Crib mattresses have ''three priorities''
11/08/2009
By Elizabeth Mewes
When selecting the perfect mattress for young children and babies, a parent must bear in mind three major factors when looking online and on the high street for the perfect one, it is asserted.
Senior analyst at the Environmental Working Group Sonya Lunder told the Chicago Tribune that while choosing a name for a baby may seem like the hard part in a baby''s formative years, it''s actually making sure that the little one gets good sleep on a night, even if it ends up being in two-hour increments.
She explained that mums and dads needed to avoid vinyl, despite many mattresses being covered in this for water resistance, as many health and safety professionals believe that PVC can contribute to an increased chance of asthma and liver problems.
Ms Lunder highlighted how parents need to ensure beds are flame retardant, even if they or their babies are not smokers - it''s just a simple act of health and safety.
Finally, the expert said that parents can look beyond organic offerings, as pesticides getting from cotton to children is very unlikely, though cotton is still better than foam to avoid chemicals.
According to Heather Corley of About.com, crib mattresses should also be reasonably firm as babies are unable to move themselves around as much in bed, thus requiring a harder sleep surface.
