Debra Lynn Dadd

Polyfil

QUESTION:

As I am (still) in search of the perfect sleep sack for my baby, I have found a company called Passport Baby - they claim to not sell "kinder sacks" (sleep sacks) that have flame retardant, but the warm sacks are described thusly: "All cotton fabrics, polyfil has a hypo-allergenic quality to it as well." What is "polyfil"? Is it bad for my baby?

Also, I think I have found a crib, but I have a question about the stain. It is by Tried & True Wood Finishes, here is how they describe their product:

"All Tried & True Wood Finishes comply with the inner most circle of product safety established by the FDA: "safe for food contact surfaces" (FDA 21,Sec 175.300). Beeswax and natural varnish resin are FDA approved as non-toxic and non-allergic. Non-hazardous. Our products, and or any of their ingredients, are not regulated under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (Title 40) or the EPA Resource and Recovery Act(Title 49). Our oils are non-toxic and non-flammable (Although common sense and our label should be consulted for disposal of wiping cloths). The use of these finishes in commercial applications is not regulated by OSHA. No heavy metal driers. These metallic salts of cobalt and manganese are a health risk to those who manufacure them. In use they areconsidered a health risk only in long term exposure. Fume Free - Zero VOC.No solventsor petroleum distillates are present in Tried & True Wood Finishes. Therefore, there is nocompromise in environmental impact, worker health and safety, or indoor air quality." This sounds safe to me but I am wondering if I am just getting desperate (I have been researching cribs, mattresses, sleep sacks and varnishes for two weeks now!) So...how desperate am I?! THANK YOU!!!


POSTED BY ERNA :: WASHINGTON USA :: 10/13/2009 4:36 PM


DEBRA'S ANSWER:

Polyfil is polyester, a plastic made from petrochemicals.

Your wood finish sounds fine, but I have no personal experience with it.

Debra :-)


COMMENTS:

I hope this helps, but this is what we use for our baby for winter:

www.maternitique.com/shop/products/251/organic-sleep-sack-knit.html?osCsid=265d5cc7689dc47de21883c4370b2613

It's all organic cotton and very warm. She wears organic footie pjs under it.

Our crib is by Pacific Rim:

www.pacificrimwoodworking.com/crib.aspx

Nice sustainable wood, non-toxic finish. Our adult bedframe is from them too.

POSTED BY EMILY :: WASHINGTON USA :: 10/16/2009 1:09 PM


Natural wool products would be nice and are naturally flame resistant. There are a lot of sources for natural baby products out there.

POSTED BY HELEN :: WASHINGTON USA :: 10/26/2009 4:25 PM


:: POST YOUR COMMENT

Return to Q&A Blog

Debra's List ~ 100s of links to 1000s of nontoxic, natural & earthwise products
Debra's Free Newsletters ~ website update, natural sweetener recipes, words of wisdom
Debra's Bookstore ~ recommended reading on health and the environment
MCS Recovery ~ resources for recovery from multiple chemical sensitivities
Sweet Savvy ~ how to choose and use natural sweetners (lots of recipes)
Talk With Debra ~ call for a personal consultation (fee)

Copyright ©2004-2007 Debra Lynn Dadd - all rights reserved.