These chemicals are called “volatile organic compounds” or VOCs. A recent study identified some of the VOCs found in crib mattresses. When creating the Newton crib mattress, we chose not to use toxic flame retardant chemicals. Instead, Wovenaire contains natural phosphates, more commonly known as salt.
Crib mattresses are generally composed of polyurethane foam, a synthetic material derived from petroleum. And they often contain adhesives and other chemical additives. The foam core is usually wrapped with a waterproof cover. These mattress components can release harmful VOCs, some of which can cause damage to the respiratory and nervous system (source).
The surface of a vinyl crib mattress is a powerful source of gas release, since phthalates (a known animal carcinogen) do not adhere well to vinyl and therefore circulate in the air. They come in standard and mini sizes, and the all-over elastic ensures a secure and comfortable fit for any crib mattress. Considering that babies and toddlers spend much of their time curled up in bed at night and at nap time, choosing a crib mattress that doesn't contain harmful chemicals is one of the wisest decisions parents can make to protect their children. Boric acid will be in some crib mattresses as a flame retardant, but it's debatable when it comes to baby's sleep safety.
I just added a crib mattress to the cart from my mobile and added the code GreenChild15 and it seems to have applied the discount. For an oval crib, the Naturepedic organic oval mattress features a 26% organic cotton fabric filling as part of a healthier, non-toxic design, plus a patented food-grade waterproof surface made of non-GMO sugar cane that is easily wiped clean with a cloth. Most conventional crib mattresses are waterproofed with PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which the FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission consider to be the most toxic of all plastics. For their report, they reviewed 37 brands of crib mattresses through information provided online on the company's website to determine what they could learn about the materials they use.
The study of the foam of 20 old and new crib mattresses found that mattresses release up to 30 different types of volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, including phenol, a strong irritant to the skin and respiratory system. A high-end waterproof crib mattress, the Naturepedic 2-Stage Breathable Organic Mattress starts with a firm, flat waterproof surface made of non-GMO sugar cane that is so pure that it actually meets food contact standards and is easily wiped clean with a cloth. According to the same Healthy Stuff and The Ecology Center review, VINYL IS STILL FOUND ON A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF CRIB MATTRESSES. Naturepedic's organic no-compromise baby crib mattress was the only mattress found to be fully transparent with component claims and made without hazardous chemicals.
The following are some of the worst offenders of gassing on crib mattresses and their potential risks to your little one's health. First of all, it's important to understand that crib mattress companies don't have to give us the full list of materials that the product contains.
