Creating Healthy Air in Your Baby's Nursery

As new parents, we obsess over every aspect of our baby's safety and comfort—from the right car seat to the safest crib. Yet one of the most important factors in your baby's environment often goes overlooked: the air they breathe. Infants are particularly vulnerable to air quality issues, making the nursery a critical space for attention and optimisation.

This guide will help you understand why air quality matters so much for babies, what threats to be aware of, and how to create the healthiest possible breathing environment in your nursery.

Why Babies Are More Vulnerable

Infants and young children are disproportionately affected by air quality compared to adults for several physiological reasons:

• Higher breathing rate: Babies breathe faster than adults, inhaling more air relative to their body size
• Developing lungs: The respiratory system continues developing after birth and is more susceptible to damage
• Immature immune systems: Babies are less able to defend against pathogens and irritants
• More time indoors: Newborns spend nearly all their time inside, maximising indoor exposure
• Proximity to the floor: Babies spend time on floors where pollutants settle

Common Nursery Air Quality Concerns

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are gaseous chemicals released from many common nursery items. New furniture, paint, carpets, mattresses, and baby products can all off-gas VOCs for weeks or months after purchase. Some VOCs are associated with respiratory irritation and other health effects.

Common sources in nurseries include:

• New furniture (crib, changing table, dressers)
• Crib mattresses, especially those with foam
• New carpets and carpet padding
• Paint and wall coverings
• Plastic baby equipment
• Air fresheners and scented products

Particulate Matter

Dust, allergens, and fine particles can irritate developing airways. Sources include outdoor pollution entering the home, dust from household activities, pet dander if pets are present, and particles from fabrics and materials.

Biological Contaminants

Mould spores, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses can all affect babies more severely than adults. Nurseries with poor ventilation, high humidity, or proximity to bathrooms are at higher risk.

Preparing the Nursery Before Baby Arrives

Ideally, begin preparing your nursery several weeks before your due date to allow time for proper off-gassing and air quality optimisation:

Painting

If painting the nursery, use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints. Complete painting at least 2-4 weeks before baby arrives, and keep the room well-ventilated during this time. Open windows daily if possible.

New Furniture

Unpack new furniture in a well-ventilated area (garage, outdoors if weather permits) and allow it to off-gas for at least a week before bringing into the nursery. The same applies to crib mattresses—remove plastic wrapping and air them out.

Flooring

If installing new carpet, do so well in advance and keep the room ventilated. Better yet, consider hard flooring (timber, tile, or cork) which doesn't harbour allergens and doesn't off-gas like synthetic carpets. If carpet exists, have it professionally cleaned before baby arrives.

Deep Cleaning

Clean the nursery thoroughly before setting up baby items. Wash windows, dust all surfaces, and vacuum thoroughly. Use fragrance-free, baby-safe cleaning products.

Choosing a Nursery Air Purifier

A quality air purifier can significantly improve nursery air quality. When selecting one for your baby's room, consider:

Essential Features

• True HEPA filter: Captures allergens, dust, and particles effectively
• Activated carbon: Important for reducing VOCs from new furniture and products
• Quiet operation: Look for units with sleep modes under 30 dB—crucial for a sleeping baby
• No ozone emission: Some purifiers produce ozone, which is harmful. Choose ozone-free models
• Simple controls: Easy to operate while holding a baby
• Dimmable or no display lights: Prevent light disturbance during sleep

Features to Avoid

• Ionisers: Some produce ozone as a byproduct
• UV-C lights: If not properly contained, UV exposure is harmful
• Strong fragrances: Some purifiers have scented options—skip these
• Loud models: Can disrupt sleep and be generally unsuitable

Placement Considerations

• Place away from the crib—avoid direct airflow on baby
• Ensure cord is inaccessible and secure
• Position where it can circulate air throughout the room
• Keep away from curtains that could block intake

Maintaining Good Nursery Air Quality

Once your nursery is set up, ongoing attention keeps air quality optimal:

Daily Habits

• Run the air purifier continuously or at least during sleep times
• Ventilate briefly each day when outdoor air quality is good
• Keep the nursery free of clutter that collects dust

Regular Cleaning

• Wash bedding weekly in hot water
• Vacuum or mop floors weekly with HEPA-equipped vacuum
• Dust surfaces with damp cloths
• Clean or replace air purifier filters on schedule

Humidity Management

Maintain nursery humidity between 40-50%. Too dry can irritate airways; too humid promotes mould and dust mites. Use a humidifier in dry conditions (common with heating) or dehumidifier in humid climates. Clean humidifiers regularly to prevent mould growth in the unit itself.

Temperature Control

Babies are sensitive to temperature. Maintain the nursery between 18-22°C. Overheating is a SIDS risk factor, so avoid making the room too warm. Proper temperature also helps maintain appropriate humidity levels.

When Baby Gets Sick

During respiratory illnesses, good air quality becomes even more important:

• Run the air purifier on a higher setting
• Maintain humidity at 40-50% to soothe airways
• Ensure good ventilation to reduce viral load in the air
• Keep sick family members away from the nursery when possible
• Clean high-touch surfaces frequently

Special Situations

Bushfire Smoke Events

Keep nursery windows and doors closed. Run the air purifier continuously on the highest tolerable setting. If possible, create a "clean air room" in the nursery with additional sealing. Monitor baby for any signs of respiratory distress. Keep infants indoors during smoke events.

High Pollen Days

Even if your baby hasn't developed obvious allergies, pollen can irritate developing airways. Keep windows closed during high pollen times (usually early morning). Run the air purifier to capture any pollen that enters. Consider changing your clothes before entering the nursery if you've been outdoors.

Home Renovations

Postpone major renovations until baby is older if possible. If renovation must occur, seal the nursery from dust and fumes. Consider temporarily relocating baby's sleeping area to another room. Increase air purification after any work is complete.

Monitoring Nursery Air Quality

Consider investing in a nursery air quality monitor that tracks:

• Particulate matter (PM2.5)
• Temperature
• Humidity
• VOC levels (some advanced monitors)

Many monitors connect to smartphone apps, allowing you to check conditions remotely. This can be particularly reassuring for new parents.

Conclusion

Creating healthy air in your baby's nursery requires attention to multiple factors: reducing pollution sources, ensuring proper ventilation, maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity, and using air purification to capture remaining particles and allergens. While it may seem like a lot to consider, most steps are straightforward and become routine quickly.

Remember that you don't need to achieve perfection—every improvement helps. Start with the highest-impact changes (off-gassing new items, removing fragrances, adding a quality air purifier) and build from there. Your baby's developing respiratory system will benefit from every step you take toward cleaner nursery air.