What Are the Dangers of New Carpet With Babies?

When couples are expecting a baby, they typically redecorate a room to serve as the nursery. When redecorating involves new carpet, this can pose a host of dangers for the baby, as carpeting harbors chemicals and organisms that are unsafe for infants.

  1. Toxic Chemicals

    • New carpet may contain up to 120 toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. These chemicals are present in the carpet backing, dyes, fire-resistant and stain treatments, and glue.

    Mold and Dust

    • Carpets are an ideal location to grow mold and harbor dust, which can cause asthma and other respiratory problems.

    Tracking

    • When you walk outside, your shoes pick up chemicals and organisms called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). When your shoes sink into the carpet, these compounds are deposited onto the carpet, adding to the health risks.

    Babies' Systems

    • Babies have small bodies and their immune systems have not fully developed. Placing them on the carpet exposes them to the chemicals and other dangers that are present. This danger is compounded by the fact that babies' hands are constantly going into their mouths.

    Solution

    • To protect your baby from these dangers, it is best to install non-carpeted flooring. If that is not possible, install carpet made from more natural products and fewer synthetics. Also, be sure to remove your shoes at the front door and vacuum the carpet regularly.

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