Any infant mattress you choose should have firm edge support that doesn't sag or significantly compress when pushed. Polyester foam seems to be safer than polyurethane foam. Both infants and toddlers can use this dual-sided mattress. Foam mattresses are also, in general, lighter than innerspring mattresses — about 8-10 pounds for the heaviest foam mattress, or close to 25 pounds for the heaviest innerspring mattress. It can be formulated with added chemicals or solvents. The mattress is Greenguard Gold certified to contain only safe, low-emissions polyurethane foam to provide both comfort and safety. We’ve listed the most popular flame retardants used in memory foam mattresses below. Though it is not as toxic as many other chemicals, it still harms the environment. Baby Mattress Covers SIDS protection (this is the polyethylene mattress wrap that I mentioned when we talked about safe, healthy sleep for babies and crib mattresses, but since I had an organic Naturepedic mattress, I didn’t need one. Choosing a safe and supportive crib mattress is important, because your baby may sleep on it for three years or more. Crib mattresses are typically composed of polyurethane foam, a petroleum-derived synthetic material. Our final answer is no, memory foam mattresses are not safe for babies and children at this time. Polyurethane foam can come in many different densities and its quality can very quite a bit. These mattress components can release harmful VOCs, some of which can cause respiratory and nervous system damage. Foam mattresses: These are typically made from polyurethane, a foam resin. The highest chemical emissions where measured in the area around babies immediate breathing zone (about 2.5 cm’s from the surface of the foam mattress). My First Memory Foam Crib Mattress. New crib mattresses have the most toxic gasses compared to used ones, ... Organic crib mattresses aren’t necessarily safe crib mattresses: ... and avoid products such as polyurethane and vinyl in all of your baby products. In some cases the mattress company creates its own certification. The mattress is also free from whitening agents and antimony, which is … Baby crib mattresses should be firm to prevent suffocation, and memory foam is soft. If your baby’s mattress contains these fire retardants, they’re exposed to them two ways: by breathing and by absorbing the chemicals through their skin. This 6" Firm Memory Foam Mattress features a top layer of memory foam, dense layer of responsive foam, and a quilted polyester fabric cover with stitched padding for an extra layer of comfort. Generally, cheaper products tend to be harmful especially for babies and old sleepers. The perfect solution for guest or kid rooms, this collection easily stores away when not in use and comes compressed, vacuum-packed, rolled, and sealed in a small portable box. Some polyurethane mattresses are worse than others in terms of VOC emissions, so if you’re going this route, shop around and ask if the foam has been tested for VOCs. Polyurethane – Can be safe but do your research Polyurethane on its own can be relatively safe, depending on how it’s formulated. Since polyurethane foam is a flammable substance, US regulators require all memory foam mattresses to include flame retardants to resist the spread of a fire. Memory foam is a highly appreciated material in the world of beds for adults, but is it the same for baby beds? A too-soft mattress raises your baby's risk for suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Polyurethane foam, for example is highly toxic due to additives to make it into a foam. Most of the cheaper memory mattresses come from polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam emits toxic fumes if burned. Fire retardants have to be added to polyurethane foam because it’s highly flammable. Polyurethane foam is fairly light which helps when making a lighter weight mattress. Polyurethane foam makes the mattress we sleep on, furniture padding, and insulating panels, dishwashing sponges, medical dressing, soundproofing, and more. When it comes to babies, the firmer the mattress, the better. A memory foam crib mattress isn’t safe for babies. This design helps prevent the entrapment of smaller baby parts between the crib slats and mattress. The Good. These mattresses also tend to weigh more (something to consider for when you have to change crib sheets in the night). Even if it feels stiff to you, your baby will adjust to it. (Most other foam mattresses on the market are made of polyurethane). The basic components of memory foam can help us determine how “safe” it is. Many cheap memory foam mattresses are made of polyurethane foam, a The health concerns are great. A baby’s body heat significantly increases VOC’s emissions. Polyurethane on its own can be relatively safe, depending on how it’s formulated. They also contain adhesives and other chemical additives. Foam mattresses often have squishier edges than innerspring, which makes edge inspection even more important. A baby will sleep securely, and parents will enjoy peace-of-mind knowing their child is sleeping on a comfortable, non-toxic mattress. This substance is not safe for use in the U.S. since 2004 due to health concerns. Memory foam is another type of polyurethane foam with chemicals added to give it special conforming properties. Polyurethane mattresses – are they safe? It is manufactured from CertiPUR-US certified Polyurethane foam, and meets federal flammability and CPSC standards. It also comes with a removable and machine washable bamboo cover. Old cot mattresses are not safe either. Despite the presence of VOC off-gassing and potentially harmful chemicals found in polyurethane foam and most flame retardants, health problems linked to memory foam mattresses are rarely reported. Memory foam has also been declared safe by the Polyurethane Foam Association, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR). One of the main problems with polyurethane foam is that it can contain fire retardant additives which mean it may not be the healthiest option, when it comes to mattress materials. Oftentimes, these certifications apply only to certain parts of the mattress, not necessarily the mattress as a whole. Overall, this is a quality memory foam crib mattress that will not lose shape over the years. However, if you want to invest in a gel memory foam that is safe to use, do not opt for cheap options. Certifications. Some polyurethane foam contains non-renewable fossil fuels that adversely affect the environment. Find out which mattress came out top in all these tests and the others we carry out (such as how well each mattress copes with leaks and baby sick) in our round up of best cot mattresses . All memory foam contains polyurethane foam, which is composed of three different chemical components: polyols, diisocyanates, and a carbon-based blowing agent. The foam core is usually enveloped with a waterproof cover. All these new ordered-online, shipped-to-your-house mattresses are made of some kind of foam. It features seamless edges and GREENGUARD-certification. Katherine Martinko. In the end, it seems that memory foam mattresses should be avoided for babies and small children unless their doctors have specifically recommended otherwise. The foam resists mold, allergens, dust mites and bacteria making it a safe choice for the baby. 8. By. Lullaby Earth’s Healthy Support crib mattress is made of polyethylene foam (a non-toxic, food-grade foam that requires no fire retardant chemicals) and weighs just 7 lbs. As the old saying goes, better safe … New cot mattresses release 4 times higher levels of VOC’s than old mattresses do. According to ISOPA (the European Isocyanate Producers Association), polyurethane foam is safe, sustainable, and altogether a bit of a miracle product. It’s almost as if the manufacturer’s only intention is not to make a better product, but to be able to market it as “plant-based”, “green”, “eco-friendly” or by any other term that has an environmental connotation. When these three components combine, they create a chemical reaction, which then produces a liquid. Polyurethane – Can be Safe but Do Your Research. Price: $169.00. How polyurethane foam is made Polyurethane foam is made from a reaction of diisocyanates (derived from crude oil) and polyols (complex alcohol). Polyurethane foam, for example is highly toxic due to additives to make it into a foam. The American Chemistry Council says the same. Memory foam. Foam crib mattresses are generally less expensive than innerspring mattresses, which can sometimes be a factor when it comes to deciding on any baby product. Best Eco Baby Crib Mattress. Polyurethane resistant to body impressions, which why it is such a popular component of most beds. It comes in the quilted style cover. And so comfy in a mattress. Many new parents have expressed concerns about whether to let their newborn sleep on memory foam mattress which is why I decided to give the matter a bit more thought. ... analyzed 20 new and used crib mattresses made from either polyurethane foam or polyester foam. Keep Your Baby Off That Foam Crib Mattress! The foam can be manufactured with various additives to create a range of consistencies. Babies need a cool sleep surface because they can’t regulate their own body temperature, and memory foam is warm to sleep on. Some blowing agents in polyurethane produce greenhouse gases that have negative effects on the atmosphere. In 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a … It can be formulated with added chemicals or solvents. If a mattress isn't firm enough to aid safe sleep and isn't sufficiently supportive then it becomes a Don't Buy cot mattress. Even the more expensive brands contain some of the most toxic substances. Senior Writer. Foam mattresses are often known from being hotter than those made from other materials but the Emma uses breathable, open-pored foam and fabrics to make sure your baby stays cool during the night. It’s also not the best option if you are looking for a mattress that can help with hip pain issues, or backache. Mmmmm, foam. Purchasing a highly rated organic crib mattress should help ensure that your baby grows up safe and free of any such potential threats.. Of course, this is a lot easier said than done. It’s so tasty on the top of a latte. It is a memory foam crib mattress along with the removable cover. The latest Newton Baby Mattress is ideal for moms and dads who wish their child can rest on a bed that does not fit the same mold that foam or innerspring mattresses are usually in. Soy or plant foam is still made of mostly polyurethane; biofoam mattresses typically contain less than 20% plant material. These mattresses are just like any other conventional polyurethane foam mattress, except that the foam contains 5 – 15% of soy or plant-based oil. Foam mattresses can be a great choice because they’re lightweight and durable, and are also usually the least-expensive mattress option. Brands contain some of which can cause respiratory and nervous system damage smaller! 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