Organic Crib Mattress – Benefits
A mattress is one of the most significant items you can purchase when you are expecting a new baby. Why? Traditional Mattresses – The Problems
Mattresses have been produced basically in an unchanged manner for years. To protect the outside of the mattress against the likely diaper spill event, these mattresses are encased with a impervious vinyl covering. Chemicals that are used in these typical mattresses off-gas and the babies breath these gasses while they are sleeping.
When you consider that in conjunction with the chemicals used inside the traditional crib mattress it gets pretty scary. Even though the vinyl outer layer is moisture-proof, these chemicals can still leach through it and your baby can breath the gasses while inside the crib. The good news is that an organic crib mattress offers a safe and healthy option.
The Organic Crib Mattress
Nowadays most mattress manufacturers claim to have mattress options, and for the most part, they all do. However, they mostly use slightly different outer layer and filling materials. Some items you ought to look for in an organic mattress include:
The fire retardants that are used in organic mattresses are organic.
As we mentioned before, the chemicals that are used in traditional mattresses, to protect against fire can have serious health effects. In-crib fire barriers are required per governmental regulations.
Some mattress manufacturers in reality, produce use of recycled materials in the production of their products. A company called Pixel Organics uses recycled plastic bottles in their mattresses.
Where You Can Find One
Nearly every crib mattress manufacturer now offers an organic crib mattress option. Expect to spend anywhere between $100 and $600 for an organic crib mattress.
How to Choose Organic Crib Mattress That Is Truly Non-Toxic
I have done a lot of research (over 10 years) to determine the best organic crib mattress for babies. If you are looking for an organic crib mattress, you probably already know that non-organic mattresses can be very toxic. This is because typical inexpensive crib mattresses contain polyurethane foam and are covered with vinyl (PVC) or some other toxic plastic for waterproofing. Most manufacturers use highly toxic chemical fire retardants to pass these fire laws. Yes, organic crib mattresses are more expensive, but it’s well worth the cost to protect your baby.
Mattress manufacturers can call their mattresses organic simply because they use organic cotton as the inside filling. Many organic crib mattresses contain toxic plastic coverings and fire retardant materials; however they are still considered organic. Make sure your baby’s mattress:
Find a mattress certified by Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS). U.S. mattress manufacturers and retailers cannot legally sell you a mattress that has not passed flammability requirements. Unless you present a doctor’s prescription when purchasing your crib mattress, you are buying a mattress that is fire resistant. Fortunately, there are several non-toxic fire retardant materials available.
Wool is used by most organic crib mattress manufacturers since it is naturally a fire resistant material. However, wool can be allergenic and a wool-covered mattress will not be waterproof. This formula was designed by an environmental scientist exclusively for the Naturepedic organic crib mattress line. There’s a good reason why crib mattress manufacturers use a plastic covering for the surface. Unfortunately, plastic is the only way to waterproof a mattress. Find an organic crib mattress with a polyethylene surface for waterproofing and dust mite protection.
Make sure your organic crib mattress is certified by the GREENGUARD Children & Schools standard. Find an organic crib mattress that is both organic AND non-toxic.
