how bad is particle board/MDF in cribs?

fusionbride

I'm interested in the Munire sleigh style cribs:  https://www.munirefurniture.com/products-page/baby-cribs/morgan-new-safeside-crib/

And Munire is a recommended brand by Baby Bargains.

However, I just went into a store to check it out and it has a particle board/MDF mattress platform.  Which is discouraged in Baby Bargains.

What is the opinion out there on particle board/MDF?  and where can I find extra resources/research on the potential downsides/risks of particle board/MDF?

TIA

strawberrytree

I'd imagine they discourage particle board because it's not as sturdy as solid wood. Particle board is a whole bunch of wood chips compressed together and covered in a veneer. So if the mattress support is made of particle board, an enthusiastic baby/toddler jumping on it could weaken it much more easily than a support made of solid wood. 

TX-Bride

I thought the reseason MDF is discouraged is for the chemical process that binds the wood particles together and slowly release formaldehyde in the air, this process actually continues on for many years.

This link may answer some more of your questions, although it's a little dated:

https://healthychild.org/blog/comments/carcinogenic_cribs_and_changing_tables/

Leinistar

Everything the previous post said about chemicals, plus, it expands when wet and can warp/start to crumble apart if exposed to liquid for a period of time. With kids, you never know what can happen as far as accidents are concerned so just something to keep in mind. Is it possible to replace the platform with a solid piece of plywood or something similar?