Are Foam Mattresses Bad For Babies

This may be important when you lift it while changing your baby s diapers.

Are foam mattresses bad for babies.

They re usually made of a single layer of foam which should be 8 10cm thick for comfort with a waterproof fabric cover that can often be unzipped and machine washed so it s easy to keep clean. As far as the price is concerned they are almost the same. However spring beds are the most popular choice due to their firmness and there is less worry if regaring the amount of chemicals. As more research is done consumers are starting to wonder.

Foam mattresses are made of polyurethane and consequently weighs less. A memory foam crib mattress isn t safe for babies. Polyurethane foam contains chemicals that may adversely affect a baby s health. In fact infants are exposed to chemical emissions from crib mattresses while they sleep with polyurethane foam releasing a greater range of volatile organic compounds vocs as compared to polyester foam.

In the end it seems that memory foam mattresses should be avoided for babies and small children unless their doctors have specifically recommended otherwise. Typical mattresses contain chemicals that are not healthy for anyone but particularly not safe for babies and children. Babies need a cool sleep surface because they can t regulate their own body temperature and memory foam is warm to sleep on. According to the experts there have been no registered cases of babies with allergies or any other problems from sleeping on a memory foam mattress.

Unfortunately research suggests that s not the case. Parents must choose wisely to pick a pad made from a safe material. Our final answer is no memory foam mattresses are not safe for babies and children at this time. These mattress components can release harmful vocs some of which can cause respiratory and nervous system damage.

Of the four types of baby mattress foam mattresses are the most economical buy. A baby that s over 3 to 6 months old shouldn t have any problems with sleeping on this type of mattress or pad. Memory foam traps heat for longer thus there are warnings about co sleeping for babies it also makes it more difficult to turn over again problematic potentially for little ones. There are no current studies that sway for or against using memory foam on the parents bed while baby is in its own cot moses basket.

Most mattresses contain petroleum based chemicals toxic foams synthetic fabrics and fire retardant barriers or chemicals. The foam core is usually enveloped with a waterproof cover. Crib mattresses are typically composed of polyurethane foam a petroleum derived synthetic material. As the old saying goes better safe than sorry.

These chemicals can off gas to expose your family to dangerous levels of toxins while they sleep.