Organic Baby Blog – News & Tips on Organic Parenting

Bring Organic Baby Bedding Into Your Nursery

December 16th, 2011

Choosing organic baby bedding means making a great investment in your child’s healthy future. It also means supporting a healthier earth for them to grow up on, because the products produced this way do not destroy ecosystems and upset the balance of nature the way production using toxic chemicals can. Soft and natural is the way to go with crib sheets, blankets, and more.

Potentially dangerous chemicals are used in the manufacturing of most modern textile (fabric) products. Although the levels of these products that are allowed to remain in the item when it is sold are regulated, different people have different reactions to them. Infants are especially vulnerable to negative effects, as their systems are not as strong as an adult’s.

It is possible to produce fabrics using ‘green’ or ‘natural’ methods that do not employ harsh chemicals. However, unless the materials that go into these green processes are also free of chemical intervention, there’s still a chance that harmful level of chemicals remain in them. A product that has the organic seal means that no chemicals were used at any point in the growing or processing of the item.

It’s no long hard to find these types of materials, thanks to the growing interest in human health and eco-friendliness that they offer. Major department stores now offer these products in many cases, and if not, there are hundreds of online retailers. And there are many interesting, mineral or plant-based colors to choose from, too.

While it can be impractical, either financially or logistically, to provision your family with organically-grown everything, a set of sheets and a blanket for each person should not overly burden most households. These products do not cost much more than their traditionally-produced counterparts, and they last a long time.

While blankets, sheets, and other materials that are right against your infant’s skin are what most people think of, there are also organic crib mattresses and other equipment. These are made from untreated fibers such as cotton, and food-grade plastics such as polyethylene for the waterproof types. They are made flame-retardant with a mixture of baking soda, cellulose and silica, all naturally-occurring plant-based substances and minerals.

The long-term effects of low-level toxin exposure in humans is unknown in most cases. Although the government regulates the use of these toxins based on animal studies and some acute human studies, little or no research has been done with most chemicals regarding long-term exposure of humans to ‘safe’ levels. Avoiding these toxins altogether is the only other option, and is often the preferred choice for young children, who are the most vulnerable.

Aside from the personal health benefits that can be obtained for you and your children, organic baby bedding offers a chance to be good to the earth. Modern farming methods put chemicals into the soil and water, destroy natural ecosystems containing both beneficial and harmful bacteria, and produce damaging products that enter the atmosphere. Farming organically means working with the land and the natural ecosystems, and is what people had been doing for thousands of years before modern chemicals were invented.

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Why You Might Want To Use Organic Baby Bedding

October 25th, 2011

Choosing organic baby bedding means making a great investment in your child’s healthy future. It also means supporting a healthier earth for them to grow up on, because the products produced this way do not destroy ecosystems and upset the balance of nature the way production using toxic chemicals can. Soft and natural is the way to go with crib sheets, blankets, and more.

Potentially dangerous chemicals are used in the manufacturing of most modern textile (fabric) products. Although the levels of these products that are allowed to remain in the item when it is sold are regulated, different people have different reactions to them. Infants are especially vulnerable to negative effects, as their systems are not as strong as an adult’s.

It is possible to produce fabrics using ‘green’ or ‘natural’ methods that do not employ harsh chemicals. However, unless the materials that go into these green processes are also free of chemical intervention, there’s still a chance that harmful level of chemicals remain in them. A product that has the organic seal means that no chemicals were used at any point in the growing or processing of the item.

It isn’t hard to find these products anymore, as they are more and more widely available from even large department stores. And if you can’t find them locally, there are hundreds of retailers on the internet. They come in many interesting colors, ranging from the natural off-white of pure wool to the vibrant colors made with mineral and plant-based dyes.

There’s no reason that your older child, or yourself, shouldn’t benefit from organically-grown materials, as well. Even if you can’t afford to purchase solely organically-grown food, there’s no reason it can’t make up a portion of your diet. And long-lasting materials like organic baby blankets, sheets, and mattresses, might well be worth the splurge.

While blankets, sheets, and other materials that are right against your infant’s skin are what most people think of, there are also organic crib mattresses and other equipment. These are made from untreated fibers such as cotton, and food-grade plastics such as polyethylene for the waterproof types. They are made flame-retardant with a mixture of baking soda, cellulose and silica, all naturally-occurring plant-based substances and minerals.

Removing as many chemicals as possible from your child’s environment during the early part of their life can be critical to preventing long-term damage. Exposure to many of these so called ‘safe’ chemicals has caused serious problems in animal studies, and may be doing the same to humans – it is just more difficult to test. And although you can’t control the world, removing these products from the places where your child spends the most time might be incredibly important.

Choosing to support the industry that makes organic baby bedding possible also means leaving a healthier earth for your children to grow up in. These types of production allow ecosystems to remain intact, rather than destroying large parts of them in order to increase crop yield, like modern traditional farming does. It also keeps toxins out of the water, soil, and atmosphere, where they can affect far more area than just the crop fields where they are used.

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Choosing the Very Best Organic Crib Sheets

July 20th, 2011

Your baby spends two-thirds of his or her day sleeping, especially in the early months. That is why it is so important to make your child’s crib as safe as possible. Although many parents opt for cute bedding sets that include a matching blanket, crib sheet and bumper, it’s best to stick to the basics and use an organic crib mattress and organic fitted crib sheet. This is what keeps the crib the safest for a young child and ensures that your little one will have a restful sleep.

Organic crib sheets are essential to a baby’s crib, as they fit over the crib mattress and mattress protector, serving as a comfortable place for baby to sleep. It’s best to have several crib sheets on hand, as baby will go through many! Making the decision to choose organic crib sheets is an excellent way to cut down on the harmful chemicals and toxins that leech into the air while baby sleeps. With traditional baby bedding, cotton crops are grown using harmful pesticides, and the fibers are treated with flame retardants. In turn, these toxins are released into the air when baby sleeps, causing skin irritations, allergies and breathing difficulties.

Organic crib sheets are the best option for all children, especially those that are prone to allergies or asthma. There are several different options to choose from, with the most common being organic cotton. Exceptionally soft and the most affordable option, organic cotton sheets are made from cotton that is untreated and un-dyed. Because of this, the sheets are available in earthy colors such as beige and brown.

Another option is organic wool, which has moisture wicking properties that allow baby to regulate his or her temperature through all seasons. With the natural properties of wool that keep it free from mold, bacteria and mildew, there are no chemicals needed in the manufacturing process. And, wool does not have to be treated with flame retardant chemicals, plastics or formaldehyde. Find out as much as possible when selecting wool organic crib sheets such as where the wool comes from. Many manufacturers are happy to say their products come from free-range sheep that are fed a healthy, chemical free diet.

In addition to organic cotton and wool selections, you can also opt for the increasingly popular bamboo crib sheets. Made from bamboo, these sheets are Eco-friendly and come from a sustainable resource. Bamboo crib sheets are available in a variety of light, neutral colors and have a soft and cozy texture. Best of all, bamboo organic crib sheets are easy to care for, odor resistant and thermal regulating.

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Organic Baby Bedding to Welcome a New Baby

July 13th, 2011

Whether you’re shopping for your own baby or a gift for someone else, organic baby bedding is an excellent choice that both babies and toddlers will get plenty of use from. Although there are many cute bedding sets that include a quilt and bumper, all that is needed for a crib is a tight-fitting crib sheet. If you opt for a bumper, a breathable one that is made from mesh material should be used. Stuffed animals, pillows and blankets should also not be placed in the crib.

To choose appropriate organic baby bedding, focus on a mattress protector, crib sheet and breathable bumper, if necessary. Blankets are also a great option for swaddling baby, although they should not be placed with baby to sleep. As safety is the main concern, opting for organics is one of the best ways to create a safe and secure environment for baby to sleep each night. Organic materials have not been treated with harmful pesticides or chemicals, which means you don’t have to worry about toxins leeching into the air.

There are a variety of materials that are used for organic baby bedding such as organic cotton, wool or bamboo. All types of baby bedding can be purchased in an organic form, including the crib mattress, blankets, crib sheet and bumper. The fact that these materials have not been treated also reduces the risk that the bedding will cause irritation or allergic reactions in baby. And without harmful chemicals, baby won’t be breathing in the fumes from plastics that are commonly found in mattresses.

When choosing a type of organic baby bedding, you’ll find that there are differences among each one. Organic cotton is very soft and easy to care for. Since more manufacturers are offering organic cotton products, they have come down in price a bit, making them an economical choice for organic products. Organic cotton is often available in neutral, earthy tones such as green and beige, as the brighter colors have more dyes and therefore, more chemicals.

Wool is also an excellent choice for organic baby bedding, as it’s naturally resistant to mold and mildew and it has moisture wicking properties, keeping baby cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Wool is long-lasting and durable as well. Finally, bamboo is an excellent choice for the environmentally-conscious, as it comes from a renewable source and is easy to obtain. Bamboo is resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria, and is exceptionally soft.

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Parents Should Use Organic Crib Sheets In Their Nursery

June 3rd, 2011

Infants spend a large portion of their day sleeping in cribs, which is why it’s important for parents to make this space as safe and comfortable as possible. The majority of parents spend their time ensuring that the crib is free of toys and stuffed animals, contain breathable bumpers and well-secured crib mobiles. However, many don’t consider that the sheets and crib bedding that contain an overwhelming amount of toxins and chemicals.

In fact, a leading cause of eczema and skin rashes in children is due to the chemical agents in crib bedding. This is because the bedding is often made from cotton blends, and the cotton crops are treated with a large amount of chemicals and pesticides. These toxins leech into the air and babies’ skin while they are sleeping. Fortunately, the answer is simple: organic crib sheets.

While many parents have heard about organic crib sheets, many are misled about the importance of these products. Parents also know these products are more costly, which can add to the financial burden of setting up a nursery. Yet organic bedding is readily available and offered both online and in stores, with a large selection at affordable prices. More importantly, there are many health benefits to choosing organic bedding, which is the very best for young infants.

First, organic crib sheets come from organic cotton that is grown in crops free of pesticides and contaminants. This means no harmful agents will make it into the organic products and leech into the child’s bedroom. There are other organic materials that crib sheets can be made of, including wool, bamboo or flannel. These materials are naturally warm and soft, perfect for a newborn’s sleeping space. And, since these organic materials have no irritating chemicals added, they don’t cause allergic skin reactions or difficulty breathing.

Parents who use organic crib sheets also enjoy the natural properties of this type of bedding. For example, natural fabrics are absorbent and moisture-wicking, which means they keep the body cool during warm weather and warm during cold weather. This means that the child won’t be left feeling overly hot and humid or cold and damp. Finally, organic crib sheets don’t produce excess dust and are safer for children who have asthma symptoms or are at risk for SIDS.

When buying organic products, make sure that they are 100 percent certified organic. This ensures that the baby bedding is made entirely of organic fabrics instead of just some. Unfortunately, there are many baby products on the market that slip by as “organic”, when really they only contain a small portion of natural materials. Organic crib sheets are available in a warm color palette, including pastel greens, pinks and blues.

Tags: bedding, crib, sheets, SIDS
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Using Organic Crib Sheets

November 17th, 2009

Want to keep your babies safe from the chemicals and other artificial materials found in crib sheets?  If so, then you need to purchase organic crib sheets.  These types of sheets are so soft and warm that you’ll not be able to tell them apart from any other type of crib sheets.  However, they are made out of completely organic cotton.  There is nothing artificial or unnatural in them, meaning there’s nothing that will cause your baby to have any sort of allergic reaction.

You may think that natural, organic crib sheets would only come in one dull color since no artificial dyes can be used, but that’s not true.  In fact, organic cotton crib sheets can actually come in a number of different colors because they’re dyed using allergen-free, non-toxic pigments.  You’ll find these organic crib sheets come in four great colors: rose, sage green, bamboo yellow, and cornflower blue.  You’re sure to find one of these colors looks just perfect in your baby’s nursery.

While some people think that organic sheets in your crib are just not necessary, others would disagree.  Organic sheets protect your child from breathing in many different things, including the chemicals used to dye the sheets and the various chemicals used to create the artificial fibers that the sheets are made out of.  Being exposed to these allergens and chemicals can actually cause many different problems for your child years later, so it’s much better to protect them while they are young.  Give your children the best sleeping area you can—give them organic crib sheets.

Tags: crib, organic, sheets
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Organic Mattresses and Crib Sheets Protect Your Baby

September 22nd, 2009

Babies can be very susceptible to dust and other small particles, plus chemicals are always a danger to newborns.  This leads many parents to wondering what they can do to protect their babies from the various chemicals, dyes, and other things used in the creation of baby mattresses, blankets, and sheets.  The answer is to purchase organic baby bedding.  These various organic crib sheets, blankets, and other items are all made with completely natural, organic materials that are guaranteed to contain nothing that will harm your child.  Even organic products that are dyed specific colors use only dyes that are all natural and will not cause any type of allergic reaction.

One of the worst chemicals that babies are often around is a type of flame retardant that is known as polybrominated diphenyl ether.  This PBDE is often used in baby mattresses and other baby bedding products in the United States and other countries.  However, it has been completely outlawed in Europe because studies have shown that it can be linked to SIDS and certain types of cancer.  It’s unknown why U.S. manufacturers still use the chemicals in their products, but why risk your baby’s health?

Purchasing an organic mattress, organic crib sheets, and other organic products will not only protect your baby from horrible chemicals but they will also help your child sleep better.  Organic products are naturally hypoallergenic so they won’t hold in so much dust, plus they’re incredibly soft.  These organic fibers also tend to be stronger than artificial ones, so organic materials often last much longer than others.

Tags: baby, bedding, crib, mattresses
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