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Moving your baby from a crib to a bed can be a big and somewhat scary time of their lives. Both for them, as yes it’s a new bed for your toddler. And for you. Because you want to get them the absolute best bed (and sleeping environment).
Of course, this means making them comfortable and giving them enough space to grow into (so you don’t have to replace the toddler bed next year). But it also means taking their health into account. Which is why a non-toxic toddler bed is so important, right?
For me, that meant finding a bed that was both safe and non-toxic. After all, you never quite know what you are getting with beds today.
Non-Toxic Organic Mattresses
Okay, so now I have to get over my dreaded fears and get onto shopping. I’m sure I’m not the only mom out there looking for safe bedding, so maybe I can help. Since I’m researching and reading anyhow I might as well share with you what I’ve found.
Like the organic mattress for starters. I know I want an organic mattress. My daughter has asthma and I want to be as safe and non-toxic as possible. I went to my local furniture store and I got a funny look and was told they don’t make organic mattresses but they sell chemical-free mattresses. Too bad, huh!
Online I have found two different organic mattresses I am considering from Oscar and Belle. They also offer an organic crib mattress.
Flame Retardants?
I’ll write more on this in detail soon but I’m also very concerned about flame retardants coating my babies mattress. Jessica from Green Phone Booth told me about her experience with Ikea and her so-called $900 eco-mattress that really is coated with flame retardants. So, it’s something to definitely watch out for. Many flame retardants have been linked with health issues, so be sure to read up about it and inform yourself.
Flame retardants were found and the level wasn’t low! Gasp! So, not only do I want a organic mattress but I don’t want to find out later that I purchased a mattress for some big dollars and it is coated in chemicals. I wish I had a XRF Analyzer!
Toddler Beds To Consider
Before you make a decision on which bed to buy, you have to think about the type of bed you need. For example, if you have twins or two children of similar age, maybe you should consider bunk beds. Otherwise a single bed should work fine. Unless you have space issues, then consider a trundle bed.
These are the beds I am trying to decide between:
Max & Lily Solid Wood Twin-Size Bed with Trundle Bed
No products found.This non-toxic toddler bed for is built with New Zealand pine wood. It also comes with toddler holders, which will be great for my daughter and a trundle bed. So, when she has sleepovers, her friend can sleep right there next to her!
This eco-friendly toddler bed does not require a box-spring, but a simple standard mattress, as it comes with sprung slats. So, I can save some money there. And did I mention it is solid wood? Of course, but it’s worth repeating, as many toddler beds use far cheaper materials!
KidKraft Toddler Houston Bed, Honey
No products found.The toddler bed is another good non-toxic option because I can use her existing crib mattress. That means she will feel right at home, but not be climbing out of the crib anymore. It is also solid wood, so again, not a cheap plastic toddler bad I have to replace when she breaks it!
The downside is that she will outgrow it sooner or later and then I will be right back to square one. It is non-toxic though, so that is always a huge plus
Costzon Toddler Bed
No products found.The reason I love this one so much is that it has side protection, to help my daughter get used to a toddler bed. After all, a crib is protected all around, and I have the feeling she might have some anxiety with absolutely no barriers between her and the floor. This is a great compromise.
And, it’s a great looking dark wood with eco-friendly paint, which I think is a huge plus.
Baby Relax Burton, Cherry
No products found.Another great toddler bed with guard rails, the Baby Relax is the last on the list. The rails are also removable, so as your child grows, you can choose to remove them and give them more freedom (or a grown up feeling!).
The only downside of this toddler bed is that I have not been able to find anything about the chemicals and paint used in it’s construction.
Moving your baby (ahem, toddler) from a crib to a toddler bed is a big step and making the right decisions is always tough.
I find that if you consider how your little one behaves and what they like into consideration it really helps make the transition a smooth one.
My daughter is 16 months and I’m researching toddler beds too. The iron bed…that is something I did not think of. So far, my research has led me to unfinished furniture and you can either put a low VOC paint on or a wax paste (or so I’m told by my fellow bloggers). I did see an ad from Serta a few months ago advertising a Organic Mattress. Maybe we just have to search more. Sad that everything has to be so difficult to buy. Thanks for the information, and I look forward to a future post on this topic!!!
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Aren’t wool mattresses supposed to be naturally flame resistant and non-toxic?
I am a huge believer in co-sleeping and one of the reasons is that I am so terrified to put my girls on a bed soaked in chemicals but my bed might not be any better!! I want one of those counters too!
http://www.anaturalhome.com/product/D000ORGCOTMAT/
I’m pretty sure we can trust the amish to not decieve us by dumping chemicals into the mattress. Plus you don’t pay for ‘big brand name’.
Hope that helps.
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