Organic Big Girl Bed! + GIVEAWAY

Shortly before my daughter turned 3, we moved her out of her crib and into a big girl bed.  I must admit that I was a bit anxious about the transition – would she sneak out of bed? would she fall out of bed? would she miss her crib??

To ease her into the idea, I let her pick out the bedding and an organic comforter.  She chose a bright and cheerful set from Dwell Studio that made me smile because it TOTALLY fits her personality.  I honestly could not have made a better choice myself.

We splurged on a totally pure, totally organic mattress from OMI.  She’d been sleeping on an organic OMI crib mattress, so it seemed like a logical choice to buy her a twin-sized one.  However, the price was steep and I was tempted to put her on a cheap conventional mattress.  After all, she’s a kid so why would she care?  Well, I care…I want her to sleep as well as my husband and I do every night on our king-size OMI organic mattress…I want her to breathe easy during the 11 hours she sleeps every night…I want her room to be free from scary componenets found in most conventional mattresses like:

*polyurethane – made from crude oil, natural gas and sodium chloride, it is associated with many human health and environmental hazards (just Google it – its scary)

*flame retardants – because polyurethane is so flammable, chemical flame retardants are layered on. Some of these chemicals are considered lethal, while others are known to cause headaches, dizziness, limb weakness and chest tightness.

*isocyanates – made from chlorine, tolune, phosgene, sulfuric acid and nitric acid, it isextremely irritating to human tissue, especially the respiratory tract and mucus membranes of the eyes

*4-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate – made from formaldehyde, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosgene and benzene,  it can cause asthma, dermatitis and eczema

*methylene chloride – a chemical listed by the EPA as a probable human carcingen.

I first learned about the importance of organic bedding when I read “Sleep Safe in a Toxic World” by Walter Bader several years ago. At the time, my husband and I were searching for our next mattress, and I was looking for information to help him understand why organic was important to me.  After we did our research, we knew an organic mattress was worth the extra expense, and our family has slept soundly ever since.  A mattress like ours can be kept for 20+ years, so we’re definitely getting our money’s worth…and sleeping great, too!

I’m happy to report that Evie loves her big girl bed. Yes, there are nights she wanders into our room around 3 am, but to be honest I’m happy to have her snuggled next to me for a few hours.  She’s only little for a little longer…

I’d like to share a copy of “Sleep Safe in a Toxic World” with one lucky Homemade Mothering reader.  To enter, simply leave a comment on the blog that answers the question:

What keeps you up on the nights you can’t fall asleep?

Leave your comment by 11:59 pm on 10/7/11.

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12 Comments for this entry

  1. Courtney B says:

    I think about all the things that my son will encounter as he grows up. I basically sit and worry. It’s so hard not to!

  2. Kelli M says:

    Please enter me. Thanks!

  3. Toni Keltner says:

    Usually worrying keeps me up at night. Worrying about money mainly, but I pray about whatever is bothering me, and fall back asleep.
    keltner021403@yahoo.com

  4. Michelle says:

    I worry about not being around for my children and hope that everyday I make memories for them…I worry about my husband who works so hard so I can stay home with my kids and volunteer at their school’s. I am a huge worrier – and I worry I don’t pass this on to my kids! This while I hold my 4 year’s hand because she doesn’t have a big girl bed yet….how ironic I read this post!

    Thank you,
    Michelle Hebron

  5. Rebecca says:

    usually it’s just my kids keeping me awake. I want to do organic bedding, mattress the works. It is just too expensive for us right now. I’m praying for my husband to get a full time job, that lasts more than 9 months. I’m wishing I could get more done in a day, there never seems to be enough time.

  6. Hannah says:

    Wondering if the baby’s okay (if he’s miraculously slept longer than I expected). Recently, I read “Bringing Adam Home,” which was a BAD idea. I stayed awake in bed, staring into the dark, praying that no horrible people would ever get their eyes on our baby.

    That book sounds really interesting.

  7. Amber says:

    My cat and two babies keep me up at night 🙂 I do worry sometimes too about things in the world, how they will affect my children, etc. But, I just try and remember that my husband and I are setting the best example we can and everything will turn out fine.

  8. Hilary C. says:

    I am fairly new to the organic way of life, and often become overwhelmed with new things that I learn everyday about things that are unsafe in my home for my two toddlers. Many nights, I lie awake trying to budget things so we are able to buy organic products and plans on how to become totally self-sufficient.

  9. Jaime Mathis says:

    This bed is adorable! Please enter me.!
    It’s amazing about all the things I worry about for my daughter. It brings a lot of things my mom said or did in perspective!

  10. Kelly says:

    My 8 month old keeps me up:) Plus my husband’s occasional snoring!

  11. Eve R says:

    I would feel much better knowing my children are sleeping on something non-toxic! The bed is super cute. Please enter me! Thanks!

  12. Deanna says:

    I feed my son organic food and never put as much thought into the mattress. While I did get a well rated pretty expsensive one I’m certain it is not organic! I may have to purchase this book if I do not win! WOW

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