Everything You Need to Know About Crib Mattress Allergens

Did you know that allergenic conditions are one of the most common health issues affecting children in the US? In fact, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), children aged 0-4 are most likely to have skin allergies.

This may not come as a huge surprise because, compared to older children and adults, babies have extremely sensitive skin. So, understanding the materials, substances, and plants that they come in contact with matters, big time.

But what may come as a huge surprise is that known allergenic materials, like latex, are commonly used in baby crib mattresses – AKA the item babies spend 10-14 hours a day on.

Allergic reactions are no joke, especially when they impact our children. So why are allergenic materials being used in crib mattresses? Does it even matter if these materials are organic or not? What if they are used under the surface?

All good questions. At Naturepedic, we want to make sure you always have transparent information to make the best decisions for your baby. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about crib mattress allergens to keep your little one safe and protected.

When a baby is born, we don’t know what they are allergic to. So why would one of the most important items we can buy for them, be filled with a severely allergenic material like latex?

Nowadays, many crib mattresses use organic latex to replace other questionable materials commonly used, like polyurethane foams (including memory foam, soyfoam and "eco" foam). While this may solve one (very important) problem, it trades it for another.

Unfortunately, latex, even if it’s organic latex, can be allergenic. In fact, natural latex/rubber has been associated with high allergies in children in particular, and natural latex contains certain proteins that are more allergenic than even synthetic latex. The FDA has also reported that natural latex made from rubber sap is allergenic and can even cause anaphylaxis.

At Naturepedic, that’s exactly what we do. Our baby and children’s products contain no latex whatsoever, even if it’s organic. Put simply, a baby or child doesn’t know if they’re allergic to it, and we’re not interested in finding out. We also don’t use any materials like coir (crushed coconut husks) that traditionally require a significant amount of latex to act like a glue that holds it together.

Instead, we stick to materials like organic cotton fabric and fill.

If you have a conventional crib mattress as opposed to the certified organic and allergy-friendly kind provided by Naturepedic, you should be aware of latex allergy symptoms. The most common ones to watch for include:

• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Sneezing or a running nose
• Coughing
• Rash or hives
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock

If your child develops any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. And, remember, with crib mattresses availale that remove the threat of allergens from the start, you can help your baby avoid these umpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms. 

In addition to latex, we recommend parents avoid placing children on direct contact with wool, especially in their sleep space. Wool has a lot of positive benefits in mattresses, such as:

• Moisture-wicking properties
• Natural temperature regulation
• Water resistance

But, it may also cause skin irritation if an unknown allergy is present. Another known allergen is soy, which can be found in the foam of mattresses. At Naturepedic, we eliminate the use of these potentially allergenic materials in all of our baby crib mattresses, as well as our Organic 2-in-1 Kids Mattress, and we’re always happy to help you understand what allergens may be lurking in your home.

We'll leave it at that...

Yes, it does. Deborah DiMare, founder of VeganDesign.org, has an interesting take on this question: