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Safe Baby Mattress on a Budget? Ask Annie

Safe Baby Mattress on a Budget? Ask Annie

Dear Annie,
I am pregnant with my second child, and as much as I want to buy an organic wool mattress for my new baby, I can’t afford it. I bought a mattress and am outgassing it on the porch, hoping that all the smells will be gone. Is that OK? –Sara, NY

Dear Sara,
It is great that you are aware of toxics in baby furniture, an important first step. My suggestion for you is to air the mattress out like you are doing, but to also to make a cotton barrier cloth cover for it. Barrier cloth is a very tightly woven material consisting of a 440 thread count that blocks most fumes and dust mites. Just make sure to wash the barrier cloth frequently.

When I was getting my daughter’s nursery together I found a used mattress for sale at a garage sale because I knew that it would be fully outgassed. I then covered it with a barrier cloth. I felt quite satisfied that she was sleeping on a non-toxic mattress with those steps.

While you are buying the barrier cloth, get some extra to make a safe car seat: Chemical Dangers in Car Seats.

Read more: Home, Ask Annie, Children, Health & Safety, , , , ,

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BONUS butterfly credits

Annie B. Bond

Annie is a renowned expert in non-toxic and green living. Named one of the top 20 environmental leaders by Body and Soul Magazine, Annie has authored four books, including "Home Enlightenment" (Rodale Press, 2005) and "Better Basics for the Home" (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

also by Annie B. Bond

33 comments

+ add your own
Marianne Good Marianne G.
8:34AM PDT on May 4, 2013

Thanks.

Julie F. Julie F.
3:30PM PST on Feb 4, 2013

Thank you.

Danuta Watola Danuta W.
2:24AM PDT on Jul 24, 2012

Great post. Thanks.

Winn Adams Winn A.
1:29PM PDT on Jun 4, 2012

Thanks for the article.

LM Sunshine LMj S.
11:39PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

good tips, thank you for sharing.

Chris R. Chris R.
9:11AM PDT on Nov 5, 2011

Thanks!~

Chris R. Chris R.
9:10AM PDT on Nov 5, 2011

Thanks!~

Joe R. Joe R.
6:47AM PDT on Oct 21, 2011

Interesting.

Tim Cheung Tim C.
1:07PM PDT on Sep 25, 2011

thanks, Annie

Tim Cheung Tim C.
1:04PM PDT on Sep 25, 2011

thanks

add your comment



Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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