What advice do you have on buying a mattress for a newborn??
Q) Dear Dr. Gwenn:
I live in Massachusetts and will be a grandmother in 6 weeks or less. My sister who is a doula
sent me info about organic mattresses being better and guarding against SIDS etc. I looked at eco baby and another organic website from New Zealand and to tell you the truth both sites made my skin crawl------they imply that only using an organic mattress can protect your child from SIDS and other allergies. For the most part I was raised with homeopathy though my parents of course had me take penicillin when I got pneumonia etc. I realize that just because something is organic does not always mean it is safe or better for you.
I do want to do the best by my grandchild and will need to send the items to Vail so I do not have much time. Can you please advise me as to what kind of mattress and what kind of mattress pads waterproof or otherwise would be the best---I would love brand names. I just picked up some 100 per cent cotton sheets but they were made in China----so what does that mean?
Thank you so very much for your help with this---it can be overwhelming to sort though it all,
WG, Massachusetts
A) Dear WG:
With all the brand names and types of products on the market it can be very confusing. In my mind, all the major brands you see in the major stores are interchangeable. I don’t have a personal preference for organic vs. nonorganic as long as have no preference as long as current safety
standards are met. That should always be the top priority when buying products for an infant’s bedroom.
Many products are made in China so don’t be alarmed about that. The only issue recently with products made in China has been with some toys that had lead paint. The CPSC website has a full list.
In fact, before buying any major product for a child, it is always wise to check the CPSC website to be sure the product hasn’t been recalled. www.cpsc.gov.
Let me offer a few websites I’ve found helpful in guiding parents and grandparents in making sound choices in purchasing items for an infant’s room:
Congratulations to you and your family on the new addition you are about to welcome to the world!
Best,
Dr. Gwenn
