As you prepare for your new arrival, you want the best and safest baby products and furnishings available. One item which is of tremendous importance, yet is so often overlooked in the nursery, is the crib mattress upon which your new baby will spend so many hours sleeping. Of course you want to be sure that the mattress conforms to current safety standards and fits snugly into the crib. But did you know that the contents of a conventional crib mattress are hazardous to your little one’s health?

How can a crib mattress make my baby sick?

All conventional mattresses, including crib mattresses, are manufactured using hundreds of industrial chemicals. While many companies claim to offer hypoallergenic products, they make no mention of the harmful substances that fill their bedding. From the polyurethane foam filler to the vinyl covering, they contain chemicals which can cause respiratory distress, nervous system damage, developmental problems, and even cancer.

With all of the attention given to the dangers of lead paint, heavy metal poisoning, and other environmental pollutants, it seems to make sense that there would be some regulation in the manufacture of infant bedding. While the government does attempt to limit the chemical additives in these products, the sheer numbers of harmful substances used make it impossible to track them all.

Baby mattresses are filled with polyurethane, which is full of irritants and toxic chemicals which contain allergens and can cause respiratory illness. The vinyl coating of the mattress, which is intended to protect the filling from leakage, is manufactured using plastics which break down into harmful chemicals that cause reproductive problems, fetal damage, nervous system depression, cardiac arrhythmia, eye irritation, and cancer. Many baby mattresses are also covered with flame retardant materials which contain poisons such as boric acid and antimony.

Many of these chemicals are volatile, which means they break down over time and release their toxins into the air your baby breathes while he or she is sleeping. With the average infant sleeping up to 16 hours a day, the implications are frightening.

Why is it better to opt for an organic latex crib mattress?

Organic latex mattresses are made of all natural rubber, which is non-toxic and resists allergens. Natural latex is particularly advantageous in humid and coastal areas which are prone to mildew. The latex prohibits the growth of spores which can cause respiratory problems in little ones.

The latex core of these mattresses is wrapped in a layer of certified organic wool, which provides a natural moisture barrier and protects the bedding. The outer layer is quilted with 100% organic cotton. Cotton naturally wicks moisture away from baby while she sleeps and provides optimum air circulation to keep her dry and comfortable.

With an all natural organic latex mattress, you provide your baby with a sleeping environment which offers firm support and comfort without filling his lungs with dangerous toxins.

The first years of your baby’s life are so important to his development. You are careful to feed your little one only the healthiest, most nutritious foods and take great pains to keep him safe; give your child the best possible start in life, and welcome your newborn to the world with pure, all natural bedding for a safe and wholesome sleep to help him grow.

I am a retired grandmother who enjoys babysitting all six of my priceless grandchildren. In my spare time I stay active, travel, and write informative articles about the importance of a natural organic latex crib mattress, and other topics that matter to me.

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