03/18/2021
It’s here!! + a free new book💙 It feels so so good knowing Weston will now be sleeping on a completely clean mattress. I’ve been learning a bit about toxins and this specific switch was a biggie on the list. While most mattresses contain a ton of toxic materials that aren’t good for anybody at all, they are ESPECIALLY harmful to babies and young children. Children are most vulnerable because their body and brains are still developing and they don’t rid contaminants the same way we do. Because if this, toxicants are more “bioavailable” to their bodies. Children have faster metabolisms, speeding up their rate of absorption of contaminants. Yes, by breathing it in and absorption through their skin. Studies have shown that exposure to toxic chemicals in critical windows of development can have lifelong effects. Considering that babies and toddlers typically spend anywhere from 11-17+ hours a day on their mattresses this was especially concerning to me. This is why I suggest if you are going to invest in just ONE organic item for your little babe, let it be a mattress.
Mattresses release small amounts of gaseous chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs come mainly from the polyurethane used in mattresses, but also from other chemicals used in flame retardants and plastics (which are often used as a waterproofing solution)
VOCS wreak havoc on our endocrine, reproductive, behavioral, neurological, respiratory, and immune system. It causes all sorts of issues, allergic reactions, and some are known and recognized carcinogens.
Avoiding synthetic foam altogether is best, but if organic isn’t an option for you right now there are a few certifications that can help you find the safest foams such as Certi-PUR, Oeko-Tex, and Greenguard. For certified organic materials like latex,cotton, or wool look for GOLS and GOTS certifications. I’m still learning, but happy to point you in the right direction and try to answer any questions you may have💙
