When I was searching for a crib mattress while pregnant with DS#1, my only concerns were that it was firm and it would fit in the crib properly. When I was pregnant with DS#2, my main concern was that the crib mattress be organic, especially after reading about the numerous chemicals in crib mattresses--something I wish I had known when I was pregnant with DS#1! I went to some stores and found a few that carried organic crib mattresses. I ended up purchasing one that was comprised of coir fiber (coconut husks), natural felted cotton, and a 100% certified organic cotton cover. It was pricey, but I know well worth it.
I’ve since read many articles stressing the importance of organic items for baby, and that if you can only afford to get one organic item, go with an organic mattress, since your baby will be spending lots and lots of time there.
Fortunately there are many companies out there who share the same concerns in wanting to provide safer products and a healthier environment for our children. One such company is the Natural Mat Company, which produces organic crib mattresses and organic bedding.
According to the website, the Natural Mat Company, “was born in 2000 when the current Directors, Mark Tremlett and Peter Tindall, both keen sailors, became frustrated with the poor quality mattresses found on boats…With only synthetic mattresses available, Mark and Peter decided to look for an alternative. Natural fibres were found to be a superior substitute due to their breathable nature, allowing air to circulate though the mattress keeping it dry and clean. Natural fibres also proved to be more durable and supportive ensuring an all round, high quality mattress – the natural mat! With their knowledge and expertise, and spurred on by the birth of Mark’s first child, Luke in 2001, the ‘Natural Mat’ idea grew to encompass the baby market…Mark and Peter set to work to develop the perfect natural sleeping environment for babies and children. Not only did they want to create a range of pure natural fibre mattresses but they also wanted to avoid using any chemical fire retardants in their covers or tickings. Nine months later they were proud to launch the first range of natural baby mattresses and offer both Luke and his parents a better nights sleep!”
I received a sample section of one of their mattresses-the Coco Mat. The Coco Mat “is filled with coir from the only
certified organic coir plantation in the world. Coir is made from coconut husks which are coated in natural latex to make a supportive and breathable fibrous layer. The coir is then wrapped in…unique lambswool which is bathed in a mixture made from extracts of lavender, lemon and eucalyptus making it completely anti-dust mite as well as maintaining the excellent thermal insulating properties of natural wool.”Doesn’t a mattress comprised all of those components sound safer and better for baby than one comprised of chemical fire retardants, PVCs, polyurethane foam, and other chemical additives?
Not only does Natural Mat offer a variety of organic mattress options, but they also offer crib sheets and mattress protectors, all of which are natural in color and can fit in with any nursery’s theme, no matter if it’s for a boy or girl.
Natural Mat is offering Sage and Savvy readers a 10% discount on any Natural Mat order from Goores.com using code ssnm through February 16, 2009 (cannot be combined with any offers).
If you’re expecting a little one (or more than one), I would highly recommend getting an organic mattress. It is worth every penny knowing that your little one is sleeping in a safer, healthier environment.
1 comments:
And to think that little Jesus slept on straw!
But I'm sure that was biological!
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