Why Buy an Organic Crib Mattress?

You’ve heard of organic vegetables and organic milk, but what on earth is an organic crib mattress?

Is it really healthier?

Well, quite simply, yes. Organic vegetables are healthier because they do not have chemical pesticide residues. Organic milk is healthier because it comes from cows that are not given artificial chemical hormones. Likewise, an organic crib mattress does not have all the chemicals that a regular crib mattress has. An organic crib mattress is made with organic and non-toxic materials instead of conventional and chemically questionable materials.

But that’s just the beginning. A typical crib mattress is made with many chemicals that have been linked to childhood health problems. Fire retardants, plasticizers, and other chemicals are in the foam and vinyl cover of a crib mattress. Parents and physicians are recommending an organic crib mattress as a way to avoid unnecessary exposure to these chemicals.

What are the certification standards for an organic crib mattress?

Organic crib mattresses, like all other certified products made with organic fiber and textiles, are certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The largest U.S. GOTS approved certifier is Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO).

In particular, the GOTS standard requires that all fiber and fabrics, with limited exceptions, must be made from certified materials that meet the National Organic Program (NOP) standard and are processed in accordance with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). All other components (such as innersprings, fire protection, etc.) must meet stringent non-toxic standards. Naturepedic is an OTCO certified organic processor of fiber and textiles and is certified to manufacture organic mattresses.

Are mattresses labeled “eco” or “green” just as good?

No. “Eco” and “green” are not regulated terms and can be misleading. For example, “plant derived” or “soybean” foam used in many “eco” mattress models are over 80% petroleum/chemical based and are not really “made of soybeans.” “Bamboo” fabric, also common in “eco” models is really rayon. It is typically made using environmentally toxic chemicals with no trace of the bamboo plant in the finished product. Many of these “eco” materials may sound good, but they are not really “natural” and are certainly not focused on eliminating harmful chemicals.

What’s the Best Organic Crib Mattress?

We’ve been researching materials in crib mattresses for over 10 years. We’ve thoroughly checked out all the “organic” crib mattresses on the market, and we are confident that the Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress is the safest, healthiest, certified organic crib mattress available.

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