Why Naturepedic Products

  What is an organic baby crib mattress?
The word “organic” is a term regulated by the USDA applying only to agricultural products. For example, organic cotton is a crop that is grown in compliance with organic standards. This means that no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers are used. An organic baby crib mattress is a mattress designed and constructed with certified organic materials, such as organic cotton, and which specifically eliminates potentially harmful synthetic materials such as vinyl/PVC and polyurethane foam. Learn More

  What makes the Naturepedic baby crib mattress so special?
In addition to organic cotton, Naturepedic mattresses provide important benefits including a non-toxic food grade waterproof / dust mite proof surface and an extra firm innerspring, all while avoiding the use of potential allergens such as latex and wool.

  Why would I want an organic baby crib mattress?
An organic baby crib mattress provides a healthier and more chemical free sleeping environment for your child. This means less exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

  What’s the difference between natural and organic cotton?
Natural cotton is grown conventionally but is not processed with harsh chemicals (such as chlorine bleach and various dyes). Organic cotton is not only unbleached and undyed, but is also grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. It provides a completely natural and chemical-free filling material.

  Do I need a mattress pad with a waterproof mattress?
Mattress pads are always a good idea. Firstly, no one wants to clean a mattress in the middle of the night. Secondly, they add a nice layer of breathability under the baby. Using DrySleep™ technology, the Organic Waterproof Protector Pad provides full waterproof protection while maintaining a degree of breathability.

  What is polyethylene and why do I want it?
Polyethylene is an environmentally friendly plastic that is used throughout the food packaging industry for its purity and non-toxic properties. The polyethylene surface of the No-Compromise Organic Baby Crib Mattress is specially formulated using only pure food grade materials, creating the ultimate non-toxic and waterproof mattress cover. It is also easy to clean and will not stain.

  What about fire protection?
When it comes to bedroom fires, a moment or two can mean the difference between life and death. Naturepedic uses a non-toxic and naturally derived fire protection system that is safe and effective. It meets and exceeds all Federal and State flammability standards without the use of potentially harmful chemicals.

  What’s wrong with polyurethane foam?
Polyurethane foam is essentially “foamified” petroleum and is extremely flammable. As such, it is heavily treated with fire retardant chemicals such as PBDEs (the most common of which was just banned by the state of California and across Europe). Many other questionable chemicals are also added in the fabrication process. Polyurethane foam disintegrates over time, breaking down into small particles that easily become airborne while releasing substantial VOCs throughout its life cycle.

  What’s wrong with vinyl/PVC?
Vinyl/PVC is largely regarded as one of the most toxic plastics in use today. It also poses numerous environmental concerns. Mattress covers made from vinyl/PVC contain many chemical additives such as phthalates, antimony, and various biocides which are released over time.

  What about nylon mattress covers?
Many companies have begun replacing vinyl/PVC with a woven nylon fabric. While nylon is definitely an improvement over vinyl/PVC, it is still not as pure and non-toxic as polyethylene. It is also not truly waterproof and will stain (it must be treated with a chemical coating in order to make it water resistant). Nylon mattress covers also typically contain the same questionable fire retardants and biocides as vinyl/PVC.

  Where can I find a healthy crib to go with my Naturepedic mattress?
There are a number of crib manufacturers available (such as Q Collection Junior™) that make cribs out of healthier and more environmentally friendly materials. We definatley encourage the use of these cribs as they are designed with the health of your baby and the environment in mind.

Non-Toxic Fire Protection

When it comes to bedroom fires, a moment or two can mean the difference between life and death. Thousands of innocent people are killed or severly injured from bedroom fires each year. Sadly, children comprise the majority of these casualties.

The primary filling material used in nearly all crib mattresses today is polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is highly flammable because it is essentially a petroleum product. In fact, the National Association of State Fire Marshals refers to it as “solid gasoline.”

In order to combat this hazard and pass Federal and State flammability standards, polyurethane foam has typically been treated or wrapped with harsh industrial fire retardant chemicals. These chemicals introduce other health and toxicity issues. Some of these chemicals have already been associated with thyroid and liver damage, hyperactivity, and changes in motor behavior and other brain functions. These chemicals typically constituted 10-30% of the foam by weight and can easily become airborne.

At Naturepedic, we take a different approach. Natural and organic cotton is a far superior filling material and is significantly less flammable to begin with.

Our exclusive fire protection system is based on the unique fire retardant properties of baking soda and hydrated silica bonded to cellulose fiber. Baking soda is a non-toxic substance with excellent fire retardant properties. Baking soda is a non-toxic substance with excellent fire retardant properties and can be found as a naturally occurring compound. Silica is a natural mineral that comprises about 60% of the earth’s crust. Clay, rocks, sand, etc. are all made primarily of silica. It is a major constituent of human tissue, bones, teeth, etc., and is even available at health food stores as a food supplement. It is also a primary ingredient in natural toothpaste. The cellulose fiber used is derived primarily from eucalyptus and poplar trees and has a low carbon footprint. These materials provide the best way to meet fire regulations without the use of dangerous chemicals or allergenic wool.

NO PBDEs
NO Brominated or Chlorinated Fire Retardants
NO Antimony
NO PAN (polyacrylonitrile)
NO Modacrylic
NO Dimethyl Sulfate
NO Boric Acid
NO Respirable Crystaline Silica
NO Allergenic Materials (i.e. Wool)