When baby E was born we wanted her sleeping in a safe environment, so we registered for organic bedding for her crib. The less pesticides and fire retardants the better I thought. It really mattered because we simply could not afford an organic mattress and it made no sense registering for one since we didn't even have any basic baby things. So the next best thing was to get an organic mattress protector to at least cover the old crib mattress. We got a protector from the big box baby store. I was really surprised at how rough it felt though and I could not really confirm it didn't have any fire retardants applied after being manufactured. It was better than nothing!
Now in sharp contrast to that product, Natural Mat sent us a truly organic mattress protector for review. My first impression: "Wow, this thing is SOFT!" My 17 month old touched it, grabbed it from my arms, and started hugging it and rubbing her face on it! So cute! She knows the good stuff when she sees it.
Fit & Design: The mattress protector has elastic bands on the corners. It's easy to put on and it stays put. I like this better than the protectors that are made like a fitted sheet. The Natural Mat mattress protector doesn't come off easily when you are changing sheets on the crib. It's also very easy to take care of and doesn't need any special treatment. Though it's best you wash something so pure, likewise, with non-toxic detergent. You wouldn't want to coat this organic protector with residue that conventional detergent are meant to leave behind.
Quality & Value: As I mentioned, it is incredibly soft. I would let my baby sleep on the protector instead of the sheets! Their baby crib bedding is also from the same organic flannelette with the same softness. I know for sure you can't beat handmade! This is not from a factory in China, it's handmade in England. So you can expect very high quality and use by more than one child. Of course with quality comes a price of $70, which I think is reasonable for a product with this workmanship. You can sometimes get a better deal on Amazon, hint hint.
How is this green: Did you know that regular mattress protectors and mattresses are treated with toxic flame retardants? Babies sleep breathing in the toxic chemicals. I will not even go into the toxic materials (such as vinyl) and wasteful methods used in the making of conventional mattresses. Natural Mat uses only natural fibers that let the mattress breathe, thus avoiding bacteria growth, musty smells, and dampness. Oh and they know dampness, because they're in the UK! Plus there is no need for chemical fire retardants because the materials are naturally fire retardant. All the raw materials are 100% renewable and comply with Fair Trade policies. If that's not enough, even the packaging is 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Green as green can be.
About the Company: Like so many companies making baby products, Natural Mat also revolves around a family story and parents who could not find a mattress on the market that they would feel safe putting their son to sleep on. Now they share their beautifully crafted, high quality, mattresses and baby bedding with the rest of the world. Back in 2001 they probably had no idea they would be selling Natural Mat products in the US!
Recommended for: All babies who need a healthy good night's sleep!
Buy! Natural Mat mattresses and bedding can be bought on their website at NaturalMatUSA.com or at the Eco-Babyz Boutique.
One Eco-Babyz reader will win a Natural Mat Organic Mattress Protector!
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
MANDATORY ENTRY: Become a fan on Natural Mat on Facebook OR if you don't have a Facebook account, visit the Natural Mat website and tell us what you would love to have.