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Guide to Choosing a Naturepedic Organic Baby Crib and Toddler MattressCopyright 2010 Healthy Child Breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you are choosing the safest, most non-toxic crib mattress available! Naturepedic makes several different crib mattress models. How do you choose the most appropriate crib mattress for your baby? What do they all have in common?All Naturepedic mattresses are orthopedic firm with a flat surface and a snug fit, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The filling is certified organic cotton, and all models have Naturepedic’s non-toxic, natural fire protection system. All Naturepedic mattresses are GREENGUARD certified. They do not off-gas harmful chemicals – tested and confirmed. None of the models contain any latex/rubber, wool, polyurethane foam, vinyl PVC, phthalates, biocides, toxic fire retardant chemicals, antimony, arsenic, phosphorus, or anything at all that may be toxic. All Naturepedic models come with a lifetime warranty. All can be used in a crib or in a toddler bed – U.S. standard size 28 x 52. What are the differences between Naturepedic’s crib mattress models?Mattress Surface or CoveringThe Classic, the Ultra, and the Lightweight models all have a waterproof, dust mite proof surface. The Quilted Organic Cotton Deluxe model is not waterproof or dust mite proof. It is pure organic cotton inside and out and requires an additional waterproof pad and possibly a dust mite cover. The 2 in 1 Ultra is waterproof on one side and quilted organic cotton (non-waterproof) on the other side. What’s the difference between the Classic and Ultra waterproof models?The Classic surface is pure food-grade polyethylene, resembling a surface more like a traditional crib mattress. The Ultra surface is an organic cotton fabric with a thin, clear coating of food-grade polyethylene so it has a more fabric-like texture, but is still completely waterproof and dust mite proof. The Ultra surface is also stronger and more durable. Seamless and 2 Stage ModelsNaturepedic is now making new “seamless” models that have a cleaner, sleeker design. These models have heat sealed waterproof seams to prevent moisture penetration for a more hygienic design. No seepage of fluids or entry points for dust mites. In addition, Naturepedic now makes a 2 Stage or dual firmness option that features a firmer infant side and a softer toddler side. An infant requires a very firm mattress, while a toddler may prefer a slightly softer mattress. As your baby grows you can simply flip the mattress for a different surface. Both the Classic and Ultra are available in the original models with the seams and also the seamless and 2 stage dual firmness options. Lightweight ModelsThese innovative mattresses have the same features as the Classic or Ultra models, but with half the weight since they do not contain innersprings. It makes it very easy to lift out of the crib and change the fitted sheets. All these choices – which one should you get? Here is our opinion:Regarding the surface covering:Ultra or Classic The Ultra covering is premium - it's a nicer covering with a better feel since it is organic cotton fabric with a thin coating of non-toxic plastic, rather than all non-toxic plastic in the Classic covering. However, the Classic covering is less expensive. Traditional or Seamless?There are two main differences between the traditional and seamless designs. The first involves functionality. The seamless design features heat sealed waterproof edges that prevent moisture or fluids from seeping into the mattress along the edge. While it is rare for an accident to occur along the edge of the mattress, it is a possibility. The waterproof edges also provide a more allergenically sealed construction. The second difference involves aesthetics. Some people prefer the traditional look of a binding or trim while others prefer the sleek modern look of the seamless design. We think the seamless is better, but it really depends on how you feel about it. Some people are used to the traditional look and are adverse to anything that looks different. If you feel this way, then get the traditional with seams. In all the years, we’ve been selling these traditional mattresses, not once has it ever come up that wetness is going through the seams. Naturepedic said the same thing. They just want to keep on perfecting the mattress and if you don’t need the seams, then why have them? This way there’s no chance of moisture or dust mites getting into the mattress. But for people who like the traditional seamed look, Naturepedic is keeping the original model for you. Note that with the Seamless, there are actually seams (it’s not magic!), but the seams are not around the top edge of the mattress where there may be wetness, instead they are in the middle of the sides and the seams are heat sealed so nothing can get through – no dust mites and no moisture. We think it’s a brilliant design. Mattress Firmness and SupportNo matter which Naturepedic model you choose, you are going to get a firm, supportive, quality mattress that is important to a newborn baby’s safety. All are in compliance with CPSC standards. However, you will find slightly different variances in the firmness and support, depending on which model you choose. 150 Coil or 252 Coil?The innersprings in the Ultra and Quilted Deluxe models are 252 coils. The Classic seamless and dual firmness models have 150 coil innersprings. The Classic original models (with the seams) allow for a choice of either the 150 coil or the 252 coil innerspring. What's the difference between the 150 and the 252 coil innersprings?The 252 coil innerspring is a bit firmer with better weight distribution, but the real advantage lies in the center reinforcement. In addition to more coils, the 252 innerspring features 9 gauge cross beams that help prevent sagging in the middle of the mattress. This is only a concern with cribs that don't support the center of the mattress well, such as a wire mesh crib bottom. Both innersprings feature 9 gauge border wire for strong edge support. Have You Seen Larger Coil Counts in a Crib Mattress?252 coils is approximately the maximum number of coils that can physically fit in a crib mattress. Crib mattresses with higher advertised coil counts (such as 500 or 1000) don't actually contain those number of coils. They are based on equivalent larger size innersprings such as a full or queen size and can be misleading to consumers. Dual Firmness or Innerspring alone?The mattresses that contain innersprings have either 150 or 252 coil counts. The 2 stage dual firmness options have an additional Air-Core™ support layer on one side to make it even firmer for an infant. As your baby grows into a toddler, you can flip the mattress so your toddler is sleeping on the slightly softer side. Air-Core™ is a non-toxic support layer made from 100% food-grade polyethylene. It’s a network of closed cell air pockets that provide a firm and comfortable base without the toxic properties of polyurethane foam and the allergenic concerns of latex rubber. Lightweight ModelsThese mattresses have half the weight of the innerspring mattresses. The lightweight models do not contain innersprings. Instead they contain WaveSupport™, made from pure food-grade polyethylene. This provides excellent support and durability that rivals innersprings and premium foams. The wave structure achieves incredible strength with very little material, offering an ultra lightweight design that is both firm and comfortable. What is the Firmest, Most Supportive Baby Crib and Toddler Mattress?Considering that the No-Compromise Organic Cotton Ultra Seamless 2 Stage Mattress has the 252 coil innerspring with center support, plus the additional AirCore support, it is the firmest, most supportive crib mattress you can buy. The links below will take you to the individual crib mattress product pages with more info, photos and prices:Classic Waterproof Models NO-COMPROMISE Organic Cotton CLASSIC Crib Mattress
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Use the information provided on this site as an educational resource for determining your options and making your own informed choices. It is not intended as medical advice or to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any specific illness.
All prices are in USD. Copyright 2012 Healthy Child.
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