Why Put Baby to Sleep on Coconuts and Lambswool?

Last week I got a chance to see Natural Mat's organic crib mattresses up close. I haven't had a chance to do that since I blogged about Naturpedic's organic mattresses a few months ago. Once again I was impressed by how soft and springy organic mattresses can be and once again I was reminded of how important they can be to the health of your baby.

It's so easy to get caught up in picking out a cute crib that some parents may realize too late that they didn't budget for a nice crib mattress. But the mattress should be something you think about and research at least as much as you do cribs, whether you choose to go organic or not.

I got a chance to see all three of Natural Mat's organic crib mattresses, but I'm going to tell you about the Coco Mat since it's the least expensive (although it still comes out to over $300).

Natural Mat's Coco Mat begins with coir (the outside of a coconut!), which provides a breathable but firm base for the mattress. It's really springy! It's also anti allergenic. The coir is harvested from the only organic coir plantation in the world, so you know this company doesn't just want to look organic on paper so to speak. They take living organic seriously.

The coir is sandwiched by 2 layers of lambswool, which is naturally flame retardent so it doesn't have to be doused in chemicals that might harm your baby while he or she sleeps. The wool has been treated with lemon, eucalyptus and lavender to make it non-allergenic, too. Sounds like a little spa for your baby, right? The wool also naturally provides insulation during the cold winter months and ventilation during the warm summer months just as it would for, well, a little lamb.

A 100% unbleached cotton herringbone cover tops off the coir and lambswool. This cover can be unzipped and machine washed at 140ºF to kill bacteria and dust mites. You should also purchase the Flannelette Organic Crib Mattress Protector Pad, which is made of soft organic flannelette material and--and this is important!--is waterproof.

But (as LeVar Burton would say) don't take my word for it. Read what Liz has to say about her Natural Mat crib mattress at one of my favorite mom blogs, CoolMomPicks.com.

The more I learn about organic mattresses the more I think they're a good investment if you can afford one. At the very least, make sure you do some research before you buy. Find out more about all types of crib mattresses at CSN Baby.