Question from Anne
Hi Debra, Per your recommendation, we bought a Naturepedic crib mattress several years ago when my son was born. I never bought a bassinet for him because I couldn’t find one that I felt comfortable with.
However, my son hated his crib right from the start and other moms have highly recommended a bassinet for my next baby.
I would really like to have a baby that will actually sleep in a separate space from me this time around and want to buy an Arm’s Reach co-sleeper. They have an organic mattress option you can purchase but I do not know whether it is truly something good I would want my baby to sleep on. Might I be better just trying to buy a used one that is a few years old? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Debra’s Answer
It looks like it’s basically an organic latex foam mattress with an organic wool wrap and a quilted organic cotton cover.
My only concern is about the latex, as anyone of any age can develop allergies to latex by exposure. It’s not direct contact here, but I know it’s possible to smell latex right through a fabric cover, which means it’s volatilizing. Personally, I don’t care for latex foam, but I’d rather have your baby sleep on natural latex than polyurethane foam with fire retardants.
But what is the bassinet itself made of? I couldn’t find that information on the website.
Ok, went back and forth with the company for a bit but here is the information they gave me about what the rest of the co-sleeper is made out of: “hollow steel tubing and the liner is cotton polyester :)” I asked if there was any foam on the frame part and was told it is only on the mattress. I do not have the faintest idea what on earth cotton polyester might be but I’m going to just go ahead and assume it is polyester.
I agree, I am not thrilled about the prospect of latex myself, that is why I like naturepedic so much better, because they use cotton.
So now I am back to my original question, a used one or a new one with an organic mattress?
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
I personally would ask Naturepedic to make a custom mattress to fit.