Think about your mattress, mattress covers, changing pads, and diaper bag.

When you have children or infants, waterproofing can be important, whether it is on mattresses, mattress covers, sleeping and changing pads…the list goes on. Waterproof coatings, sheaths, and materials help stop leaks from damaging fabrics and make all sorts of messes easier to clean up. Unfortunately, they also come with a high price, especially for children who are exposed to them.  Fortunately, there are amazing products that you can switch to and we will cover that later.

Crib mattresses and changing pads are most often covered with vinyl or PVC. The PVC forms a thick plastic barrier over the fabric that keeps all liquids out so that mattress will not become stained or wet, while also providing an easier way to clean up messes than washing the entire mattress. But here is the problem: most plastics have a certain number of toxins, but PVC is considered to be one of the most dangerous plastics still manufactured, and is made using an astonishing number of chemical compounds that have been proven to be dangerous, including dioxins, phthalates, vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, lead, cadmium, and organotins. Not only are these vinyl materials found in waterproofing materials, but they also occur in children’s picture books, toys, and blankets.

So What Do These Chemicals Do?

Understandably, most people are unaware that these chemicals are inside of products that are sold everywhere and commonly used.  I totally get it!  It is surprising to many and if this is you, bank it as knowledge and change the product you are using for the future.  The least harmful of these PVC-based chemicals are compounds like dioxins, vinyl chloride, and ethylene dichloride. These are petroleum based chemicals that are used in the manufacturing of different kinds of plastic, and if they are absorbed into the human body they can cause permanent lung, kidney, and brain damage. Next come the compounds that are outright poisons, such as lead and atimony, which can cause several types of permanent nerve damage. Then there are more devious compounds such as phthalates, which can impede or manipulate hormones, causing sexual and reproductive problems in infants and children. With this host of dangerous substances, waterproofing materials are certainly not something you want near your child.

Organic Waterproofing Options

Now lets look at what we can purchase to help us save our mattress since the overwhelming number of hazards associated with waterproofing plastics may turn you off to the idea of waterproofing completely. Some waterproofing mattress pads purposefully avoid using the plastic methods to keep water from penetrating the fabric, and instead use thin membranes that act as filters, letting air pass through but keeping water out. On the other hand, many of these “organic” options still use some type of plastic, such as food-packing related polyethylene, but these plastics are still far less dangerous than the vinyl options traditionally manufactured.

I personally use OMIs organic mattresses with an OMI Puddle Pad in between the mattress and an OMI Mattress cover.  The Puddle Pads are amazing because they are a thin layer of 100% wool which by nature is anti-bacterial.  Wool is also moisture, dust mite, and fire resistant.  The wool allows the liquid to “puddle” up on it with out seeping through to the mattress.  Trust me, I have used these with my boys and it works like a charm.  The mattress cover is made of organic cotton flannel and goes on top of the puddle pad for additional comfort and protection.  You can also get organic changing pads and accessories from OMI as well.  I know there are other brands out there but, this is the one that I love and have experience with.  The main reason I love this company is because they are the only 100% organic factory of its kind and it is in Northern California.  I also wanted to mention a product that you can take on the go that is entirely safe and gorgeous from Patemm Inc. It is called the Patemm Pad, a very safe and practical alternative to the diaper bag.  It is free of PVC, lead, BPA, latex and it is formaldehyde free.  The organic version is the way to go and the colors are beautiful.  It is in a round shape that is completely cool for putting your baby in any position and it has inside pockets for storage.  Just in case you were wondering, I am not being paid in any way to write this. I like what I use and I tell you about it.