Question from Terry
Hi Debra, congratulations on the work that you do to make our environment a safer place.
I’m hoping you can give me your opinion. I’ve researched a lot about baby mattresses as we have twins due in 2 weeks.
I am leaning towards a 100% organic wool mattress in an organic cotton cover. I’m worried it will be too soft for newborns as we are continually told the most important thing is firmness. Australian SIDSANDKIDS here still recommend a firm foam mattress and advise against natural fibres like cotton and wool cores as they believe they are too soft.
I spoke with them about this today. They have no belief in the toxic gas theory. So it’s really frustrating.
I have been tossing up between an organic cotton futon and the organic wool futon. I have read that cotton futons can hold too much moisture and will harbour more bacteria and dust mites. Do you think this is likely? The only thing that worries me about wool is it may be too soft, baby could possibly be allergic to wool, and also Dr Sprott from cotlife2000 in NZ has a bedding analysis on his website which shows wool containing high phosphorous levels. He seems to recommend mattress wrapping for all mattresses whether organic or not.
Do you have any concerns about a 100% cotton futon or 100% wool futon, and which would you recommend the most? Thanks for taking the time to read my email, as I’m sure you get hundreds.
I really appreciate your advice as I really need to decide to ease my wifes pregnant mind:). Thanks Debra.
regards,
Terry (from australia)
Debra’s Answer
My best recommendation is a Naturepedic baby mattress. It is just the right firmness and organic cotton. They do not use wool because babies may have allergies to wool.
If you can’t have a Naturepedic mattress shipped to Australia, and your only choices are organic cotton or organic wool…firmness IS very important for babies. I would probably follow Dr. Sprott’s recommendation and get the firm mattress that is available and wrap it to reduce toxic gases.
