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Moving your baby from a crib to a bed can be a big and somewhat scary time of their lives. Both for them, as yes it’s a new bed for your toddler. And for you. Because you want to get them the absolute best bed (and sleeping environment).
Of course, this means making them comfortable and giving them enough space to grow into (so you don’t have to replace the toddler bed next year). But it also means taking their health into account. Which is why a non-toxic toddler bed is so important, right?
For me, that meant finding a bed that was both safe and non-toxic. After all, you never quite know what you are getting with beds today.
Non-Toxic Organic Mattresses
Okay, so now I have to get over my dreaded fears and get onto shopping. I’m sure I’m not the only mom out there looking for safe bedding, so maybe I can help. Since I’m researching and reading anyhow I might as well share with you what I’ve found.
Like the organic mattress for starters. I know I want an organic mattress. My daughter has asthma and I want to be as safe and non-toxic as possible. I went to my local furniture store and I got a funny look and was told they don’t make organic mattresses but they sell chemical-free mattresses. Too bad, huh!
Online I have found two different organic mattresses I am considering from Oscar and Belle. They also offer an organic crib mattress.
Flame Retardants?
I’ll write more on this in detail soon but I’m also very concerned about flame retardants coating my babies mattress. Jessica from Green Phone Booth told me about her experience with Ikea and her so-called $900 eco-mattress that really is coated with flame retardants. So, it’s something to definitely watch out for. Many flame retardants have been linked with health issues, so be sure to read up about it and inform yourself.
Flame retardants were found and the level wasn’t low! Gasp! So, not only do I want a organic mattress but I don’t want to find out later that I purchased a mattress for some big dollars and it is coated in chemicals. I wish I had a XRF Analyzer!
Toddler Beds To Consider
Before you make a decision on which bed to buy, you have to think about the type of bed you need. For example, if you have twins or two children of similar age, maybe you should consider bunk beds. Otherwise a single bed should work fine. Unless you have space issues, then consider a trundle bed.
These are the beds I am trying to decide between:
Max & Lily Solid Wood Twin-Size Bed with Trundle Bed
This non-toxic toddler bed for is built with New Zealand pine wood. It also comes with toddler holders, which will be great for my daughter and a trundle bed. So, when she has sleepovers, her friend can sleep right there next to her!
This eco-friendly toddler bed does not require a box-spring, but a simple standard mattress, as it comes with sprung slats. So, I can save some money there. And did I mention it is solid wood? Of course, but it’s worth repeating, as many toddler beds use far cheaper materials!
KidKraft Toddler Houston Bed, Honey
The toddler bed is another good non-toxic option because I can use her existing crib mattress. That means she will feel right at home, but not be climbing out of the crib anymore. It is also solid wood, so again, not a cheap plastic toddler bad I have to replace when she breaks it!
The downside is that she will outgrow it sooner or later and then I will be right back to square one. It is non-toxic though, so that is always a huge plus
Costzon Toddler Bed
The reason I love this one so much is that it has side protection, to help my daughter get used to a toddler bed. After all, a crib is protected all around, and I have the feeling she might have some anxiety with absolutely no barriers between her and the floor. This is a great compromise.
And, it’s a great looking dark wood with eco-friendly paint, which I think is a huge plus.
Baby Relax Burton, Cherry
Another great toddler bed with guard rails, the Baby Relax is the last on the list. The rails are also removable, so as your child grows, you can choose to remove them and give them more freedom (or a grown up feeling!).
The only downside of this toddler bed is that I have not been able to find anything about the chemicals and paint used in it’s construction.
Moving your baby (ahem, toddler) from a crib to a toddler bed is a big step and making the right decisions is always tough.
I find that if you consider how your little one behaves and what they like into consideration it really helps make the transition a smooth one.
My daughter is 16 months and I’m researching toddler beds too. The iron bed…that is something I did not think of. So far, my research has led me to unfinished furniture and you can either put a low VOC paint on or a wax paste (or so I’m told by my fellow bloggers). I did see an ad from Serta a few months ago advertising a Organic Mattress. Maybe we just have to search more. Sad that everything has to be so difficult to buy. Thanks for the information, and I look forward to a future post on this topic!!!
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Aren’t wool mattresses supposed to be naturally flame resistant and non-toxic?
I am a huge believer in co-sleeping and one of the reasons is that I am so terrified to put my girls on a bed soaked in chemicals but my bed might not be any better!! I want one of those counters too!
http://www.anaturalhome.com/product/D000ORGCOTMAT/
I’m pretty sure we can trust the amish to not decieve us by dumping chemicals into the mattress. Plus you don’t pay for ‘big brand name’.
Hope that helps.
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We have been looking for a new bed for us on and off for almost two years now! It’s just us adults (no kids) and its still stressful, both in terms of cost and making the right choice. I refuse to buy a conventional mattress due to my chemical sensitivities — I wish there was an easy choice to make!
I too have been looking into organic mattresses and been frustrated and freaked out. My understanding with the flame retardants is that you have to have a prescription from a doctor in order to be able to purchase a mattress that does not have the flame retardants. They are out there, both organic and without the chemical flame retardants, but then there’s that other factor: they’re prohibitively expensive for a lot of us. That’s all I know so far. Oh, that and we’ll have to have any organic mattress shipped to us because they don’t sell them in our town anywhere (which adds more expense).
Keep us posted as you learn more, please! Thanks!
Funny that you should post about this, as we are currently obsessing over what bed to buy for ourselves. I recently wrote a two-part series on my blog about buying organic mattresses for my sons. We ended up purchasing them “budget” organic latex mattress (at organicgrace.com) and putting them on traditional, but all wood/no particle board, platform beds. Now, we’ve decided on a mattress for ourselves, but are still debating about the right bed frame. I’m leaning toward trying to pick one up on Craiglist, as at least a lot of the off-gassing is done when you buy used (and, let’s face it, it’s a lot less expensive!)
Another source is http://www.naturalmat.com. They sell mattress’ in all sizes.
I love your blog! i will be back!
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@ Margie — It’s true that you need a doctor’s note to buy a mattress with no fire retardants. But, if you buy an organic mattress with wool (a natural fire retardant), you’re good — i.e. don’t need a note. That’s what we got for our boys and are planning to get for ourselves. Also, some online stores offer free shipping with certain brands/styles, which can definitely save a lot of money!
Thanks for the resources! I had no idea you need a script for a non-toxic bed. How crazy. I learn so much from my readers and other bloggers, thanks!
Like some posters above, I have heard than an organic wool mattress is the way to go. Also, Naturepedic makes a latex mattress that’s natural and organic for children, I think. It’s a good idea for you to get a twin bed so that it lasts a long time! I slept in a twin bed until I was pretty old . . . like in my twenties!
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We just bought my son a Vivetique mattress who is 18. He has asthma and other allergies. We bought him a queen because he can take it with him for years to come. He loves it.
It is made with organic wool, cotton and natural latex. You have to be careful because some of the natural latex mattress are blended with synthetics. Also, make sure the wool, cotton, etc are not treated. Ask what they put in the corners of the mattress. Some companies put in foam.
I bought his mattress at the Organic Mattress Store in PA. (http://www.theorganicmattressstore.com/) He actually laid on the mattress in their showroom. You can order online too. These mattress are pricey but are suppose to last a long time.
OMS sell beds as well but I like the craig’s list idea. I buy alot of used furniture because it has already off-gassed.
Our mattress is an organic cotton mattress that is 8 years old. I still like the spring which my son does not get with his particular mattress. Others provide this.
Anna http://www.green-talk.com
Hey, what would be the difference between a chemical-free matress and an organic mattress? Wouldn’t they be one and the same?
Thanks.
Can someone email me a response at moneill@rgj.com.
great blog! having a hard time convincing hubby that the bed he brought in our home is indeed TOXIC….
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Baby’s grow up fast. I feel the same about my baby girl who is 17 months and on her feet struggling to climb out her crib, wanting to go where she pleases. I also have moments when she is sleeping that I just stare at her wishing she won’t grow so fast, but no one can stop time. My husband, being sweet as he is, had gone online and searched for a toddler bed where our baby can sleep soundly and no more scary moments once she is left alone on her crib, he found one at http://www.babydirect.com/c-128-toddler-beds.aspx Their prices are reasonable and products are really safe. Great selection too!
Most people consider a queen size bed to be a sufficient enough space for two people to sleep on. There is enough room for both to have their own “space” and not be crowded. Queen sized beds generally have enough dimension and is most likely the reason for their popularity. One of the biggest mistakes of all times is when a couple buys a bed and didn’t take dimensions into consideration. Many squeeze into a full size bed and end up miserable after a short period of time.
Statistics say that almost half of our lives we spend by sleeping, so I agree that it's very important to keep things safe and comfortable in that area. I for one have an entire ritual when it comes to sleeping, especially now since I have an organic latex mattresses and I'm looking into Feng Shui for setting up the furniture the right way for me.
Statistics say that almost half of our lives we spend by sleeping, so I agree that it's very important to keep things safe and comfortable in that area. I for one have an entire ritual when it comes to sleeping, especially now since I have an organic latex mattresses and I'm looking into Feng Shui for setting up the furniture the right way for me.
Hi Rebecca
I also not recommended you the unfinished furniture because of low intensity paints are applied over it an it will be good for your daughter.
– Jonahtan G.
Nice article! All the beds mentioned are good but I think I will go for Kids Wrought Iron Bed – Twin Bed (Antique White) 78 x 39
nice posting
As staff entomologist and technical director of Lawrenceville, NJ-based Cooper Pest Solutions, Richard Cooper has witnessed the resurgence and rapid growth of the bed bug scourge that continues to plague the hospitality industry. Unfortunately, there's no end in sight.
When my child is still your child's age, too. Agile, we even worry about fear of falling
Great posts, your child's age kids, likes to play. Of course we will keep
You daughter might be not comfortable with his crib that's why she's trying to get out every time you want her to stay on her crib.
Great articl!
Hi,
It is a nice organic mattress. What so good about it is that it is non-toxic and so safe for the children especially those kids that have sensitive condition.
I'm happy you shared this so, I don't to worry more looking for an organic mattress. But really to be honest I never thought there's one like this. Thanks for sharing.
All the 3 beds looks really good. My advice is choose the bed that suits your child's personality and also test it's comfortableness.
Quet@Amish Furniture
Do you want to see a new and unique style of FURNITURE
Visit: Amish Furniture
A place to try
http://www.nontoxicbeds.com/
They sell in several ways. Through precription, but also they let you buy the foam only and then a cover to make your bed non toxic or they allow you to buy and take the flame retardent barrier out. Their mattresses are super comfy as we all sleep on one. Hope this helps you all.
Those beds are really nice and it is really a must that we would be able to give what is the best for our child because that is what being a good parent is all about.
try the futons at The Futon Shop, in San Francisco. They make their mattresses by hand organic mattresses..lots of options. Witha doctor’s note,,, no fire retadants are put in.