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Over the last 30+ years, crib mattress materials have been replaced with petroleum-based synthetics. Nearly all crib mattresses in use today contain polyurethane foam,
vinyl (PVC), phthalates, chemical fire retardants or barriers, and an extensive list of added industrial chemicals. Recent studies have questioned the use of these materials.
There is growing concern among physicians, health professionals, public safety officials, environmental advocacy groups, and consumers
regarding the possible effects of these chemicals on our children. Many researchers suspect that toxic chemicals are playing a significant role in the dramatic increase
in childhood disorders.
Just as lead paint was once widespread before it was recognized as toxic and banned, many components of today’s baby mattresses, even though
currently legal, are likely to eventually be banned as well. In fact, certain chemicals which have been widely used in baby mattresses for many decades have already
been banned (e.g. certain phthalates) and/or voluntarily removed over the last few years (e.g. PBDEs) with more sure to follow.
Babies and toddlers spend 10-14 hours a day sleeping and playing on a crib mattress. Furthermore, a child’s every breath inhales air
no more than six inches away from these chemicals. As such, for the first few years of a child’s life, the mattress is the single most prominent
object in the child’s environment.
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