Organic Baby Blog – News & Tips on Organic Parenting

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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Baby Crib and Bedding Safety

May 4th, 2009

The first three things new or expecting parents think of when arranging the space that their baby will be sleeping in are comfort, aesthetics, and above all else, safety.  A newborn baby’s crib and bedding easily conjure cozy images of duck-dappled or teddy bear adorned bedding, lining cribs that may be or may someday become a family heirloom.  Infants can spend anywhere from eleven to sixteen hours a day sleeping; this alone places their crib and bedding among the most important aspects of their new life.  Disturbingly however, the crib is also host to the leading cause of infant death in the country, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. When combined with the fact that well over a million cribs have been recalled in the last few years, it is paramount for new parents to have a strong understanding of baby crib and bedding safety.  Here are some safe bedding guidelines laid out by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

•    Lay baby on his or her back on a firm mattress that fits tightly into a crib that meets current safety standards.

•    Take out any excess comforters, stuffed toys, and pillows.

•    Look into using sleep clothing as an alternative to blankets.

•    If using a blanket be sure to tuck it in under around the crib mattress and reaching up only as high as the infant’s chest.

•    Room temperature should be comfortable for an adult in light clothing.

•    Make sure child’s head remains uncovered during sleep.

Although the cause of SIDS is still a topic of debate, some experts maintain that off-gassing by chemicals used in baby bedding is the culprit.  One way to sidestep this possible problem is to avoid potentially toxic chemicals in your baby’s crib and bedding.  It is advised when budgeting for your child’s sleep setup that you consider organic bedding options.  It is also a good idea to occasionally check the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website for any recalls.  Knowledge is the most effective tool in ensuring that the choices you make regarding your baby’s crib and bedding are the right choices to preserve your baby’s safe and happy development.

Tags: baby, bedding, crib, safety, SIDS
Posted in Organic Baby Bedding | 1 Comment »

Sleeping Safely and SIDS

October 8th, 2008

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is most parents’ worst nightmare, the worry that keeps moms and dads alike waking in the middle of the night, not because the baby is crying, but to make sure they are still sleeping. Findings denote the syndrome to be accounted by carbon dioxide the baby has breathed out being re-inhaled and becoming trapped in their airway. The baby has to breath though so how to increase the circulation and decrease the likelihood of the this not occurring seems to be the first steps to slowing down this terrifying syndrome and allowing parents a little rest. Different studies through out the last 20 years have provided different advise on prevention. The most recent findings list a few simple precautions that can be taken to help decrease the chances. First understanding there are babies more likely to suffer from SIDS. Boys, African American and American Indian children, premature birth weight and living with cigarette smokers are all factors that increase the chances for the baby. Only one of these can be controlled and that is cigarette smoking. The most common preventive steps include: Firm bedding with very little blanketing, soft bedding allows the baby to sink into the mattress and creates a higher likelihood of them re-inhaling the carbon dioxide they just exhaled. Lots of blankets and covers again increases their mouths being covered forcing them to breathe back in the dispelled air. Keeping a fan circulating in the room of the baby is a way to help to ensure the air moves and the carbon dioxide mixes with in the room. This decreases the amount of carbon dioxide that is concentrated around the baby and they can breathe in. There is 72% less chance of SIDS with babies with a fan in their room moving the air. IF a fan is not possible, an open window is an acceptable way to increase fresh air and release the stale air. Placing babies on their back to sleep helps to decrease the chances of them smothering themselves into the mattress and breathing their expelled air. SIDS is a terrifying worry for parents but it can be reduced if you are careful about environment and the set up of the babies sleeping quarters. 

Tags: SIDS
Posted in General, Organic Crib Mattresses | No Comments »