How to create an Insta-worthy nursery that doesn’t sacrifice safety

1. Sleep on it.

With the crib “bare is best,” meaning a baby should sleep alone (no pillows, bumpers, or toys) leaving only three pieces to consider; the crib, crib mattress and crib sheet. That doesn’t mean you won’t have any fun picking out those three items. However, if you’re on a budget we do suggest saving on the actual crib and splurging on a healthier choice for the mattress and crib sheets. Your baby will be spending 8-12 hours a day coming in contact with those elements, so these are two places to be mindful. Plus, you can get a safe crib at every price point and every style. Beyond being organic, check that the product you are considering is GOTS certified organic. Going with a premium 100% organic product made GOTS certified means there is nothing touching your child’s skin except a safe, comfy and breathable material. Check out the Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress collection, the entire finished mattress is GOTS certified organic. It provides firm support and has an organic cotton filling and quilted exterior made without common allergens, flame retardant chemicals or any other questionable materials. Next, cover the organic mattress with an equally safe, as well as stylish crib sheet. We love the photo-worthy designs by Rookie Humans and the Bamboo fitted crib sheets by Tenth & Pine . If you’re a minimalist and prefer crisp, classic white, we highly-recommend a zippered sheet. The unique secure fit means it can’t slip or be pulled off by baby who could get wrapped up in the loose material. We love the Quickzip organic cotton—and it’s also chemical free.

2. Wall-to-wall—from wallpapers to paints.

Paint is our favorite way to transform the nursery whether that is a fresh coat of clean white or a do-it-yourself mural. The one important thing to look for is that the paint is Zero or Low VOC . VOC stands for, Volatile Organic Compounds and are often found in paints, some of which may have short and long-term adverse health effects. We highly recommend Colorhouse paint for its commitment to healthier and sustainable products for people and the plant with superior coverage. Now if you have your eye on one of those gorgeous, trending wallpaper designs, be sure and check the product description to ensure it’s made with non-toxic materials. A favorite brand of ours that checks all the boxes for style, safety and variety is the Markey + Malek Kids wallpaper . Their popular designs are so chic you’ll want them for your master bedroom too.

3. Safely clean up messes.

A nursery is a place where messes happen. From spit-up to blowouts, there can be lots of things to keep clean. That’s why we love products that make mom’s life easier and safer for baby. Being able to keep your flooring looking good and bacteria-free is essential. Our go-to washable rug brand is Lorena Canal. They offer tons of on-trend designs from a cozy little cloud shape for tummy time or a larger area rug that covers and protects your knees and your hardwoods. If you don’t want a traditional fiber rug, maybe due to allergies, but still want a stylish option for a cushy place for you and babe to play, there are some really stellar options out there. Bunnies by the Bay playmats answer the call from style-conscious moms everywhere. These brands offer cuddly animals that transform into soft pillows.

4. Big furniture + products.

Not only do small items and décor pieces provide health-conscious, designer options, but you’ll also find plenty of safe styles for larger furniture and fixtures. Important, because these are the items you and your child will come in contact with daily and possibly keep around for years to come . Brands like Plan Toys have been leading the way in non-toxic, sustainable and environmentally manufactured products for babies and kids. That’s because they are regulated by European environmental standards that are higher than those in the United States. They also list various important and specific manufacturing details on each product’s buy-page so you can easily determine what works for your home goals. Designing a stylish nursery doesn’t mean you have to skimp on safety. Make sure to do your research and read product descriptions to find the best options for you and baby. Happy decorating, mama!