A Guide to Organic Kid Bed Essentials

Your child’s bed can support healthy growth…or quietly work against it.

What’s Wrong with Conventional Mattresses & Bedding?

Many popular mattresses and bedding materials release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including phthalates, flame retardants, and other chemicals, while kids sleep. These toxins are associated with hormone disruption, learning difficulties, asthma, and other health issues. When your child should be rebuilding and recharging, they might instead be inhaling toxins.

What to Avoid

Avoid this quick list of conventional mattress materials

• Polyurethane foam or memory foam

• Chemical flame retardants

• Synthetic Latex

• Vinyl cover

• Antimicrobial or “stain-resistant” treatment (usually has PFAS)

Avoid synthetic fibers (e.g., satin sheets)

• Often treated with chemicals

• Don’t allow skin to breathe

• Create static electricity that can affect your bedroom’s electro-climate

Avoid mixed/blended fibers

• May look and feel like cotton or silk

• Often combined with synthetic fibers to improve texture and lower manufacturing costs

Avoid chemically treated sheets labeled as:

• Anti-static

• Easy-care or wrinkle-free

• Shrinkage-free

What to Prioritize for Safe Bedding

• Mattresses: GOTS certified, natural latex, organic cotton or wool, no flame retardants, no polyurethane foam, low COV certification

• Certified organic materials: Look for GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications.

• Natural fiber fabrics: Organic cotton, linen, hemp, or silk (breathable, chemical-free).

• Natural latex mattresses: Made from 100% natural latex, free of synthetic fillers.

• Wool layers: Naturally flame-resistant and temperature-regulating without chemical flame retardants.

• Organic cotton mattress protectors: Shields from moisture and allergens without plastic coatings.

• Undyed or low-impact dyed fabrics: Reduce exposure to dye chemicals.

• Pillows made with natural fills: Organic cotton, wool, or natural latex instead of synthetic foam.

Building your child’s bed, these are the key areas to focus on:

• Organic mattress

• Organic pillow

• Organic cotton sheets

• Organic mattress protector

• Organic duvet or comforter

Choosing certified organic and chemical-free bedding significantly reduces off-gassing and helps support your child’s brain and body development.

Brands Doing Right By Your Health

The good news? Going non-toxic doesn’t have to break the bank! Even Target carries certified organic sheets, and brands like Avocado Mattress now offer their EVO line, making safer, healthier sleep options much more affordable.

Quick Cost Savings Tip: If replacing everything right away feels overwhelming or expensive, start with the pillow and sheets since these are in direct contact with your child’s face and are the easiest to swap for a fast win.

Meanwhile, switch to a fragrance-free (not "unscented") detergent for washing bedding. Laundry residues absorb through the skin and into the bloodstream. Using something like Branch Basics concentrate is my go-to safe choice!

Matresses & Pillows

• Avocado Green (our go-to!)

• Naturepedic

• Soaring Heart

• Savvy Rest

Bedding

• Target (Threshold and related lines)

• Dewberrykids

• MakeMake Organics

• Evie & Skye London

Off-Gassing: What It Is & How to Minimize It

What is off-gassing?
It’s the release of VOCs, chemicals like benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, flame retardants, and adhesives, into the air from items such as new mattresses or furniture.

These VOCs may cause headaches, respiratory irritation, allergy symptoms, or even more serious health risks over time.

For children whose lungs, brain, and immune systems are still developing, even low-level ongoing exposure can undermine healthspan and vitality.

How to Reduce Off-Gassing on mattresses & bedroom furniture

Here’s what you can do to protect your child’s space:

1. Air it out (FREE)
   Unwrap new mattresses or furniture outdoors, on a porch, or in a ventilated room for several days before using.

2. Maximize ventilation (FREE)
   Keep windows open and fans running. Fresh airflow speeds up VOC dissipation.

3. Use an air purifier
   Choose models with HEPA + activated carbon filters, which capture 85–90% of airborne VOCs.

4. Opt for low-emission materials
   Natural latex, organic cotton, and wool emit far fewer VOCs than synthetic materials. Look for certifications like GOTS, GOLS, Greenguard Gold, or CertiPUR-US.

5. Use mattress protectors
   A breathable, non-toxic protector can act as a barrier against lingering VOCs.