 |
| Photo by The Artwill, on Unsplash |
In most homes, the kids’ rooms tend to get refreshed the most, since they’re still figuring out who they are and want their room to reflect their personality. However, getting a makeover for your child’s room goes way beyond colors, themes, lighting, and layout. The most important aspect is to choose the right materials, as this will have a direct impact on your child’s health. Synthetic materials may seem like a good choice for a child’s room since they are cheaper and easier to clean, but natural breathable materials are the way to go as they help your child breathe easier, sleep better, and avoid common skin irritations.
The Importance of Using Breathable Materials in Your Kid’s Room
A common danger from synthetic materials like PVC flooring and furniture made from MDF or particleboard is that these materials release harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. This process, known as off-gassing, happens slowly over time, which means that these chemicals can stay in the air and settle on surfaces in your child’s room, affecting the quality of the air they breathe for months or even years. In addition to respiratory issues, VOCs can also cause skin problems and can be a trigger for scalp eczema. There are two reasons for this – the first is that a child’s skin is thinner, which means that chemicals are more likely to be absorbed by their skin. The second reason is that young children often spend a lot of time playing on the floor of their room, so the VOCs that settle on their carpet get transferred to their skin and scalp.
In the early years, your child’s immune system is still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to pathogens and toxins in their environment compared to adults. For instance, most adults experience mild or even no symptoms when exposed to black mold, but children have more severe reactions. Studies show that children who are exposed to black mold are more likely to develop asthma, and they may also exhibit wheezing and other symptoms similar to pneumonia. The mycotoxins released by black mold can also cause neurological symptoms like attention difficulties, and exposure has been linked to a lower IQ and other cognitive issues. As the name suggests, breathable materials allow moisture to escape, but many synthetic materials trap moisture and drastically increase the risk of mold.
How to Use Natural Materials to Elevate Your Kid’s Room
Choose Natural Wall Finishes
Paint is considered to be the most important element of a child’s room design because it instantly transforms how a space feels. But while color brings personality, the ingredients of the paint play a bigger role in creating a safe and breathable environment. Conventional paints often contain solvents and chemical additives that continue to release VOCs for months after application. Instead, choose a healthier alternative like lime, clay-based, or mineral paints. These natural finishes allow walls to “breathe”, which means that they release moisture instead of trapping it. This regulates humidity and prevents mold or mildew growth, and improves the air quality of your child’s room. If you don’t have much experience with these paints, you can look for ones that are Green Seal Certified. Another alternative is to learn what to look for and what to avoid within each type of paint.
Pick the Right Flooring
Many conventional flooring options are marketed as good for children’s rooms, as they are durable and easy to clean. While it is true that they are durable and very easy to clean, they also pose much greater health risks compared to natural alternatives. For instance, laminate and PVC contain plasticizers and phthalates that leach into the air. Instead, you can use breathable options like solid wood, bamboo, or cork. Cork is a particularly good option for kids’ rooms as it absorbs sound to give your child a quiet and serene space.
 |
| Photo by Huy Nguyen on Unsplash |
Invest in Furniture that Ages Well
While MDF (medium-density fibreboard), particleboard, and laminated furniture are more affordable, they often contain formaldehyde-based adhesives that release VOCs over time. Furniture made from hardwoods such as oak, maple, beech, or birch not only looks great but also ages beautifully. Invest in fewer high-quality pieces of furniture that can be passed down so that one day, you will have the joy of watching your grandchildren enjoy them!
Synthetic materials may seem like the cheaper option, but they can end up costing a lot more in medical bills. Using natural materials is not just an aesthetic decision; it’s about using breathable materials to create a healthy environment for your child.
Post a Comment