Between picking out the perfect crib, the color palette and the coordinating items, planning your baby’s nursery is fun and full of choices. Yet one of the most important decisions many moms overlook is choosing a safe crib mattress that doesn’t contain toxic chemicals linked to asthma, allergies and cancer. Babies breathing in toxic chemicals Babies spend up to 14 hours a day sleeping. whether that’s in a crib, bassinet, co-sleeper, port-a-crib, portable play yard or a toddler bed. And research shows their mattress can be one of the most toxic places for them. A study in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that 20 new and old crib mattresses containing polyurethane foam and polyester foam padding released significant amounts of chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which include the chemicals polyethylene, polypropylene and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Plus, many manufacturers also use fragrance allergens in their mattresses.
“[Babies] are volatile and they're most vulnerable when their lungs are developing,” said Kelly Herman, the program director for Healthy Child Healthy World a non-profit that is merged with the Environmental Working Group. Their goal is to educate parents to protect children from harmful chemicals. These chemicals can be found in crib mattresse because it’s too costly for manufacturers to remove them or find materials that are free of them, Herman said. Only 11 chemicals are regulated in the U.S.— compared to more than 14,000 that have been banned by the European Union— which means the burden to weed through all of the information is on parents. Tips for buying a safe crib mattress:Even if a mattress is labeled organic, manufacturers can use the claim, regardless of whether 100 percent of the material is truly organic or just one piece is. “When you have a label that says ‘organic,’ ‘green’ or ‘natural’ it really doesn’t mean a whole lot,” said Lori Popkewitz Alper, a Boston-based mom and founder/editor-in-chief of the green lifestyle blog Groovy Green Livin.
When searching for a mattress, look for those made with organic cotton, wool, and Oeko-Tex or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifications. Then, call the manufacturer to verify what materials were used, why they consider it organic and if the mattress contains chemicals and fire retardants.To ensure a mattress has a low amount of VOCs, look for those with the Green Guard certification. “That certification is the gold standard,” Herman said. CertiPure is another standard but it allows for a higher level of VOCs.“Meets technical bulletin 117,” sounds like a seal of approval, but this label, which can be found on organic mattresses too, actually means the product contains harmful fire retardant chemicals.Waterproof mattresses are usually covered in plastics that contain VOCs so it’s best to avoid them. Instead, look for an organic waterproof mattress pad or waterproof non-vinyl waterproof cover. 9 ways to detox your home How healthy is your bedroom?
10 ways to rid your body of toxic chemicals Steer clear of used mattresses. Although it’s cost-efficient, an older mattress— especially one made before 2009— can contain phthalates and other chemicals.If you already own a mattress that you’re unsure about, or you’re not satisfied with the manufacturer’s response, air out the mattress for a few days or even weeks before your baby is born. Julie Revelant is a health journalist and a consultant who provides content marketing and copywriting services for the healthcare industry. She's also a mom of two. Ultimate Guide to Beds You spend one-third of your life in bed, so why not make that place the best it can be? Choose the right components and you'll experience a rejuvenating rest that makes your days as blissful as your nights. Use this guide to find the right bed, mattress, and bedding for your room. Everything In This Slideshow No matter its style, size, or age, the bedstead -- the wood or metal framework consisting of headboard, footboard, rails, and slates -- is the foundation of your bedroom.
The platform bed is the oldest style, but it's one of today's more modern choices. A platform bed is generally low to the ground, providing a cooler sleep environment than traditional designs. The simplest styles have no headboard or footboard. Platform beds are a popular choice for a clean, uncluttered look in the bedroom. Four-posters were originally designed to hold hangings to insulate sleepers from drafts. Corner posts can be lavishly turned and decorated or plain, depending on your style preference. The soaring posts make a dramatic style statement, helping the bed create a visual center in a room. A tester bed, also known as a canopy bed, is a four-poster with crossbeams that connect the posts and support a straight or arched canopy, or tester, above the bed. In the past, canopies were made of solid wood, structured velvet, brocade, or lace. Today the beams are sometimes loosely draped with light fabrics. Either look brings a romantic atmosphere to the bedroom. Sleigh beds, originally called French beds, recall the curves of an old-fashioned sleigh.
The high, scrolled headboards and footboards became fashionable in America around 1815 as the popularity of the French Empire style soared. The substantial frame of this bed, whether made of rich wood or metal, creates a focal point in the bedroom. Low-post beds take their name from the posts at the corners of the frame that generally do not exceed the height of the headboard or footboard. Posts are usually topped with a decorative finial. This bed suits most room sizes and design styles, from the most rustic look to an elaborate Louis XVI design. Daybeds have split personalities. They are dressed for use as a sofa by day but include a twin-size mattress for sleeping at night. Daybeds look at home in a family room or den as well as in a bedroom. A metal or wood frame may enclose three sides. Most often used to accommodate guests, daybeds sometimes conceal a pop-up frame or drawer trundle underneath that houses another mattress. Upholstered beds are the style of choice for many designers, but it's important to keep two things in mind when selecting a bed style: room architecture and lifestyle.
Good design should have a lasting quality, be it modern or traditional in its inspiration. The most important element of a restful night is a quality mattress. Most experts recommend replacing your mattress every five to seven years. Finding the right mattress depends on the individual, so it's important to know the ins and outs of the different types available. The most important element of a restful night is a quality sleep set. However, buying a mattress can be a daunting process. An innerspring mattress is found in the majority of beds available today. This mattress has hundreds of steel coils that are suspended within the core. Springs may be individually wrapped, which reduces the transfer of motion across the mattress. An insulator pad sits atop the coils and prevents the upholstery from sinking into coils. On top of the pad, a comfort level -- the outermost layer -- cushions the springs. Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, is a chemically based foam developed by NASA.
These mattresses contour to the sleeper's body, providing comfort and support. The foam can be a solid mattress core or can be used as a top layer over a more conventional innerspring base. It¿s a popular material for mattress toppers, an accessory you can buy to rejuvenate an existing mattress inexpensively. Natural or synthetic latex foam can also form a solid core or act as a cushioning layer. Natural latex is quickly emerging as one of the hottest new mattress types because of its soft yet supportive comfort feel. Unlike memory foam, which responds to temperature and pressure, latex offers a pliable resistance that provides comfort and support all along the body. Latex has a faster response rate to changes of position. It sleeps cooler than memory foam and, as a natural substance, it's more eco-friendly. It's also naturally resistant to dust mites. Talalay latex is an excellent choice because it pours consistently and settles evenly. Water beds have changed significantly since their introduction in the late 1960s.
Today, they utilize a series of water-filled tubes beneath a cushioned top surface. Soft-side flotation beds combine the comfort and support of traditional water beds with the look of a conventional mattress and box spring. Most offer customized dual support for partners, don't need turning, and don't require heating systems. Air and Flotation Beds Air and floatation beds can be regulated to offer the type of support you want, from plush to firm. Dual controls are also available so sleepers can adjust each side to match their personal comfort level. These beds help promote natural spinal alignment and reduce uncomfortable pressure points. They can be easily adjusted as your needs change, they're lightweight, and they never need turning. Most flotation beds look like traditional innerspring mattresses and can be used with regular bed frames. Your mattress is a big investment, so proper care is important. A quality washable mattress pad is a must to keep it fresh and protected from stains.
For the best results, buy a mattress cover from the company that makes your mattress and understand the warranty that comes with your purchase. Dressing your bed is what makes it your own. The bedroom door is the last barrier between you and the outside world, so make the bedroom your sanctuary. A beautiful palette, a variety of textures, and attention to detail are the ingredients to success for a beautiful bed. The comforter is the focal point of your bed. So it's important to make sure it works with your design, whether it's modern, bohemian, or minimal. But remember, luxury equals comfort, so your bed should feel as nice as it looks. To increase the longevity of your sheets and ensure equal wear, you should have three sets: one on the bed, one in the linen closet, and one in the wash. Bottom sheets and pillowcases should be washed twice a week and top sheets every week. Wash bed linens separately from other laundry and always use the gentle cycle. Pillows come in many sizes and types of fill.