Choosing The Right Baby Mattress

As parents, we’re becoming increasingly aware of the problems in today’s environment. We want to buy products that are more environmentally friendly and safer for our families. One important purchase many new parents make is that of a mattress for their new baby. Did you know that many dangers have been associated with baby mattresses made from vinyl (PVC)?

Nearly all baby mattresses today contain polyurethane foam, chemicals that are fire retardants, PVC, and many more hazardous chemicals. Some of these chemicals have also been found to outgas out into the surrounding air. Studies have shown that crib mattresses that emitted these mixtures of chemicals were capable of causing respiratory problems. Some of these chemicals have also been connected to the cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Some other problems with PVC mattresses include:
• PVC is the surface material used in nearly all children’s mattresses and is considered to be one of the most toxic and environmentally unfriendly plastics that are used today.
• Phthalates make up to 30% by weight of the PVC surface of a typical baby mattress and this particular substance is associated with asthma, reproductive problems as well as cancer.
• The surface of PVC mattresses are treated with fire retardant chemicals
• The foam used in PVC mattresses is extremely flammablen • The foam used is called polyurethane foam and it typically contains a variety of problematic ingredients that include emulsifiers, pigments and other chemical additives.
• Other materials that may also be found in typical baby mattresses include ‘shoddy’ pads that are made from scraps swept off the floor of many textile mills.

A baby's lungs and digestive system are still developing in the months after birth, and it is important to create and maintain an organic and chemical-free environment for your child's health and development. Natural materials ventilate body heat, offer more comfort, and are more durable than typical synthetics used in standard production crib mattresses.

We all know that babies and toddlers spend 10 to 12 hours sleeping and playing in their cribs. A child is also exposed to the chemicals from the mattresses for the first few years of their lives; making the mattress the most important and prominent object in a child’s environment. Why put your child at risk with these types of mattresses? Think of the materials used in baby mattresses, would you as an adult sleep on that type of mattress?

There are many other alternatives when choosing a baby mattress and they include those of organic in nature that are not only good for the environment but most importantly a healthy choice for your child. By using organic wool, you get a naturally flame retardant mattress without the use of chemicals. When no corners are cut and only 100% organic materials are used, your baby's mattress will not let off gas that may cause reactions to the skin and respiratory system. n