When you are expecting a new baby, shopping for a crib and mattress can be very exciting. But it can also be stressful, once you become aware of the problems surrounding conventional mattress production. Many contain toxic materials such as fire retardants, plasticizers, polyurethane foam, and vinyl (PVC) that have been linked to problems with child development.There is also a theory that SIDS is caused by the toxic chemicals released by conventional crib mattresses. When a normally harmless household fungus (Scopulariopsis brevicaulis) comes into contact with the elements of phosphorous, arsenic, or antimony that have been found in chemical fire retardants in mattresses, it can generate extremely poisonous gases that are far more toxic than carbon monoxide. (Read more about it here.)New Zealand has been wrapping many of its conventional crib mattresses to seal in the toxic chemicals since 1995 and has noticed a 72 percent reduction in SIDS. The campaign, spearheaded by Dr. T.J. Sprott, has seen nearly 205,000 babies sleeping on wrapped mattresses with no deaths, while crib deaths on unwrapped mattresses were reported to be 975 in the same time period.
So it’s definitely a worthwhile investment to buy a ‘clean’ crib mattress for your new baby. If that’s too expensive, then consider purchasing a BabySafe Mattress Cover, which is the non-toxic plastic ‘bag’ used by Dr. Sprott.As a follow-up to my recent post about VOCs emitted from foam crib mattresses, here is a list of alternative green mattresses for your baby:Perfect for really young babies, this mattress is handmade using organic cotton and premium wool batting. It contains no fire retardants, synthetic fabrics, or petrochemical-based plastics. The 14-person company that makes this mattress uses sustainable practices such as permaculture (i.e. leftover materials are composted by worms) and ensures zero waste of manufacturing byproducts. Available online through Organic Lifestyle.This mattress features a core made of renewable and sustainable plant foam and organic cotton batting. Its cover is also organic cotton for breathability. One side is firmer than the other, making it better for infants;
then you can flip it over to the softer side as your baby grows into a toddler. Made in the U.S., this crib mattress contains organic cotton filling with springs to provide firm support. It has no wool or latex, for customers with allergy concerns. The waterproof model contains a non-toxic, food-grade polyethylene surface. Naturepedic uses a naturally-derived fire retardant formula made of baking soda, silica, and cellulose fiber from eucalyptus. Stuffed with a combination of coconut coir and natural latex, this crib mattress is made in the U.S. It features a removable cover made of organic cotton and wool. The wool acts as a natural fire retardant and water barrier. This crib mattress is made from 4 inches of natural rubber wrapped in organic cheesecloth. The outer removable cover is made of organic cotton jersey fabric. Obasan makes all its products in Ottawa, Canada, and sells them exclusively in store or over the phone. All products are described in detail on their website.Nook is a natural mattress company based in southern California.
Its Pebble Pure crib mattress is made with an organic coconut core layered with natural latex foam and organic wool (sourced from local farmers). The covering is made of breathable eucalyptus fibre infused with zinc, which is a non-toxic microbe resister, and organic cotton. ships to U.S. and Canada.This is the only crib that contains memory foam, except that this is entirely natural foam, made using hevea milk (rubber tree sap). The company describes it as “the memory foam we all know and love, but it’s made without the gunk.” The mattress contains no plastics, vinyl, or chemically treated fabrics, and using Kevlar fabric to pass flammability tests. The outside is made of organic cotton. Handmade in Devon, England, this mattress is stuffed entirely with organic coconut coir, which comes from coconut husks and is very breathable and supportive. It is wrapped in lambswool with a washable cotton cover. Also available are natural latex and mohair-filled crib mattresses. See here for a list of retailers in the U.S.If you have a generous budget to spend on an organic crib mattress, this one comes highly reviewed online.
The 6-inch mattress contains 280 coils, making it firm, supportive, and entirely non-allergenic. The covering, padding, insulator pads, and binding tape are all made of 100% organic cotton. It is handcrafted in the U.S. and is available online. > Best crib mattress Choosing the Best Crib Mattress for Safety best crib mattress for your baby is mattress for any other bed in your home, except the consequences are far more serious if you choose unwisely. If you select the wrong mattress for your own bed you could suffer some uncomfortable nights, but if you choose the wrong mattress for a newborn baby you will suffer many nights of complete sleeplessness and the safety of your baby could This is why most parents take the time to read crib mattress reviews before they make this type ofYou select the crib, bassinet or Moses basket with complete care, so why wouldn't you look for the best crib mattress on the market? The best crib mattress for your home will always be the one that
doesn't put your baby's safety at risk. safety starts with purchasing a sturdy crib with four unmoving sides and ensuring it is set up correctly and placed away from windows, blind cords, and other dangers. Then select your mattress wisely by carefully verifying , , , , andFor each of these I strongly recommend you double-check that no toxic chemicals were used while trying to provide each of 1. Measure your crib and then get exact forMake sure the mattress will fit snugly without gaps around the edges. If you can get even a couple fingers between the crib and the mattress, it is not a safe fit. 2. Make sure the mattress is enough for a newborn baby. Eco Classica I is an excellent example. prefer mattresses that conform around the body, but babies need firm surfaces to support their bodies. Some mattresses are firm on one side and softer on the other, so they are suitable for newborns and can be flipped for growing toddlers later on.
3. If shopping for the best crib mattress in a store, look at the to make sure they aren't going to split open easily. online, read mattress reviews to make sure other parents have not coating comes on some mattress surfaces, such as the much-recommended Sealy reduce the collection of bacteria and germs from spit-up, diaper leaks, and other mishaps that are bound to happen. 5. If your baby has known , or there are allergies in your family, remember to add an anti-allergy encasement. This ought to keep out the dust mites, mold, pollen and bed bugs. Allergy Relief Zippered Crib Mattress Encasement or similar for this. 6. Crib mattresses should be coated to ensure they are as than babies who are You don't want a mattress that is so poorly constructed or so cheap that the springs can be felt from the surface. find innerspring mattresses covered with layers of foam as well as crib mattresses with solid memory foam or latex cores.
Foam mattresses can still be just as supportive and firm as innerspring mattresses, but they will add a higher degree of comfort as well. just have to watch that they are firm enough for a newborn baby Mattress buying tip: higher density memory foam and higher coil counts signify more durable mattresses. Cheaper mattresses tend to be lower in coil count and foam density, which is why you pay less for them! The problem with very cheap mattresses is they include lower density foams and/or fewer coils, which means they will wear down and fallYou then have to spend more money replacing them then you would have spent to just purchase a higher quality mattress to The best crib mattress will almost never be the cheapest one you can find in some local store. It is best to read mattress reviews and determine what the best mattresses are. So, what if you don't have that kind of time to shop around online? can still find great deals by reading crib mattress reviews to identify