ALLERGY BABYCARE\SENSITIVITY TO CHEMICALS: BABY EQUIPMENT AND FURNITURE
If buying new, buy whatever you can of natural fabrics, materials and metal – cotton, wood and metal have many advantages. Avoid foam padding on chairs, mats and mattresses if you are able, or air well and wash before using. Avoid new chipboard veneered furniture if you can.
If you have to buy things of synthetic materials, (such as a buggy or pram), buy well in advance and let them air before use. If buying secondhand or using equipment passed on to you.
For waterproofing a cot, bed or pram, waterproofing sheets of plastic are well tolerated if washed several times before use, which disperses the fumes. Wash just in water or in a solution of sodium bicarbonate or Borax – one tablespoonful per bowl or machine.
Most baby goods suppliers sell wood and metal cots and chairs. It is also possible to find pure cotton baby carriers, and bouncing chairs. Kiddycare sell a pure cotton babies’ sleeping bag with a pure cotton lining.
Do not put a newborn baby into a newly decorated room. Decorate and air the room well in advance of the birth, using relatively trouble-free materials if possible.
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