Give Your Baby a Healthy Start by Choosing an Organic Crib Mattress

Preparing to welcome a new baby into the world creates a variety of emotions. Expectant parents are often elated, yet feel a sense of anxiety as they wonder if they are choosing the best products for their little one. This is especially true when choosing a new crib and crib mattress.

organic crib mattress

This article will explore the health dangers that have been linked to traditional mattress and explain the benefits that expectant parents can expect when choosing an organic crib mattress Sacramento, as well as purchasing tips to help ease of mind.

Dangers Associated with Traditional Crib Mattresses

Mattresses must adhere to specific regulations for fire safety. In traditional mattresses various chemicals are used to meet these regulations such as PentaBDE. Other potentially toxic materials and chemicals associated with traditional crib mattresses include polyvinyl chloride, phthalates including DEHP, and polyurethane foam. PentaBDE, used as a fire retardant, has already been banned in Europe and California.

An article summarizing the book The Infant Survival Guide: Protecting Your Baby for the Dangers of Crib Death, Vaccines and Other Environmental Hazards explains a link between the off-gas of dangerous chemicals found in traditional mattresses and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The summary states that when ordinarily harmless household microorganisms and fungi are consumed by added fire retardants such as arsenic, antimony, and phosphorus, the fungi can then emit heavier-than-air neurotoxic gases. These gases are approximately one thousand times more poisonous than carbon monoxide.

The generation of these gases can occur when a traditional mattress that contains both the harmful chemicals and fungi is in contact with the baby and warmed to body temperature. The fungi can be enabled to grow and generate gas quickly when in contact with a baby's urine, vomit, dribble, perspiration, and body heat.

It is stated that most of these gases are contained within a thin layer on the baby's crib and diffuse away. However, if enough gases accumulate they can reach to a fatal level.

Benefits of an All-Natural Crib Mattress

Organic, or all-natural, crib mattresses are free of dangerous additives and chemicals. The materials used within these mattresses helps to minimize sensitivities and allergies as they are naturally free of dust mites and mold. Overall, these mattresses have the following healthful benefits:

- Made using sustainable, responsible sourced products.
- Mattress components are all-natural, chemical-free materials.
- No risk from chemical off-gassing as associated with traditional mattresses.

Tips for Purchasing an All-Natural Crib Mattress

Parents should be aware that not all all-natural crib mattresses are created the same. Be sure to purchase a mattress certifying that all components and the manufacturing process are free of toxic chemicals and materials. Avoid mattresses that contain materials such as boric acid, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, plastics, or polyurethane foam. Look for the words "certified organic" prior to making a purchase. Also, consider the following information related to the various organic mattress materials when making a purchase:

- Wool is naturally fire retardant and water resistant, but it may aggravate allergies.
- Naturally hypoallergenic latex foam is a good option for children with allergies.
- Organic cotton is recommended for children with sensitive skin, however, they don't prevent the soaking of diaper leaks into the mattress.
- Bamboo fiber is also a good option for sensitive skin and has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, therefore, they are typically costlier.

Also, an investment in an all-natural crib mattress can be further protected by applying an organic mattress cover. These can absorb diaper leakages, which prevents an overgrowth of bacteria in a child's sleeping area and can be removed and washed.

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