When parents put their babies down to sleep, they expect that their children are sleeping safe and sound. Unfortunately, a major study conducted by the University of Texas in Austin found that this couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, what they did find is that most crib mattresses are a significant source of chemicals in an infant's environment.
The researchers studied samples of polyurethane foam and polyester foam padding from 20 new and old crib mattresses, the same type of foam padding often found in mainstream adult mattresses as well.

“The researchers found:
- New crib mattresses release about four times as many VOCs as old crib mattresses.
- Body heat increases emissions.
- Chemical emissions are strongest in the sleeping infant's immediate breathing zone.”