Baby safety is about more than outlet covers and cabinet locks—it’s about what your little one interacts with every day. While traditional baby-proofing products focus on physical hazards, many of those tools are made with plastic that may contain BPA, phthalates, or PVC. These hidden chemicals can be just as concerning, especially for infants and toddlers who explore the world with their hands and mouths.
During National Baby Safety Month, we’re thinking beyond foam bumpers and plastic gates to focus on holistic safety at home by choosing materials and tools that support your baby’s well-being while complementing your personal style.
5 Simple Swaps for a Safer, Happier Home
Choose Wooden Toys – Unlike plastic toys that may contain lead or phthalates, wooden toys made with non-toxic finishes are both safer and more beautiful. Think heirloom-quality blocks, stackers, and pull toys that don’t clash with your living room.
Rethink Foam Play Mats – While many traditional foam mats are made with EVA or similar materials that can off-gas VOCs, there are better options out there. Look for play mats made from natural rubber, organic cotton, or low-emission foams that meet stricter safety standards. These materials offer the same cushioned support—without compromising your air quality or your aesthetic.
Upgrade Storage – Most plastic bins are practical—but not pretty. Woven baskets or organic cotton bins or wooden chests offer the same function with cleaner materials and a softer aesthetic.
Use Zero-VOC Paint or Eco-Conscious Wallpaper – Conventional nursery paints can release VOCs for weeks or months. Choosing a zero-VOC, water-based option—or an eco-conscious wallpaper like Anewall's traditional line—means better indoor air quality during naps, diaper changes, and beyond, while still allowing you to add personal style to your space.
Switch to Safer Cleaning – Baby-safe doesn’t end at the toy box. Traditional cleaners can leave behind harsh residues. Plant-based options like Branch Basics are tough on messes but gentle enough for high-touch baby zones.
The beauty of these simple swaps? They’re easy to integrate, they make a real difference, and they support the kind of home you actually want to live in—one that feels calm, safe, and true to your values. Whether you’re just starting out or updating the space you already love, these ideas are here to help you baby-proof in a way that’s thoughtful, modern, and totally you.
Our Top Picks:
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Best Play Mat: Toki Kids Toki Mats – Organic cotton covers and natural rubber core offer cushion and comfort with clean materials.
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Best Travel Mat: ToddleKind Organic Travel Mat – A lightweight, foldable play mat made from GOTS-certified organic cotton—perfect for playdates or park days.
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Best Wooden Toy: Wishbone Mini Flip – A sleek, 3-in-1 ride that starts as a rocker and flips to become a push toy or ride-on. Made from sustainably sourced wood with a modular design that grows with your child.
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Best Storage Solution: Hollow Woodworks Toy Box – A handcrafted wooden chest with a slow-close lid, perfect for safe and stylish toy storage.
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Best Eco Wallpaper: Anewall Traditional Wallpaper – Eco-conscious wallpaper with timeless murals and patterns crafted with low-emission materials to personalize your nursery safely.
