10 Hidden Toxins Lurking in Your Kid’s Bedroom (And How to Fix Them)
When we think about creating a safe, cozy space for our kids, most of us picture soft blankets, cute decor, and toys everywhere.
But what if I told you that some of the most common items in our child's bedroom could actually be exposing them to hidden toxins every single day?
Don’t worry — this isn’t about creating fear. It’s about awareness and simple swaps so you can feel confident your child’s space is as safe and healthy as possible.
Let’s dive into the top offenders (and how to fix them easily).
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1. Mattresses
The Problem:
Most conventional mattresses are made with polyurethane foam and are treated with flame retardants, both of which off-gas VOCs (volatile organic compounds) for years.
The Fix:
Look for GOTS-certified organic mattresses or those made with natural latex, wool, and cotton. If replacing the mattress isn't an option yet, use a non-toxic mattress cover to create a barrier. Avocado Green Mattress is a great quality mattress that is organic and comfortable! Click here to shop Avocado Green Organic Mattresses now!
2. Wall Paint
The Problem:
Many paints, especially older ones, contain VOCs that continue releasing toxins long after drying. You know that strong paint smell? That’s VOCs!
The Fix:
Choose a zero-VOC, low-tox paint for the nursery or kids’ rooms. Brands like ECOS Paints (Click Here to Shop ECOS Paint- such a great color selection!) or Benjamin Moore Natura are great options. ECOS even has paints for baby nurseries!
3. Stuffed Animals + Pillows
The Problem:
These cuddly favorites often contain synthetic materials treated with flame retardants or stain-resistant chemicals.
The Fix:
Look for stuffed animals made from organic cotton. And for pillows, opt for natural materials like organic wool or cotton. Again, Avocado Green has great organic pillow options for you kids! Click here to get Avocado Green’s affordable organic toddler pillow! For cute, organic stuffed animals, Naturepedic is a must have! Click here for up to 20% off organic cotton stuffed animals!
4. Plastic Toys
The Problem:
Plastic toys can contain phthalates, BPA, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals — especially when they’re cheap or unlabeled.
The Fix:
Swap in wood toys (look for unfinished or non-toxic paint) or silicone toys for safer playtime. My personal favorites for wooden toys are Tiny Land- they have the coolest Montessori style toys and kitchen sets [click here to shop Tiny Land Montessori toys]! My daughter plays with her “doctor kit” all of the time from Tiny Land and it also helps us avoid screen time!
5. Carpets and Rugs
The Problem:
Synthetic carpets are often treated with stain repellents and flame retardants that emit harmful chemicals.
The Fix:
Choose natural fiber rugs (like wool, cotton, or jute) and vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter to minimize dust and toxins.
6. Air Fresheners and Scented Candles
The Problem:
These products release synthetic fragrances and chemicals like formaldehyde into the air. Inhaling that kind of stuff has been linked to hormone imbalances and even cancer.
The Fix:
Swap to essential oil diffusers with clean oils — or simply open a window for natural ventilation. There’s also plants that can naturally purify the air such as a spider plant or a snake plant- I love having these in my home!
7. Bedding
The Problem:
If you think about it- our kids are laying in their bed for half the day nearly. So, being wrapped up in the traditional bedding that is made of synthetic fabrics such as polyester is not ideal. In fact, these synthetic fabrics have been linked to endocrine disruption. We don’t want our kids’ bedding to be messing with their hormones!
The Fix:
Use bedding that is made from organic cotton. You can get organic cotton sheets from places like Target. But if you really want to go luxury, I recommend AIZOME organic cotton sheets. Not only are they organic cotton, they’re also dyed using medicinal herbs! [Click here to shop 10% off AIZOME organic cotton bedding]!
8. Lightbulbs
The Problem: Most standard LED and fluorescent lightbulbs and night lights emit high levels of blue light, which can disrupt circadian rhythms, suppress melatonin production, and negatively impact your child’s sleep, focus, and mood—especially when used in the evening. Many bulbs also flicker (even if it's not visible to the eye), which can cause eye strain and headaches.
The Fix: Switch to low-blue or no-blue light bulbs that are flicker-free and designed to support natural sleep cycles. A great option is BlockBlueLight.com, which offers a range of biologically-friendly lighting for bedrooms, playrooms, and nightlights. Their amber and red light bulbs are especially helpful for nighttime use and are completely free from sleep-disrupting blue wavelengths. I use their dimmable night light when I am up at night breast feeding- it’s very relaxing! Shop 10% off Blue Light Free Light Bulbs here!
9. Pajamas
The Problem:
Many kids' pajamas are treated with chemical flame retardants.
The Fix:
Buy snug-fitting, 100% organic cotton pajamas labeled "not treated with flame retardants." A go-to brand for me is Burt’s Bees brand. They’re easy to find and they’re good quality- just an FYI- their baby onesie zip ups run a little big!
10. Electronics (Baby Monitors, Night Lights, etc.)
The Problem:
These can emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that some studies suggest may not be ideal for developing children. You can read more about why we avoid EMF and HOW we avoid EMF here!
The Fix:
Limit electronic use at night. Keep monitors a few feet away from the bed, unplug devices when not needed, and choose wired options when possible. If you still want to have a baby monitor, I highly recommend Bebcare for their zero wireless emission baby monitors. Get 15% off zero wireless emission baby monitors here!
Start Small — Progress Over Perfection
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you first start noticing these hidden toxins, but I promise — you don’t have to change everything overnight.
Pick one swap at a time based on your budget and priorities. Every small change adds up to a healthier environment for your child!
If you’re looking for ways to clean up your child’s diet without sacrificing flavor, grab my Healthy Lunch & Snack Swap Guide here! [Click here to get it emailed to you!]
