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.Multifaceted sleeper sofas can serve as an instant guest room — or as close to one as you might get if you don't have enough beds to accommodate overnight guests. And even though hide-a-beds used to get a bad rap for saggy mattresses and uncomfortable bars and springs, the good news is that the latest sleeper sofas are not only easy on the eyes, they're easy on the back. But stylish and comfortable? From sleek futon-style daybeds to modern king-sized sleeper sofas with Tempur-Pedic mattresses, we share 11 new designs just in time for holiday guests.1. Puzzle Wood Sofa Bed Expand your small living space with the modular Puzzle Wood Sofa Bed from Innovation USA, a Danish-inspired convertible sofa that folds easily into a bed. /puzzle-wood-sofa-bed.htmlInterior designers repeatedly tell us that American Leather manufactures the most comfortable sleeper sofas on the market.
Its latest design, the Noah, features clean modern styling with a platform system that includes Tempur-Pedic, gel and premier mattress choices. Pricing varies based on the size, upholstery, and the mattress selected. 3. The Movie Queen Sleeper SofaThe sleeper version of CB2's popular Movie Queen Sofa measures 80 inches wide by 40 inches deep by 27 inches high and includes a spacious queen bed inside. Available in 42 colors. Oxford Pop-Up Platform Sleeper Sofa Simply pull out the bottom deck of the Oxford Pop-Up Platform Sleeper Sofa with the attached tabs and the bed pops right up. Spring and high-resiliency foam create a supportive queen-sized mattress so your guests get a good night's sleep. Available at Room & Board South Coast Plaza and Culver City. /catalog/living/sleeper-sofas/oxford-pop-up-platform-sleeper-sofaSlipcovered for easy machine washing, this affordable light pink confection from IKEA converts easily to a bed and includes storage underneath the seat cushion. The Mono Sleeper SofaVery modern, the Mono Sleeper from Blu Dot ($1,999) includes one cushion, three throw pillows and a queen-size sleeper mattress.
Available in gray, orange and sand upholstery. Dryden Queen Sleeper SofaBrushed pewter nailheads give the Dryden Queen Sleeper Sofa from Crate & Barrel a tailored look. Available in diamond-textured weave or velvety-soft microfiber. Opens to a queen sleeper sofa featuring a bi-fold 51/2 -inch innerspring mattress with an air cushion layer. 8. The Vesper King Sleeper SofaThe leather Vesper King Sleeper Sofa from Design Within Reach ($8,945) features an easy-to-fold-out bed that rests entirely on a wooden platform, which means you won't feel the sturdy crossbar underneath. /product/vesper-king-sleeper-sofa-in-leather.do?sortby=ourPicksThe simple Mid-Century Futon from West Elm ($999) seats three when upright and sleeps two when flat. /products/mid-century-futon-h1472The James Sleeper Sofa from Gus Modern has removable back cushions, which allows it to transform into a twin bed for an overnight guest, $1,850. The Fiona Super Luxe Queen SleeperButton tufting and nailheads give the Fiona Super Luxe Queen Sleeper from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams an elegant look.