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 AdultsBest Crib Mattress 2016 . Find our Crib Mattress reviews, comparison charts and buying guides to help you buy the right mattress for your baby. So you’re building a warm, fuzzy and safe nursery for the new little member of your family and if we’re being honest then buying mattresses is not one of the most exciting things in the world. However, it is important to pick one that is safe and comfortable because your baby is going to spend up to 16 hours in that crib. Moreover, the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development reported that using a hard mattress instead of a soft one helps in preventing SIDS (Suddent Infant Death Syndrome). I would strongly recommend you to stay away from cheap mattresses and go for something that is not only comfortable but is designed to help with the development of your baby and to keep him/her safe.
To make this cumbersome job of searching through thousands of options, we’ve done the hard work and shortlisted it to the best 5 crib mattresses that aren’t only comfortable but offer the required support for the right development of your baby’s growing bones. The mattress we love. Despite the fact that this company shares the name with the famous toothpaste brand, Colgate is one of the best brands when it comes to foam crib mattresses. It offers dual firmness i.e. one side is more firm than the other. The amount of firmness that is suitable for an infant is more than what’s suitable for a toddler and thus this is one feature that you’ll find common in most high quality mattresses. The mattress cover is made of 100% cotton which is great for your baby’s skin, while the inner part of the mattress is made of plant-based foam. The Eco Classica III weighs around 10 lbs which makes it easy to clean and change sheets. All in all, I think it’s currently the best foam mattress in the market and being one of the rare mattresses that has GREENGUARD children and schools certification, it is one of the most comfy and safe mattresses for your baby.
Naturepedic No Compromise is probably the only innerspring mattress that you’ll see us recommending. It is a perfect 150 coils plus mattress with the recommended edge support. This is the most expensive option in our listing. However, the price is definitely justified by the fact that it is the only mattress that is 100% organic cotton both at the inside and the outside. Free from any kind of nasty chemicals that are used during the production of most mattresses, if you can afford it, then this is probably the best crib mattress that you can buy for your baby. The mattress offers dual firmness which makes it a suitable mattress as your baby grows from an infant to a toddler, as the amount of firmness should be decreased with age. The mattress covers are waterproof and easy-clean which makes sure that the sanitation can be maintained over the years. However, the mattress weighs around 17 lbs and if you’re planning to change the sheets yourself, it can get tiresome when done frequently.
Another great dual firmness mattress at a not-so-great price. While it is not 100% organic, they’ve done their best in bringing us a mattress that is vinyl, polyethylene, PVC and phthalates free. The mattress is also CentiPUR certified which verifies that no flame-retardant or toxic chemicals were used during the manufacturing process. The mattress is water-proof and can be easily wiped off with a wet cloth. The Moonlight Slumber has been one of the rare mattresses that have been received very well by moms like you. If you’re not really planning to spend more on your baby’s mattress then this is the best option you can go for. Another great mattress in the mid-range category. Cotton Bliss is as healthy and safe as they get. While the mattress comes with a 100% cotton cover that compares well with the most premium mattresses that we’ve come across, it is not 100% organic. The foam is 73% polyurethane, which most concerned parents would generally avoid.
The mattress is free from plastic coatings like PVC or food-grade polyethylene. The mattress is waterproof and stain-resistant which makes it easy to clean and maintain a safe sleeping environment for your baby. It measures the standard 51.6 x 27.2 x 5 inches which is a snug fit for most cribs. This mattress is built to be extra firm with high density foam; By any means, It’s not the best mattress out there but it is definitely the best bang for your buck. The cover isn’t cotton but is 100% polyester, waterproof and easy to clean. Since it’s a foam mattress, it’s lightweight and easy to handle. The mattress is designed t to exceed the federal flammability and CPSC standards (Consumer Product Safety Commission Standards). However, the low cost comes at a price. First, the mattress does not offer a dual firmness and thus is only suitable for your baby as long as he/she is an infant and you’ll probably have to get a new one as they grow. Secondly, you’ll have to settle for polyester instead of 100% cotton.
While this is not necessarily a bad thing, if you can afford to spend a little more then I would personally recommend you to get one that is 100% cotton. There are two types of mattresses that you can choose from i.e. Foam and Innerspring. There isn’t an inherent benefit of choosing one over the other and it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. As the name suggests, these are made from foam but do not take it on face value. Foam mattresses are as comfortable as they come. They are comparatively lighter and affordable when compared to Innerspring mattresses and both of these could be the deciding factors when making the purchase.The more dense and firm it is, the better. However, the weight of the mattress tends to increase with its density and heavy mattresses can be a hassle to change crib sheets, so make sure that you get something that is firm and dense but light enough that you can handle it with ease. Foam mattresses that weigh around 8-10 lbs are a good fit and offer the best of both worlds.
Innerspring mattresses have springs or coils in them and when considering the same quality grade these are generally more expensive and heavier than foam mattresses. There’s no particular benefit of getting a innerspring mattress over a foam one. However, if you do decide on buying one, here are a few things that you need to look for: 1. Coils : While a lot of people have a misconception that more coils results in a better mattress. This is generally not the case. As per consumer repots, a mattress with 135-150 coils with a gauge of 15.5 or lower is a good option to go with. 2. Border Rods : They keep the mattress firm when your baby walks near the edges and thus is a feature that your mattress should have. All in all, If I were you, I’d go for a foam mattress just because it is cheaper and easier to use/clean than an innerspring mattress. What to look for when buying a Mattress? You would want to compare your last 2-3 options closely and here’s a basic set of features and details that you need to look for when buying
1. Mattress size : Make sure that the size of your mattress matches the crib. This is a small detail that is often ignored and while you can always return the mattress for the right size, it can be easily avoided by making sure of it the first time itself. The crib mattresses generally range from 27 5/8″ to 28 5/8″ wide & 51 3/4″ to 53″ in length. 2. It HAS to be firm : Read reviews, check the product description and if you’re in the shop, just squeeze it between your arms to test. You have to make sure that the mattress is firm, it is critical to your babies’ development and quality of sleep. 3. Waterproof and Machine Washable Cover : While all of our recommendations have waterproof covers that are machine friendly. If you’re planning to go with another mattress, make sure that it offers both the options. Things are going to get wet and dirty and you have to make sure that it’s easy to clean and maintain the sanitation required for the health of your baby.