Organic Crib Mattress

More and more health-conscious parents are opting to purchase an organic crib mattress as opposed to a traditional one. This decision is a wise choice, for several reasons.

Infants (from birth to one year) typically sleep for approximately seventy percent of the day. Needless to say, it is extremely important for parents to create and maintain the healthiest sleep environment possible.

Traditional crib mattresses are made with synthetic materials and many toxic chemicals including arsenic and formaldehyde. Consequently, these mattresses emit harmful gases on a continuous basis. These gasses are inhaled (by baby's still developing lungs) and absorbed by the skin.

Scarier yet, some scientists are linking the poisonous toxins generated from a synthetic crib mattress to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, otherwise referred to as SIDS. Research continues to validate these disheartening facts.

In addition, a recent study conducted by the National Academy of Sciences indicates that environmental factors contribute, in some manner, to at least 28% of all developmental disabilities in children.

A truly organic crib mattress is made with one hundred percent certified organic materials. In the United States, all such materials must meet stringent guidelines and undergo an approval process. This ensures the highest quality product possible.

Currently, this type of crib mattress is more expensive than the typical counterpart. However, as the demand for the product increases, chances are consumers will see a decrease in price. On the other hand, think of it this way, no price is too high when it comes to raising healthy children.

It is important to note that all organic crib mattresses are not created equal. The production process varies by manufacturer. Popular components of these mattresses include materials such as beeswax (used to rub down the metal coils), organically grown cotton and wool and natural rubber (used to create natural latex).

Natural latex is made from the rubber of a rubber tree. This latex is heated and whipped into what is known as foam rubber. The process is completed without the use of toxic chemicals. The finished product is firm enough for newborns and supportive enough for children up to age 6.

Natural latex is not the same as memory foam, which is a synthetic product made with harmful chemicals.

The typical organic crib mattress is covered with quilted organic cotton as opposed to the synthetic vinyl that covers a traditional crib mattress. Because this cotton is more susceptible to leaks than plastic, the purchase of an organic wool mattress pad is recommended.

Another benefit of investing in an organic wool mattress pad is the fact that it has natural flame retardant properties. So much so that it exceeds the fire resistant-requirement set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Natural latex and natural wool both exhibit antibacterial properties, which help to reduce the chances of infant and toddler illness.

Typically, an organic crib mattress comes with a lengthy manufacturer's warranty. Several years of coverage is not uncommon. Add to that the fact that this type of crib mattress is, more often than not, very well made and it becomes an even smarter investment.