Safety of non-organic mattresses?

Hi everyone,
I'm 34 weeks pregnant with #2. For #1, we used and loved the Colgate Classica II mattress as recommended by the BB book. We haven't gotten the latest edition, so I'm not quite sure what to do for this baby (we still have our DD's mattress, but it's been stored in our muggy garage, so we'd rather not use that one).

I've read a lot of things lately on other boards about the safety (or lack of safety) of non-organic mattresses and wondering what's true and what's just hype. Can any of you recommend good organic and NON-organic mattress for us to look into? Does organic always mean that there's a cover that would get soaked everytime there's a diaper leak (that would be too high maintenance, I think)?

Thanks!

In my opinion, it's not whether the mattress is organic or not that's really important, it's finding a mattress that isn't treated with flame retardants or made with polyurethane foam, both of which can off-gas dangerous chemicals. This link explains it well and has good options for bedding, although not really for cribs: http://healthychild.org/blog/comment...ress_giveaway/

For our next baby, we're looking at this latex crib mattress from IKEA. Although it does have a layer of polyurethane foam, my understanding is IKEA doesn't use PBDEs as flame retardants. I'd also look for a vinyl-free mattress pad.

I wish I could find a really good crib mattress for less than $300-400, but haven't yet. Hopefully someone else will have suggestions.

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Originally Posted by jennilynn

In my opinion, it's not whether the mattress is organic or not that's really important, it's finding a mattress that isn't treated with flame retardants or made with polyurethane foam, both of which can off-gas dangerous chemicals. This link explains it well and has good options for bedding, although not really for cribs: http://healthychild.org/blog/comment...ress_giveaway/

For our next baby, we're looking at this latex crib mattress from IKEA. Although it does have a layer of polyurethane foam, my understanding is IKEA doesn't use PBDEs as flame retardants. I'd also look for a vinyl-free mattress pad.

I wish I could find a really good crib mattress for less than $300-400, but haven't yet. Hopefully someone else will have suggestions.

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Very well said. I agree with this sentiment.
We bought both our DC's mattresses from Ikea. I bought organic mattress covers and organic linen for their cribs because they were more affordable.
We just bought DD a big girl natural latex mattress and while it was $$$, it was a long-term investment as opposed to a crib which may last 1-3 years, depending on your DC.

Thank you both! That was very helpful information.

Highly recommend Moonlight Slumber brand mattresses. We have the lowest model dual sided crib mattress and loved it so much we bought the top of the line full size mattress when DS1 got his big boy bed. I paid less than $150 for the crib mattress. It has a waterproof cover that isn't plasticy and loud. Love, love, love our Moonlight Slumbers and they don't use chemical flame retardants.

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Originally Posted by kaharris83

Highly recommend Moonlight Slumber brand mattresses. We have the lowest model dual sided crib mattress and loved it so much we bought the top of the line full size mattress when DS1 got his big boy bed. I paid less than $150 for the crib mattress. It has a waterproof cover that isn't plasticy and loud. Love, love, love our Moonlight Slumbers and they don't use chemical flame retardants.

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:yeahthat: I also love our Moonlight Slumber crib mattress! Buying an all-foam one was such a smart idea; I'm so glad the BB book recommended it! I'm often the one to change the sheets all by myself and I'm five-foot-nothing, so this super light mattress is a BREEZE for me to pick up and out of the crib!

I like that it's already waterproof, but for good measure I also have this Company Store mattress pad on top of it. I don't have anything to compare it to, but it's definitely done its job protecting the mattress and isn't "crinkly" sounding at all.

Thank you all for the advice! I'm confused now... I looked up the Little Dreamers one (I think that was the name) and it said that although it's all foam, it did mentioned being fireproof. Doesn't that imply flame retardent?

Thanks

Their FAQs explain the fire resistant barrier. The customer service is also fantastic if you call they will answer all your questions. http://www.moonlightslumber.com/faq.html