When some parents bring their babies home for the first time, they may actually be harming their newborn children by exposing them to dangerous toxins that can be found in the furnishings of their brand new nurseries.

Little Gabrielle Mckenny was born on Valentine's Day, a few weeks ahead of her due date. Despite her early arrival, her parents were still one step ahead of her. They had their nursery finished months before.

"Well, we went and bought the furniture, clothes, diapers, wipes, the chair, pretty much everything," explained Gabrielle's mom Jinelle Mckenney.

While it looked perfect, they noticed something they hadn't expected.

"When I would come in to do stuff in here, when I opened the door you could really smell it. The smell is overbearing and you definately wouldn't want your child in it right away," said Gabrielle. That smell came from chemicals, the same ones that make cushions stain-resistant, or give luster to a painted wooden crib.

While the chemicals help products last longer or perform better, they also can contribute to indoor air pollution which is considered the fourth greatest pollution threat to Americans by the Environmental Protection Agency.

"I don't think people are aware of these things," said Dr. Irmeen Ashraf, the Pediatric Medical Director at Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch. She says while many new parents are unsure of what they're doing, they should always trust their nose.

"Anything that has a very strong smell cannot be good for you, especially in the winter months. In a contained environment, that cannot be good for you," said Dr. Ashraf.

Recent tests have found volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, by the dozens in crib mattresses alone. And chemicals such as Formaldehyde, Styrene and Methylene frequently turn up inside a standard nursery.

While all the chemical levels were below the legal limits, the doctor says the effect of even a small amount is unknown. They're called volatile because the chemicals evaporate into thin air and can get sucked into a tiny body with every breath.

Mother-to-be Jamie Ruiz of Antioch says she's learning from her friend about all the chemicals that are used to keep baby clean, comfortable, and cared for. "She's already talked about well this is the brand of diapers we're getting because they're chlorine free, and I'm like there's chlorine in diapers? what?" said Ruiz.

Dr. Ashraf says parents should try to buy items made of real wood, not particle board which is tiny wood chips, bonded by adhesive. And she tells them to unwrap everything as soon as they get it home. Air out furniture, mattresses, and area rugs for at least a couple of months, before bringing baby home.

As for baby Gabrielle, her nursery is all set. But she's staying in mom and dad's room for now. Both for her health and for their peace of mind.