September 16, 2025
Palm leaf cots, baskets and décor have become popular in nurseries across South Africa for their soft texture and natural beauty. While they add a calming, earthy look to any space, many parents still have important questions:
- Are palm leaf products safe for babies?
- What causes the natural smell?
- And how should these items be cleaned?
This article answers those questions and explains how palm leaf compares to solid wood furniture, especially when used in everyday nursery environments.
Why Palm Leaf Products May Smell
Palm leaf is a natural material that holds moisture and absorbs scent. The smell often noticed in woven items can be due to:
- Natural fibres ageing or breaking down
- Residual moisture from storage or transit
-
Adhesives or varnishes used during manufacturing
A light, earthy scent is expected with any natural material. However, a strong chemical or sour smell may indicate that synthetic glue or solvent based sealants were used during production.
All palm leaf products offered in our store are handwoven using air dried materials and water based adhesives. No chemical coatings, synthetic finishes or harsh compounds are applied. These items are made to be nursery safe and give off only a light, natural scent that fades with time and ventilation.
How to Clean Palm Leaf Items Safely
Palm leaf should be cleaned gently to preserve its woven structure and organic nature. Here are a few simple care tips:
- Wipe regularly with a dry cloth or soft brush to remove dust
- For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth with diluted vinegar (avoid soaking)
- Allow to air dry in a shaded and well ventilated space
- Do not expose to direct sunlight or artificial heat
- Avoid all bleach, alcohol and harsh detergents
Because palm leaf is absorbent, always check for signs of mould if the item has been stored in a humid or closed environment. Any visible black spots or persistent odour should be taken seriously. Mould exposure can be harmful to babies and should be avoided.
That said, properly treated palm leaf will remain clean and safe with light maintenance.
Safety of Palm Leaf Furniture for Babies
When sourced and manufactured with care, palm leaf can be used safely in baby spaces. The concern is that many mass produced items are bonded using low quality glues or sealed with synthetic finishes that release harmful gases over time.
All palm leaf items in our collection are made using natural drying methods and water based adhesives only. We work closely with artisan teams who follow baby safe manufacturing standards and never apply toxic finishes or varnishes.
These pieces are ideal for soft nursery touches such as:
We do not recommend palm leaf for structural furniture like cots or compactums, where stability and long term wear are essential. For those, solid wood remains the better option.
Why Solid Wood is Often Preferred for Larger Items
Palm leaf is best suited for soft, decorative pieces that require a gentle touch. For long lasting nursery furniture like cots and changing units, solid wood provides a safer and more stable option.
We use African Walnut and European Beech in our in house Wood Studio. These materials are carefully selected for their strength, durability and natural beauty. Our wooden furniture is built using baby safe finishes and adhesives, offering a more robust solution for daily use.
Explore our most loved nursery pieces including:
Both are designed to grow with your child and complement your space with calm, timeless design.
In Summary
Palm leaf is a beautiful and natural choice for nursery décor, and when made properly, it is completely safe to use around babies. Always check how items are made, and choose brands that prioritise baby safe adhesives, natural materials and responsible sourcing.
Woven pieces made from properly dried palm and treated without chemicals can offer both style and peace of mind. For more durable or long term furniture, solid wood remains the safer and longer lasting choice.