An Organic Crib Mattress – A Key Part of a Healthy Nursery Environment
Organic crib mattresses, made from eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, can be a great choice for your baby's nursery. Many parents-to-be are unaware that conventional mattresses are typically made with synthetic materials that can break down and release harmful chemicals into the air.
Babies, with their sensitive immune systems, can be particularly susceptible to inhaling these chemicals or absorbing them through the skin. Thus, the purchase of an organic crib mattress along with natural wood furniture and other eco-friendly products can help you create a healthier nursery that benefits not only your baby, but your family and the environment as well.
Whether you're awaiting the birth of your first child or already have children, you probably already know that newborn babies tend to need a lot of rest. In fact, according to experts, babies can initially spend an average of 16 hours a day asleep! Given this fact, the sleeping environment you prepare for your baby is especially important. Read on to find out more about the dangers of traditional crib mattresses and why buying a natural crib mattress is a better choice.
Conventional Crib Mattresses
Many conventional mattresses are filled with polyurethane foam which contains a variety of chemical additives. In fact, polyurethane, a petroleum product, contains known carcinogens. In addition, it is extremely flammable.
To address the danger of using polyurethane foam, manufacturers treat mattresses with toxic industrial flame retardants that contain harmful ethers such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PBDEs can leach out of the mattress and into the air. They have been linked to thyroid problems and other neurobehavioral disruptions. Due to this danger, PBDEs have been banned in Europe since 2004. In the United States, legislation banning manufacturers' use of PBDEs has been passed in the states of California and Washington.
Conventional mattresses typically have an outer shell made from vinyl/PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which contains phthalates. Phthalates are animal carcinogens and have been linked to damage of the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to toxins and chemicals, especially during the first years of life so you don't want to expose your baby to these dangers unnecessarily. Let's take a look at some of the benefits of organic crib mattresses.
Organic Crib Mattresses
Mattresses are manufactured with eco-friendly materials such as certified organic cotton which is grown without synthetic pesticides, heavy metals or genetically modified organisms.
Waterproof layers are constructed from polyethylene which is considered to be non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
Mattresses are constructed with non-toxic fire protectants.
Manufacturing materials and processes are better for the environment.
It is important to note that manufacturers can be somewhat liberal with labeling. So be sure to do your research. Review the product information and look for crib mattresses made with "100% certified organic" fibers.
As you set up your baby registry and begin your preparations, consider first how a product will contribute to the environment you are creating for your precious little one. You would never willingly lie your baby down on a pile toxins and carcinogens that you could see. So remember that there are unseen dangers as well. The good news is that you can make healthier choices for your child. An organic crib mattress is a great first step.
Sheila Baskerville is a CPA and mother of 3 children. For more information on natural, organic baby products and eco-friendly parenting tips, visit Natural-Organic-Baby.com. Get helpful tips delivered straight to you. To sign up for your free monthly newsletter, visit The Go Natural & Organic Baby! E-zine.
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American Baby Company Organic Waterproof Quilted Crib and Toddler Pad List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $35.99  |
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Our organic fitted waterproof quilted mattress pad fits all 28' x 52 standard crib and toddler bed mattresses. The top layer is made of soft and breathable 100% organic cotton for baby's comfort. Middle layer is 100% soft and breathable polyester for absorbency... |
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Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Classic 150 Crib Mattress List Price: $259.00 Sale Price: $258.95 |
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The Naturepedic No-Compromise? Organic Cotton Classic is simply the healthiest crib mattress available. It is waterproof, firm and eliminates potentially harmful chemicals from your child?s crib. It will provide your child with a more natural, healthy and comfortable sleep environment... |
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Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Classic 252 Crib Mattress List Price: $299.00 Sale Price: $298.95 |
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Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress Classic 252The award winning Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 252 features organic and healthy material while eliminating potentially harmful chemicals commonly found in crib mattresses... |
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Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Crib Mattress List Price: $179.99 Sale Price: $125.00 |
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A Kolcraft Soybean Foam-Core Crib Mattress That is Better for Baby and the Environment FEATURES: * Hypoallergenic Soybean Foam-Core prevents sagging & is ultra- supportive * Soy Based Foam-Core offers improved durability over conventional foams and uses renewable resources instead of crude oils * Square Cut Corners for snug fit in cribs * Entire Cover and Lock-Stitched Binding wipe clean preventing allergens from clinging to the mattress * Lightweight to easily change sheets * Cover is wet-resistant & cleans easily * Airflow Pocket at bottom so mattress can "breathe" without small metal parts * Soybeans are a renewable resource & grown in the USA * Soy Foam-Core uses less Petroleum & Oil Product * Meets Federal Flammability Standard 16 CFR 1633 * Lifetime Warranty on workmanship and materials * Mattress is Free of Phthalates Antimony PBDE's and Boric Acid |
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Sealy Naturalis Crib Mattress with Organic Cotton List Price: $119.99 Sale Price: $95.54 |
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Certified Organic Cotton for a Plush Sleeping Environment. Cotton is Certified by the United States Department of Agriculture. Entire Cover and Lock-Stitched Binding Wipe Clean, Preventing Allergens from Clinging to the Mattress... |
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Snoozy Organic Cotton Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $24.99 |
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A 100% natural cotton surface with an allergy barrier that is a soft knit fabric backed with ultra-thin breathable, waterproof polyurethane membrane. Provides protection from allergen molecules of less than 1... |
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Naturepedic Organic Cotton 2-in-1 Ultra Crib Mattress List Price: $399.00 Sale Price: $399.00 |
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Naturepedic's two in one organic cotton ultra mattes promotes a health environment for your baby or child. The two in one dual firmness design allows a smooth transition from infrant to toodlers with just a flip of the matter... |
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Naturepedic Quilted Organic Cotton Deluxe Crib Mattress List Price: $339.00 Sale Price: $338.95 |
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Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress QuiltedThe Naturepedic Organic Cotton Quilted Eeluxe features a luxuriously quilted organic cotton cover and aU.S. grown certified organic cotton filling. Exclusive non-toxic fire protection meets and exceeds all federal and state flammability... |
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Colgate Eco Classica I Crib Mattress, Beige List Price: $189.99 Sale Price: $189.99 |
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The EcoClassica I is similar to our Classica I mattress in terms of firmness and durability, but the foam is made with plant based materials that replaces much of the petroleum used in the normal manufacturing process of foam... |
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Naturepedic Organic Cotton Bassinet Oval Mattress List Price: $99.00 Sale Price: Too low to display |
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Naturepedic Organic Oval Bassinet PadThe Naturepedic Organic Cotton Oval Bassinet Pad features organic and healthy materials for your baby's safety and comfort. It combines U.S. grown certified organic cotton filling with a premium waterproof organic cotton cover so pure that it meets food contact standrds... |
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Stork Craft Tuscany Glider and Ottoman, Espresso/Beige List Price: $299.00 Sale Price: $187.00 |
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06550-549 The Stork Craft Tuscany Glider and Ottoman set offers gentle motion while feeding your baby in those early morning hours. Featuring a solid construction with a magical sleigh design, this is a royal centerpiece for your nursery... |
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Stork Craft Hoop Glider and Ottoman Cushion, Cherry Wood and Beige Corduroy List Price: $199.00 Sale Price: $135.99 |
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A must-have for new moms, this Hoop Glider is perfect for rocking baby to sleep in the wee hours of the night. Glider features solid wood construction with metal, enclosed ball bearings for a smooth gliding motion... |
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Room Magic Nursery Set, Magic Garden Chocolate List Price: $1,498.00 Sale Price: $1,031.32 |
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Babies will love our Heart Throb Nursery Group with its graphic swirls of multi-colored hearts on the fabrics. Made in French colonial style with solid hardwood with a white finish, the set includes 5-Drawer Chest, removable heart shaped changing table tray, Crib/Toddler Bed, coordinating crib bedding set, changing pad cover... |
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Fantasy Furniture Homey VIP Sofa, Sweet Brown List Price: $139.00 Sale Price: $139.00 |
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Chelsea 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib in Cherry by Nursery Smart List Price: $429.00 Sale Price: $297.00 |
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Designed with style and elegance, the Chelsea 4-in-1 convertible baby crib is as sophisticated as it is functional. Featuring a panel both on the footboard and headboard, this convertible crib is handcrafted by skilled wood workers with over 3 decades of woodwork experience... |
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LaJobi Nursery 101 Concord Dressing Table, Cherry List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: $99.99 |
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Your baby's comfort and safety are number-one priorities when it comes to choosing nursery furniture. Choose with confidence with the Nursery 101 Concord Changer. Beautifully designed and constructed from solid hardwood this classic changing table gives you peace of mind... |
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Atlantic Furniture Eco-Friendly Richmond Convertible Crib, White List Price: $420.00 Sale Price: $365.95 |
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Nursery 101 Baby's Room Deluxe White List Price: $229.99 Sale Price: $195.49 |
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South Shore Furniture, 4 Drawer Chest, Pure White List Price: $119.96 Sale Price: $101.41 |
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This classically elegant 4-drawer chest boasts fresh clean lines, profiled edges, and lots of convenient storage space to highlight your baby`s bedroom decor or to grace any other room of the house. Goes beautifully with other South Shore Pure White-finish items Innovative drawer Smart Glides with lifetime warranty Child-friendly safety catches on drawer glides Manufactured from engineered-wood products 5-year warranty |
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Atlantic Furniture Eco-Friendly Windsor Convertible Crib, White List Price: $586.00 Sale Price: $586.00 |
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The Atlantic Furniture Windsor Convertible Crib - White features a solid hardwood construction and metal spring frame mattress support for added durability and safety. Gentle arch and slat design with a |
Tagged with: Crib • Environment • Healthy • mattress • Nursery • Organic • Part
Filed under: Nursery Furniture
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