No-Chem Tummy Time Mat We have recently updated our site, and slowly our health articles and info pages will be added to this new site. We appreciate your patience while we work behind the scenes. Connect with us on: The page you are looking for must not have been updated to the new site yet. We apologize, and hope to have everything updated soon. You might find a link to the new page listed on Healthy Living Articles, or on a tab to the left. You can also try adding the letter "l" (lowercase L) at the end of the url and it might take you exactly where you want to go. Thanks for stopping by!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 AdultsThe safest place for your baby to sleep is on their own sleep surface, in the same room as you, for at least the first six months.
A Moses basket or cot is a safe place for a baby to sleep. You should use a firm and flat mattress that is protected by a waterproof cover. This will help keep the mattress clean and dry, as the cover can be wiped down. Make sure your baby’s mattress is in good condition and that it fits the Moses basket or cot properly. It can be common to use a second-hand mattress either from friends and family, or from your previous children. There is some research that found an increased chance of SIDS when using a second-hand mattress although the link is not yet proven. To help reduce this risk, if you are using a second-hand mattress make sure the mattress you choose was previously completely protected by a waterproof cover, and then use one for your baby as well. The mattress should also still be firm and flat to keep your baby sleeping safely. Firmly tucked in sheets and blankets (not above shoulder height) or a baby sleeping bag are safe for a baby to sleep in. Be sure to remove any soft toys from the cot before each sleep period.