compatible UPPAbaby base can make switching between cars easier. Always confirm compatibility with your exact seat and install it according to the manual.
3. Stroller: We love the Bumbleride brand so much – from the Indie Twin to the Speed. They’re amazing! I also like the Britax Brook Stroller. 
4. Car seat mirror: A rear-facing car seat mirror can help you glance at a baby. Secure it as directed and check the vehicle and car seat instructions for accessory guidance.
5. White noise on the go: The Baby Shusher is portable and handy. Keep the sound low and the device away from the baby’s ears.
6. Baby carrier: I received an Artipoppe carrier as a gift and understood the hype. Friends have also loved the Ergobaby Omni 360 and BabyBjörn Harmony. Sakura is also a great brand!
7. Baby wrap: The Solly Baby wrap was my pick for those early months of close babywearing. Follow the wrapping and positioning instructions carefully.
8. Travel crib: We personally have the  Guava Lotus Travel one and it has lasted us years. I know a lot of people also love the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib. Use its intended mattress and accessories rather than adding extra padding.
9. Travel crib sheets: Choose sheets made to fit the Lotus or the exact travel crib you own. A snug fit matters and of course I always recommend organic cotton sheets. 

Sleeping, Sitting, Soothing, and the Nursery

Bassinet

For a bassinet, I recommend BabyBay or Design Dua Moses Bassinet. If you’re co-sleeping, just make sure that your mattress is free of any toxins. I like Savvy Rest (code TAYLORDUKES) or Avocado. 

Crib

We loved the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 in natural wood. GREENGUARD Gold certification means a product has been tested against limits for certain chemical emissions; it does not mean it contains no chemicals or no adhesives.

The IKEA SNIGLAR is another solid-wood option to explore. Additional cribs included in Branch Basics’s nursery guide, which I fully trust, are the Dadada LaLa 3-in-1 and Kalon Caravan. Compare materials, finishes, dimensions, and current availability before choosing.

Use the crib exactly as instructed, and check for recalls if you’re using a secondhand one. Avoid repainting or modifying it without manufacturer guidance.

Crib Mattress

If you’re deciding where to spend more, the mattress is one item I would prioritize. We chose a Naturepedic infant and toddler mattress. You can also browse Naturepedic’s current organic crib mattresses.

Additional mattress brands featured in Branch Basics’ guide include:

• Pure Baby and Child, including its Coco Mat offering.
• Avocado.
• Savvy Rest (code TAYLORDUKES)
• Katu, sold through Modern Nursery.
• Holy Lamb Organics.

Treat these as starting points for research. Confirm the exact product is a firm, flat infant mattress that meets applicable safety requirements and fits your crib snugly. Some collections also include toppers or other bedding; those are not substitutes for an approved infant mattress.

A mattress can be a great group gift if friends or family want to go in together.

Crib Sheets and Bedding

I look for breathable, well-fitting sheets, ideally made with organic cotton when it fits the budget. Burt’s Bees Baby was our go-to, and having a few extras makes laundry days much easier.

Other bedding brands and retailers to explore are Quincy Mae, Pure Baby and Child, Colored Organics, Coyuchi, aden + anais, and Target. Check the fiber content and dimensions of the specific item; not everything sold by a brand has the same materials.

Blankets can be useful for holding baby or supervised time together, but keep loose blankets, pillows, bumpers, and toys out of the infant’s sleep space. Use a fitted sheet over the mattress.

Bouncer, Rocker, and Lounge

When it comes to being baby containers, I believe that it’s super important to allow for babies to move freely and not be totally contained during most waking hours. You really want to allow your baby to develop their motor and sensory skills by moving around and feeling their environment! 

That being said, we like the BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss since it’s lightweight and easy to move around. We also loved the Charlie Crane LEVO rocker, but you really don’t need both. The Snuggle Me Organic Lounger was also something we used often for those early newborn days. This is totally optional and not something you need to invest in.

White Noise

In my honest opinion, I don’t really think you need to invest in a white noise machine! White noise machines can come with a whole bag of EMF concerns and I think it’s just as effective to use a fan or an air purifier for white noise (and you get the benefit of having an air purifier in the nursery too – I love Jaspr! Use code TAYLORDUKES for $200 off). It can be nice to have ones that you can travel with so if I had to choose, I would recommend the HoMedics sound machine and Yogasleep Dohm. Keep the volume low, place the machine away from the crib, and keep cords out of reach.

Pacifiers

Another controversial opinion but I don’t think pacifiers are always necessary! You want to make sure that the pacifier you’re choosing doesn’t hinder proper oral development. That being said, I understand pacifiers can be really helpful so I recommend the Natursutten orthodontic pacifier. The shape and design of this pacifier is great for your baby’s oral development. I also like Bibs or Ninni. 

Nursery Glider

The Babyletto Kiwi glider was my comfort pick. Explore Babyletto’s current seating options and check the specific model’s fabric, materials, and emissions certification. It is where we read, sing, breastfeed and more. 

Sleep Sacks and Pajamas

For infant sleep, choose a correctly sized unweighted sleep sack. Weighted sleep sacks can restrict infant breathing and add strain to the airways. Unweighted sleep sacks are also super important for a baby’s ability to move around while they sleep, encouraging new motor skills and mobility. I like Touched by Nature, Woolino, and Burt’s Bees. 

Laundry Detergent

I use the same detergent for the whole family. Branch Basics (use code TAYLORDUKESWELLNESS) and Molly’s Suds are the best. Choose fragrance-free formulas where possible, follow dilution or dosing directions, and store laundry products securely away from children. 

Baby Monitor

If you want a baby monitor, choose a monitor that works for your home and lets you respond to the baby. Bebcare offers non-Wi-Fi options, and Tech Wellness has a wired system. Read the connection, compatibility, and installation requirements before ordering. We personally have a hard wired house and went to the Tech Wellness option given that we were far away from the baby. I personally loved cosleeping to have the baby close for awhile and didn’t worry about a monitor.

Lower-emission claims are manufacturer claims rather than a guarantee of better health outcomes. Whatever you choose, keep cords and the camera out of baby’s reach. A monitor does not replace safe sleep practices.

Nursery Paint

If you’re painting, do it well before the baby arrives and give the room time to ventilate according to the paint instructions. ECOS Paints is a brand to explore. I cannot recommend them enough! Babies sleep A LOT and having clean quality air is worth the investment. Check the specific formula and tint information instead of assuming every “zero-VOC” label tells the whole story.

Lighting 

This might sound crazy but I love using a red light for the nursery lighting. It’s great for creating a calming environment and the benefits are numerous. I use Lumebox! 

Rugs and Play Mats

For supervised floor time, look at the whole product: cover, filling, backing, and any added treatments. Cotton and wool are materials to explore, but “natural” alone does not establish safety.

Options to research include Home of Wool, Pillobebe, Quincy Mae, and Pehr. The Modern Nursery website also has so many great options! These are for play, not infant sleep. I also like Rugs by Roo but make sure you’re checking the materials on each one since they aren’t all clean. 

Bathtime Necessities

1. Baby tub: The Lalo Bath Tub was my pick for an in-sink bath or travel. Always keep a hand on the baby and stay within arm’s reach; sitting up does not make unattended bathing safe.
2. Bath mat: This machine-washable nonslip bath mat is great. A mat can help with traction but does not replace supervision. Follow its surface compatibility instructions.
3. Shampoo and body wash: We used Carina Organics Baby Shampoo and Wash or the Babo Botanicals Fragrance Free Sensitive Baby Wash. I like looking for gentle, fragrance-free options. Stop using any product that irritates your baby’s skin.
4. Lotion and oil: Earth Mama and Primally Pure (code TAYLORDUKES) were my go-to brands. Earth Mama has baby lotion and Calendula Baby Oil; Primally Pure has Baby Balm and Baby Oil. A short ingredient list can be helpful, but natural ingredients can still cause irritation.
5. Washcloths and towels: Burt’s Bees Baby washcloths and HonestBaby washcloths are great options, along with Burt’s Bees Baby towels and HonestBaby towels. Check the specific item’s cotton and organic claims.
6. Bath toys: You won’t need these right away! As the baby gets older, choose age-appropriate, easy-to-clean toys, inspect them for damage, and let them dry thoroughly between baths. You want to avoid toys that have holes where water can get trapped and mold can grow! Look for clear material information.

Diapering

1. Diapers and wipes: I’m a Coterie convert and liked using the subscription. Kudos and EcoPeaCo are also great options! For wipes, I like using Kudos or Honest Dry Wipes and adding water to a spray bottle to avoid any chemicals or preservatives. 
2. Diaper bag: I used and liked Fawn Design or PEHR Diaper Bag.
3. Diaper cream: Earth Mama’s diaper care products and Primally Pure Baby Balm are both great options. We personally never had diaper rash, but I know it can still happen with any diaper brand. Frequent changes, gentle cleaning, and an appropriate barrier product can help; get advice for a persistent or worsening rash.
4. Changing pad and covers: We liked the Naturepedic organic contoured changing pad with Burt’s Bees Baby changing pad covers. Naturepedic’s current changing pad page is another direct shopping option. Keep spare covers handy and always keep a hand on the baby during changes.

Feeding

1. Nursing pillow: The Snuggle Me Organic feeding pillow was my favorite. 
2. Breast pump: The Spectra S1 Plus was my favorite electric pump. I also found the Haakaa handy for collecting milk. Follow cleaning instructions and get help with flange fit or discomfort if needed.
3. Bottles: I like glass bottles as one way to reduce food contact with plastic. Our favorites were Evenflo glass bottles. Smaller bottles can be useful early on, with larger ones as feeding needs change. I will say that I highly suggest working with a lactation consultant and finding a nipple like the ones on Natursutten as close to your breast shape for better oral development!
4. Bibs and first feeding sets: Austin Baby Co. has silicone feeding gear, and ezpz and Avanchy are great for early feeding sets. We also liked Elk and Friends stainless steel cups with silicone straws and lids. Follow age recommendations and check materials for each item.
5. High chair: The Stokke Tripp Trapp is an investment that can grow with your child when used with the appropriate accessories. Other great options are the Evrloop High Chair or Lalo chair. 
6. Burp cloths: These organic cotton muslin burp cloths were a favorite. Neither of my boys spit up a ton but it was nice to have early on, but organic cotton towels work too if you already have those at home! 
7. Milk storage: These glass milk storage bottles are great but I also love using Ball Mason Jars. Label the amount and date, leave expansion space when freezing, and follow storage guidance. If connecting bottles to a pump, confirm compatibility; these adapters are food for certain pump setups. If you’re looking for the easiest way to store them, I like silicone bags. 

Teething, Body Products, and Little Essentials

1. Thermometer: The Frida quick-read rectal thermometer is my favorite infant pick. The Frida 3-in-1 thermometer and iHealth forehead thermometer are also good! Measurement method and age affect accuracy; follow your pediatrician’s guidance for checking a young infant’s temperature.
2. Nail trimmer: The electric baby nail trimmer can be helpful if tiny nail clippers make you nervous. Follow the age-specific instructions and stay gentle. To be honest, I just used small cheap ones from Amazon but I know some new moms really want an electric one. 
3. Saline: Little Remedies Saline Nasal Mist can be great to have on hand for congestion. Choose the age-appropriate formulation and follow directions.
4. Nasal suction: The NoseFrida can be useful when the baby is congested. Clean it as directed and avoid overly frequent or forceful suction.
5. Teething comfort: Start with a clean finger for gentle gum massage or an age-appropriate chilled, not frozen, teether. I also used Punkin Butt Oil and Boiron Camilia; ask your pediatrician before using oral oils or homeopathic teething products rather than assuming “natural” means safe or effective.
6. Teether: The Itzy Ritzy silicone teether is one good option. Look for the appropriate age range and inspect it regularly for damage.
7. Medicine dispenser: The MediFrida Accu-Dose Pacifier can help with giving medicine. Use the exact dose and measuring device directed by your clinician and the medicine label.
8. Small medical kit: The Frida Mobile Medicine Cabinet helps keep everything together. Check what the current kit contains and store medicines out of children’s reach.

You can find almost all these links on my ShopMy!

Quality Over Quantity

If I could leave you with one piece of registry advice, it would be this: prioritize what will actually create a healthy environment for your baby. An air filter, clean mattress, clean clothes and diapers – these items are what your baby will live in and be surrounded by. All the fluffy decor and unnecessary items can take a backseat if you’re on a budget. 

Having a baby is so exciting and beautiful! But it can be overwhelming. Remember that you don’t need to have everything or all the perfect items. A happy and stress-free mother is what your baby needs the most. ❤️