Recently there has been a great deal of controversy concerning crib mattresses, as there have been several studies in the last couple of years that have proved the likelihood of a link between crib mattresses and SIDS.
Though many people, especially those in government and large corporate offices, would like to sweep this crib mattress controversy under the rug, the evidence that there is a link between crib mattresses and SIDS, along with many other childhood illnesses, is very compelling-compelling enough that new parents are now advised by their pediatricians to place their infants on their backs to sleep.
Why? So they won't breathe in and become ill from the toxic fumes emitted from the crib mattresses.
Toxic gases from crib mattresses is a chilling thought, but one that is all too real. Typical crib mattresses today are too often made with materials comprised of the least expensive petroleum-based parts possible. The synthetic compounds these parts are made from affect practically every aspect of a crib mattress, from the coils to the cover to the foam.
Polyurethane foam, benzene, vinyl (PVC), and flame retardants are just a few of the components in crib mattresses that are known to contain and emit toxic chemicals. Benzene alone carries not only the threat of harmful effects on bone marrow and a decrease in red blood cells which can cause anemia, but also increases the risk for cancer, particularly leukemia and other cancers of organs which process blood.
Other dangers from toxic chemical emissions in crib mattresses are allergies and overall ill health and lethargy in children. Also, many childhood disorders are believed to have a link to crib mattresses. Some of these disorders include asthma, ADD/ADHD, and more seriously, perhaps, autism.
Considering that an infant spends up to sixteen hours a day in his or her bed, the risks and threats contained in today's typical crib mattress are too serious to ignore.
So what is the solution?
Organic crib mattresses provide the best alternative. Though some experts say that wrapping a crib mattress in a particular type of plastic (which is a bit complicated and which physicians are skeptical of as well) or using an organic crib cover is sufficient to protect your child from toxic chemical fumes, your child's health is just too important to skimp on such an important part of his or her young life.
Organic crib mattresses are made from materials that do not carry the toxic chemical dangers found in conventional mattresses. And fortunately as people have become more environmentally aware, it is much easier to find and purchase an organic crib mattress than ever before.
This is good news for all new parents or parents-to-be who already have so many worries on their plates. Thanks to cutting-edge research and companies that were willing to put that research to use developing totally safe organic crib mattresses, their child's crib mattress shouldn't and doesn't have to be one of those worries-and that means everyone sleeps better at night.