5 Reasons Parents Should Consider Investing in an Organic Mattress for Their Child

We all want what is best for our children. Considering your child will spend at least a third of his or her life in bed, choosing the right mattress is crucial to their well-being. While an organic mattress will probably be more expensive than a standard mattress, it will be worth the investment for many reasons. More Comfortable, Restful SleepMemory foam mattresses are known for trapping body heat and sweat, leaving individuals feeling overheated a sticky. This is due to both the foam material and the fabric covering the mattress. Many traditional mattresses are made of some kind of polyester or synthetic foam or have elements of these materials in them. These mattresses aren’t very porous, so moisture can’t easily evaporate, trapping sweat and not letting your skin breathe properly. Your child's body will be able to regulate temperature, and his or her skin will be able to breathe more freely on an organic mattress. This is because natural, breathable fibers such as wool and cotton are used, which wick away moisture and allow air to circulate. Your child will sleep more comfortably and be less likely to wake up in the middle of the night because they are overheated, coated in sweat from a too-hot mattress.
No VOCsVolatile Organic Compounds permeate many mattresses, including glues, adhesives, and polyvinyl chloride coatings for waterproofing. All of these release gasses that smell bad and irritate the skin and respiratory system. They can also cause developmental delays and affect motor skills. In the case of polyvinyl chloride, it breaks down over time into vinyl chloride, a toxic gas known to cause liver cancer. Last year, an article in Consumer Affairs online revealed that children are exposed to high enough levels of VOCs from polyvinyl chloride mattresses to cause concerns.  Children's body heat increased the release of these VOCs. Organic mattresses do not contain any VOCs, eliminating these issues.Safer Flame RetardanceAll mattresses in the United States have to meet standards for flame retardance. Cheaper mattresses may do this by using cheap chemicals that release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can lead to breathing problems and skin irritation over time. They can also pollute the environment when released into the air if there is a fire.Organic mattresses take a natural approach to flame retardance, relying on layers of Kevlar, fiberglass, and wool, all of which are environmentally clean and do not cause respiratory irritation. Organic mattresses are encased in cotton or bamboo so that nothing but soft materials touch your child’s skin.SustainabilityOrganic mattresses are part of a more significant cycle of sustainable living that includes sustainable farming and manufacturing. Farmers use sustainable methods to raise cotton and latex rubber, avoiding fertilizers and pesticides that could contaminate the earth. Manufacturers use these crops to make environmentally friendly mattresses using responsible manufacturing methods. You’ll be providing a healthy sleeping environment for your child while promoting a healthier world.Sensible InvestmentSure, an organic mattress might give you sticker shock when you look at the price tag compare to the same size memory foam or hybrid mattress. But keep in mind you aren’t comparing apples to apples. Organic mattresses will continue to offer comfort and support for years longer than more traditional mattresses. For instance, you can expect an organic mattress to last 25 or more years. Their warranties will also last far longer than the warranty on a foam mattress as well. If you want to save money over the long haul, you’ll get your money’s worth with an organic mattress. Buying a king size mattress is a good idea since your child will probably be able to take their still-comfortable bed with them to their first home or apartment.  How to Find a Good Organic Mattress for Your ChildAccording to the bedding company Avocado, there are a few specific things you should look for in your child's organic mattress to ensure top quality and lasting value. Look for reputable certifications. The most highly regarded are the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS).While you can find many mattresses that have eco-friendly or organic components, all-natural are preferable to blends and synthetics. They will give you longer life and will resist wear-and-tear. Organic wool and cotton and natural latex are materials with high value because they are comfortable, highly breathable, and durable. Wool and cotton are also moisture-wicking and will help regulate body temperature, making them preferable to blends or synthetics for mattress covers and toppers.