Did you know that crib mattresses are covered in a PVC or Vinyl coatings, which is now known for containing harmful phthalates and emitting harmful VOCs?  Often times the interior of the mattress is no better – containing petroleum product foams, chemical flame-retardants, and other harmful off-gassing materials. 

When you consider how much time babies and toddlers spend sleeping, knowing these facts can be quite alarming.

The good news is that, from mattress to bedding, there are safe alternatives.

Fabric and material choices are the most important factors to consider – both for chemical safety and breathability. Quality sleep is important for the developing body and mind.

Here are just a few tips for choosing non-toxic bedding, and caring for it:

1. Organic Mattress: It’s important to start with the right foundation. Look for crib and toddler mattresses that use natural components, don’t use flame-retardants, and are breathable.
2. Organic Bedding: Along with the mattress, this is what your child will spend the bulk of their time sleeping on. Choosing materials free from irritants and contaminants is important for safety, as well as comfort.
3. Non-Toxic Detergents: The materials you use are important, but so is how you care for them. Be sure to use non-toxic cleaners (vinegar and water is a simple and affordable homemade solution) and detergents when cleaning items in your home – most especially those in your child’s room. Detergents like Eco Nuts (soap berries), Seventh Generation, and Nellie’s All Natural Laundry Soda are great options, just to name a few.

1. Laundry Softeners: In the same vein as above, I recommend skipping fabric softeners, or at the very least opting for a plant based product. You can read more about the hidden dangers here. My favorite alternative is to use dryer balls. They reduce drying time and naturally soften clothes without any additives. Try Nellie’s Dryer Balls (synthetic materials) or Eco Nuts Wool Dryer Balls for a natural option.

Benefits of organic bedding:

1. Safer Breathing: Many typical products (especially mattresses) contain chemicals that are known carcinogens, hormone disruptors, and other irritants. By choosing organic, or other non-toxic materials, you can avoid these and provide your child with cleaner air to breath while they sleep (12+ hrs a day).
2. Moisture Absorbing: Most organic fabrics are superior for absorbing moisture and humidity, aiding in more comfortable and sound sleep.
3. Reduced Toxin Exposure: Organic baby bedding is important because your baby deserves the best and safest start in life. A baby's lungs and digestive systems are still developing in the months after birth, and it is important to create and maintain an organic and toxin-free environment for your child's development. Since your baby will be spending an extraordinary amount of time sleeping, there's no better way to ensure this safe environment than through the use of organic baby bedding.
4. Reduced Environmental Impact: Materials like organic cotton is grown from natural, non genetically modified seeds and no pesticides or other harsh chemicals are used in the process of growing or weeding. The end result provides biologically diverse agriculture and workers with a safe and healthy environment.