Chances are you are dealing with allergies, which have an uncanny way of interfering with daily activities. They also can alter moods, and a young child will have difficulty communicating what is really going on with them.
I know this first hand, as I have had them all my life. From a young child, I seemed to have colds more often than most other kids. I now know that it was allergies. I have had to use an occasional over the counter medicine and hay fever remedy, but have found something else helps me even more.
I have chosen to go organic in most areas of my life such as food, clothing, and most anything I can find. More importantly, I have done all I can to make sure my kids rooms are allergen free, so they can get the best night sleep possible.
In this article, I am going to share how you can convert your children’s rooms into an allergen-free zone.
First, I would like to share the following quote that I believe is applicable here…
[Sleep is] the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together. – Thomas Dekker
Bedding and More
You can start with pulling up the carpet, which is a haven for allergens, and an area they often play. Instead, you can use cork tiles, or a vinyl or lingo flooring. Natural and organic area rugs can then be used in areas of play to add a soft landing for little bottoms, and can be shaken out and cleaned easier than wall to wall carpet.
Bedding is also an area that should be addressed. As we sleep, our mouth and nose are right next to the sheets, comforter, and pillow case, as well as the mattress and pillow. Allergen free products, especially in bedding, are easy to find now, with the increasing popularity of organic living.
We have all gone to organic bedding in our home, and I notice a difference in feeling more rested when I wake in the morning.
Clearing the Air
There are many things you can do to make the air more pure in your child’s room, such as an air purifier, using a HEPA vacuum, and cleaning with organic products.
I love the air purifier, because it has the added benefit of working as a ‘white noise’ unit. It not only helps to remove pollutants, but also drowns out the outside noise, allowing for a more peaceful and restful night. Or, if you’re lucky, naps for the kids during the day. Clean, or change the filters as needed to assure its best performance.
A HEPA vacuum is nice for removing additional allergens such as dust mites and pet dander. Just as the air purifier, make sure to keep the filters clean.
Discovering some great organic cleaning products, such as window cleaner, laundry soap, spot cleaners was like Christmas for me. They work just as well as traditional products, and give me peace of mind knowing that I am doing everything I can for my children’s health.
I can’t stress this enough, because kids can’t take allergic rhinitis treatments, like adults can. So, I believe in protecting my kids from pollutants that can bring on allergies.
Toys
It seems like there are more and more recalls of kids toys, which is good. That means our children’s safety is being taken seriously by others, whatever their motivation may be.
However, I think we, as parents, can take it a step further and furnish our kids with organic toys, especially those that are in their room.
There are toxins in some of the plastics and paints in toys that can be very harmful, especially the young toddler who places everything in their mouth. The following is list of toys that can be found in organic form:
- Dolls
- Stuffed animals
- Balls
- Trucks
- Trains
- Rattles
- Teething items
- Musical instruments
- Puppets
- Riding toys
This is just a sample of items you can find. I have also found many websites with ideas of toys you can make yourself.
Even if it’s just baby steps that you take in converting your home into an organic one, I am sure you will see a difference in air quality, and your health, in a short time. If you are like me, it will become second nature.
Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer who lives in Austin TX, with her husband and two young children. The topics she enjoys writing about the most have to do with helping others, such as parenting, fighting allergic rhinitis, and couponing. Although her family and writing are her passions, she also enjoys researching the Internet for deals, and local history.