Crib mattresses have been basically categorized into two distinctions of coil vs. foil, until recently. With an increased awareness in the dangers of mattresses and its links to a number of infant deaths, construction of this has been reevaluated to conform to certain standards. Enter the new generation of fire-proof mattresses. It looks to be a solution to the problem, being the “safer choice”. But chemically processed fire-proof mattresses may in fact be more harmful to your children.

In Europe, there are efforts to eliminate the use of PBDE products (or those with fire-retardant chemicals) as this may be loaded with toxic chemicals that could potentially poison little children. And in the USA, naturally processed flame proof mattresses are vastly available. Natural materials include latex and cotton; and much of this are offered on eco-friendly baby websites selling organic beddings.

National Resource Defense Council has endorsed organic crib beddings saying, “Crib mattresses made from natural materials offer a healthy and safer start for your baby. Many conventional mattresses today use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as the mattress cover and polyurethane foam treated with flame retardants as the filling material. These materials have been shown to release harmful chemicals such as pthalates, which interfere with testosterone and can cause abnormalities in male reproductive development.”

Photo from Tomorrows World