Babies and Infants

To help save money with the new baby, you might think about re-using your crib mattress.  Even though the United States does not recognize chemicals in mattresses as being the possible cause of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), I believe there is a link and this should be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to re-use a mattress.

If you have an organic crib mattress, you should have no worries with re-using the mattress.  If you have a non-organic mattress, then take into consideration the possibility that it contains harmful chemicals that have already started to seep from the mattress through its use.  You can buy covers that are designed to keep the harmful chemicals away from your baby, so it would be safe to re-use a mattress.  Otherwise I would recommend not re-using the mattress.

At the time when a baby’s bones are soft and growing faster than at any time in his life, he needs the support of a firm crib mattress. Some pediatricians discourage parents having a baby sleep in an adult’s bed because the mattress may not be firm enough to properly support the growing baby’s needs. 

The mattress should also be sturdy enough to withstand the baby’s activities during the period when he is practicing standing and jumping.  Babies may use the crib as a playpen at times and the mattress needs to be able to withstand the wear and still retain its firmness.

Boric acid is one of the chemicals used in many mattresses as a fire retardant and is required by law in most states.  Boric acid is a known toxin that is harmful to babies.  Fortunately,  alternative manufacturing allows for other means of fireproofing. This may be accomplished by building the mattress with a plastic cover or by using natural materials such as cotton and wool that are naturally fire retardant.

Organic cotton and wool are more expensive, however the term “organic” means that the material is free from any chemicals.  An organic baby crib mattress meets all legal requirements for fireproofing while keeping your baby safe from toxic chemicals.

There is an article http://www.healthychild.com/cribdeathcause.htm by Jane Sheppard.
Has The Cause of Crib Death (SIDS) Been Found?

I believe that any parent would want to read this article.  Even though there has not been enough testing in the United States to prove chemicals in mattresses cause SIDS, does not mean we should ignore information provided by others.  I would always recommend doing research and making your own decision. But as noted using a mattress cover or better yet buying and organic crib mattress could save your baby from the effects of harmful chemicals.

Harmful chemicals can effect all humans.  It’s just that babies are more prone to have problems because their immune system is not fully developed.

There are differences between a crib mattress and a toddler mattress.  A toddler mattress can be used in a crib, but the crib mattres is not designed for use in a toddler\day bed.  The crib mattress does not have the side support needed for use in the toddler bed. Generally crib mattresses don’t provide the support that toddlers need to rest well at night.  Toddlers also need the side support to handle their weight, so the mattress does not break down. 

Both can have an expected life of around 6 years.  So a crib mattress can be used again when you or someone you know is having a newborn.  If you buy a toddler mattress, you can keep using the mattress in the toddler bed then day bed until the child is about 6 years old and most likely ready to be moved to a full size bed.

When selecting you baby’s crib mattress, you will want to consider a few key points.

• You want to make sure the mattress will fit snugly into the crib.  There should not be any gaps where the baby could possibly get his head stuck.  Since the baby is very small, you really want to make sure you cannot get more than a finger or two between the crib frame and the mattress.
• Secondly small babies cannot turn themselves, so the mattress should be firm so their face will not sag into the mattress if they turn onto their stomach.
• If you are thinking about using the mattress later in a toddler or day bed, make sure it has the needed side support for this later use.  Otherwise it will breakdown on the sides and not provide support.
• And of course if possible buy organic.

These are just a few tips and so there may be other factors you might want to consider

When planning your baby’s nursery, make a list of every item with which your baby will be in contact. Start with the paint on the wall. Many paints will out-gas VOC’s for years. Non-toxic paints are readily available.

Don’t forget the carpet and drapes.  Carpets especially can release toxic gasses for years.  Organic wool or cotton carpeting contains no chemicals, and even the dyes, if any, are approved for the organic rating.

Babies who are teething like to chew on the crib railing. Cribs made of compressed wood like plywood contain glues that may be chemically toxic.  The best crib is one made of solid hardwood with non-toxic finishes.

Last, but not least, is the baby’s crib mattress and bedding.  Because their immune systems are not fully developed, infants are more susceptible to toxins. And infants spend most of their first year sleeping in their cribs. Their faces are directly in touch with their bedding. Infant exposure to toxins can cause problems that might not show up for years.

As adults, we are also exposed to many toxins in our daily lives.  But, if we are healthy, our bodies’ immune systems can handle most of what comes our way.  The best protection for an infant is to assure that his bed contains only100% organic baby bedding at least during the first year

A toddler mattress contains support that allows it to withstand up to six years of use.  The mattress can be used in a crib until your baby is old enough for a toddler bed, and finally for a day bed.

In a six-year period, anything can happen from spilt milk, overloaded diapers or vomiting.  It pays to protect the crib mattress from accidents like these so that it will stay useful for the entire six years.

Washable wool mattress pads are fireproof, repel liquids, resist dust mites, and bacteria will not grow on wool, so they do not require much washing.  Cotton mattress pads will withstand washing and will last a long time.  It pays to protect the investment you have in a good mattress.

Why buy a mattress that can only be used for a short time?  You can start your infant in his baby crib using a Toddler Mattress.  The mattress can be used for years while your baby grows from using a crib to toddler bed to day bed.

By selecting a quality mattress that is designed for use in a crib or toddler bed, you will save money.  Also, the sheets and blankets used on the crib can still be used on the toddler bed.  The crib/toddler mattress might at first cost more, but in the long run you will be saving money.

By the time your baby is two years old, sleeping an average of 10 hours per day, he will have slept 7,300 hours.  That is equal to 304 twenty-four hour days.  If he sleeps on a mattress impregnated with Boric Acid, his health is at risk.

Boric acid is a well-known pesticide and fire retardant.  The use of boric acid has been banned in products such as powders and creams for baby’s diaper rash and in foods because of its harmful effects.  An agency of the CDC reports that Boric Acid is one of the substances “which pose the most significant potential threat to human health”.

An organic baby crib mattress contains no Boric Acid.  Because organic wool is a natural fire retardant, chemicals are not necessary.  Mattresses made with wool meet requirements of the Federal Mattress Flammability Standard Law.

Babies grow up so quickly.  As the song says, “Turn around and they’re grown.”  Your baby will outgrow his crib, but if you have a toddler mattress, he can continue to sleep on it until he is about 6 years old.

Most crib mattresses are made for smaller babies and are not meant for toddlers.  A toddler mattress should contain extra support for the older child.  Some cribs can be converted into a toddler bed and can use the crib mattress if it is sturdy enough.  I recommend an organic mattress because there are no harmful chemicals and your child will be using it for a long time.