Crib mattress help

smdevine

I'm a FTM and I do not know what type of mattress to buy. Someone at work said to make sure you buy one that doesn't have certain chemicals inside them, I never even thought about that before. I've been doing some research online and still have not found what I'm looking for. Any btdt moms have a brand that they liked?

abbyful

We have a Naturepedic dual-firmness (infant side and toddler side) mattress, been very happy with it. It's also lightweight so easy to change the sheets.

This is the one we have: https://smile.amazon.com/Naturepedic-Compromise-Lightweight-Firmness-Mattress/dp/B004IPLFNO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1403971098&sr=8-3&keywords=naturepedic+crib+mattress

Bandia12

You want a good firm mattress. We have Sealy mattresses (coiled) for both kids. 

ssstephanie214

I've been pleased with my ikea queen mattress. Since they have them for cribs I am considering one.

venussapphire

ikea crib mattress

Celticlass6

CatLady22 said:

According to the baby bargains book I got it said foam was better than coils, but I can't remember why. That's all I've got...

I read that its because the foam ones are lighter to lift and move when you change the sheets.

jac409

abbyful said:

We have a Naturepedic dual-firmness (infant side and toddler side) mattress, been very happy with it. It's also lightweight so easy to change the sheets.

This is the one we have: https://smile.amazon.com/Naturepedic-Compromise-Lightweight-Firmness-Mattress/dp/B004IPLFNO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1403971098&sr=8-3&keywords=naturepedic+crib+mattress

This. We have the same one and really like it.

SarahHeck

I feel like a lame mom now... I just bought the cheapest one at walmart....

kfirstiun

I am a FTM also and I agree. The mattresses are something that I have been dreading looking at. I don't want to spend a ton of money on one but at the same time I want it to be safe and comfortable for baby.

wallygirl

We have this one for DD. Will either be reusing it for this LO or purchasing the same depending on if we do a toddler or twin bed for DD. It has an infant side and a toddler side.

https://www.soporasleep.com/perfect.cfm#

MrsDL

abbyful said:

We have a Naturepedic dual-firmness (infant side and toddler side) mattress, been very happy with it. It's also lightweight so easy to change the sheets.

This is the one we have: https://smile.amazon.com/Naturepedic-Compromise-Lightweight-Firmness-Mattress/dp/B004IPLFNO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1403971098&sr=8-3&keywords=naturepedic+crib+mattress

We have the same one (also purchased from amazon).  There are some studies/theories that suggest that perhaps chemicals in mattresses breakdown  and these chemicals "sit" in the crib potentially contributing to SIDS, but of course there is no real known cause of SIDS. That's probably why she was recommending no chemicals - but really she should have said "non-toxic" - there are organic mattresses that contain toxic chemicals.  Here is an article that explains some of this.

https://www.healthychild.com/safe-non-toxic-organic-crib-mattresses/

lil_shocker

I have a foam one. It's super light and firm and holds up well. Plus it isn't cloth covered, so no need for a mattress protector/waterproof pad. If there is fluid or something that gets on it, just wipe it clean.

You don't need something extraordinary, but I wouldn't get the cheapest one if you can afford it as they aren't all that firm. I would say the $80-$130 range is where most people buy and those will suffice.

Love4Science

I spent a lot of time looking for one that doesn't have brominated flame retardants but that was affordable. We settled on Lullabye Earth brand. I have a degree in toxicology so I know I can't protect her from everything, but she will spend a lot of time in the crib so a BFR free mattress is worth it to me.

abbyful

lil_shocker said:

I have a foam one. It's super light and firm and holds up well. Plus it isn't cloth covered, so no need for a mattress protector/waterproof pad. If there is fluid or something that gets on it, just wipe it clean. You don't need something extraordinary, but I wouldn't get the cheapest one if you can afford it as they aren't all that firm. I would say the $80-$130 range is where most people buy and those will suffice.

A tip: buy a mattress pad anyway. Then make the bed in layers: sheet, mattress pad, sheet. That way when the bed gets peed, pooped, or puked on in the middle of the night, you can just strip the top 2 layers and you're back in business, you don't have to re-make the bed in the middle of the night.

greenmama2013

After a ton of research, I settled on a Naturepedic as well. A mattress is something that your baby will be spending hours sleeping on; there was no way that I would get him something that contained toxic ingredients. It can be really hard to decipher exactly which brands are truly non-toxic; LA baby makes a "natural" mattress but it contains boric acid. Naturepedic was very transparent in materials used so I went with their mattress and my baby loves it. I have been telling people for years to avoid purchasing items with flame retardants; they can be found in so many baby products, from car seats to nursing pillows to high chairs, and their effects are only now coming to light. Flame retardants are the new lead. Avoid anything with that TB-117 tag and when possible call the company to find out what materials are used! 

greenmama2013

I wouldn't exactly call protecting your baby from direct contact with flame retardants a "sham". With all of the autism and neurological disorders in this country (we have the highest ASD rates in the world, as well as the highest amount of flame retardant chemicals in our bodies) and with studies confirming that flame retardants DO cause neurological disorders and lower IQ, would it be the worst thing in the world to purchase an item that was not contributing to further contaminate your home? 

hopeangel2023

I just wish I had seen this the first time around. We just got the mattress that was part of the crib bundle at Walmart. I have no idea what it is. I never even considered any of this...

greenmama2013

Toxic Hot Seat is a great documentary on flame retardants--if you have HBO definitely watch! It is also important to note that you cannot simply rely on doctors to relay information regarding chemicals. There was a study done on ob/gyns, how many actually talk to their patients about exposure to chemicals during pregnancy, and what to avoid--the majority do not because they feel it is "overwhelming" for a pregnant woman. Rely on yourself to do the investigating and form your own conclusions; that's your best bet! Today there are simply too many environmental toxins that are not being properly regulated, and the result is a massive increase in disorders such as autism (which has been directly linked to environmental factors). While other countries' autism rates have remained steady, ours has increased 300% in the past 11 years. To me, that is astounding. I know far too many families affected by this, including my own family member, and this is why I learn all that I can and make my own decisions on what is best for my child! Sorry for the long post I just want to share what has taken me years of investigating.. and hopefully share some ideas to minimize unnecessary exposure to proven neurotoxins. It's impossible to avoid everything, but I found that an organic diet during pregnancy, flame-retardant free mattresses, and avoiding going near lawns sprayed with Round-up and pesticides were my number one priorities. And what a poster above said about the mattress breaking down and becoming dust particles that you breathe in, this is not a theory but is a fact. 

happyfrappy

I'd like to see your research on the allegation that these chemicals cause autism. Does your research take into account how much more frequently kids are actually tested kids in the us for autism? The scare tactic stuff doesn't do much for me.

AlliJeee

Just wondering - have you found a mattress/brand you like yet?  

said:

Toxic Hot Seat is a great documentary on flame retardants--if you have HBO definitely watch! It is also important to note that you cannot simply rely on doctors to relay information regarding chemicals. There was a study done on ob/gyns, how many actually talk to their patients about exposure to chemicals during pregnancy, and what to avoid--the majority do not because they feel it is "overwhelming" for a pregnant woman. Rely on yourself to do the investigating and form your own conclusions; that's your best bet! Today there are simply too many environmental toxins that are not being properly regulated, and the result is a massive increase in disorders such as autism (which has been directly linked to environmental factors). While other countries' autism rates have remained steady, ours has increased 300% in the past 11 years. To me, that is astounding. I know far too many families affected by this, including my own family member, and this is why I learn all that I can and make my own decisions on what is best for my child! Sorry for the long post I just want to share what has taken me years of investigating.. and hopefully share some ideas to minimize unnecessary exposure to proven neurotoxins. It's impossible to avoid everything, but I found that an organic diet during pregnancy, flame-retardant free mattresses, and avoiding going near lawns sprayed with Round-up and pesticides were my number one priorities. And what a poster above said about the mattress breaking down and becoming dust particles that you breathe in, this is not a theory but is a fact. 

greenmama2013

@happyfrappy, I wouldn't call facts scare tactics. It is a FACT that certain flame retardants, often found in baby products, cause neurological disorders. It is a FACT that your baby experiences rapid brain growth in the womb and first few years of life. You should also take note that because these  chemicals were proven harmful, the TB 117 law has now been updated to allow manufacturers of baby products to be exempt from adding these harmful chemicals to their products. It is now called the TB 117-2013 I believe. Does this mean that every baby product you buy in stores produced in the beginning of 2014 will not contain harmful flame retardants? Probably not, as it was merely a suggestion to stop adding these chemicals. 

There are plenty of studies confirming neurological disorders being linked to autism. If you watch Toxic Hot Seat, it goes into depth. But if you are not satisfied, 

https://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/publish/news/newsroom/7378

https://www.nrdc.org/health/flame-retardants/toxic-couch.asp

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-you-need-to-know-about-flame-retardants/

There are a ton of studies. Anyway, the saying is true "ignorance is bliss". But sometimes, you just need to do a bit of research 

greenmama2013

Naturepedic makes a great mattress, and they are completely transparent in the materials used. You can find a quick summary here:

https://www.naturepedic.com/info/fireprotection.php

Jatpa003

Is this really worth arguing over? Each mom is going to do what she thinks is best for her child.
also Just going to leave this here and then run...
There is no reasoning with crazy people!

crystaldh

This is a great guide from Clean and Healthy New York that compares different brands:

Here's the pdf

https://media.wix.com/ugd/a2c2a6_9e5481ea8ac1b48caefc9a0a0c125a1f.pdf

And the website

https://www.cleanhealthyny.org/#!families/c1smv

Love4Science

I'm not going to wade into the sticky swamp of the autism debate since the only fact that we know for sure is that we don't know for sure what causes it.

I do know from spending hours upon hours during my masters degree reading peer reviewed papers on chemicals such as brominated flame retardants (found in most baby stuff), PFOA/PFOS (found in new carpet), and dioxin (found in disposable diapers) that they are bad mother f-ers and something to avoid whenever possible. Hence the cloth diapering, carpet-free house, and obsessive choise of a mattress.

I will also say that you have to do your research FROM RELIABLE SOURCES (aka not Jenny McCarthy) and not completely rely on your doctor. I'm married to a doctor who graduated in the top 10 in his class and attended one of the best residencies in the country for his specialty (basically he's really smart) and he didn't know what brominated flame retardants were. Why? They don't teach that stuff in medical school. There's too much else to cover and chemical exposure is still considered too controvertial to take time to teach. I've met other highly intelligent doctors who didn't know what bioaccumulation was and why it was a concern for pregnant women when prescribing DHA supplements.

absolutelymaybe

Woke up to pee at 4 a.m. and learned autism is caused by chemicals in crib mattresses.

Seriously? When did Jenny McCarthy join this board?

...and going back to sleep on my non-organic, chemical death mattress now.

happyfrappy

@greenmama2013‌ I would go ahead and reread those links. Many cite the same study from ucdavis... And the scientific American article even warns that whatever connection exists isn't actually a "smoking gun" link to autism. It warns against spouting exactly what you assert. Sorry, but you just aren't correct here.