Gearing up for a newborn? We’ve got tips for safer baby essentials that will help you navigate the must-haves with an eye toward healthier products for your little one. Start with a solid wood crib, unfinished or finished with low-toxic paint or sealer. When choosing a crib mattress, look for materials such as wool, cotton, and natural latex—avoid polyurethane foam, PVC/vinyl, and antibacterial treatments. Protect your mattress with wool puddle pads, or mattress pads made from cotton with a polyethylene layer. Again, avoid PVC/vinyl waterproofing materials along with antibacterial or stain treatments. For sheets, choose natural fibers and steer clear of “no-iron” permanent press bedding which may emit formaldehyde. Most babies don’t need suds or lotion on a regular basis, and plain water is effective for washing. When you do use soap or shampoo, look for fragrance-free and dye-free products, and skip anti-bacterial ingredients. If you use baby oil, choose plant-based oils.
Avoid baby powders which can easily be inhaled and irritate lungs. For laundry care, use fragrance-free and dye-free detergents. Look for fill materials like cotton, wool, buckwheat, or polyester instead of polyurethane foam due to concerns about toxic flame retardants. Avoid pillows labeled as meeting California flame retardant standard TB117. Some companies are developing policies to replace harmful brominated and chlorinated flame retardants with safer alternatives. to see results of car seat testing for toxic chemicals. If purchasing a new carseat, check manufacturers’ current policies on flame retardants. If your baby needs a pacifier, choose clear silicone. For teething, go plastic-free with teethers made from unfinished wood or use a frozen washcloth. Welcome the hand-me downs, and wash new clothes at least once before your baby wears them. Look for models with a simple washable fabric seat. Avoid antimicrobial or stain-resistant treatments, polyurethane foam, and PVC/vinyl in any seat cushion.
Most plastic stroller rain covers are PVC, so avoid as much as possible. Safer all-weather cover materials include TPU clear plastic. If feeding baby with formula, choose powdered; avoid ready-made formula in metal cans.When it comes to your baby, every day is an opportunity to go green. Luckily, it's never been easier — or more affordable — to find eco-friendly and organic baby products that not only remove harmful chemicals and toxins from your home, but also help the planet, too. Because what better gift can you give your child than ensuring that they have a safe and clean world to grow up in? From the nursery to your diaper bag, check out these 30 simple product swaps to help give your little one a healthy and natural start. Baby Products for 2017 Independent Babies Love These Fun Bouncers Pregnancy Essentials and Maternity Must-Haves 10 Amazing Babymoon Locales Expectant Couples Can't Decide Between 10 Play Yards Your Kid Won't Want to Share Carry On: Stylish and Safe Baby Carriers of 2017
10 Toddler Beds You'll Wish Came in Your Size These Crib Mattresses Are Too Cute and Comfy to Pass Up 10 Best Safety Gates for Baby-Proofing Your Home Rub-a-Dub-Dub With These 20 Baby Bathtubs16 Best Teethers for Babies Parents Are Obsessing Over These 15 Online Baby StoresCrib MatressMattress Here'SCrib CotMattress GuideBaby MckeigneyBaby JudeBaby ChloeBaby EvelynForwardIt's very important to get a safe and comfortable crib mattress! Express Link to the 5 Best Baby Crib Mattress Comparison Chart With so many options available, finding the best crib mattress for your baby can be overwhelming. You want a mattress that is durable, comfortable, and most importantly, . Babies spend a lot of time sleeping (even though it might not seem like it!) and they also grow rapidly. The mattress needs to properly fit the crib, be firm and provide support. You also may want to purchase a crib mattress that is a little bigger than your baby requires initially, so that you can get the most use out of it in the long-term.
There are two types of crib mattresses: foam and They are both good options when they are made with high-quality products. Foam tends to be lighter: A feature you want to keep in mind as you will have to lift the mattress to change sheets and clean. Innerspring mattresses are popular because they are the most common choices. No matter which one you choose, ensure it is of a high quality. You don’t have to spend a lot of money for a good crib mattress, but too low of a price can be an indicator of poor quality. Cutting corners on the quality of your baby’s mattress is not an option.The three most important features for your baby’s crib mattress are . Crib mattresses need to be firm as babies are continuously developing and their spines require support. It’s often easy for us to forget this fact, because our first instinct is to purchase a softer and more conforming mattress. When the mattress is , it increases the risk for suffocation (). In addition, you do not want one that will crack or flake as it poses a danger to your baby.
It is important to remember that you want your baby and toddler to develop good sleeping habits now. Poor quality mattresses can lead to a variety of sleeping issues. The best crib mattress will provide firm, yet comfortable support with the highest quality products. The following crib mattress reviews for five of the highest-rated ones on the market should make your decision easier. These mattresses all provide your baby with a safe and comfortable slumber. Each one offers some bonus features that may be important to you. So which one of these options is the best baby or toddler mattress for your little one? Read on to find out. Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Crib MattressSoybean oils. Combines comfort + technology. Good for newborns through to ages 4.Extra firm Eco-Classica III Crib MattressBrand best seller. Great value for money. Lightweight.Dual-sided firmness levels(1 side softer than the other) Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams White Crib MattressImported. High-density fibre core for support.
Dream on Me SpringCrib + Toddler Mattress (Twilight)Good support. Good for infant to toddler years. Hypo-allergenic + plush comfort. Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual FirmnessAnti-microbial protection. Extra-firm on infant side. Firm on toddler side. The Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Crib Mattress gives your baby a good night’s sleep by using soybean oils. The soybean oils -- sourced from American farmers -- reduce sagging, and increase durability. The mattress is firm, yet lightweight. The cover and binding are waterproof, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. This foam crib mattress is Greenguard Certified. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. The Sealy brand is award-winning, earning an America’s Best Brand for Baby Women’s Choice Award. The Colgate Eco Classica III is Colgate’s best-selling crib mattress. This mattress is eco-friendly and has a dual firmness design. Your baby sleeps on the firmer side, and when he or she grows into a toddler, you can flip the mattress over to the softer side.
The firm memory foam is infused with plant oils for increased durability. The cover is PVC-free and waterproof. This crib mattress is Greenguard Gold Certified and made with CertiPUR-US certified safe foam. The mattress comes with an organic cotton cover. This crib mattress is 51.7 x 27.5 x 6 inches and weighs 9.4 pounds. It is made in the U.S.A. The Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams White Crib Mattress gives your baby firm support. It has a high-density thermo-bonded fiber core that is both lightweight and durable. The waterproof vinyl cover is easy to clean. This crib mattress is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it meets standards for low chemical emissions. It is also free of phthalates and lead. The mattress measures 52.5 x 27.5 x 5.5 inches so it fits standard cribs and toddler beds. The Safety 1st crib mattress comes in 3 colors: white, light pink, and light blue. The Dream On Me Spring Crib & Toddler Mattress has 80 interwoven coils that offer a firm support on which your baby can sleep.
The waterproof lock-stitched binding keeps mold, mildew, and odor out. The mattress is anti-bacterial and lightweight. A foam wrap provides extra comfort. It is easy to clean with soap and water. This mattress is 52 x 27 x 6 inches and weighs 10 pounds. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty. Considered as a more affordable option, The Little Dreamer mattress is designed with 5-inch thick high-quality medical grade foam that is CertiPUR-US certified. The brand, Moonlight Slumber, clearly has foresight and thinks beyond the infant stage. The mattress is usable on dual sides: an extra-firm high-density foam on the infant side as well as a firm high-density foam on the toddler side provides maximum comfort and use into your baby’s toddler years. With its square and cornered edges, side-stitched seams, simple shape and quality ticking, this mattress is also safe. It is free of any harsh chemicals, such as vinyl, polyethylene, PVC, phthalates, and lead. Its non-toxic, waterproof nylon cover is easily cleaned with a damp sponge.