Community› The Bump Message Boards› Attachment Parenting
Attachment Parenting
New Discussion

WARNING, POSSIBLE TRIGGER: Mattress cover, off-gassing, SIDS?

CageyMackCageyMack member
edited January 2015 in Attachment Parenting
WARNING: May be a trigger or upsetting for some.  Please be respectful in your responses as we don't know what stories others may have.











Hi,

Long time lurker, first time poster.  

Intro: I AP'd all my kiddos.  DD was very into co-sleeping and room sharing.  DS found it way, way too stimulating and would become intensely distressed, so he sleeps in a crib.  Little DD loves bed-sharing again and now DS has started sharing our room again and seeking out early morning cuddles in bed, which is wonderful. 

I'm asking here because I think AP parents try to be very conscious about healthy choices for their children, and are willing to question the status quo.  I've never heard of this issue until this week, so it certainly isn't in mainstream.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the research about mattress off-gassing/toxins and using a high-quality, food-grade mattress cover. For those unfamiliar, google the New Zealand studies on cot death.  I don't feel like promoting the links, but it is pretty easy to find the information that is out there.

The reason I ask is that they say crib mattresses used a for a second baby have higher rates of these gasses/toxins because of the build-up of fungus.  We purchased a new "Green Certified" mattress for DS and I know that DD2 will be in there at some point, even if is just for naps or as a safe place while we are showering, etc.  "Green Certified" does not mean organic, or free from the chemicals used in making mattresses fire-retardant.  I aired it well long before DS got here, and keep him on cotton sheets with a cotton pad under.  None of what I have done prevents the inhalation of the gasses the studies discuss.  Because of this, I purchased one of the high-quality covers. I feel like there is merit in the arguments.  

I know some of you may not have a crib at all, but thought some might (since we know AP isn't about one specific way or another, but doing what you and your baby feel best about and meets your collective needs).  Some may have floor beds for babies, too. I would appreciate hearing your opinions on the study, the use of mattress wraps, etc.  

Also, I know I could go the all-organic mattress route, but it is $300 here, and I'm hesitant to go that route if the covers work just as well (as the studies seem to indicate).


CageyMack
37, married to my favorite person in the world, DW! One darling surfer-girl (12) and one darling, sweet boy born 3/16/13.

5/2013 Started TTC #3, DW's turn: 5/2013: Diagnostics (shg) and surgery (polyp rem.) for best chances. July-Oct: IUI # 1-4, medicated, monitored, triggered.  All BFN. IVF in Jan May. Sheesh. Whoop! IVF#1 cycle started 4/2/14. 5/1: 19 eggs retrieved, 8 matured, ICSI'd.  4 fertilized.   Only 2 to transfer/freeze stage. 5/6: Two embryos transferred. 5/15: Beta #1 9dp5dt is 134! BFP! 5/19: Beta #2 13dp5dt is 672! B'erFP! 5/21: Beta #3 15dp5dt is 1853.  Yay!


Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker



"Things separate from their stories have no meaning. They are only shapes. Of a certain size and color. A certain weight. When their meaning has become lost to us they no longer have even a name. The story on the other hand can never be lost from its place in the world for it is that place.” ― Cormac McCarthy, The Crossing

Report Reply to Post

Re: WARNING, POSSIBLE TRIGGER: Mattress cover, off-gassing, SIDS?

  • neverblushedneverblushed member
    Personally, I'm fairly stoic about exposure to chemicals for my kids.  I try to minimize exposure to overt dangers, but I'm pretty realistic about the fact that we live in a world filled with things we can't exactly control.  I'm comfortable with that.  I don't think this topic is as controversial as you expect it to be.  Everyone has to decide on their level of comfort with environmental stuff and their willingness to take preventive actions around their homes.

    I think the question you want to ask yourself is "Which route will make me feel more comfortable and allow me to put the fear of chemical exposure behind me?"  If the mattress cover will allow you to move forward with confidence, then go that route.  If you feel like you'll constantly be re-thinking that decision and wishing you'd just gone with the organic mattress, then go with the organic mattress right from the start and save yourself the anxiety.
    High School English teacher and mom of 2 kids:

    DD, born 9/06/00 -- 12th grade
    DS, born 8/25/04 -- 7th grade
    Report Reply
  • PrimRoseMamaPrimRoseMama member
    I'm honestly not worried at all about this.


    LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:



    Lilypie First Birthday tickers

    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • pixieprincsspixieprincss member
    For us, mattresses are a worthy 'splurge' area in terms of green living. We can't afford everything we'd like to, but this is an area that we prioritize because of the amount of time we spend on it. Now, on our guest futon that we barely use, we jut got a cover (I went with wool for a variety of reasons). But, for our own beds we've spent the big bucks for the greenest we could find gradually. We started with crib, then family bed, then one crib-size floor bed. Next will be two twin-sized mattresses  as our kids get bigger, but we haven't been ready to pony up for those yet.  That said, every family has different priorities and a different budget. Go with what works for you.

    imageimageimage

    image
    More Green For Less Green

    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"