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29 Comments

  1. Hello! Thanks for your article! Wandering if you could give another opinion on the Keekaroo after reading the description below? It is from another article and was the response from Keekaroo about the materials used. (I was leaning towards the Naturepedic until I read reviews that it might not be waterproof. Keekaroo looks awesome- waterproof and no need for extra laundry- if it is safe of course.) Thank you very much!

    “The cushion material…is made of polyurethane polymer and foam. Polyurethane Polymer is the raw material form. Once Polyurethane Polymer is processed, it becomes a Polyurethane Polymer Elastomer, which is a synthetic rubber. An example of a Polyurethane Polymer Elastomer is Spandex, sometimes referred to as Lycra, found in all kinds of clothing material. Our Cushions do not contain PBDE…[which are] organobromine compounds that are used as flame retardants in some applications. Our Flame retardant properties come from the inherent polymer structure of our trade secret materials.

    We do NOT use PVC in any products we make or sell. Therefore, our products have no phthalate additives.

    We’ve passed all testing required in this industry: Government: CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act), as well as independent certifications on Safety: JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturer association), ASTM International (American Society of Testing Materials). Our cushions are proudly made in the USA.

    The skin of the cushion is a proprietary process that creates a non-toxic, seamless product impermeable to fluids and offers anti-microbial protection. Due to this proprietary process, although details are kept internally, I can tell you that the antimicrobial protection is a citrus based compound. Tested in the harsh hospital and school markets, our cushions are proven peel, tear and puncture resistant and include a slip resistant texture to ensure safety.”

  2. I know this is a slightly old thread, but I just received the Naturepedic one in the mail, I hadn’t seen it in person. It seems like a soft foam-ish material covered in a crunchy sounding plastic bag. I realize it is cotton with plastic – not “luxurious” like it states. There is a huge air gap – like I could grab the top layer and pull it inches off of the bottom support. Does anyone else find this terribly annoying? I can’t imagine waking up at 2am with a newborn and hearing that noise. I’m starting to look for alternatives.

          1. We got it from our registry, but it was purchased from BuyBuyBaby. I did email Naturepedic and they gave me the runaround – my understanding though is that what I got was correct. I think they did not accurately describe what you get though.

  3. Hi Irina,

    Have you looked into Ah Goo Baby Changing Pad? I was going to purchase it but now that I came across your website. I would like to learn more about it!
    http://www.ahgoobaby.com/index.php/contact

    Please let me know!
    Thank you.

    P.S. just purchased your e-book on cribs. Thank you for sharing your detailed research. SAVE ME SO MUCH TIME AND TROUBLE!!

    1. Hi, Jam: To learn more about the changing pad, we need to know what type of foam it is made of. I emailed them but from the product description it looks like that it is probably polyurethane foam, which a petroleum product. From your planning, what decisions did you make about your baby registry? Are you going to get all natural or organic baby products or petroleum-free when it is only absolutely needed? How far you in a process of preparing for the baby? You might benefit from downloading my free baby registry planner. Thanks. ~Irina P.S. I am glad you found my e-book on cribs helpful.

  4. Hi – what are your thoughts on the Oeuf diaper changing pad? Not sure about that or the Naturepedic one (Ouef is almost half the price so leaning towards that one…)! Any opinion on which one, price not considered?

      1. according to amazon, it says (for the oeuf changing pad) 69% fiberboard and 31% urethane foam (does not say polyurethane) and states it is made of “renewable plant – based foam”

        1. Hi Shari: urethane foam is a type of polyurethane. Fiberboard is a type of wood product. I thought we were talking about changing pad, not changing table. I find that Amazon product descriptions are often confusing and misleading. I always try to contact the manufacturer directly. Could you please do that? Thanks! ~Irina

          1. straight from Oeuf:

            “All of our mattresses and changing pads are handmade by Colgate Kids in Atlanta, GA. No chemical flame retardants are used. A barrier fabric made of Rayon is used to meet fire safety standards. This is a cellulose material placed underneath the top layer of the mattress/pad. This is safer than chemical retardants. The wetproof backing is made of a food grade polyurethane. Fiberboard is at the bottom and does not contain MDF. It is high-density fiberboard, which does not require glue or other added products. There is no formaldehyde.”

            “The foam itself is made of a plant-based foam that, as of last measure, was an 20:80 ratio with food grade polyurethane oil based foam. Colgate kids is constantly trying to better themselves and that ratio is always changing to include more plant based foam and less polyurethane.”

            she also mentioned its:
            greenguard certified.
            free of PVC, phthlates, PBDE and phosphorus and arsenic (she mentioned a few more, but I did not write them down).

            (also thinking that the baby is not going to be spending a significant amount of time on the changing pad….unlike sleeping).

          2. Hi Shari: it is not too bad, as you said, considering the price and that it is a small object. I like that it is certified by Greenguard. I wonder if it is certified to Greenguard’s Gold standard, which would be good. And yes, since the baby is not going to be spending much time on it. It would be also good to air it out in the garage before using, just in case. Thank you for your research!.~Irina

        1. It is made of a type of synthetic rubber. It is one of those situations where we just do not know enough about it. Eventually, somebody will do research. I would be curious to smell it. If you see it in a store, let me know if it has any smell. I tend to err on the side of caution and prefer natural materials such as wool, cotton, hemp, etc.

          1. We ordered one and it does have a smell out of the box. We’re letting it air out for a month before the baby comes!

  5. Hi! I’m wondering what your thoughts are on the Jelly Baby Change Mat by Mebby. Is it safe and non-toxic?

    1. Hi! I sent them an email with some questions. Thanks for asking.

      Normally when it says “rubber,” that means synthetic rubber. I did confirm with them though and the pad is made of synthetic rubber, the material I do not recommend. Let me know if you have further questions.