Infants are especially susceptible to toxins. And since babies spend so much time in bed, it's critical that their rooms are eco-friendly sanctuaries. Here are some tips to keep in mind when getting the nursery ready.

Make sure your home is properly ventilated and take care of any source specific air pollution problems before your baby arrives. Make your baby's room colorful with low-or no-VOC paints.

Look for sturdy wood furniture that will grow with your child, such as a changing table that converts to a dresser. Look for cribs made of hardwood that comes from responsibly managed forests and are FSC-certified. Consider a crib too that grows with your child so that you have to purchase one less item as your baby gets bigger.

Sealants and paints should be nontoxic (since your baby will put everything-even the crib railing-into her mouth). If you're buying a vintage piece of furniture, be mindful of lead paint.

Pressed wood products such as particleboard are made with resins and glues that could have high levels of VOCs, so be sure to look for ones with low toxicity levels.

If sofas and chairs are filled with foam, consider having them recovered and refilled. Fabrics and foam are treated with chemicals, such as PBDEs and formaldehyde, that can offgas. Organic cotton, natural latex, and natural or pure grow wool (which is naturally fire-resistant) are some of the nontoxic foam substitutes. Try organic cotton or hemp fabrics for the coverings.

Avoid plastic pieces of furniture such as toy chests and tables. Try not to collect excessive plastic accessories such as used diaper containers or a bottle dryer. Plastic is not eco-friendly, and chances are most of these items will end up in a landfill when you're done with them.

Mattresses are typically treated with chemical fire retardants like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which have been shown to do hormonal damage and are present in breast milk. Look for environmentally sound organic cotton mattresses, or natural wool ones. Conventional cotton production requires the use of tons of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and dyes. Bamboo sheets or organic cotton sheets and bumpers will ensure your baby has sweet dreams.

New carpets can offgas and harbor dust mites and other allergens. Keep baby's room carpet-free, or go with a carpet made of natural fibers such as hemp or jute.

Look for toys made from natural materials such as wood or organic cotton. Avoid toys and teething rings made from phthalate-laced PVC, known to leach and shown to have reproductive effects.

Only clean your nursery with green, nontoxic cleaners. Harsh cleaners contain harmful chemicals that could irritate your baby's delicate systems. And besides, he's not that messy-yet.

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