Mattress Buying Tips

Are you ready to buy a crib mattress?

Here are some buying tips ....

When you're shopping for a crib, you'll also need to choose a mattress. Don't underestimate this purchase; a mattress is as important as the crib. After all, your baby will spend a lot of time snoozing--up to 18 hours a day initially--so it's essential to select the best.

Check for firmness. Buy a firm mattress. Don't worry that it may feel too firm. Press on the mattress in the center and at the edges. It should snap back readily and should not conform to the shape of your hand. If a mattress is too soft, it can conform to your baby's shape, causing a risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Test the fit. By law, all full-size crib mattresses must be at least 27 1/4 inches by 51 5/8 inches and no more than six inches thick. If you can squeeze more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib, the mattress is too small and it can leave gaps in the crib that could trap and endanger your baby.

Don't worry about warranties. Some mattresses offer a one-year, a seven-year, or even a lifetime warranty. Don't be swayed by a long warranty, and don't pay extra for a mattress with a warranty. In general, you can expect any quality crib mattress to last as long as you're going to use it, provided that the cover hasn't become ripped or torn and that it's been used properly.

Organic. Non-organic mattresses have chemicals that can create allergen problems and issues with immunity development and reproductive systems. These mattresses are also covered in secondary chemicals to decrease their flammability. These chemicals have been linked to the increase in hyperactivity and neurobehavioral alterations in children. Babies spend hours sleeping in their beds and breathing in these poisons.

The baby’s bed should be a safe place. The use of organic cotton and wool work to decrease dust mites, contain a resistance to bacteria and are more flame retardant.

A mattress wrapped in wool complies with the Federal fire retardant rules/regulations. Wool is a sustainable raw material (sheep only get a haircut), not harmful to the environment, and is actually healthy for the body. Furthermore, wool is naturally dust mite free, resists molds, and is naturally hypo-allergenic.

Read more about NaturaMat Mattresses and Wool on our blog

We proudly carry Natural Mat Mattress and Naturepedic and Holy Lamb

CHRISTMAS ORGANIC SHOPPING AT SUMMER FOR KIDS

Wondering what to buy for your organic children this year?

Summer For Kids is here to help! Summer For Kids has It ALL!

shop with us this holiday season for organic, safe and fun products and make a difference in children's lives in Santa Barbara at the same time! It doesn't get any better than this!

Here are some ideas from us....

Your Baby will love the comfort and feel of our silky soft organic bamboo blankies, organic rattles and organic cuddly toys.
SFK's wall plaques by Sticks will add a touch of warmth to the walls of your little ones nursery.

For Your Toddler

The Little Reader chair is the perfect for free play and reading.
Every child will LOVE our Trikes and Scooters from Kettler.
Heirloom Sticks toy chest or even a growth chart to see how much your toddler is growing.
Our organic line of toys from Sprig Toys, Green Toys, great activity toys from Lauri.
These are all wonderful gifts your toddler will thoroughly enjoy this holiday season!

and we even have something for mommies

the green Fleurville diaper bags that are always in style and cute mommy tees! And these are on SALE!

...or are you looking to give something a little different...something for newborn or even for parents..... We carry the best organic and natural mattresses from Naturepedic in all sizes from newborn to king size , American made furniture and all the accessorries new parents need for their organic baby, so come to see what's at Summer For Kids for your kids!

Just come by the store and the Summer For Kids Team will help you find something special, organic and safe for your little angel.

You can also shop online!

www.summerforkids.com

Summer For Kids donates all store profits to local children's charities in SB.

SOMETHING ABOUT PLASTIC AND SAFETY

BPA
(Bisphenol A)
BPA is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastics and the linings of food and beverage containers. It leeches into the food and beverages it comes into contact with, and is linked to breast and prostate cancer, as well as problems with the neurological development of fetuses, and babies. BPA leaching is greater in polycarbonate that is scratched, cloudy or exhibits other signs of wear. BPA leaching is also accelerated by heat. Hot and fatty foods or liquids may dissolve traces of BPA. It makes sense to AVOID BPA. Plastic labeled with #7 is polycarbonate (which leaches BPA).

PVC
(Polyvinyl Chloride)
Detection of chlorine in a toy component indicates the likely use of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or vinyl, a widely used type of plastic that is of concern to the environment and public health during all phases of its life cycle.
Because PVC is an inherently brittle material, it requires additives to make it flexible and to impart other properties. Another group of additives commonly found in PVC products are phthalates. Phthalates are used in many plastics, especially PVC products, as a softening agent to make the plastic flexible. Over 90% of all phthalates are used in PVC products.

Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals, some of which have endocrine-disrupting properties, meaning that they can disturb normal hormonal processes, often at low levels of exposure. (IEPA 2000).Exposure to phthalates is linked to birth defects of the genitals and altered levels of reproductive hormones in baby boys.
Plastic provides a good amount of affordable convenience. Some petroleum-based plastics leach harmful chemical into foods and drinks, especially when plastic comes in contact with oily or fatty foods, during heating and micro waving, as a result of harsh cleaners, and when exposed to excessive moisture.
Choose smart and safe plastics and avoid putting them in the microwave (where they can release dangerous chemicals when heated) or the dishwasher (where they can degrade in the heat and excessive moisture)

www.summerforkids.com

BAMBOO FABRIC

Luxuriously soft, hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, environmentally friendly, bacteriostatic, odor free, superb absorption

Bamboo is perfect for babies delicate skin because it is naturally hypo-allergenic, and anti-bacterial, preventing odor, allergies and skin irritations. In addition, Bamboo is thermal regulating, which is important since babies have a hard time regulating body temperature when first born. It will keep baby warmer than cotton in cool weather and two to three degrees cooler than cotton in hot weather. Bamboo also wicks moisture away and has double the absorbency of cotton. It doesn't need help from pesticides or insecticides and usually grows on rain water alone. Since bamboo grows so fast (sometimes three feet in a day) it is an alternative to widespread clear cutting, making it the most sustainable textile on the market.

www.summerforkids.com