Are organic crib mattresses safer for babies? What are the risks of traditional crib mattresses and are organic crib mattresses worth the extra money? What about breathable crib mattresses? If you’re buying a crib mattress you’ll be bombarded with online ads for products that are supposedly safer, but the truth is the science behind crib mattress safety is limited. Here’s what we know: Pthalates and other known toxic chemicals related to PVC are commonly used in crib mattresses and mattress covers: Phthalates are common in our environment because they are used in the processing of plastic, especially in the softening of vinyl and PVC. Phthalates are not bonded to the vinyl so they are easily and invisibly sloughed off onto our hands, or into the mouths of children with oral habits. They can also be inhaled into the lungs. A recent shows that the baby’s warm body temperature actually increases the release of pthalates from the crib mattress. The authors write, “In infant sleep microenvironments, an increase in the temperature of mattress can cause a significant increase in emission of phthalates from the mattress cover and make the concentration in the infant’s breathing zone about four times higher than that in the bulk room air, resulting in potentially high exposure.”
Phthalates, which are restricted in children’s toys, are permitted in mattresses because these items are not technically “toys.” California has banned pthalates in crib mattresses. Phthalates are also found in PVC, including the PVC piping used for home drainage pipes. Have you ever wondered why we use PVC piping for home drainage pipes but not home water supply pipes? It’s because PVC contains phthalates. As a society we have decided not to use phthalates in children’s toys and home water supply pipes. But pthalates are still permitted in crib mattresses. Exposure to phthalates is associated with disorders of hormonal regulation including diabetes, obesity, early puberty, and infertility. Phthalate exposure is also associated with ADHD, cancer, and a host of other disorders. Crib mattresses can emit toxic gasses: Many chemicals used in the plastics and foams of crib mattresses can evaporate at room temperature, resulting in toxic gasses. These chemicals are called “Volatile Organic Compounds” or VOCs.
A recent identified some of the VOCs found in crib mattresses. The authors write, “[VOC gas concentrations] were greater for new mattresses compared to used ones and were influenced by the type of foam material and the presence of mattress cover layer. A variety of VOCs were identified, with polyurethane foam releasing a greater diversity of VOCs compared to polyester foam.” Flame retardants, such as PBTE and chlorinated-TRIS, are required on crib mattresses in most states: PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) were used as a flame retardant for crib mattresses in the past. They are known to interfere with thyroid function. Poor thyroid function during infant development results in mental retardation. PBDEs were banned in Europe and some U.S. states after they were found to be accumulating in blood and breast milk. New crib mattresses now contain other flame retardants, such as chlorinated-TRIS. This cancer-causing toxin was banned in children’s sleepwear but is still used on some crib mattresses.
Manufacturers don’t have to tell you what chemicals they are using as a flame retardant on their mattresses. Even mattresses made from organic materials such as cotton and wool still have to have flame retardants added. Many infants die of SIDS while sleeping on crib mattresses: That doesn’t mean that the crib mattress caused SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), but there is a theory that toxic fumes from crib mattresses could be related to SIDS. There is limited research on this hypothesis in the pediatric medical literature. We do know that the best way to prevent SIDS and infant suffocation is to put babies to sleep on their backs and remove suffocation hazards from the crib. Many companies are now marketing breathable crib mattresses that allow a baby to breath even if sleeping face down. Organic crib mattresses aren’t necessarily safe crib mattresses: Just because a crib mattress is labeled as “organic” doesn’t mean your baby will sleep safely. Many organic fibers, such wool, use chemicals in processing and still have flame retardants added.
Products such as sheep skins are too soft for infant sleep and may increase risk of SIDS. Are you expecting a baby? Here are (or someone else will make them for you), plus . AGE GROUPSearch by Your Child's Age Teens & Young AdultsBabies' Dreams Are Made Of These. . .Lifenest Sleeping SystemAccording with a recent medical study, 47% of the 3-month-old babies have Flat Head syndrome (Plagiocephaly). The Free LIFENEST IPhone App will tell you in a few clicks Published: 30 October 2016 Newton Baby is an innovative company that is leading the way in the world of infant sleep safety and safe sleep technology. Their one of kind Wovenaire Breathable Crib Mattress is not only breathable but it is also a non-toxic crib mattress and completely Eco-friendly. I received a Newton Baby Wovenaire Crib Mattress for my baby girl and have fallen in love with it! I believe it's not only the safest crib mattress on the market but also one of the most convenient to use and keep clean.
I'm excited to share with you what I love about this breathable mattress. You can tell that an incredible amount of thought and care went into this excellently designed mattress. The unique design of the Newton Baby Wovenaire Crib Mattress allows air to easily pass through the mattress itself. This drastically reduces the risk of infant suffocation (associated with SIDS). The Wovenaire technology used to create the core of this mattress was invented in Japan. To see how they use food-grade polymer to create a firm yet breathable mattress core (the mattress is 90% free air) check out this video on Newton Baby's design page! The cover of the mattress is a soft 3D mesh-like material making even the outer cover breathable. It might sound silly but I did try it out for myself to see how breathable the mattress was by sticking my face into the mattress! I was able to easily breathe air through the mattress even with my face smashed into it (yes, I'm sure I looked ridiculous and no, I didn't get a photo of it).
My oldest was a tummy sleeper once he was able to roll over himself. It gives me a great peace of mind knowing my baby girl will be able to breathe even if she rolls onto her tummy in the night! Not only was this mattress designed to be safe for babies but it is also designed to be convenient for parents. One of my favorite things about mattress is how easy it is to clean! The outer cover can be easily removed machine washed. The inner core can also be completely washed (they suggest washing it in the bathtub) with soap and hot water to keep it free from bacteria and mold. This is amazing especially if you are going to be re-using or passing this mattress on to other children. I don't know of any other mattress that can be as easily and thoroughly cleaned. My baby girl sleeps so well on this airy mattress. The cover is soft but the core is firm making it perfectly comfortable and yet supportive for little ones. Newton Baby recommends using muslin crib sheets with this mattress since muslin is the most breathable of crib sheet materials.
I do have a few muslin sheets I use with it but most of the time my baby sleeps directly on the mattress since it's easy enough to clean and the material is soft on her skin. The mesh fabric of the cover is quilted with a sweet cloud design that makes it look like shes sleeping on pillows of air. When I do use sheets I appreciate how very light weight this mattress is. I have a bad back and am still recovering from childbirth so I can't lift much but this mattress is so light and easy to move that I have no problem changing crib sheets even in the middle of the night! As a company Newton Baby is committed to created safer environments for children as well as taking care of the world they live in. In looking for a quality crib mattress for my newborn I wanted something as safe and non-toxic as possible. The Newton Baby Wovenaire Crib Mattress is just that! I love that it is completely free from latex, foams, glues, fire retardants and other toxic chemicals that can be found in other crib mattress.
This means there is no gassing off of the mattress and no allergens! Not only is this a non-toxic crib mattress which is completely safe for babies it is also Eco-friendly. The mattress is 100% recyclable making it good for the world we live in. Newton Baby Wovenaire Crib Mattress Highlights Non-toxic - no glues, chemicals and no gassing off! Green Guard Gold Certified Perfectly firm yet comfortably soft Perfect for re-using with multiple kids High quality materials and construction I have loved having this mattress for my newborn and couldn't recommend it more highly. The quality of design, materials and construction is excellent. I feel it's truly one of (if not the) safest crib mattress options available since it is such a breathable and non-toxic mattress. It also scores high in book for being so easy to thoroughly wash! I will have no problem re-using this for future children knowing I can keep it clean and mold-free. With this breathable, non-toxic mattress you can sleep peacefully knowing your baby has the safest sleeping environment possible.