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As a result of the “green living” movement, Low or Zero VOC paints are becoming more mainstream. If you’re gearing up to paint your baby’s nursery, here’s what you should know about these new paint alternatives.

Traditional Paints
If you’ve ever painted a room in the past with traditional paint, you probably had to open the windows because of the strong odor. Traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds also known as VOCs. VOCs are comprised of a variety of chemicals that can adversely affect your health. In fact, according to The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), VOCs can trigger eye, nose and throat irritations, headaches, nausea, and a loss of coordination. Significant exposure may even lead to problems with the kidney, liver and central nervous system.

Many people mistakenly believe that once their paint is dry and the smell is gone, the chemicals are too. However VOCs tend to concentrate indoors and may persist in the air long after painting is finished. To decrease this risk, consider choosing a non toxic paint for the nursery and other rooms in your home as well. There are many benefits to using non toxic paints including:

• Easier clean-up with soap and water
• Easier disposal options
• Less odor during application and usually no odor once the paint is dry
• A shorter waiting period to safely occupy the room
• Significant reduction in toxins released into the air

Non toxic or Natural Paints
These paints are produced by a variety of manufacturers and come in several options. Many of the paints are now available at mainstream home improvement stores as well as at local specialty paint stores. As with many eco-friendly products, there are no official federal guidelines regarding labeling, so VOC standards may vary by manufacturer. Consult the paint labels or ask your in-store paint specialist for clarification if you have questions. You can also look for paints that have Green Seal certifications.

Types of Non toxic Paints

Low VOC: These paints use water instead of petroleum to carry the paint. To be considered Low VOC, a paint may only contain 250 grams of VOC per liter. Likewise, varnishes are limited to 380 grams of VOC per liter. However, many reputable paint companies offer paints with even lower VOC levels. Look for Green Seal Certifications.

Zero VOC: These paints still contain VOCs but are limited to less than 5 grams of VOC per liter.

Natural Paints: These safe paints are made solely from natural ingredients, including substances like water, clay, chalk, plant dyes, natural latex and even milk and beeswax. You can search for natural paints online.

Decorating a baby nursery can be a loving way to prepare for your newborn’s arrival. If your plans involve painting the walls, choosing non toxic or natural paints is great way to reduce potential household toxins and give your precious baby the gift of healthy indoor air.

One of the miracles of life is having the gift of procreation. In today?s generation there are numerous ways an expecting mom can get excited, well, even dads too. One of the basic things that come into the minds of would-be parents is preparing a nursery for the little angel?s arrival. Some would be anxious while others overwhelmed on the idea. Well, many for sure are having mixed emotions on where to start and how to create a perfect baby nursery.

Here are some few basic steps:

Start with a budget. The best way to start is to know how much money you can afford. This will be the foundation on everything you will have to consider. Allot a certain amount of that budget for specific items such as furniture and baby nursery decorations.

Then plan and create a theme. Nowadays, there are lots of themes to choose from. The animated characters have evolved since the old days. There are superheroes, adorable animal groups and many others. These can be provided by wallpapers that are already printed with colorful character designs. However, if you prefer to maintain a low profile in your nursery, painting it with more calming and neutral colors would suffice, with some few accents like designed boarders. In this way, there is a lot you can still improve on the room as your taste and imagination may flourish together with your baby?s growth. One healthy advice if you are undecided whether to do paper walls or painting is to collaborate both. Try making a center wall that would be subject to your wallpaper of colorful characters, and accent it by painting the other walls with colors that would result in visual harmony.

Start shopping. This could be the most tedious part, but also the most fun. After having a theme in mind or whether to exclusively do wallpapers, painting or combination of both, start buying these things for the wall. Then proceed with the accessories. One important thing in shopping for furniture, decorations and nursery bedding for your baby nursery is to make sure the items are non toxic and are packed with safety features. Plus, they should of course match with your walls and the theme you planned. Make sure you don’t buy too much little stuff so as to crowd your nursery. When the time comes for you to put them all inside the room, it might be too late to realize that you’ve bought so much for the space you have available. Besides, small items would be eventually hazardous for your little angel as he may learn to crawl and put every little thing he sees inside his mouth.

Finally, have a major room makeover! Yes, save the best for last. After planning and shopping, now is the time to transform that lifeless room into a work of art. Start with the walls. Apply the theme you have created. If you?ve decided to paint make sure to keep the room well ventilated. Then decorate and explore your imagination.

Remember that the baby nursery will be your little angel’s haven. Take time and seriously plan on how to make that room the best place for your baby.