Sweeter Dreams: 10 Steps to Safe Slumber for Kids By Christine Chamberlin
it’s just as important to keep kids safe while they slumber—after all, children can sleep 12 hours or more a night, which means they spend about half their time in the bedroom. As children grow and mature, their lungs, skin and digestive systems are especially prone to the airborne allergens that lurk in most modern bedrooms, like dust mites, pollen, mold, mil- dew, bacteria, viruses and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Establishing a healthy sleep environment that’s free of hazardous toxins is critical to improve sleep, reduce chemical sensitivities, enhance a child’s overall physical development and keep child- hood allergies at bay.
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Create a chemical-free kid’s room that’s as safe as it is peaceful by following these 10 steps.
1. Rest assured: Unlike conventional mattresses, organic mat- tresses are crafted using non-toxic and natural materials. Avail- able at various price points, they can be found in sizes that are just right for each stage of childhood:
• Baby: like the completely waterproof No-Compromise™ Organic Crib Mattress by naturepedic;
• Toddler: like the Toddler Mattress by Pure Rest Organics, with organic cotton and natural wool; • Pre-schooler, grade-schooler and teen: a big-girl or big-boy twin or full bed, like The Grow with Me Sleep System from Suite Sleep’s Little Lamb Organics line, which starts with a latex mattress and grows with two different toppers that add plushness and comfort as needed; and
• Young adult: an XL twin mattress topper for the dorm room, like the Classic 1000 Wool Mattress Topper by Naturally Or ganic, which rests between the fitted sheet and the mattress for extra comfort and protection.
10 Essential Living Maine ~ August 2014
hile children are awake, parents are vigilant about keeping them safe, from holding hands while crossing the street to applying (and reapplying!) sunscreen. But
Tip: Once old enough to voice an opinion, have a child pick his or her own mattress or topper—their preference (for soft or firm, etc.), may be very different from Mom and Dad’s preferences.
2. Talk the (pillow) talk: A standard-size pillow is not made for a child, and could cause neck and back discomfort for the littlest members of the family. Instead, choose a child-size pillow like the Organic Rubber Children’s Pillow by Naturally Organic—it’s chemical-free, comfy and sized for kids. Tip: Look for a kid’s pillow with a removable and machine-wash- able cover.
3. Wrap up in organic bedding: Organic and all-natural bedding is made from soft, gentle and breathable fibers, with materials raised and processed without chemicals. In addition, organic blankets and pure wool comforters are warm and cozy without the risk of overheating. Tip: According to the Mayo Clinic, bedding should be washed often in hot water.
4. Cuddle up with organic toys: Teddy bears and a menagerie of other stuffed creatures may be clutter to parents, but they are cherished loved ones to kids, spending time in the bedroom and the bed itself, often snuggled in a child’s arms. Minimize exposure to toxins by providing children with cute and cuddly organic toys, like the Under the Nile Veggie Crate. Tip: Look for plush toys that are machine-washable, and launder them in hot water every few weeks.
5. Get green furniture: Available in a range of styles, eco- friendly bedroom furniture—like a bed frame, side tables and dresser—is usually crafted from sustainable, solid wood, without worry of off-gassing harmful chemicals. Tip: Whenever possible, purchase furniture made in the U.S., and as local as possible.
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