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 AdultsOriginally published on September 4, 2015. Updated on August 10, 2016. By Megan Boyle, Editorial Director Your baby spends more than half the day sleeping, her face resting on the crib mattress.What is she breathing in? Those are the questions on the minds of parents everywhere – especially when they’re wondering which crib mattress is best for their child. Disturbingly, researchers have detected harmful phthalates, fire retardants and volatile organic chemicals in mattresses made specifically for babies. One study done at the University of Texas at Austin found that the mattresses tested released nearly 30 different types of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, as well as a variety of fragrance allergens. Thanks to consumer demand, manufacturers are working to make mattresses safer – firm enough and properly sized to avoid trapped limbs.
They are also removing some harmful chemicals and using alternative methods to meet fire safety standards. If you’re in the market for a crib mattress for your baby, follow these tips to find one with fewer chemicals: The top priority is clean air. VOCs are potentially hazardous gases that can escape from mattress foam and into the air a baby is breathing. VOCs escape from the polyurethane foam and glues used in a mattress. To limit these pollutants, look for a Global Organic Textile Standard, or GOTS, certified organic mattress, which will be verified to have the least potential for VOC emission. Two other certifications, Green Guard Gold and CertiPur, set maximum levels for VOC off-gassing. Green Guard applies to the entire product, while CertiPUR only applies to the polyurethane foam. Unfortunately, Green Guard’s most stringent standard, Green Guard Select, was discontinued, leaving only the weaker Gold standard in place. It is best to air out any new mattress because VOC levels decline notably after a couple days.
However, other chemicals may linger. GOTS prohibits the use of phthalates in mattresses, while Green Guard and CertiPur set limits on the most commonly used phthalates. Avoid flame retardant chemicals. The foam interior of a mattress may contain added flame retardant chemicals, such as halogenated fire retardants and antimony. Nowadays, new crib mattresses are unlikely to have added chemical flame retardants in the foam, but check with the manufacturer to make sure. If the information is not readily available on the company’s website, call customer service. All mattresses must have a fire-resistant outer covering, but manufacturers can use safer materials such as wool or plant starch to ensure fire safety.If you’re purchasing a product that advertises organic cotton or wool, look for the GOTS label to ensure this claim has been verified. If price is an issue, you could pair a new organic mattress with a recycled crib.*For babies, a waterproof covering makes sense.
Avoid mattresses covered with PVC plastic, which can contain harmful ingredients. Look for polyethylene or thermoplastic polyurethane film covers instead. If you purchase a non-waterproof mattress, you can purchase a non-vinyl cover to be placed under the crib sheet. And skip covers that claim to be antibacterial – they are an unnecessary chemical exposure. *A note about used mattresses To lower costs and reduce waste, some families choose to purchase or borrow used mattresses. This has benefits as well as risks. The amount of chemicals released by a mattress declines over time, so a mattress that has had years to air out may result in much lower exposure for your baby. But older mattresses may contain harmful chemicals that are no longer used in new ones, such as some phthalates that were eliminated in 2009. Plus, the older the mattress, the more mold or bacteria may be hiding inside. Make sure any used mattress you consider has been well maintained, stored in a dry environment and is still firm.