What You Need To Know

All babies need lots of sleep, so make sure the sheets and bumpers in your child’s crib are as healthy as can be. Here’s what to consider:

AVOID 

• Flame retardants, particularly polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The science now shows that these are not only toxic to humans but they aren’t even useful in deterring flames. Exposure to PBDEs in utero and early childhood has been linked to poorer attention, lower fine motor skills and lower IQs as well as a reproductive birth defect in boys, hypospadias.
• Conventionally-produced cotton, hemp, linen and wool-particularly cotton-are sprayed heavily with organophosphate pesticides. These pesticides are intended to kill pests that might damage the crops or harm the sheep’s wool, but they can be poisonous to other insects, birds, and mammals too. They can also contaminate the soil and groundwater. Often pesticide residues remain in cloth fibers and are released when the fibers degrade. Exposure to pesticides can impact neurodevelopment and some are associated with lower IQs, birth defects, and developmental delays.
• Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) which are added to fabric for durability, stain resistance and wrinkle resistance. These chemicals can be inhaled when released into the air or leach into sensitive skin. Exposure to PFCs may impact neurodevelopment, reproductive health and the immune system. 
• Polyester, which is made of multiple synthetic chemicals that are petroleum-based, can lead to skin problems, such as rashes, itching and dermatitis, irritate the respiratory system and contribute to certain cancers. 
• Antimicrobial and antibacterial agents in fabrics are made with a range of synthetic chemicals that destroy or reduce the growth of microbes and bacteria. It sounds like a good thing, but these chemicals, such as parabens, usually work by releasing formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen. Plus, exposure to some of them may increase the risk of cancer, reproductive and neurological impairments as well as contribute to allergies, asthma and eczema. The overuse of antimicrobial and antibacterial chemicals is also spawning new “superbugs” that don’t respond to antibiotics when we really need them.
• Synthetic dyes used to color baby clothes, such as benzidine-based dyes, have toxic properties as well. Exposures to these chemicals can increase the risk of cancer and skin irritations. 
• Fomaldehyde, which is used to prevent shrinkage, can increase the risk of certain cancers as well as asthma.

BETTER CHOICES

• Bedding made with untreated cotton, hemp, linen or wool. If your budget allows it, look for untreated organic bedding. Though more pricey, it is better because pesticides or other harmful chemicals have not been applied in the growing or manufacturing process.