The No B.S. Guide to Your Non-Toxic Nursery 

By Carissa | The Uncommon Family

So, here’s the thing about creating a ‘non-toxic’ nursery - yes, there’s a lot of fear-mongering out there about toxic chemicals in our homes. 

However, there is also growing evidence showing that indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air, microplastics and forever chemicals (pfas) are showing up in our bodies, and babies’ rapidly developing bodies are more vulnerable to harmful substances.

And unfortunately, many of the items we bring into our homes and the rooms of our teeny-tiny babies are made with these harmful substances.

To be clear: I’m not a super-granola mom. I believe in doing the best we can with the information we have, making values-based decisions, and choosing sustainably - for the planet and me.

And hey, I grew up sleeping in a lead-painted room, drinking formula warmed in plastic bags (anyone remember those or am I dating myself?), chewing on who-knows-what p...

The Micro Pause. 

Before you start reading, let’s settle in by doing a 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise. Like actually do this - you’ll notice a difference, I promise. 

Take a deep breath and……

1. 5 things you can see
   Look around and name five things - the texture of a rug, sunlight dancing on the wall, a crayon on the floor.
2. 4 things you can touch
   Feel your feet on the ground, your baby’s hand, the fabric of your sleeve, a warm mug.
3. 3 things you can hear
   Notice the hum of the fridge, birds outside, your own breath.
4. 2 things you can smell
   Maybe your coffee, a candle, or baby lotion - or step outside and breathe in fresh air.
5. 1 thing you can taste
   Take a sip of water, tea, or just notice the lingering taste in your mouth.

How does that feel?  Nice, egh? Just a short pause. It's so easy. 

And it's super easy for kids too. This is one we use many times a week - both when I see a meltdown coming on or when we are recovering from one.

I’ve created a free printable you can download to...