organic baby health

Natural Rubber Trees

Rubber, or natural latex, is a product that comes from the sap of the rubber tree.  This makes it a thoroughly natural product. It is now used for mattresses, however rubber has had many many uses in the past.

Natives from the Amazon used to use this latex as a coating on their feet. (The original rubber soled shoes in their most natural form.) Where natural latex comes into its own is as a low allergen crib mattress material.

Mattresses can become breeding grounds for dust mites. Dust mites are the most common form of allergies and asthma. And mattresses are one place where they’re hard to get rid of.

Vacuuming a mattress only does so much. And the crib  is where young children spend a lot of their time. Rubber is a material that doesn’t promote the growth of dust mites.

Dust mites like mould, and rubber is quite impervious to mould. In addition, rubber hasn’t any fibers for dust mites to inhabit. Having a really low allergen crib mattress is great for a young child.

While the jury is still out on exactly what causes allergies and asthma, a low allergen mattress could certainly help.

Other properties of Rubber Mattresses

Durability. Natural latex is very strong. These mattresses will really last a few generations of little ones. They also don’ t mind spills and are easy to clean.

Firm. Rubber mattresses have a wonderful firm, but ‘rubbery’ quality. (No surprises there.) A firm but elastic mattress is actually safer for a toddler.

All Natural. Rubber is a natural product. Though some companies put vanillin in rubber to make it smell like vanilla. This substance is a petro chemical, so true organic crib mattresses shouldn’t contain this.  It’s always a good idea to check the labels to make sure you’re getting a 100% organic latex mattress.