By Martin Dejnicki
Did you know that choosing an organic crib mattress rather than conventional bedding could save your baby's life? You have put so much care into preparing for the arrival of your little one. You have researched the advantages of breast feeding over formula, read the latest studies on sleep patterns, and looked for the most advanced toys to stimulate your newborn.
Regrettably, many parents overlook one essential item. When buying that adorable crib to match the nursery set, the last thing on many new parents' minds is the crib mattress. Often, the mattress comes with the crib; as long as it fits snugly and conforms to safety regulations, it seems like it should be fine.
The fact is that conventional crib mattresses are made with synthetic materials which break down over time, exposing your baby to harmful toxins that can cause innumerable health problems. Regular crib mattresses contain industrial chemicals which have been shown in studies to cause respiratory distress, developmental problems, and even cancer.
Fortunately, parents now have an alternative when searching for bedding for their new arrival. Organic crib mattresses made from natural latex, wool, and cotton provide comfort and support for your baby, without the risks inherent in man-made materials. Let's look at a comparison of conventional vs. organic crib mattresses.
Conventional Crib Mattresses:
* Contain polyurethane foam, a highly-flammable material made from toxic chemicals;
* Are coated with flame-retardant material containing boric acid (also used as a roach killer!) or harmful ethers, which can cause thyroid problems that impair physical and emotional development;
* Have vinyl covers which contain phthalates - these chemicals, found in many plastics, are known to cause developmental problems such as early puberty in children.
Organic Crib Mattresses:
* Are made of all-natural materials, including natural latex and certified organic cotton;
* Contain no toxins or synthetic chemicals;
* Are naturally fire-retardant;
* Keep your baby cool with a layer of natural wool that wicks away moisture (an important factor in preventing SIDS).
The sad truth is that federal regulatory agencies have little authority to control the number of chemicals that are used in manufacturing something as basic as the mattress that you or your little ones sleep on every night. Only an estimated 10% of these chemicals have been fully investigated for their effects on the long-term health of children. Scientists have serious concerns about the impact on the mental and physical development of infants who are exposed to these substances from an early age.
During the first several months of life, your baby will spend at least 16 hours sleeping each day - that's a lot of crib time. Considering the chemical soup to which your baby is being exposed on a conventional mattress, is this the way you want to welcome your newborn to the world? When you opt for organic bedding, your baby will snuggle on a bed of certified organic cotton and natural wool. While an organic crib mattress may cost a bit more than the regular bedding that is typically included with your crib purchase, the benefits are more than worth the slight expense for the well-being of your baby.
I am a proud father of a 1 year old baby girl, who inspired me to develop the Crib Mattress Guide. This is a website where I share my advice and tips with other concerned parents, on how to choose a safe crib mattress. As a result, I have developed a passion to inform parents of the importance of investing in a quality organic crib mattress.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Dejnicki
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