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Will Drop-Side Cribs Be Banned?

Thursday, July 15th, 2010


After nine million recalls in the last five years, it is possible that drop-side cribs won’t be with us much longer. Yesterday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission unanimously voted on new crib standards that could virtually eliminate the manufacture and sale of drop-side cribs.

The CPSC has been getting serious about the problems with drop-side cribs for some time. Some recent examples:

• After numerous reports of deaths and injuries related to drop-side cribs, a CPSC blog in February 2010 gave complete details on how to check your drop-side crib for safety.

• A comprehensive review of the reports on file followed – there have been 32 deaths and hundreds of injuries since 2000 – and the CPSC issued a formal warning in May. The warning suggests that parents keep a close eye on crib recalls (check the CPSC Crib Information Center) to make sure their crib is not on the list and to do constant checks on their cribs to locate any loose or defective hardware or other parts.

The May warning also said that parents should not try to fix the cribs on their own – reports of incidents, including deaths, have shown homemade repairs to be unreliable.

• Yesterday, to put an end to the problem, the CPSC voted unanimously on new proposed mandatory standards for cribs. They’re a long time coming – the last standards were released in 1982. The new standards would apply to all cribs, but could virtually put a stop to the manufacture and sale of those with drop sides.

A final vote on the new standards is expected in December, and they should take effect next summer.

If you’re expecting a baby and shopping for cribs, or thinking of using an old crib or one from a friend, make sure to read the CPSC information in all the links above and take it into consideration before you make your choice.

As an extra safety precaution, also make sure you check out Naturepedic crib mattresses – no harmful chemicals, no allergens, waterproof, naturally fire-retardant, firm, flat, a snug fit, and comfy. Just what your baby needs.

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Posted in Crib Mattress, Naturepedic | No Comments »

Check out Safer Chemicals Healthy Families’ New Video – By Moms, For Moms

Sunday, June 13th, 2010


Safer Chemicals Healthy Families, an organization dedicated to ensuring new safety standards for chemicals are established and met, has released a video made by Moms, for Moms to help educate families and organizations on the dangers of toxic chemicals. It’s called Moms Take Action Against Toxic Chemicals, and is available by following the link.

Safer Chemicals Healthy Families is a coalition representing more than 11 million people in the U.S. including parents, health professionals, advocates for people with learning and developmental disabilities, reproductive health advocates, environmentalists and businesses.

They provide a wealth of information and are working to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act. The Act was written in 1976 and has not changed since that time despite growing evidence of the link between toxic chemicals and health. Chemicals have been linked to everything from diabetes to learning disabilities.

Naturepedic is also a member of the coalition. Our organic crib mattresses are designed to help prevent exposure to toxic chemicals, but we would like to see everyone, not just babies, living safer lives.

Check out the video and, while you’re on the site, also check the list of participating organizations. You may find quite a few in there that would help you find the resources you need to further your personal quest and answer your questions!

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Posted in Kid-Safe Chemicals Act, Naturepedic, Toxic Substances Control Act, dangerous household chemicals, toxic chemicals | No Comments »

Mom is Baby’s First House. Is Your Body Kid-Safe?

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010


non-toxic chemicals in MomCouples hoping to start a family or have a new baby often start planning well into the future. Moving into a new place that has room for the baby, is in a safe, family environment, decor, clothing, even what school the kids will go to are sometimes decided years in advance. Prospective parents who are in-the-know would also be searching for the best organic crib mattress and other non-toxic furniture. But sometimes we forget to make sure the baby’s very first house – Mom – is up to par.

Many recent studies have shown that kids whose Moms’ bodies contain chemicals are born with those chemicals in their body. One study found 287 chemicals in newborns’ umbilical cords.

Many experts believe this is a real health hazard because children’s under-developed bodies are especially susceptible to toxins. Even the President’s Cancer Panel suggests that both parents should avoid exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and known or suspected carcinogens prior to conception, during pregnancy and throughout a child’s early life.

How can you safeguard your baby?

The first order of business would be, of course, to eliminate chemicals from your environment as much as possible. You can do a lot with just a few changes in:

Personal care products and cosmetics,
Household cleaning products and laundry items, and
Food that contains chemical additives or was grown (like chicken and beef) with added hormones, antibiotics, and so forth.

But it is also a good idea to see a health practitioner and get tested for the chemicals in your body and, if needed, do a detox. There are many different types of detox programs – your health care specialist can recommend one that’s best for you.

A chemical-free environment for your baby to come home to is important – everything from clothing to crib mattresses. But a good detox for Mom and Dad gives your baby an excellent start right from conception.

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Posted in Green your home and nursery, dangerous household chemicals, expectant mother's health, pesticides, phthalates, safe bath and personal care products for kids, toxic chemicals | 1 Comment »

How the Chemicals in Your Life Are Affecting Your Unborn Children

Sunday, May 30th, 2010


eliminate toxic chemicals if you're pregnantIf you’ve been reading our blog, or keeping up with news items (including a piece on 60 Minutes that aired just a week ago), you will know that many of the items in our everyday lives contain potentially harmful chemicals. This is even more of a problem for kids than adults, because kids’ bodies are still developing. But the problem starts long before the kids are born. In fact, it’s immediately after conception. Check out this resource that shows you exactly when and in what part of the body chemicals affect your unborn child.

The resource is a chart on the website of The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX). TEDX is a non-profit organization that studies the effects of low-dose exposure to endocrine disruptors, chemicals that effect fetal development and human health. These chemicals include, but are not limited to, bisphenol A (BPA), dioxin, and phthalates.

The chart is called Critical Windows of Development. It lists the various systems, organs and so on within the body and shows the stages of development during each weeks and trimesters in the womb. On the upper right of the chart, it shows checkboxes for ‘All Chemicals’, ‘Bisphenol A’, ‘Dioxin’, and ‘Phthalates’. Check ‘Phthalates’, for example, and red lines appear on the chart that show you which systems they affect, and at what period of pregnancy.

There are also little triangles on the chart that provide the names of studies that support the information.

One thing is clear: If we want to give our kids the best chance at being healthy as children and throughout their lives, expectant Mothers need to be free of these chemicals.

Pass this on to anyone you know who is pregnant, or may be in the future, so they can start doing something about it now.

What do they do about it? Eliminate the chemicals from their lives as much as possible. Many of our blog posts show you how to do that, and Debra Lynn Dadd’s book Home Safe Home has a wealth of information on what chemicals are in what products and suggestions on healthy alternatives. But, basically, just go organic, go toxin-free.

And once your baby is born, make sure you continue your toxic-free life. Get the baby a safe crib and baby crib mattress, made with non-toxic materials, swaddle them in organic cotton, feed them organic food, get them glass baby bottles and diapers and toys that are not made of harmful plastics or other potentially harmful chemicals.

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Posted in Naturepedic, Non-Toxic Toys and Children's Gifts, Organic Bedding, Studies, dangerous household chemicals, expectant mother's health, organic cotton, phthalates, safe bath and personal care products for kids, toxic chemicals | 1 Comment »

Could Your Baby Crib Mattress Cause Your Child to be Obese?

Friday, May 28th, 2010


Chubby little kids used to be just that – chubby little kids. Big deal. But research in recent years has shown that childhood obesity can lead to serious health problems. The common solution is to try to get the kids to eat less and play more – which, in many cases, simply doesn’t work. Is there hope on the horizon? Yes. A new study has discovered a link between obesity and phthalates – the chemicals used to make children’s toys, personal care products, the PVC vinyl used as waterproof coverings on baby crib mattresses, and many other things that are part of our everyday lives.

How much of a problem is childhood obesity? In the U.S., on average, 30% of children are overweight or obese. In some states the numbers are much higher. In Mississippi, for example, nearly half of the kids have a weight problem.

Not only can this be very hard on a child socially by interfering with relationships and self-esteem, it also increases the risk of heart disease, asthma, liver problems and diabetes. It’s really worth doing something about.

How do phthalates fit into the picture?

As we have covered in several other blog posts, check Phthalates Effect Hormonal Development in Little Girls and Increase Risk of Health Problems in Later Life for more info on what they can do to little girls, phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means they affect the glands and hormones that regulate many bodily functions, including those relating to fat metabolism.

Several animal studies have shown mice to become obese when exposed to endocrine disruptors. But the new study on 400 girls aged 9 to 11 has now linked endocrine disruptors – specifically, phthalates – to obesity in humans.

To investigate the link, researchers measured the girls’ exposure to phthalates through urine testing. According Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, one of the lead researchers on the study and professor of pediatrics at New York’s Mount Sinai Medical Center, the girls with the highest exposure to phthalates were also the most overweight.

Dr. Landrigan told the New York Times that even though there is some recognition of the role chemicals play in childhood obesity, it is generally thought of as a ‘calories eaten vs. calories burned’ issue. Dr. Landrigran thinks the link to chemicals may be far more significant.

The evidence of the health consequences of chemicals in our everyday lives is mounting. Pesticides, fire-retardants, phthalates – they are everywhere. In some cases they’re used for convenience; in others we’re told they’re necessary to protect us.

At Naturepedic we don’t use those chemicals in our baby crib mattresses. But we meet and exceed government health and safety regulations. And there are hundreds of companies that do the same with their various products.

So … are the chemicals really necessary? In light of all the recent research, they are doing more harm than good. For the health of your children, check out Naturepedic toddler and baby crib mattresses – the kids spend a lot of time there so it’s a good place to start – then do what you can to get phthalates and other harmful chemicals out of the house!

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Posted in PVC/vinyl, Studies, childhood obesity, dangerous household chemicals, fire retardants, pesticides, phthalates, safe bath and personal care products for kids, toxic chemicals | No Comments »

Study Links Pesticides to ADHD – Are They in Your Child’s Crib Mattress?

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010


Naturepedic organic cotton crib mattresses no pesticidesYet another study has linked ADHD to chemicals – this time it’s the group of pesticides known as organophosphates. Organophosphates are commonly used on cotton crops, which is why we use only organic cotton in our baby crib mattresses.

The list of symptoms now labeled ‘ADHD’ – forgetfulness, difficulty focusing or concentrating, inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity and, often, learning disorders – can be a real trial for kids and parents.

A significant number of kids with these symptoms have trouble with school and relationships, are more prone to accidents and injury and, as they get older, are more likely to get involved in drinking and driving and other social problems.

Of course, some of this is ‘normal’ kid stuff. But organophosphate pesticides, which disrupt the brains and nervous systems of insects very effectively, have been proven to have a similar effect on humans. They have even been used in nerve gas and other chemical weapons for precisely that reason.

Do we really want to expose our kids to these chemicals?

ADHD symptoms can also be very costly for a family. Estimates show that the average cost to a household with a child with ADHD is between $12,000 and $17,000 a year. That includes treatment and other health support, lost work days, trips to the ER, and so on.

Many kids take drugs to control the symptoms. But drugs have their own long list of problems. If a healthy solution can be found – in this case, that would be the elimination of pesticides and other harmful chemicals from our kids’ lives – everyone would be much better off.

The new study examined about 1,100 children, 119 of whom have had an ADHD diagnosis. Urine tests looked for organophosphate metabolites – the products of the breakdown of the pesticides in the body – and found that the higher the level of metabolites, the more severe the ADHD.

Researchers concluded that the risk of ADHD is almost double in children with high levels of organophosphate pesticide breakdown products. Considering that organophosphates account for nearly 40% of the pesticides used around the world, we can pretty much count on them being in our bodies to some extent.

Check out the study, entitled Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Pesticides, in the journal Pediatrics for more info..

Sometimes it may feel that there’s no end to the dangers of chemicals but, really, this is good news. It opens the door to a possible solution for millions of kids!

At Naturepedic, we make our baby crib mattresses with organic cotton – no pesticides in the materials = no pesticide exposure for kids. We made them for the kids in our own family. Now they’re available for yours.

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Posted in ADHD, Autism, SIDS, dangerous household chemicals, organic cotton, pesticides, toxic chemicals | No Comments »

What You Really Need to Know About “Safe” Crib Mattresses

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

New Mom's Guide to Choosing a Crib Mattress

Check out our New Mom's Guide to Choosing a Crib Mattress!

I was recently checking the customer reviews of crib mattresses – the traditional varieties made with polyurethane foam, fire retardants, PVC/vinyl with phthalates, just to mention a few of the chemical components – and found that many of the reviewers said they know their baby is safe with the crib mattress they chose because it fits snugly in their crib (which means no tiny fingers can get stuck in between the mattress and the crib), and it’s firm.

I was quite amazed to realize that the majority of people have so little information about the potential dangers of the chemicals found in crib mattresses and the toxic fumes they can emit into the air our babies breathe for 12 to 15 hours a day.

In fact, the chemicals used in most crib mattresses, including many of those labeled ‘organic’ or ‘natural,’ have been linked to so many illnesses and other conditions that even the President’s Cancer Panel – which is anything but ‘fringe’ – is jumping on the bandwagon to reduce our exposure. See President’s Cancer Panel Warns Against Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life for information on the Panel’s latest annual report.

I thought it might be a good idea to write a blog listing the chemicals in crib mattresses and giving more information about each. But we actually have all that information on the What’s NOT in a Naturepedic Crib Mattress page of our website.

Many experts say you may be able to avoid cancer, ADD and ADHD, endocrine and hormonal problems, asthma and allergies, obesity, respiratory illness, and a host of other conditions if you have fewer chemicals in your life and in the life of your children.

This is vital information for parents. Please read it, and send a link to the page to your friends. And while you’re at it, also read What IS in a Naturepedic Baby Crib Mattress – and you’ll see the difference.

You can also download our excellent New Mom’s Guide to Crib Mattresses. It’s a quick and easy read, and probably answers every question you have.

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Posted in ADHD, Autism, SIDS, Naturepedic, New Mom's Guide to Choosing a Crib Mattress, PVC/vinyl, crib mattress firmness, fire retardants, phthalates, polyurethane foam, toxic chemicals | No Comments »

President’s Cancer Panel Warns Against Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

non-toxic chemicals make a happy healthy family

Happy, Healthy Family Lives a Toxin-Free Life

The President’s Cancer Panel released their annual report last Thursday. I can’t begin to tell you what a breakthrough it is to have this icon of the medical establishment acknowledge the role chemicals play in our health. Cancer is not the only consequence of chemical exposure but, of course, it is the focus of the report.


Did you know that 41% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some time in their lives? Scary, but those are the statistics. The President’s Cancer Panel wants to do something about it.

To give you an idea of how serious they are, check out this quote from the Panel’s cover letter to the President:

“The Panel was particularly concerned to find that the true burden of environmentally induced cancer has been grossly underestimated. With nearly 80,000 chemicals on the market in the United States, many of which are used by millions of Americans in their daily lives and are un- or understudied and largely unregulated, exposure to potential environmental carcinogens is widespread.”

There’s much more to read in the report itself, but even reading just the cover letter to the President makes things pretty clear. See Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk – What We Can Do Now for both the letter and the complete report.

The authors provide outlines of policy, research and programs to bring about the changes they believe are necessary to keep us safe. But they also provide recommendations we can use in our daily lives, now, to reduce our exposure.

Here are the highlights of their recommendations:

1. Because children’s under-developed bodies are especially susceptible to toxins, both parents should avoid exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and known or suspected carcinogens prior to conception, during pregnancy and throughout a child’s early life. They also advise we choose foods, house and garden products, play spaces (this would include cribs and baby crib mattresses – check out Naturepedic), toys, medicines and medical tests that limit exposure.

2. If one works in an environmental that contains potentially harmful chemicals, remove work shoes and wash work clothes immediately upon entering the house so as not to contaminate the home environment.

3. Drink filtered tap water. Avoid bottles of water – BPA in plastics is a big issue – unless it is known that tap or well water is contaminated.

4. Buy organic food – food grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Eat meat from free-range animals that have not been given growth hormones or antibiotics. Avoid processed, charred and well-done meats.

5. Properly dispose of pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, paints and similar materials. And, when possible, choose products made with non-toxic substances or environmentally-safe chemicals.

6. Reduce exposure to radiation (they give specifics), and get your home tested for radon.

7. Become a voice in your community.

The report covers many different types of exposure, including radiation from medical testing. For example, did you know that the radiation from one CT scan is equivalent to over 1,000 chest x-rays? To read the complete report, which is lengthy but easy to read and very interesting, check Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk – What We Can Do Now.

This is great news! Not only is the issue getting more mainstream medical attention, the information is now in the oval office. And with fairly simple recommendations we can put into action in our daily lives, we really can do something about our own health and the health of our children, now!

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Posted in Naturepedic, dangerous household chemicals, going green, non-toxic cribs, non-toxic paint, safe bath and personal care products for kids, toxic chemicals | No Comments »

Phthalates Affect Hormonal Development in Little Girls and Increase Risk of Health Problems Later in Life

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010


phthalates can cause early puberty in little girlsIf we could sum up what we want for our kids in two words, ‘happy’ and ‘healthy’ would probably be the winners. Raising children who are happy and healthy as they grow and when they become adults is no small feat! However, it is becoming more and more obvious that many chemicals we use every single day can thwart those goals. Check out the latest study on the effects of phthalates, phenols and phytoestrogens on little girls.

It’s been known for some time that phthalates – used to soften PVC/vinyl so it can be used as a waterproof covering on crib mattresses – can affect hormonal development in little boys. In some cases, it affects their behavior, and the physical damage can be so severe it can even cause structural changes. This information was pivotal in the recent banning of three types of phthalates in some children’s products. Others phthalates are still under investigation.

The new study shows that little boys aren’t the only victims – little girls are at risk, too.

The study, conducted at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, tested 1,151 girls, aged 6 through 8 at the time the study started, from New York, greater Cincinnati and northern California. The content of phthalates, phenols, and phytoestrogens was measured in the girls’ urine.

One year later, they measured the chemical content again, and checked for signs of early puberty – breast development and pubic hair. By then the girls were 7 to 9 years old and, yes, they were developing breasts and pubic hair! The more of the chemicals they had in their body, the more likely they were to be maturing prematurely.

This developmental problem can also lead to health problems in later life – increased risk of breast cancer, for example.

How can you help your children avoid these problems? To start with, Moms, and potential Moms, should be aware that chemicals in their body can pass to their children while still in the womb. Moms, and Moms to be, should study up on these chemicals and use products that don’t contain them. If Mom’s body is free of these chemicals, she won’t be passing them on to her children.

To help you get a good start on that process, be aware that all three chemicals are found in lotions, shampoos, cosmetics, nail polishes and many other consumer products – especially if they contain added fragrance. Perfumes are definitely out. Check into organic essential oils as an alternative.

Next, get a Naturepedic baby crib mattress – no phthalates, phenols, or phytoestrogens. And no other harmful chemicals like those found in fire retardants.

Additionally, always check for dangerous chemicals in everything that goes in or on your baby. Use natural soaps, lotions and shampoos exclusively. And watch out for the toys they play with – especially those made of PVC/vinyl (like rubber duckies); they usually contain phthalates to make them soft. If you have questions about personal care products, check the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database. You can also check the book Home Safe Home for a wealth of information on healthy alternatives for just about everything. It’s so hard to find this kind of information all in one place – this book is packed with stuff!

To find out more about the study, see Exposure to Three Classes of Common Chemicals May Affect Female Development on the Mt. Sinai site.

Getting rid of harmful chemicals in your life is good for you, your children, and the environment. Have fun finding healthy alternatives!

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Posted in Naturepedic, PVC/vinyl, dangerous household chemicals, phthalates, safe bath and personal care products for kids, toxic chemicals | No Comments »

GREENGUARD and Healthy Child Healthy World Partner Up – A Powerful Force for Healthy Children, and Healthy Living

Thursday, April 29th, 2010


Our children are under chemical siege right from the time they’re born. Chemical fumes from their crib mattress, their toys, their clothes, the carpet in their nursery, plastic baby bottles, the rest of the air in the house, the outdoor air – they’re surrounded. Time to call the Cavalry!

Two of the most powerful organizations dedicated to reversing this trend, GREENGUARD and Healthy Child Healthy World, have had our backs in this battle for a long time. And, as of today, they are partnering up to spread the word.

We are delighted at this partnership and are strong supporters of the invaluable work done by both organizations.

In fact, we are proud to say that Naturepedic baby crib mattresses are the only crib mattresses certified by GREENGUARD and recommended by Healthy Child Healthy World.

In case you’re not familiar with Healthy Child Healthy World or GREENGUARD, here’s little info about both organizations:

Healthy Child Healthy Worlds recommends Naturepedic crib mattresses“Healthy Child Healthy World is a national, nonprofit organization that inspires parents to protect young children from harmful chemicals. The organization exists because more than 125 million Americans, predominantly children, now face a historically unprecedented rise in chronic diseases and illnesses such as cancer, autism, asthma, allergies, birth defects, ADHD, obesity, diabetes, and learning and developmental disabilities. Credible scientific evidence increasingly points to environmental hazards and household chemicals as causing and contributing to many of these diseases. Healthy Child Healthy World aims to educate parents, support protective policies and engage communities to make responsible decisions, simple everyday choices and well-informed lifestyle improvements to create healthy environments where children and families can flourish.”

Greenguard certifies Naturepedic baby crib mattresses“The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute is an industry-independent, third-party, not-for-profit organization that aims to improve human health and quality of life through programs that reduce people’s exposure to chemicals and other pollutants. The GREENGUARD Certification Programs certify products for low chemical emissions and provide consumers with a resource for choosing healthier products and materials for indoor environments. All certified products must meet stringent standards for low chemical emissions based on established criteria from key public health agencies. GREENGUARD Certification is broadly recognized and accepted by sustainable building programs and building codes worldwide. For more information and a complete listing of certified products, visit www.greenguard.org.”

You can’t go wrong with a crib mattress that is recommended and/or certified by these organizations. And that’s us.

Spread the word – just think what it could do for your children, and our future.

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Posted in Crib Mattress, GREENGUARD, Healthy Child Healthy World, Naturepedic, toxic chemicals | No Comments »

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