My Ultimate Non-Toxic Nursery and Beyond

I’m giving you all the details on one of my most-requested topics ever – a non-toxic nursery. I’m sharing all my top baby registry picks for feeding, diapering, bathing, and more. 

I am so passionate about creating a non-toxic home, especially when little ones are around! It’s why I’ve written all about the hidden toxins in your home and how to create a healthy home. While being completely non-toxic is not possible 100% of the time, I try my best to make as many smart choices on baby items as I can.

There is no better time to invest in cleaning up your environment than when you’re getting ready to welcome a little one into the world. I will walk you through exactly how to provide your baby with an environment that truly promotes his or her best health and wellness. 

Sources of Toxins in Baby Products

Unfortunately, many baby products contain harmful chemicals either in them or on them. These chemicals can irritate a baby’s skin, lungs, eyes, and digestive tract. Additionally, they can add up to create a big toxic burden on such a tiny body. I’m passionate about swapping to non-toxic personal care and home products, but I’m especially passionate about making this change when welcoming new babies. 

Listed below are some popular toxins found in and on common baby products. These are substances you’ll want to avoid. And if you’re not sure if a product contains any of them, always ask!

• Flame retardants: Flame retardants have been linked to neurological damage, hormone disruption, and cancer. Also, pregnant women exposed to flame retardants are at an increased risk for premature birth. Bioaccumulation of certain flame retardants is concerning, as it can lead to persistent, chronic health issues when levels of these toxic substances increase within the body over time. Flame retardants can be found on mattresses, furniture with fabrics, car seats, strollers, and even baby clothes.
• Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer. It is also a lung irritant. It is often found in baby furniture (especially those made of MDF board) as well as mattresses, synthetic fabrics and more.
• BPA and Phthalates: These two toxins can lead to developmental problems as well as hormonal disruption. They are also linked to attention deficit and hyperactivity behavioral disorders. They’re found in the plastic within mattresses, baby toys, and even things like diapers!
• VOCs: Volatile organic compounds (or VOCs) are the chemicals you can smell, like those from paint, new textiles, glues, flooring, new toys, etc. Breathing VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, cause difficulty breathing and nausea, and damage the central nervous system and other organs. Some VOCs can cause cancer. It’s important to not only choose non-toxic options but also off-gas new clothing, furniture, products, etc. You can off-gas products by putting them outside in the direct sunlight.  
• SVOCs: Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are chemicals you can’t smell. These chemicals often travel/accumulate in dust. Most SVOCs can cause cancer, reproductive disorders, nervous system damage, and immune system disruption. Unlike VOCs, these don’t dissipate into the air over time; they last the lifetime of the product. They are often found on “treated” textiles and fabrics claiming they’re resistant to stain, mold, wrinkles, water, or microbials. This includes permanent press materials. 
• Electromagnetic radiation (EMFs): EMFs are emitted from every electronic device. Some aren’t concerning (like an overhead light or fan). Others, however, are more dangerous – wifi, video monitors, cell phones, anything Bluetooth, and “smart devices” should all be minimized or avoided when possible. Children are more susceptible to the stimulatory effects of EMFs, as their bodies and brains absorb EMFs more readily. It is linked with behavioral, neural, and hyperactive issues. 

Again, if in doubt about whether or not a product contains the above substances, I encourage you to reach out to the company and ask!

A final note on off-gassing. I mentioned it above, and it’s worth another mention. I would off-gas all products/clothes/furniture/textiles/etc. that are newly received and/or purchased. How do you do this? Allow the object to sit outdoors in direct sunlight for several hours. Some products with a strong smell can even be sat outside for a few days while the smell (and chemicals) completely dissipate. 

Below are my top picks for avoiding the above toxins to create a safer environment for little ones. Add them to your baby shower registry or your own shopping list! 

While most of these items are chosen due to quality and minimal/no toxins, there are some things on here that I hand-picked and recommend after having 2 children. For example, The Doona, my all-time favorite car seat/stroller for life on the go/traveling.

Everything On the Go

1. Car Seat – My most important note on the car seat is to buy one that not only keeps your baby physically safe in case of a crash but also keeps him or her safe from fire retardants and harmful chemicals used on many car seat fabrics these days. My choice is the UPPABaby Mesa in Jake or Stella. The Nuna PIPA car seat is another good non-toxic option.
2. Car Seat Base – Don’t forget to get an extra car seat base for dad’s, grandma’s, or nanny’s car! 
3. Stroller – We love the UPPABaby VISTA V2 Stroller. The adjustable handles are great for short or tall parents. There’s a huge storage basket under the seat. It comes with a bassinet as well as a toddler seat. The ride is so smooth. And it’s compatible with our Mesa Car Seat! A total win. 
4. Car Seat + Stroller – I’m literally OBSESSED with the Doona car seat + stroller 2-in-1. It makes travel and errands an absolute breeze. Seriously, I can’t imagine life without it. Definitely a splurge but it changed my life. Makes getting out and traveling SO doable. 
5. Car Seat Mirror – These are genius! Glance in your rearview mirror and see your rear-facing baby with this car seat mirror that is shatterproof, crash tested and certified. 
6. White Noise On-the-Go – It might sound funny, but if you’ve had a baby, then YOU KNOW! This on-the-go Baby Shusher ensures your little one will never be without soothing white noise. 
7. Baby Carrier – Oh my gosh it’s expensive, but I got the Artipoppe carrier as a gift and I totally understand the hype. It’s downright amazing! I have friends who use and love the Ergobaby Omni 360 All Position newborn to toddler carrier and the BabyBjorn Harmony, which are also great choices at a better price point. 
8. Baby Wrap – The Solly Baby wrap is my choice for close babywearing. Especially the first couple of months. 
9. Travel Crib – We have Guava’s Lotus Travel Crib and it’s awesome. Judging by the Amazon reviews, we’re not the only ones who think that.
10. Travel Crib sheets- Don’t forget travel crib sheets.

Bathtime Necessities

1. Bath Tub – Honestly, y’all, you can hold your baby in the sink for a rinse, especially when your baby can sit up. But I do like the Puj Tub for an in-sink or travel bath. 
2. Bath Mat – I’m a big fan of using a bath mat for safety, and this nonslip bath mat is machine washable, which I love. 
3. Baby Shampoo + Body Wash – Carina Organics Baby Shampoo + Wash is gentle on baby, non-toxic, and has an EWG rating of 1. We use and love it. 
4. Baby Lotion – Earth Mama and Primally Pure (use code TAYLORDUKES) are my go-to’s. Earth Mama makes a great Calendula Baby Oil as well as Baby Lotion. And Primally Pure’s Baby Balm (use code TAYLORDUKES) and Baby Oil (use code TAYLORDUKES) are perfect for moisturizing a baby. 
5. Washcloths or Towels – Burts Bees and Honest have organic and affordable baby washcloth packs. They also do great basic, organic towels for baby – Burts Bees or Honest.
6. Bath Toys- Though they will not need this in the beginning, I find bath toys and teethers helpful as the baby gets older and wants to chew on something. It also can help with hand-mouth coordination before they start solids. Look for BPA-free silicone or non-treated wood.

Diapering

1. Diapers + Wipes – I’m a Coterie convert! Coterie Diapers and wipes are touted as the highest-performing options, and they are by far my favorite. I personally do the subscription. If you’re in a pinch or need an Amazon option, Honest diapers and wipes are options.  
2. Diaper Bag – The Fawn Design diaper bag is what I use and like. Freshly Picked makes a great diaper bag as well. And I absolutely love the Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack – it’s so stylish and functional!
3. Diaper Cream – By now you know I love Earth Mama Organics and Primally Pure (use code TAYLORDUKES) for all things baby care. Earth Mama makes a diaper balm that is fabulous. Primally Pure’s Baby Balm (use code TAYLORDUKES) is equally wonderful. Both brands use only the highest quality, safest ingredients, and I use so many more products than just their diaper balms! And to be honest, I don’t have to use diaper balm often because when you use clean, organic diapers, you don’t have to worry about synthetic chemicals aggravating your baby’s skin. 
4. Changing Pad + Covers – We love the Naturepedic Organic Contoured Changing Pad and put Burts Bees Organic Changing Covers over it. You may want a back-up changing pad cover because accidents can happen 🙂

Feeding

1. Nursing Pillow – The Snuggle Me Organic Feeding Pillow is my favorite organic pillow for nursing. Another slightly more budget-friendly option is the My Brest Friend Nursing Posture Pillow with Organic Slipcover. 
2. Pump – While pumping isn’t my favorite activity in the world, the Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump is my favorite pump. Along with an electric pump, I suggest the Haakaa pump. It’s a super affordable device that is extremely handy for catching let-down milk from the opposite side of where the baby is nursing. This can be such a blessing to use in the beginning to store up a milk stash. 
3. Bottles – I’m a big fan of glass bottles in order to reduce your baby’s exposure to plastics. Our favorites are the Evenflo Classic glass bottles. You can start with the 4oz, but then as the baby gets older, you may want to stock up on the 8oz bottles.
4. Bibs/Plates/Bowls/Spoons – Austin Baby Co. makes excellent silicone bibs, bento boxes, bowls, and placemats that are easy to wash and take on the go to restaurants. EZPZ and Avanchy have great first food sets. Elk and Friends makes perfectly kid-sized stainless steel cups with silicone straws and lids that are spill proof. Otherwise, I’d look for anything in non-toxic wood or silicone. 
5. High Chair – The Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair is an investment that will grow with the baby from six months up through the time your child is ready to sit in an adult seat! For an economical and easy-to-clean option, look at Ikea’s Antilop High Chair. 
6. Burp Cloths – These organic cotton muslin burp cloths are my favorite.
7. Milk Storage Bottles – Alright, in all honesty, I’ve stored and frozen my breast milk in empty glass yogurt jars! I’d suggest measuring how much milk you’re putting in the jar, and marking both the ounces and the date on the top of it. If you’re looking for a non-yogurt jar option (😊) then these glass breast milk storage bottles are fantastic. They even hook directly up to most wide-mouth breast pumps like Spectra and Philips. You can buy these adapters to make them fit most Medela and Avent breast pumps!

Teething, Grooming, and Remedies

1. Thermometer – Technically, a rectal thermometer is considered the most accurate in an infant. Frida Digital Rectal Quick Read Thermometer is a good one. If you’re uncomfortable with a rectal thermometer, Frida’s 3-in-1 Ear, Forehead, Touchless Thermometer or iHealth’s No Touch Forehead Thermometer are both great options. 
2. Nail Clippers/File – Don’t worry about accidentally clipping too low or nicking your baby’s hand with the Haaka Baby Nail Trimmer.
3. Saline Spray – Little Remedies Saline Nasal Mist is great for loosening congestion before suctioning baby’s nose. 
4. Nasal Suction – It might look strange, but the NoseFrida Snot Sucker is SO handy to have when a baby gets a cold or congested.
5. Teething Remedies – It can seem so difficult to soothe a teething baby, which is why I’m thankful for natural remedies that come to the rescue. I use both the Punkin Butt Oil and Boiron Camilia. You’ll want to save or bookmark this article I wrote on kid-friendly supplements as a great reference as your baby grows (and we all know that happens fast!!). 
6. Teether – For teethers (and toys in general, because almost anything will go in a baby’s mouth!) I look for non-toxic silicone (or wood) options like this Itzy Ritzy teether. 
7. Pacifier Medicine Dispenser – The MediFrida Accu-Dose Pacifier makes administering medicine so much easier than trying to measure and syringe it into a baby’s mouth.
8. Mobile Medical Kit – The Frida Mobile Medicine Cabinet is perfect for bundling a few products. It has a pacifier medicine dispenser, rectal thermometer and nasal suction.

Here is a general suggestion for you when it comes to buying for a baby: Focus on quality over quantity. I would prioritize buying high-quality, non-toxic (as much as possible) products such as the ones I listed above. You’ll likely find out that you need and use less than you thought you might.

I’m a huge advocate of making smart purchases. I like knowing my purchases will promote health, hold up with the wear-and-tear of use, and make my life and baby’s life easier. You can’t go wrong with what I listed above, especially if you want another child. A lot of these things can be used more than once!

Finally, you’ll want to check out other articles I’ve written on both pregnancy and postpartum:

• What to Eat and Avoid During Pregnancy: Your Guide to Prenatal Health
• How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy Journey
• Navigating the Postpartum Period

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