Wondering if choosing organic baby clothes over more "conventional" products really makes a difference? You bet it does!
Globally speaking, buying organic clothing can make a big impact, even if it is for your little baby. Organic farming reduces your carbon footprint and contributes to the general health of the planet. For instance, the cotton industry accounts for over 24% of pesticide use. Five of the top nine chemicals (cyanazine, dicofol, naled, propargite, and trifluralin) in cotton farming are known carcinogens. Children who are exposed to pesticides in and around the home have a 7X higher risk of leukemia. And it's not just children at risk. In India, 91% of male cotton workers exposed 8hrs + daily experienced some type of health disorder including those at the cellular level. The synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used on many crops can poison the water you drink and kill off beneficial organisms (an estimated 67 million birds each year!). Small business farmers often get caught in the vicious cycle of purchasing expensive chemicals to improve yield only to find that more chemicals are required to kill off resistant pests and enhance tired soil the next year. The land wears out, water becomes poisoned, and costs get out of hand, so a once thriving livelihood gets abandoned.
Many parents think that the "Organic" label is just a slick way to raise clothing prices. While organic does cost a little more, the quality of the materials and construction outweighs the extra cost. Your baby's clothes will last longer, look and wear better. You won't be embarrassed to give them to another parent or save them for your growing family. By buying organic, you can own heirloom pieces that future generations can pass down to their children. Strict federal and international standards means if you see an "Organic" label, you know that the product must contain at least 95% organically grown and produced ingredients. A "100% Organic" label means exactly that; the product contains all organically grown and produced ingredients. The International Working Group's Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the label to look for when buying products made outside the U.S. Be aware, labels that say "natural" or "green" are NOT regulated or certified, so there is a lot of inconsistency.
All the global and economic reasons aside, is it really a question when it comes to the comfort of your baby? Certain azo dyes used in conventional clothing are carcinogenic. Formaldehyde, used to "finish" a fabric doesn't wash out completely and neither does the nickel often used. Exposure of delicate baby skin to these chemicals can result in rashes, asthma and other skin related allergies. Even if you are not allergic, organic materials just plain FEEL better.
For many, choosing organic baby clothes was one of the most logical steps when planning for their new arrival. When you put the facts together, it's clear that organic is the way to go. Buying organic baby clothes is not only a great choice for taking care of your little one; it's the responsible choice for taking care of our world.
A good mattress is essential for everyone in the family including your new baby. It is very important to have a good firm crib mattress for the safety of your new infant. It helps to keep their little bodies supported, keeps them from suffocating, getting trapped on the edges of the baby crib or in the corners. The standard mattress is 6 inches thick but some are available up to 9 inches.
Mattresses today come in a variety of thicknesses and materials. Here we are going to talk about the natural and organic mattresses. Most have cotton padding with either 100% cotton or a cotton-polyester blend ticking. Cotton today is either naturally grown or available in organic. The natural cotton is unbleached and unprocessed. The organic cotton is USDA certified, unprocessed and grown without any synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. It all is a matter of personal preference in which you choose. The organic materials just like with all organic grown products are more expensive. All mattresses that do not contain wool have boric acid added as a fire retardant, this is the type of crib mattress most commonly found in retail stores.
Wool is now being used in some of the newer mattresses, it can either be natural or organic much like the cotton crib mattress. All wool mattresses are available but usually a layer of wool is wrapped around cotton and/or foam, or a latex core. They are then covered with 100% cotton or cotton/ polyester ticking. They do not require any boric acid to be added since wool is a natural fire retardant as well as a natural dust mite repellent. This type of mattress will cost slightly more but is worth the extra few dollars for the natural qualities and the natural ability to be fire retardant, this is a great quality because you don't have to have any chemicals that must be used to make other mattresses fire retardant.
If you are looking for a longer lasting crib mattress you might want to try one that has a latex core. The latex is usually wrapped with cotton or wool and is known for its supreme comfort, resilience, and excellent support. There is synthetic latex and natural latex which comes from the rubber tree. Of course the natural latex is by far the most healthy alternative. Latex is a natural dust mite repellent but unless wrapped in wool must be treated with a fire retardant. The Dunlop and Talalay are the two methods of manufacturing natural latex. The Talalay is the newest and uses the most modern technology. If you are looking for a longer lasting crib mattress one of these types might be what you need. They will of course be slightly more expensive but you will not need to replace them for a longer period of time therefore this crib mattress might be less expensive in the long run. With the new lifetime baby cribs of today that convert from baby crib to toddler bed this type of mattress might also be a good choice especially if you are just starting your family and plan on having more than one child.
Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress The Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress is a phenomenal crib mattress. It is one of the most comfortable models of baby crib mattress around. The Sealy crib mattress includes 204 heavy gauge interlocking steel coils which are heat tempered for strength and durability...
Sealy Stain Protection Crib Mattress PadTired of your crib mattress getting stained? Try out the Sealy Stain Protection Crib Mattress Pad. With deep pocketed skirts to prevent sliding and shifting, the Stain Protection Crib Mattress Pad is safe for your child...
Help ensure a good night's sleep (for everyone)! This 100% cotton mattress pad is quilted for soft comfort and features a waterproof layer to protect your mattress. Made to protect the mattress quietly so no one will even know its there...
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...
24 Features: -3'' portable mattress. -Softly cradles your baby for comfort. -The mattress creates a cloudlike environment for your baby to soundly sleep on. -Construct with quality materials and workmanship...
Kolcraft Pediatric 2000 Mattress The Kolcraft Pediatric 2000 Crib Mattress is one of the most durable versions of crib mattress on the market. This heavy duty, durable baby crib mattress features 150 heavy gauge steel coils for strength and durability...
An extra firm sleeping surface will provide peaceful sleep for your baby. The Serta Nightstar Extra Firm crib mattress features extra firm, balanced support throughout with heavy gauge coils and full perimeter border wire...
Sealy Baby Posturepedic Crown Jewel Crib MattressThe Sealy Posturepedic Crib Mattress will have your little darling sleeping like a queen in no time. The Crown Jewel Crib Mattress features Posture Tech innersprings...
Sealy Perfect Rest Crib MattressShouldn't your child have nothing but the best in his nursery? The 150 heavy gauge interlocking coils of this Sealy Crib Mattress are heat tempered for strength and durability...
HC515237F The most recognized and popular foam crib mattress by name in America. The Colgate Classica I extra firm foam mattress crib mattress was rated #1 of all crib mattresses tested by one of the nation's leading consumer products magazines and has been a recommended buy for over fourteen years by another popular baby products publication...
Lean towards "green" when it comes to choosing the right baby products for your child.
The impending birth of a child is indeed a great expectation. Nature has been kind to us in the fact that she has given us nine long months to prepare for this life altering occasion. From your first visit to the doctor to confirm your pregnancy to your anticipated hospital visit to give birth there is a long list of things to do before the arrival of your child. Whether this is your first or your fifth child rest assured that your need of new organic baby products and services will be as unique as the precious life you carry within.
The baby product industry has reinvented itself to cater to the needs of a new generation of parents that are extremely read read on the subject of child birth and are indeed more environmentally conscious when it comes to planning for their child's future and deciding what baby products will be purchased to care for their newest member of the family. With a large emphasis of organic, green baby products to burst on the marketing scene everything from disposable Eco-green diapers to natural raw cotton baby clothes and bedding are available in most stores and online Eco-conscious green websites and the good news is that these products do not cost much more than their inferior counterparts.
With the ever looming problem of imperfect imports from china and other unregulated markets that lack the stringent guidelines of the United States and other quality European countries new parents today must be more vigilant then ever before when it comes to making the right baby product choices.The joy of picking out your child's baby stroller, baby crib, toys, bottles and clothes has all been daunted with the fear of chemical dyes that come in the form of dangerous life threatening carcinogens that are found in plastics, paint finishes and cloth fibers that may come in contact with tender new skin and cause harmful rashes and side effects to newborns. It is important to arm yourself with the proper knowledge as to where, when and how the products you choose for your family were made
Five major ingredients to avoid when purchasing baby products:
Phthalates - Chemicals found in most mainstream consumer products.They are found in soft plastic toys, such as bath toys for babies. They are also found in baby powders, baby shampoos, lotions and fragrance.
Mineral Oil - One of the most commonly used products on babies and potentially the most dangerous.Serious carcinogens can be found in mineral oil. Mineral oil, also known as baby oil, can cause dehydration to a babies skin by blocking the absorption of natural moisture.
Lanolin - Often used for moisturizing or diaper cream may cause an allergic contact skin rash. Lanolin, derived from sheep also contains pesticides that were used on sheep and wool products
Cornstarch - Not recommended for use on yeast related diaper rashes, cornstarch encourages the growth of yeast that will perpetuate diaper rash instead of cure it.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - Before you buy baby shampoo, think again. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is mainly used to create foam in bath and body products. It can cause irritation to a babies scalp as well as penetrate an infants eyes and systemic tissue this is of concern to babies who are under going substantial eye growth.
Most ingredients found in popular name brand adult and infant skin care products are extremely harmful to delicate and sensitive new skin. When you make the conscious decision to purchase pure, natural, organic baby products for your baby you are investing in their good health and giving them the best gift of all, a good start in an otherwise polluted world.
The organic knit cradle sheet is made of super soft and breathable knitted organic cotton interlock material for baby's comfort. Once upon a time I was organically grown in a land far far away. I am grown free of pesticides whereas conventional cotton accounts for 275 million pounds of pesticides annually...
Our soft and adventurous Organic 4-Piece Crib Bedding Set - Fish & Peebles is made from 100% unbleached, organic cotton sateen. The 4-piece set includes a 36"W x 50"L reversible comforter, 10 1/2"H x 160"L bumper, 28"W x 52"L x 8"D fitted sheet which fits a standard crib mattress, and 52" W x 27 1/2" L crib skirt with a 14" drop length.
An exciting part of preparing for a new baby is decorating the nursery. Once you've chosen the crib and complementing dresser, change table and glider... it's time for the fun stuff: color and theme. The bedding and other collection pieces will help to create the overall mood of baby's room...
The Natures Purest Sleepy Safari collection is made of the softest organically grown, naturally colored cotton jersey. It is produced without use of harmful pesticides, chemicals, or dyes. The cotton buds grow in natural shades of cream, brown, and green and are hand picked and processed to make the most wonderful natural colors in this set...
ABC Organic Cotton Interlock Embroidery Blanket Made with organically-grown, pesticide-free cotton, this Organic Cotton Thermal Receiving Blanket in mocha measures 30quot; x 40quot; and is ideal for your baby's sensitive skin...
ABC Organic Cotton Thermal Blanket Made with organically-grown, pesticide-free cotton, this 100% Organic Cotton Thermal Receiving Blanket in natural measures 30quot; x 40quot; and is ideal for your baby's sensitive skin.
The organic knit cradle sheet is made of super soft and breathable knitted organic cotton interlock material for baby's comfort. The story of organic cotton: Once upon a time I was organically grown in a land far far away...
Our soft and adventurous Organic 4-Piece Crib Bedding Set - Hearts & Flowers is made from 100% unbleached, organic cotton sateen. The 4-piece set includes a 36"W x 50"L reversible comforter, 10 1/2"H x 160"L bumper, 28"W x 52"L x 8"D fitted sheet which fits a standard crib mattress, and 52" W x 27 1/2" L crib skirt with a 14" drop length.
The organic knit porta crib sheet is made of super soft and breathable knitted organic cotton interlock material for baby's comfort. Once upon a time I was organically grown in a land far far away. I am grown free of pesticides whereas conventional cotton accounts for 275 million pounds of pesticides annually...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
Naturepedic Organic Portacrib PadThe naturepedic Organic Cotton Portacrib 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...
Why should you consider an organic crib mattress for our baby? After all, as long as it’s safe and comfortable, your baby will fine right? Well, maybe.
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.
Organic mattresses are made from eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton which do not contain the same toxins and chemicals. 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
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. 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 plan your baby’s nursery, think about how a particular 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.
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...
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
24 Features: -3'' portable mattress. -Softly cradles your baby for comfort. -The mattress creates a cloudlike environment for your baby to soundly sleep on. -Construct with quality materials and workmanship...
