The
Mattress Still Matters, a new report on crib mattresses from Clean and Healthy
New York and the Ecology Center, has been researched, written and designed to
aid parents in making the best choices to protect their babies
from manufacturers who do not disclose the chemicals used in the crib
mattress that a newborn will spend 16-17 hours a day sleeping on.
“Because
the federal agencies are not doing their job, parents need to take action to
protect their children’s health,” writes Philip J. Landrigan, MD, MSc, FAAP, in his foreword for the
report. “To take effective action, parents need accurate, honest, unbiased
information. That is why this report is so important as it provides critical
information for parents that is available nowhere else.”
After
analyzing 227 product
webpages from 37 crib
mattress brands, findings in the report found that 35% of those
surveyed— only 10 companies—
provided information about each major component of their
mattresses. Thirteen percent provided information about most of those
major components. A majority of companies—52%—did not disclose most
or all of their materials and 22% of companies had significant gaps
on their websites. Only 4 of the
13 items tested fully matched test results and information provided
by companies.
The report, which follows up a series on crib
mattresses that began nine years ago, goes on to look into the “breathability”
of these mattresses, including the chemicals that off-gas from them over time.
In the final round, the new report suggests that,
“There are few real obstacles to making healthier mattresses—as shown by our
findings. However, government policies are needed to ensure the full range of
offerings is free from harmful chemicals. Policymakers at the state and federal
level should:
- Ban PFAS chemicals,
especially in children’s products. They have no place in the nursery.
- Ban chemicals used as flame retardants in children’s
products, including those that can also be used by adults, such as twin
mattresses.
- Help parents find safer products by holding
companies that misrepresent product qualities financially accountable. Use and
enact laws and regulations to ensure accuracy in advertising and green claims.
Note: We
suggest you download the report so you can see how its determinations
relate to your search for the best baby mattress for you child.
Check page 4 which
delineates the five key chemicals you should be concerned with.
Check page 14 which
discusses the new directions for mattress covers.
Check page 23
which lists mattresses you could consider. The report recommends ten
mattresses, but most importantly stresses the
designated approvals one should look for: Juvenile Products Manufacturers
Association, MadeSafe, Global Organic Textile Standard, Global Organic Latex
Standard, USDA Organic, UC Greenguard, Formaldyhyde Free and CertPUR-US.
(Editor’s note: from past experience, I found that it can be difficult to find
the exact product mentioned. At least this gives you a direction with which to
begin your search.)
Check page 25
on the mattress certification programs and what the certificate adds to your
decision-making. There are a surprisingly large number of certification
programs used to verify a wide range of product qualities.
Check page 29
for the report’s specific recommendations to parents, manufacturers, childcare
providers, retailers, and government agencies.
In the final round, the new report recommends
political action to ensure crib mattress safety, including easier access to the
voluminous information compiled within its 39 pages.
HV Parent Writer’s Note: The report includes product comparisons, but also
notes how some brands can become obsolete or discontinued without notice. We also suggest asking your pediatrician about your child’s possible sensitivities
and also about purchasing and maintaining top-end mattress covers.