organic baby health

Organic Crib Mattress

There are several types of organic baby mattresses. Firstly, you’ve got the sizes: crib mattresses, bassinet mattresses, cradle mattresses.

And then the construction: wool mattresses, organic cotton, natural rubber (or latex) and combinations of these. For instance, you can get an innerspring mattress with cotton cover and wool ticking. (The foam padding between the springs and the cover is called ticking.)

Or you could have the cotton cover, wool ticking and a natural rubber core. Which type is best? It does come down to cost and purpose.

For instance, rubber mattresses are great for kids with allergies. They have very little room to harbor dust mites (a common cause of allergies.)

Wool padded mattresses are excellent for warmth and are very durable. Wool is a natural fire retardent. And as you’re probably aware, the recent scare with synthetic mattresses is all to do with the fire retardant used. PBDE’s are often used as fire retardants in synthetic foam mattresses, and these strong chemicals may not be the best for a young, sensitive baby’s lungs.

So while organic mattresses are usually more expensive than synthetic, they are a better long term choice. Being made from all natural materials, they last well, and ‘breathe.’ As long as you air out an organic mattress frequently, they stay smelling fresh, providing a safe resting place for your little one.