The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has banned a number of toxic plasticizers. As of February 10, 2009, manufacturers may no longer make, and retail stores may no longer sell, baby crib mattresses that contain these types of phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to make the soft vinyl that is used to waterproof mattresses.
The banned phthalates are linked to hormonal problems (particularly in boys), allergies, asthma and cancer.
Yet, your baby is probably sleeping on a mattress that contains these phthalates.
Does your baby’s crib mattress contain banned phthalates? If so, it’s time for a new mattress for your baby’s crib.
Phthalates are found in the plastic covering that protect the mattress from moisture. Babies wet and spit up, and their mattresses are especially vulnerable to dampness. Too much moisture in a mattress, and it becomes an unhealthy haven for bacteria, mold and mildew.
Most crib mattress manufacturers use PVC (a type of vinyl). By itself, PVC is toxic enough; it’s widely considered to be one of the most toxic and environmentally unfriendly plastics in use today. However, PVC is a hard plastic, and is made soft and pliable for the surface of a crib mattress with the very toxic phthalates.
Phthalates leach out of the plastic mattress covering into the crib, where they can be inhaled by your baby.
But is there really a danger? Decide for yourself. Research links phthalates with problems with the endocrine (hormonal) system, especially in boys. In 1997, a study published in the International Journal of Cancer found a high risk of testicular cancer associated with exposure to PVC products. Other research has also linked phthalates with cancer to the testes as well liver problems and other types of cancer. Numerous U.S. government agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The U.S. Department of Health, the FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have issued public safety statements concerning the use of phthalates.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also reported about unsafe exposure to phthalates. In a study, the AAP noted that phthalates are animal carcinogens known to cause fetal death, malformations and problems with the endocrine (hormonal) system. The AAP went on to say that the adverse risk to children was greater due to the fact that their bodies and organ systems were still developing.
As of February 10, 2009, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) banned three varieties of phthalates (DEHP,DBP, and BBP) for use in baby and children’s mattresses and other children’s products. Three other phthalates in the CPSC ban (DINP, DIDP, and DnOP) are only illegal for teethers and other objects expected to be placed into a child’s mouth, so they still may be present in plastic-covered mattresses.
The safest materials to use for a crib mattress are organic cotton and a non-toxic, food-grade waterproofing known as polyethylene. Polyethylene is favored by The Green Guide and solves the problems associated with a damp mattress without any of the health risks. So both baby and parents can sleep soundly.
Barry A. Cik is president of Naturepedic, which specializes exclusively in the design and manufacturing of baby crib and children’s mattresses that promote natural and organic materials, a non-toxic design, and fire-safety, with a large network of retail stores across the country. All Naturepedic mattresses are recommended by Healthy Child Healthy World and are GREENGUARD certified. For more information visit http://www.naturepedic.com.
Mattress Adventures…Toddler Style
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Safety 1st Baby Crib Mattress Toddler bed Mattress NEW! $49.95 |
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Organic Deluxe Baby Crib Toddler Mattress FREE Ship $265.50 |
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Organic Baby Crib Toddler Mattress Side Supports Clips $280.00 |
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Natural color wood toddler bed sleigh style w/ mattress $49.00 |
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Pottery Barn Catalina Toddler Child Bed Wood Mattress $49.00 |
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NEW 2″ Memory Foam CRIB Mattress Pad WCover Fit TODDLER $59.00 |
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New Zippered Vinyl Baby Crib Mattress Cover TODDLER too $6.00 |
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Simmons Baby Babies Toddler Safe Safety Crib Mattress $169.99 |
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Kid Kid’s Toddler Toddler’s Baby Mattress Mattresses $113.99 |
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ViscoPedic Innerspring Crib Mattress Baby Child Toddler $159.95 |
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150 Coil Inner – Spring Mattress and Toddler Mattress $120.95 |
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132 Coil Inner – Spring Mattress and Toddler Mattress $106.95 |
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88 Coil Inner-Spring Crib and Toddler Mattress $97.95 |
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2 Baby Toddler Child Safety Top Bed Mattress Rail Rails $67.99 |
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Mattress Cover Crib /Toddler size 28X52 NIP Free Ship! $24.99 |
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Baby Crib Mattress Toddler Bed Mattress 7 Year Warranty $44.95 |
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Organic Rubber Baby Toddler Crib Mattress FREEshp $352.00 |
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NEW 6″ BABY CRIB MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS Fit TODDLER $109.00 |
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Little Tikes Blue Toddler Race Car Bed w/ Mattress $1.04 |
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Bergamo Colonnade Toddler Bed – Dark Pine with Mattress $20.00 |
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Baby Crib Mattress Toddler Bed Mattress 7 Year Warranty $49.95 |
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NEW 1″ Memory Foam CRIB Mattress Pad WCover Fit TODDLER $44.00 |
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Convertible Crib Toddler Bed w/ mattress & accessories $70.00 |
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ABC Organic Quilted Crib &Toddler Mattress Pad – Fitted $39.89 |
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Baby Crib Mattress Toddler Bed Mattress 7 Year Warranty $49.95 |
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Simmons Beautyrest Crib/Toddler Mattress $0.99 |
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Da Vinci Twilight 6″ Infant Crib Toddler Bed Mattress $119.96 |
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Sealy Baby Crib Mattress & Light Pine Wood Toddler Bed $19.99 |
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Potty Training Waterproof Pad Toddler/Twin Bed Mattress $28.95 |
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KidCo Peapod Infant/Toddler Travel Air Bed Mattress~RED $57.95 |
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Safety 1st Baby Crib Mattress Toddler bed Mattress NEW! $49.95 |
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Jardine Wood Toddler Bed w/ Serta mattress $24.99 |
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Organic Cotton Baby Crib Toddler Mattress Fitted Pad $66.00 |
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NEW 2″ Memory Foam CRIB Mattress Pad WCover Fit TODDLER $59.00 |
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New Kids Furniture Toddler Bed Bench Fits Crib Mattress $134.99 |
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PINK/PURPLE TODDLER BED WITH ELITE MATTRESS !!! $40.00 |
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2 Pk Waterproof Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress Pads 005220 $17.97 |
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Baby Crib Mattress Toddler Bed Mattress 7 Year Warranty $49.95 |
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NEW 1″ Memory Foam CRIB Mattress Pad WCover Fit TODDLER $44.00 |
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Portable Inflatable Toddler Travel Air Mattress Bed $69.00 |
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Baby Mod – Lunar 88 Coil Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress $50.00 |
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Baby Crib Mattress Toddler Bed Mattress 7 Year Warranty $49.95 |
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Mattress Cover Crib /Toddler size 28X52 NIP Free Ship! $24.99 |
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2 Baby Toddler Child Safety Top Bed Mattress Rail Rails $67.99 |
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Safety 1st Baby Crib Mattress Toddler bed Mattress NEW! $49.95 |
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Sealy Waterproof Crib / Toddler Bed Mattress Pad $0.99 |
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LITTLE TIKES COTTAGE TODDLER BED WITH MATTRESS $100.00 |
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NEW 2″ Memory Foam CRIB Mattress Pad WCover Fit TODDLER $59.00 |
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ORGANIC Cotton/Wool ALL Natural Crib/Toddler Mattress $259.99 |
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Kids Toddlers Baby Coil Spring Mattress Mattresses New $113.99 |
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Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress $89.99 Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress The Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress is a phenomenal crib mattress. It is one of the most comfortable models of baby crib mattress around. The Sealy crib mattress includes 204 heavy gauge interlocking steel coils which are heat tempered for strength and durability. The crib mattress also includes all around border rods which keep sides, corners and edges firm. It i… |
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American Baby Company Organic Waterproof Quilted Crib and Toddler Pad $33.50 Our organic fitted waterproof quilted mattress pad fits all 28′ x 52 standard crib and toddler bed mattresses. The top layer is made of soft and breathable 100% organic cotton for baby’s comfort. Middle layer is 100% soft and breathable polyester for absorbency. The bottom layer is wayerproof and breathable polyester to protect mattress from soil. Elastic all around secures the pad in position. T… |
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Colgate Classica I Foam Crib Mattress, White $149.00 HC515237F The most recognized and popular foam crib mattress by name in America. The Colgate Classica I extra firm foam mattress crib mattress was rated #1 of all crib mattresses tested by one of the nation’s leading consumer products magazines and has been a recommended buy for over fourteen years by another popular baby products publication. High quality extra firm foam as recommended by most … |
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Nightstar Eco-Friendly Contour Changing Pad $24.42 The Serta Nightstar Contour Pad converts any flat surface into a safe convenient changing table. The 3-Sided enclosure helps keep your baby safe and secure. 32L”x16W”x4.5H”… |
