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.

	American Baby Company Organic Waterproof Quilted Crib and Toddler Pad List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $35.99
	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...

Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Crib Mattress List Price: $179.99 Sale Price: $131.54

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

	Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Classic 150 Crib Mattress List Price: $259.00 Sale Price: $258.95
	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 No Compromise Organic Cotton Classic 252 Crib Mattress List Price: $299.00 Sale Price: $298.95
	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...

	Dream On Me Portable Crib Mattress, White List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $23.95
	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...

	Sealy Naturalis Crib Mattress with Organic Cotton List Price: $119.99 Sale Price: $95.54
	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...

	Snoozy Organic Cotton Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $24.99
	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...

	Naturepedic Organic Cotton 2-in-1 Ultra Crib Mattress List Price: $399.00 Sale Price: $399.00
	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...

	Colgate Mattress Eco-Friendly Portable Mini Crib Mattress, Ecru List Price: $64.95 Sale Price: $64.95
	EC324F Features: -Portable crib / mini crib mattress. -Fits standard size portable cribs and mini cribs. -Damask cloth cover with waterproof backing puts cloth closest to baby's skin instead of vinyl or polyethylene plastic...

	Colgate Eco Classica I Crib Mattress, Beige List Price: $189.99 Sale Price: $189.99
	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...

After the initial excitement of finding out your are expecting, you find yourself faced with a myriad of decisions. Today, it is easier than ever to choose to parent your child in a natural and organic way to help ensure she is surrounded by healthy materials and products. Choosing to go organic will help your baby be less prone to allergies and infections and other unhealthy conditions.

Nearly everything in your baby's nursery can be found in a natural form, including the bedding, her clothing, and the décor. Natural baby items are becoming more and more prevalent in the marketplace and many companies are offering products which fall into the natural or organic category. The decision to go natural can be rewarding for both you and your baby.

The environment in your baby's nursery is also important. Your baby is surrounded by paint and carpet and of course air. Make sure the paint is a lead-free paint, and if you are applying a new paint to coordinate with the nursery patterns, you can go with an eco-friend brand of paint, such as Ecos Organic Paints or FreshAire Choice. These paints have less paint odor to the and are free of the harsh chemicals that remain in your home and in the air. This will help your baby avoid inhaling any fumes and breathe more easily. Additionally, an ionizer can also help keep the air fresh and clean as well.

When you are ready to select baby furniture, look for woods that are organic in nature and come from sustainable material. Part of being a natural parent is being aware of where materials are derived as well as choosing healthy products. If manufactured outside the country, try to make sure the furniture is a fair-trade item where the workers are treated and paid fairly for their efforts. In this way you are looking out for your baby's future as well as people's lives today.

Of course the bedding you choose for the crib can be made from organic items. Organic cotton is becoming readily available for purchase, and organic bamboo is also starting to make its presence in the bedding world. In addition to being a sustainable source, bamboo is extremely soft as well as a natural repellant for dust mites and bacteria. Organic fibers like cotton and bamboo can be found in a variety of colors and designs to complement any nursery theme.

Your baby will need some care products. You can have natural canvas shelves with natural baby products on them from manufacturers such as Aveeno, Burt's Bees Baby Bee, and California Baby which are safer for baby's skin and less likely to cause irritation.

If you are choosing to use natural and organic products, it is a good idea to let your family and friends know of your decision. This way if they are purchasing gifts for you and your baby, they can find items which will meet your philosophy. And with the combined efforts of you and your family and friends, you will have a beautiful nursery natural in every way, from the products you use for your baby to the furniture in which she sleeps.

	Stork Craft Tuscany Glider and Ottoman, Espresso/Beige List Price: $299.00 Sale Price: $187.00
	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...

	Stork Craft Hoop Glider and Ottoman Cushion, Cherry Wood and Beige Corduroy List Price: $199.00 Sale Price: $135.99
	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...

	Room Magic Nursery Set, Magic Garden Chocolate List Price: $1,498.00 Sale Price: $1,031.32
	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...

	South Shore Furniture, Heavenly Collection, 4 Drawer Chest, Royal Cherry List Price: $119.99 Sale Price: Too low to display
	This Heavenly Collection offers you this very practical 4 drawer chest in a rich Royal Cherry finish. Wooden knobs, decorative moulding, simple yet elegant kick plate and lifetime warranty drawer smart glides with Child-friendly safety catches are a few of its characteristics making a smart choice for you...

	Fantasy Furniture Homey VIP Sofa, Sweet Brown List Price: $139.00 Sale Price: $139.00

	Chelsea 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib in Cherry by Nursery Smart List Price: $429.00 Sale Price: $297.00
	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...

	LaJobi Nursery 101 Concord Dressing Table, Cherry List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: $99.99
	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...

	Atlantic Furniture Eco-Friendly Richmond Convertible Crib, White List Price: $420.00 Sale Price: $365.95

South Shore Furniture, 4 Drawer Chest, Pure White List Price: $119.96 Sale Price: Too low to display

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

	Atlantic Furniture Eco-Friendly Windsor Convertible Crib, White List Price: $586.00 Sale Price: $586.00
	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

Limited edition launches Fou Furnishings’ new bedding for children

Fou Furnishings is not yet two but already the innovative certified-organic and fair trade bed linen company is making its mark.

A Natural and Organic Awards 2009 finalist for best organic textile product, online quality bed linen specialist, Fou Furnishings, has just launched its first children’s collection with a limited edition design range.

The designs were winners of Fou Furnishings’ Design-a-duvet competition during 2009 Organic Fortnight.

Fou Furnishings designer and director, Stephanie McIntosh, says: “We wanted the next generation to think green. The winning designs in our Design-a-duvet competition celebrate nature with flowers and butterflies, and fishes swimming in the sea.”

 ‘Flowers are wonderful’, with appliquéd and embroidered flowers and butterflies, is designed by a primary school pupil from Glasgow, Scotland. ‘Love to learn’ is designed by a mother in Middlesex, England, with animals and numbers, also appliquéd and embroidered.

One of India’s longest-established organic companies have produced the limited edition bedding. The Fou Furnishings baby and children range is certified Fairtrade ensuring fair wages and an ethical and transparent supply chain.

The limited design duvet covers launches Fou Furnishings’ new organic bedding collection for babies and children.

Why organic? Fou Furnishings director, Stephanie McIntosh, explains: “We spend around eight hours in bed; organic bedding is wonderfully soft for sensitive skins because of its long fibres and is completely toxic-free. Organic production is sustainable, traceable and safe for farm workers. I want exceptional quality - the best yarns come from cotton grown and processed the organic way.”

The just-launched baby and children bedding collection uses high-quality 330 thread count organic cotton which means its smooth softness lasts and lasts.

Fou Furnishings scooped the Natural and Organic Awards 2009 finalist award for its unique ‘Fou duvet’ top opening cover.  Stephanie McIntosh, who designed the hidden feature combining form with function, says: “After years of trying to funnel a duvet into its cover, I came up with a design that means you will never struggle with a duvet cover again. It’s life-changing.”    

To celebrate the new collection from Fou Furnishings, the Soil Association is running an online competition. Register for free with the Soil Association website, and you could win a Fou Furnishings duvet cover and pillow set from its new baby and child collection. The Soil Association is also featuring a 10% offer on Fou Furnishings bed linen collection until 28 February 201TEMPLATE

http://bit.ly/a3P46w

Fou Furnishings http://www.foufurnishings.com/

A great deal of scrutiny and consideration is expended when you are getting ready for a new arrival in your family. Without a doubt, you are looking for the very best materials and construction available so that your child has nothing but the best. Baby beddingis just one of the items you will be choosing. You will be looking for top quality items in baby bedding to give your child the best sleep experience possible. Why not take a few minutes to review the benefits of an organic bedding rather than the traditional types. Organic products are certified to be free of any chemicals that would be harmful or irritation to your baby's tender skin.

Influence the marketplace

By insisting on organic products when you purchase any item, you are helping to lend your support to the entire concept of organically made products. By purchasing baby bedding made of organic materials you are telling the producers that the consumers of this country are in favor of the reduced contaminants and irritants resulting from organically grown products. When you purchase baby bedding that is free of pesticides and contaminants, you are more likely to find more of these products in the future, since the producers will be more than happy to increase the availability of products that are obviously selling.

Child Safety

Nothing is more important to your planning for parenthood than ensuring the safety of your child. What many parents do not realize though, is that sometimes the safety features build into the baby bedding can actually have negative effects. For example, baby bedding that has been treated with chemical fire retardants is being studied by experts to determine the type of effects that these chemicals may have on the baby. Traditional bedding for the baby such as crib mattresses that contain polyurethane foam may have negative results on the baby.

Air Circulation

There is some evidence that organic baby bedding such as crib mattresses permit better circulation of air through the product. This quality in turn allows your child to be able to breathe more easily. There is less chance of allergic reactions such as those caused by chemicals and parasites in the baby bedding. With better air circulation in the products surrounding your baby, there is more opportunity to regulate the body temperature while sleeping. This can be critically important to an infant, particularly if he or she is premature.

Quality

When you decide, for any of the above reasons, to purchase organic products for your baby bedding, you should check labels carefully to determine that the product is actually organic. Check with the Organic Consumers Association to receive the contact information for accredited organic merchants. Although organic baby bedding is usually more expensive than more traditional products, discriminating parents often consider the cost provides additional quality. After all, your infant spends almost 75% of his or her time sleeping. Why not make the time as safe and healthy as possible by providing allergen and pollutant free bedding?

With the recent focus on green living and organic products, many parents have become interested in creating non-toxic, natural living spaces for their children. One room of particular concern is the baby nursery. Since babies are still developing, their living environment is very important. Creating an eco-friendly or organic baby nursery is a smart move not only for your baby, but for your family and the environment as well.

Expecting a baby is such an exciting time! With happy anticipation, the decorating frenzy begins. Bedding and furniture are purchased, walls are painted and new floors may be installed. It\'s natural to want everything in the baby nursery to be new and beautiful for your precious newborn.

But new and beautiful doesn\'t necessarily mean safe. Conventional furniture, paints and fabrics may have chemicals and toxins that can be unhealthy for your baby. Luckily, stores are offering more eco-friendly options for furniture, wall coverings, floorings, and organic baby bedding. These natural, organic baby products are typically produced without the use of harmful chemicals and thus contribute to a healthier nursery environment.

Here are five smart purchases to make when creating your organic baby nursery.

A Natural Wood Crib: Your baby will spend a lot of time sleeping so you want a crib that is non-toxic. Traditional wood cribs may have harmful stains or finishes while furniture made from pressed wood may contain adhesives that can also irritate your baby. Consider purchasing a sustainable natural wood crib with a non-toxic finish. An Organic Crib

Mattress: Your baby\'s actual sleeping surface is just as important as the crib. Conventional mattresses may contain materials and toxins that may be released into the air while your baby sleeps. To promote your baby\'s health and safety, look for organic crib mattresses that are made from certified-organic materials and fabrics.

Organic Crib Bedding: Many people are unaware that conventionally-grown cotton is one of the most heavily-sprayed crops in the world. To ensure that your baby\'s sensitive skin is not exposed to toxins in regular cotton bedding, consider organic baby bedding made from natural, organic fabrics and eco-friendly dyes.

Eco-friendly Carpet and Flooring: Traditional carpets typically contain known allergens such as adhesives, stain protectors and flame retardants. To avoid bringing these allergens into your baby\'s room, look for healthier alternatives such as eco-friendly hardwoods, bamboo and cork floorings or rugs made of natural fibers.

Eco-friendly Paint: Ever notice that strong smell in the air when painting? Many traditional paints emit toxins called volatile organic compounds which can be hazardous to your family\'s health. Look for low-voc, zero-voc or milk-based paints made of natural non-toxic elements.

Decorating your baby\'s room can be an enjoyable way to prepare for his or her arrival. With careful consideration to these key design elements, your baby\'s nursery will be the healthy, nurturing environment that you desire.