(NewsUSA) - Making the nursery and other children’s spaces safe, healthy, and beautiful is every parent’s goal. Strong and natural, American Hardwoods™ can help achieve it: from the reassuring solidity of a crib to the cozy ease of bunk beds, from the satisfying feel of carved toys to the charm of kid-size furniture, and from the tidiness of well-conceived storage to the warmth of architectural millwork. “Materials matter for those who matter most,” says Ian Faight of the American Hardwood Information Center. “Hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, and walnut offer durability, low-emission performance, and an organic sense of comfort—qualities that support children’s well-being and safety while standing up to everyday use.” Here are six examples of hardwood doing just that.

The Childspose panel crib by Green Cradle Organic Home and Baby (greencradle.com) is as gorgeous—and as safe—a nursery essential as you could wish for. Made in the U.S. from 100 percent solid hardwood, it’s not only sturdy and durable but also finished with non-toxic, VOC-free natural linseed oil, so baby—and you—can breathe easy. Offered in maple, oak, cherry, or walnut, the crib is an heirloom in the making. Photograph courtesy of Green Cradle

Growing kids need furniture that can keep up. Waverly bunk beds by Room & Board (roomandboard.com) do just that, with solid hardwood construction—walnut or natural or painted maple—and smart, space-saving twin-over-twin or twin-over-full configurations. Suitable for ages 6 and up, the versatile piece delivers safety and ease while giving a shared room a fun, vertical lift. Photograph courtesy of Room & Board

The solid maple Kiddie Car from Community Playthings (communityplaythings.com) taps into something timeless: the simple pleasure of a wooden toy built to be touched, pushed, and passed along. Rounded edges and a nontoxic finish highlight the wood’s warmth, recalling generations of hand-carved playthings that gained character through use. Available in two sizes—for ages 1–2 and 2–4—it’s robust, tactile, and appealingly uncomplicated, a reminder that the best toys often begin with honest wood. Photograph courtesy of Community Playthings

The Kids Set by EARL (earl-home.com) brings sophisticated design and superb craftsmanship into a child’s everyday world. With a round table and chairs in meticulously finished hardwood—walnut/maple, white oak or ebonized oak—it gives children a tangible introduction to thoughtful material and joinery. Aesthetically elevated, yet durable and entirely approachable, it encourages play, creativity, and early appreciation for well-made objects. Photograph by Jenny Kim

The custom wall-mounted storage unit in this Miami kids’ room by Agsia Design (agsia.com) brings shipshape order with a welcome burst of energy. Crafted in solid oak, the mix of drawers, cabinets, and open cubbies keeps toys and supplies within easy reach, while the glossy enamel paint on the doors and drawer fronts animates the room with bright color, inviting kids to dive into whatever enticements the compartments may hold. Photograph by Moris Moreno

In this remodeled Washington, DC, basement rec room, Wentworth Architects & Builders (wentworthstudio.com) use hardwood millwork to create a space that suits kids and adults alike. Wrapping the structural columns in solid maple slats introduces a sense of play and discovery for children while giving the room the clean visual order grownups prefer—equally ready for games and crafts or quiet conversation and a cup of coffee. Photograph by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about using American hardwoods in your home.