Air Quality in the Nursery: Helping Your Baby Sleep Better

As parents, there is nothing more daunting than trying to make sure your little one gets a good night's sleep. We invest in blackout blinds, white noise machines, endless rocking… you name it, we’ve tried it. But there’s one factor that often gets overlooked when it comes to baby sleep, the importance of the air in their nursery.

It might not be the first thing you think about, but poor air quality can have a real impact on how well babies rest. Their tiny lungs and developing immune systems make them far more sensitive to pollutants than adults. So, while we might shrug off a stuffy night’s sleep, for them it can mean more waking, fussiness, and can cause spikes in wheezing and respiratory issues.

Which pollutants affect sleep the most?

The nursery can be home to a surprising number of invisible culprits that disrupt sleep:

Dust and pet dander - These microscopic particles can trigger sneezing, congestion, and general restlessness in little ones.

Mould spores - These Damp areas release spores that not only irritate airways but are also linked to nighttime coughing.

These Chemicals from cleaning products or fresh paint - Nurseries are often newly decorated, which means Airborne Chemicals (volatile organic compounds) from paint, furniture, or even carpets may linger in the air. These can cause irritation and discomfort.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) build-up- These When a nursery is too closed off, CO

Simple steps to improve nursery air quality

The good news? Small changes can make a big difference:

• Ventilate daily - Just a few minutes of fresh air can clear out pollutants and keep oxygen levels healthy.
• Go fragrance-free - Swap out scented sprays and harsh cleaners for gentle, baby-safe alternatives.
• Keep damp at bay - Regularly check windows and corners for condensation or leaks, and wipe them down quickly to stop mould from setting in.
• Wash soft toys and bedding - It’s amazing how much dust these can hold; a weekly wash can help reduce irritants.
• Monitor the air - Because the truth is, it’s hard to improve what you can’t se
• Painting and decorating

That’s where nooku comes in. Our air quality monitors give you real-time insights into what your baby is breathing. Whether it’s spotting a rise in CO₂ overnight or tracking humidity that could lead to mould, nooku helps you take action before it affects your little one’s sleep. Think of it as another tool in your parenting toolkit — right alongside the bedtime routine and the favourite teddy.