And you thought choosing a name was hard.Navigating the maze of crib mattresses involves more than noting your crib's measurements and heading to the nearest baby store -- especially if you're concerned about the chemical makeup of your child's bed.), for pointers on choosing a mattress that lets you all sleep soundly (albeit in two-hour increments). Lunder has a master's of public health from the University of California, Berkeley, and specializes in the risks posed to children's health by toxins and pesticides. Her three tips:Avoid vinyl: This is not easy, as the vast majority of crib mattresses are covered in vinyl for water resistance. But it's Lunder's No. 1 priority.Vinyl is a hard plastic (PVC) with chemical plasticizers (often phthalates) added for flexibility. Many environmental and health professionals question the safety of PVC and phthalates, which may damage the liver, increase the risk of asthma and act as endocrine disrupters.A couple of options: Naturepedic mattresses are covered in polyethylene, a waterproof plastic used in food packaging and lauded for its non-toxic properties.
, they range in price from $259 to $399. IKEA mattresses are covered in a cotton/polyester blend and range from $39.99 to $79.99. For mattress covers, Lunder recommends cotton, wool or water-resistant polypropylene, which emits fewer toxic chemicals than vinyl.Know your chemicals: Because polyurethane foam, which many mattresses are stuffed with, is so flammable, chemical fire retardants are added to meet safety standards. True, your child won't be smoking in bed (nor are you likely to leave a burning cigarette in a crib), but the laws are in place to protect children who play with matches or lighters.Some manufacturers use brominated flame retardants, which are banned in several states. Others use less toxic chemicals, and still others stuff their mattresses with materials that aren't as flammable (such as cotton) and require fewer retardants. But finding out what a specific manufacturer does is no small feat."It's hard to deal with as a consumer issue because manufacturers are all doing pretty similar things," says Lunder.
"A lot of things advertised as natural may be on some level, but they may not be free of fire retardants."Your best option, Lunder says, is to air out the mattress before your child sleeps on it."When you buy a new couch or a new mattress, it smells very intensely from the curing of the foam," Lunder says. "Leave it out in the garage or in a different room until you can't smell that chemical smell anymore."Look beyond "organic": Don't focus too much on "organic cotton filling.""The idea that pesticides from the cotton are getting to your kid is not that likely," Lunder says.However, she notes, a mattress filled with cotton will likely contain fewer chemicals than one filled with foam and is obviously better for the environment. Princess Grace`s Fatal Crash: Her Daughter`s AccountYoung mother shot in the head on South Side: 'My baby's fighting for her life'New Owner Demolishes O.j. Simpson Mansion Nicole Simpson's Grisly Death Described To JuryComplications common for adults after tonsillectomy10 reasons why you want the job
By Jim Donovan: IKEA is recalling 169,000 crib mattresses. The crib mattresses could create a gap between the mattress and crib ends larger than allowed by federal regulations, posing an entrapment hazard to infants. There have been two reports of infants becoming entrapped between the mattress and an end of the crib. This recall involves IKEA VYSSA style crib mattresses with the following five model names: VACKERT, VINKA, SPELEVINK, SLÖA and SLUMMER. The involved mattresses were manufactured on May 4, 2014 or earlier. An identification label attached to the mattress cover has the date of manufacture in Month-DD-YYYY format and the VYSSA model name. and click on the recall link at the top of the page for more information.Skip to main content Recalls and safety alerts Expanded recall: IKEA Canada recalls VYSSA crib mattresses What you should do Expansion of September 4, 2014 recall IKEA VYSSA crib mattresses This recall involves IKEA VYSSA crib mattresses with date stamp “May 4, 2014" or earlier.
IKEA VYSSA crib mattresses include the following models: The product name and date stamp are found on a label sewn onto the mattress. IKEA VYSSA crib mattresses are designed to be used with IKEA cribs to ensure a snug fit and safe sleeping environment for your baby. A gap between the mattress and the side or end of the crib that is greater than 3 cm poses an entrapment hazard for an infant. Health Canada has received one consumer incident report related to this advisory for a VYSSA crib mattress. IKEA Canada has received 10 reports in Canada of a potential gap created between the VYSSA mattress and the end of the crib, posing a safety hazard for infants. No injuries have been reported to Health Canada nor IKEA Canada related to this advisory. Approximately 63,800 VYSSA crib mattresses have been sold at IKEA stores across Canada and online at www.ikea.ca. The VYSSA crib mattresses have been sold since 2010 in Canada. IKEA Canada Limited Partnership
Images (select thumbnail to enlarge - opens in a new window) Consumers should check the gap between the IKEA VYSSA crib mattress and the side and end of the crib. If the gap is greater than 3 cm, consumers should immediately stop using the affected product and return it to any IKEA store for an exchange or a full refund. For more information, consumers may contact IKEA Canada by telephone toll-free at 1-800-661-9807 or visit IKEA's website. Let new mattresses air for 72 hours after unpacking. It takes 3-4 days for the mattress to assume its proper shape and volume, Remove all bedding, for example fitted sheets, Push the mattress into one of the corners of the crib and measure the gap between the mattress and the crib's side and end using a measuring tape. Any gap should be less than 3 cm. Consumers may view the release by the US CPSC on the Commission's website. Please note that the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits recalled products from being redistributed, sold or even given away in Canada.