Steven Hong, of Sylvane Inc., in Roswell, Ga., says fresh paint may look great but lingering fumes can cause nausea, eye irritation or other problems. Paint well ahead of baby's arrival or have the baby sleep in a different room until the paint is fully off-gassed, Hong says.

Hong recommends clearing the air frequently to rid the nursery of pollutants from new furniture, plastics, new carpeting as well as mold and dust mites by running a high quality air filter or the air conditioning.

Keep air ducts clean, change filters and keep a watch on humidity -- too much moisture can cause odor and mold and too little can prompt sore throats and dry skin, Hong suggests.

Dust mites thrive in moist areas and can cause allergies. Hong advises washing bedding in hot water and a cleaning with a high efficiency particulate air, or HEPA-filtered vacuum or steam cleaner -- at least weekly.

Pets are nice, but not in the nursery and never in the crib, Hong says. Besides dander, pets may bring in pests from outdoors -- such as ticks and fleas.