Baby Products » Crib

Preventing Allergies with Crib Mattress Covers

jennie — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:10:23 +0000

There’s nothing more frightening for new parents than the thought that their child may be sick. While most parents do well keeping their child away from common cold and flu germs, not everyone takes into account the affect household allergens may have on a newborn. Common respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, coughing and difficulty breathing are often examples of allergic rhinitis, or respiratory allergies, and are caused by a simple factor in the child’s environment. Dust mites, pet dander, mold, pollen -young children can develop allergies to a number of everyday things. Luckily, removing allergens and thus preventing or reducing allergic reactions can be a very easy process. The most important part of the process, though, is knowing what you’re up against.

It is important to understand what respiratory allergens are if you expect to protect your child from them. An allergy is an immune reaction to an irritable substance in the child’s environment. The child’s body views these irritants as dangerous and releases chemicals, such as histamines, that cause uncomfortable and potentially harmful symptoms. While a child may eventually develop immunity to these irritants, untreated or ignored allergic symptoms can lead to such respiratory problems as asthma and emphysema.

The most common allergens are dust mites, animal dander and molds. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in carpets and fabrics and feed on dead flakes of human and animal skin. Children can develop respiratory allergies from inhaling accumulated mites in areas that aren’t cleaned properly or regularly. Bedding, clothing and comforters should be washed in hot water at least once a week. For additional protection, cribs and beds should be covered with an impermeable mattress encasement. These covers act as a barrier between your baby and allergy-causing dust mites. It is also important to vacuum and dust weekly; a vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter helps trap particles normal dusting and vacuuming can miss. It is also important to clean or replace heating ducts, furnace and air conditioning filters whenever they’re in use.

Stuffed animals and plush toys can also be a haven for dust mites. Make sure you wash your child’s favorite plush toys as often as you would his or her bedding and clothing.

Pet dander is another common household allergen. Unfortunately, the only sure-fire way to protect your child from dander is to give the animal away. This can often be a very difficult and heartbreaking decision, but if your child’s allergic reaction is severe it may be the only option. If your child has only a mild allergy you might consider simply keeping the animal well-groomed, shampooed, off furniture and out of the child’s room.

Mold is a versatile and particularly irksome allergen. Molds can grow in closets, attics, cellars, planters, refrigerators, showers, garbage cans, mattresses, carpets -just about any warm, moist area in the house. Mold allergies are caused by the spores the mold uses to reproduce. These spores can cause significant health problems. The best way to prevent mold growth is to keep the air in troublesome areas of your home dry. A dehumidifier can help keep air dry in the winter, while a good air conditioner can achieve the same effect in the summer. Keeping high-risk areas clean is also important-use mold-inhibiting disinfectants such as bleach or tea tree oil and water.

Of course, any respiratory symptoms should be checked by your child’s physician. Most doctors won’t prescribe allergy medication to newborns, especially children younger than six months, but they may have treatment options that better fit your child’s specific allergy problem.

It’s fairly easy to determine whether your child is going to have a tendency to be allergic. Allergic tendencies are inherited, though specific allergies are not. If either you or your mate is allergic to cats, for instance, your child will have a fifty percent chance of developing some sort of allergy as well, though not necessarily to cats. Allergies also take a while to develop. Newborns may not show symptoms of allergic reactions for a few months; then, suddenly, the child’s exposure level to mites, mold or dander will reach its threshold and the child will start to develop symptoms.

Newborn allergies can be a scary experience for parents, especially if you are unprepared for them. The best way to help treat allergies is to prevent them before your child is even home from the hospital. Thoroughly clean and disinfect any areas the newborn will occupy, invest in proper ventilation and vacuum symptoms, and keep clothes and bedding washed regularly and protected with impermeable covers. Taking care of a newborn can bring about a number of unforeseen obstacles, but with proper preparation, common household allergens don’t need to be one of them.

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An Organic Crib Mattress – A Key Part of a Healthy Nursery Environment

jennie — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:11:45 +0000

Organic crib mattresses, made from eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, can be a great choice for your baby’s nursery. Many parents-to-be are unaware that conventional mattresses are typically made with synthetic materials that can break down and release harmful chemicals into the air.

Babies, with their sensitive immune systems, can be particularly susceptible to inhaling these chemicals or absorbing them through the skin. Thus, the purchase of an organic crib mattress along with natural wood furniture and other eco-friendly products can help you create a healthier nursery that benefits not only your baby, but your family and the environment as well.

Whether you’re awaiting the birth of your first child or already have children, you probably already know that newborn babies tend to need a lot of rest. In fact, according to experts, babies can initially spend an average of 16 hours a day asleep! Given this fact, the sleeping environment you prepare for your baby is especially important. Read on to find out more about the dangers of traditional crib mattresses and why buying a natural crib mattress is a better choice.

Conventional Crib Mattresses

To address the danger of using polyurethane foam, manufacturers treat mattresses with toxic industrial flame retardants that contain harmful ethers such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PBDEs can leach out of the mattress and into the air. They have been linked to thyroid problems and other neurobehavioral disruptions. Due to this danger, PBDEs have been banned in Europe since 2004. In the United States, legislation banning manufacturers’ use of PBDEs has been passed in the states of California and Washington.

Conventional mattresses typically have an outer shell made from vinyl/PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which contains phthalates. Phthalates are animal carcinogens and have been linked to damage of the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems.

Young children are particularly vulnerable to toxins and chemicals, especially during the first years of life so you don’t want to expose your baby to these dangers unnecessarily. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of organic crib mattresses.

Organic Crib Mattresses

Mattresses are manufactured with eco-friendly materials such as certified organic cotton which is grown without synthetic pesticides, heavy metals or genetically modified organisms.

Waterproof layers are constructed from polyethylene which is considered to be non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

Mattresses are constructed with non-toxic fire protectants.

Manufacturing materials and processes are better for the environment.

It is important to note that manufacturers can be somewhat liberal with labeling. So be sure to do your research. Review the product information and look for crib mattresses made with “100% certified organic” fibers.

As you set up your baby registry and begin your preparations, consider first how a product will contribute to the environment you are creating for your precious little one. You would never willingly lie your baby down on a pile toxins and carcinogens that you could see. So remember that there are unseen dangers as well. The good news is that you can make healthier choices for your child. An organic crib mattress is a great first step.

Sheila Baskerville is a CPA and mother of 3 children. For more information on natural, organic baby products and eco-friendly parenting tips, visit Natural-Organic-Baby.com. Get helpful tips delivered straight to you. To sign up for your free monthly newsletter, visit The Go Natural & Organic Baby! E-zine.

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For A Healthier Baby Nursery, Select An Organic Crib Mattress

jennie — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:02:40 +0000

Why should you consider an organic crib mattress for our baby? After all, as long as it’s safe and comfortable, your baby will fine right? Well, maybe.

Many parents-to-be are unaware that conventional mattresses are typically made with synthetic materials that can break down and release harmful chemicals into the air. Babies, with their sensitive immune systems, can be particularly susceptible to inhaling these chemicals or absorbing them through the skin.

Organic mattresses are made from eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton which do not contain the same toxins and chemicals. Thus, the purchase of an organic crib mattress along with natural wood furniture and other eco-friendly products can help you create a healthier nursery that benefits not only your baby, but your family and the environment as well.

Whether you’re awaiting the birth of your first child or already have children, you probably already know that newborn babies tend to need a lot of rest. In fact, according to experts, babies can initially spend an average of 16 hours a day asleep!
Given this fact, the sleeping environment you prepare for your baby is especially important. Read on to find out more about the dangers of traditional crib mattresses and why buying a natural crib mattress is a better choice.

Conventional Crib Mattresses

Many conventional mattresses are filled with polyurethane foam which contains a variety of chemical additives. In fact, polyurethane, a petroleum product, contains known carcinogens. In addition, it is extremely flammable. To address the danger of using polyurethane foam, manufacturers treat mattresses with toxic industrial flame retardants that contain harmful ethers such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PBDEs can leach out of the mattress and into the air. They have been linked to thyroid problems and other neurobehavioral disruptions. Due to this danger, PBDEs have been banned in Europe since 2004. In the United States, legislation banning manufacturers’ use of PBDEs has been passed in the states of California and Washington. Conventional mattresses typically have an outer shell made from vinyl/PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which contains phthalates. Phthalates are animal carcinogens and have been linked to damage of the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems.

Organic Crib Mattresses

Manufactured with eco-friendly materials such as certified organic cotton which is grown without synthetic pesticides, heavy metals or genetically modified organisms. Waterproof layers are constructed from polyethylene which is considered to be non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Constructed with non-toxic fire protectants. Manufacturing materials and processes are better for the environment.

As you plan your baby’s nursery, think about how a particular product will contribute to the environment you are creating for your precious little one. You would never willingly lie your baby down on a pile toxins and carcinogens that you could see. So remember that there are unseen dangers as well. The good news is that you can make healthier choices for your child. An organic crib mattress is a great first step.

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What to Think About When Buying a Baby Furniture Crib?

jennie — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:02:12 +0000

There are plenty of models and brands out there when it comes to baby furniture cribs. Maybe you use a cradle for the first six months or so, but after that a crib is really a good place for the baby to sleep. So to invest in a good baby crib is really something worth while.

If you have allergies in the family, or are otherwise aware of toxic substances, maybe you should consider a natural baby crib. The amish baby furniture sets are totally free from toxic coloring or impregnators, and have really beautiful designs. You could easily end up furnituring you whole nursery with amish furniture, because they are so beautiful and have really clever storage systems. There are also hand painted cribs that are adorable, but unfortunately a bit costy. But, luckily enough there are cribs in all price ranges, so either if you’re on a budget or can spend anything you like, you will find something that fits you. Be aware of the safety standards and that the crib meets all the regulations required.

Many cribs comes with their own mattress, and that’s probably the best option because it should fit the crib neatly. There are two types of mattress and those are inner spring/coil or foam. The innerspring style of mattress will usually last much longer, and because of that it’s a little bit more expensive. A waterproof mattress pad to protect it can be a good thing to have under the sheets as well, be aware the you don’t have anything plastic that the baby will sleep directly on.

See to it that the cradle is a place that he or she will enjoy staying in, and a place for it to relax. Place some nice pictures or fabric on the wall above the crib, and have some suitable items like a baby crib mobile or soft toy attached to it. As the baby gets bigger and starts to play a bit by itself, you can have a softer start in the morning if you place some interesting things beside the crib, that the baby can reach and play with for a while (place a chair beside the crib to put the toys on). In that way you can rest a bit longer in the morning, and the baby gets a nice start to the day by playing and discovering the items. Remember to swap the things regularly, a baby wants to discover new things always and gets tired of playing with the same things too long. You can do the same with all the toys. If they start to just laying around, and the baby is not playing with some of them, take those away for awhile. Take them out again after a couple of weeks, and those toys will be as good as new and exciting to play with again!

For more info on baby furniture cribs, natural, hand painted and more, please visit our baby safety siteBaby Crib Info

Beatrice Stephenson is a freelance writer on family health and recreation.

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What Can I Make From A Crib Bumper Pad?

jennie — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:02:46 +0000

Many nursery bedding sets come with a bumper pad, which I choose not to use. Is there anything useful I can convert the bumper pad into, using a sewing machine and minimal sewing skills?

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What Do You Think Of This Crib Bedding Set For A Boy?

jennie — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:13:02 +0000

http://www.luxurybabynursery.com/item_38…

I’m not sure if I like it or not.. First glance I do… but IDK?
My boyfriend wants a car theme in the nursery if its a boy, which is fine with me, but I cannot hardly find any really cute bedding…?

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How Does The Simplicity Nursery In A Box Crib Look When Changed To A Transitional Bed – Photo Please ?

jennie — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:59:43 +0000

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What Do You Think Of This Crib Bedding Set?

jennie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:07:42 +0000

So Im having a baby girl.
The nursery already has beautiful floral wallpaper, the colors match this set. Its a 6 pc. Bedding set with everything shown in the picture. I bought it for $40.
What is your opinion on it?
This is my baby so I wasn’t exactly sure on what to get.
Thank youhttp://i26.tinypic.com/288j6d.jpg

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Should I Buy The Crib Bedding Now Or Wait For Someone To Buy It For Me?

jennie — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:09:23 +0000

I’m not quite 14 weeks pregnant, but we have picked out the bedding we’d like for the nursery. It’s all technically on clearance at Target, but it has been for quite some time (I want to say for at least a year). Should we go ahead and purchase all of it now so as not to risk it being sold out, or should I ask some relatives to purchase it for us?

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Help With Nursery Decor Please! (golden Honey Crib)?

jennie — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:09:12 +0000

Hello I have a Jenny Lind Crib in the Golden Honey color as can be seen in the following link; http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp… and I was looking for suggestions for nursery colors that would look good with this crib. It’s for a baby girl and I want something modern, no pink please. I was considering this crib bedding set http://dwellshop.com/b2c/ecom/ecomEnduse… do you think it will match? What colors/ tones should I look for? Thank You!

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