Carpet for baby's room

kjones115 · November 2014

We're not the original owners of our home. The room that will be the nursery needs new windows and some fresh paint. The carpet isn't in terrible shape but I like the idea of having brand new carpet or hard wood flooring in that room. Get rid of all the other dirt/dust/allergens. We were told that new carpet may not be the best idea because new carpet contains a lot of chemicals and other potentially harmful things for an infant. And I don't care about the new carpet getting messed up from a little one, I'd just rather have it be fresh. But has anyone heard of the whole release of chemicals thing before? What are you all planning on doing for flooring?

starshollow · November 2014

I guess I am not worried about chemicals in carpet. I've never stressed about it.

We have hardwood throughout our house. We have area rugs in the bedrooms. I bought a new one for when I switch the nursery over for the new baby.

missab · November 2014

This would be a deterrent for me (if research supported that there are problematic chemicals used). But I'm pretty anti chemicals, hormones etc, so I might be in the minority here. I'd look into natural fiber or organic rug options if carpeting was a priority for me.

Sharon&Paul · November 2014

I don't know anything about the chemicals. I am not a fan of carpet any where, because I find them dirty with a lot fo hidden stains. I prefer hardwood with area rugs that can easily be cleaned and replaced.

taahira · November 2014

I've never heard of that either. If you had the carpet put in now, surely it would be fine by April?

Prpljade · November 2014

I've heard this about carpet as well, from different contractors, but it wasn't something they said to be worried about for long. I guess it dissipates pretty quickly. Not sure.

We have to put new flooring in the nursery, so we are opting for click in wood floors, just to cut down on allergens and messy carpet. Sweeping up is easy for me, dragging the vacuum out isn't my favorite.

be888 · November 2014

I've never heard of new carpet releasing chemicals, but it makes sense. I'm not a fan of carpet anyway. We have hardwood throughout our house with area rugs in the bedrooms. Breastmilk/formula stains, poop/pee stains, spit up are much easier to clean off hardwood.

ChanStew · November 2014

Find out if the chemicals are really a problem. If so, try replacing the carpet now...surely by April it will be okay. ALternatively, you could get the carpet professionally cleaned...but realistically the kid's gonna be in there for about 18 years...you'll have to replace the carpet some day...

pblge · November 2014

We're definitely doing hardwood, partly for this reason and also because carpets are just gross to me. I tried to find some good readings for you (and others) about this. I'm not familiar with this organization, but they gave a good synopsis of the problem:
https://watoxics.org/files/carpet-fact-sheet
A more reputable source: https://www.lung.org/healthy-air/home/resources/carpets.html
And here's from the EPA: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/epp/pubs/carpets2.htm

cwiceangel · November 2014

Carpets off gas, just like paint, that new car smell etc. not good for anyone but I'd get carpets replaced just because I don't like living on other peoples soft goods... Our carpet is new and I still plan on getting rid of it. I would rather have new carpet. I'd get the carpet sooner than later, by the time baby comes the vocs should be pretty much done.

kjones115 · November 2014

@SharkFarts‌ our contractor told us that. I was surprised too but he's really trust worthy. We've known him for a few years and he lives in the neighborhood.

redneckmomma25 · November 2014

Why not just get the carpet professionally cleaned if it's in good condition?

kjones115 · November 2014

We did have all the carpets cleaned before we first moved in. But we have no furniture in there now and this would be the perfect time to have it replaced. The carpet isn't bad but it's not great either.

somewheresublime86 · November 2014

The only person I know who worries about off-gassing is a midwife. She also refuses to use a cell phone because she's worried it will give her brain cancer, and her kids aren't allowed to eat gluten. Everything new that she brings into her house sits on the porch for 72 hours so it can off-gas.

I think she's gone off the deep end. I'm pretty cautious about chemicals and what we eat, but I just don't think having everything off-gas is realistic or necessary.

somewheresublime86 · November 2014

MrsRexManing said:
New carpet does stink. As does new baby furniture, crib mattresses and new paint. Maybe it doesn't make a huge difference as far as the amount of VOCs I ultimately come in contact with, but for all things baby I err on the side of caution and air that shit out as long as possible.

I'm glad someone commented on the smelly baby furniture! I was shocked the odor of the crib we purchased was so strong.

MagalinaH · November 2014

Never heard of issues with new carpet. We're having ours put in next week!

awodash · November 2014

I have an interior design degree and work in the furniture industry. We discussed this lots in school and like others have said it's really not a bigger deal than other products that "off-gas". It's mainly because of the glue used. This is also a bigger issue commercially and not residentially. If this is a big concern talk with someone in the flooring show room they should hopefully be knowledgable on this subject!

Denise91980 · November 2014

We have hardwood throughout the house. We ripped out every carpet when we moved in. My allergies are awful and carpets make them that much worse. I never heard of the chemical concerns but am concerned about all the allergens that get trapped in them especially since we have two dogs. Carpets are a no no for us.

70point3 · November 2014

pblge said:
We're definitely doing hardwood, partly for this reason and also because carpets are just gross to me. I tried to find some good readings for you (and others) about this. I'm not familiar with this organization, but they gave a good synopsis of the problem:
https://watoxics.org/files/carpet-fact-sheet
A more reputable source: https://www.lung.org/healthy-air/home/resources/carpets.html
And here's from the EPA: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/epp/pubs/carpets2.htm

She's right. I will never put new carpeting in my home. A lot of it is in the glue more so than the fibers.

The whole chemicals in the home thing is real. There's a reason more at home women get health issues like cancer than work out of the women. The air in our homes is worse than the air outside in so many cases!!

Do lots of research on this one!

kjones115 · November 2014

Thank you, all! I know there are chemicals everywhere but if you can prevent it or limit it then why not? I'll look into some some eco-friendly options. Hopefully they aren't too crazy expensive. I like the idea of hard wood but my husband is against it. He thinks it won't feel cozy.

fatcat11188 · November 2014

I plan on buying a new throw rug, I mean i will have it in the nursery a couple months before the baby arrives and the baby will likely sleep in my room for the first few months. Plenty of time to air out and not for nothing but the baby won't be face planting in any rug anytime soon.

JaneShops · November 2014

I had new flooring & carpet installed shortly after purchasing my home. I avoided living on the carpet for over a month (mom's advice).

Without realizing the risk of the new-ish carpet, I actually just bought a nice neutral PBK wool rug for the baby room

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