The biggest health concern with conventional mattresses(both adult and crib) and their synthetic materials is off-gassing. Most mattresses use some type of foam, and most foam is treated chemically. When you open a new memory foam mattress topper, a strong smell is noticeable for weeks. This is a result of the toxins from the chemicals slowly seeping into the air.

All mattresses are subject to unwanted visitors and baby's mattress more than most. All of us humans slough skin on a regular basis. When we sleep these microscopic particles get into the mattress attracting dust mites and bed bugs. Also, unwanted bacteria and fungus can grow especially in a warm, wet environment. And lord knows babies tend to make things warm and wet in a hurry. Additionally, most most baby mattresses contain toxic materials like off-gassing foam or naturally allergenic materials like latex or wool that can further contaminate baby's air space.

Baby crib mattresses are highly regulated in terms of size and fire blocking. But, there is little regulation about the materials used to make them. Most crib mattresses are made using some type of foam. Almost all contain some polyurethane foam and many contain specialty foams such as latex or memory foam. These same foams are used to make conventional mattresses and

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is an unexplained medical disorder that claims the lives of thousands of infants each year. SIDS affects babies between the ages of one week and one year, usually during sleep. And it strikes without warning. The cause of SIDS is unclear; its victims appear to be healthy. Unfortunately, neither medical experts nor parents can predict which babies will die.