Organically Growing

Now that we’re coming up on week 23 of pregnancy, are settled in our new Seattle home and this growing bump has been confirmed to be a boy, we are ready to start building a green nursery of our own.

First stop: Crib

It’s estimated that a newborn baby will spend about 16 hours a day sleeping, presumably the vast majority of that in his crib. This makes it exceptionally important to me that we create the healthiest crib environment we can.

A number of factors play into our crib decision:

1. Eco-friendliness
2. Cost
3. Modern styling

What does eco-friendly mean when it comes to cribs? For me, it’s FSC-certified hardwood, no plywood or veneers laced with chemicals, non-toxic glues and low VOC finishes. 

I’m discovering, in our challenge to be green and budget-friendly, that the Rolling Stones are right: You can’t always get what I wa-ant. But I can get pretty damn close.

We decided to go with the budget-friendly Mercer Crib by DaVinci. It’s made with sustainably-harvested solid New Zealand pine, no veneers and has a non-toxic finish. It’s a 3-in-1 style that will allow the crib to change into a toddler bed and daybed without a bunch of extra accessories. Not too bad for $400.  And Marc’s folks generously offered to buy it for us, which is so incredibly generous and exciting, I know our baby is going to have sweet dreams resting in here.

Next on the shopping list: Crib Mattresses