As a parent who has lost a baby to SIDS

I was interested to read this post

Comparing organic and non organic mattresses

As a family we take our mattress choices very seriously

Bea’s mattress is from Little Green Sheep

As is all her bedding

All of these products are organic

Edie has a Purflo Breathable Mattress

Which though non organic

Is designed with safety in mind

We are very impressed with it

The purflo Cot Mattress is a unique fully breathable, fully washable mattress

Providing a clean, safe, chemical and allergen free sleeping environment for your baby

With a hollow core and mesh sleep surface allowing free air circulation

Providing a thermo-neutral sleeping environment

Preventing the risk of overheating or your baby getting too cold

Providing better support than a conventional mattress

The purflo Cot Mattress is hypoallergenic with a Amicor Pure™ fibre padding

Which reduces dust mite build up which can aggravate allergies such as Asthma and Eczema

William has a Mothercare mattress

This mattress was specially chosen for it’s antibacterial, breathable and temperature regulating properties

I think there is lots to consider when choosing a mattress

And I am always interested in other people’s opinions

Which is why I agreed to host this post

For any questions regarding safer sleep and mattresses

I would direct you to The Lullaby Trust

Choosing the right crib mattress for your child seems to be a difficult quest. I remember all my worries and questions, most of them regarding the safety of the product and the quality of the materials. I’m sure most parents have the same fears or inquiries. After all, we only want the best for our babies, mainly to keep them safe and help them grow healthy and active.

Although all products must meet specific safety regulations, recent studies have indicated that new crib mattresses release harmful odors and increase body heat. I was torn between buying a regular crib mattress or an organic item, so I did extensive research on both options. Thus, I’ve learned a few useful things, and I made this list to point them out for you:

Construction

Manufacturers construct the non-organic mattresses from human-made materials, which contain various chemical components, most of them toxic – such as the volatile organic compounds found in the glue used to keep the mattress rigid. There’s also the question of certain fire retardants which can cause health and toxicity risks. Also, most standard products are made from polyurethane foam or other petrochemical-derived foams. Unfortunately, the chemical odor of those ingredients has been linked to respiratory health issues, such as asthma or allergies.

Organic mattresses are made mainly from cotton, wool or natural latex, which means no harmful chemicals in them (assuming, of course, that the manufacturing process was also organic).

Fabrics

Non-organic crib mattresses contain much polyester, a material that could cause respiratory issues, irritations or skin rashes, mainly in the case of babies. You’ll also find numerous synthetic fibers or even conventional cotton but usually treated with flame retardants or other chemicals.

In the case of organic crib mattresses, cotton and wool are the safe alternatives. Just make sure your child doesn’t have a ic strange (or allergic) reaction to the natural oils found in organic wool, for instance. Wool is an excellent material which has been used for centuries in the bed manufacturing industry: it has impressive features, such as maintaining the right temperature for the body no matter the season.

Waterproofing

The impermeable surface of the mattress is significant leverage, we all know it! But in non-organic mattresses that surface means plastics which contain PVC (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl). That’s a smelly, toxic chemical which is entirely unsuitable for a child. Also, it cracks, so all sorts of liquids can accumulate inside the mattress, leading to an unhealthy breathable environment.

An organic crib mattress doesn’t contain PVC plastics; instead, they feature waterproof mattress covers or protectors, made from quality materials, which can be easily washed. I admit it’s probably more work to do in this case, but trust me, the health of your children is at stake!

Price

If you’re on a tight budget, the non-organic mattresses will seem extremely appealing to you, as they are cheaper compared to the organic products. But I wouldn’t want to be in the position of continually asking myself if the mattress will or will not create health problems for my child. So I’d go for the organic product, even if more expensive. Think of it as an investment in the bright and healthy future of your child. Also, such mattresses increase blood flow and relieve pressure, so your baby will enjoy a sound sleep.

This is a collaborative post