Fire retardent questions...

[DKPA]

So I've been reading the posts about fire retardents lately and have been extremely depressed the past few days, its just one more thing to add to my many worries during this pregnancy.  I was not aware by any means how they are everywhere, i thought it was something you worried about with mattresses and that's pretty much it.  But anyway i came up with a few questions while reading:

What kind of nursing nightgown, robe etc should i buy for giving birth, breastfeeding and cosleeping?  Are they all treated with chemicals like kids' pajamas?  i guess i could just wear a t shirt and shorts and take the shirt off every time to feed, I don't want to be cuddling my new baby in flame retardents...

I received a bunch of halo organic cotton sleep sacks for when the baby sleeps in the crib for naps.  Their website says they're flame resistant but not treated with chemicals.  Should I believe them?  are they just naturally flame resistant because they're snug fitting?

I also received 2 organic waterproof mattress pads.  The outside is the organic cotton, the middle layer is polyester and the bottom is polyurethane.  Does that pretty much mean there's flame retardents?  If so what kind of waterproof pad should I buy if any?

any suggestions would be very much appreciated, ive been losing sleep over this!  

[RoamingWidgeteer]

I completely understand your worry! It has resulted in a lot more sewing than I had originally planned
 

I received a bunch of halo organic cotton sleep sacks for when the baby sleeps in the crib for naps.  Their website says they're flame resistant but not treated with chemicals.  Should I believe them?  are they just naturally flame resistant because they're snug fitting?

 Cotton is naturally flame resistant all by itself (that's why labcoats are made from it) so its probably legit.

I also received 2 organic waterproof mattress pads.  The outside is the organic cotton, the middle layer is polyester and the bottom is polyurethane.  Does that pretty much mean there's flame retardents?  If so what kind of waterproof pad should I buy if any?

I don't know if its treated with retardents or not, or just how much polyurethane offgasses (just to add to your worries). If you're planning a homebirth, use them for that. Otherwise, I've had great success with some homemade ones to absorb milk, drool and pee: 6 layers of flannel sewn together every 4" and the edges all serged together. Very absorbant, stiff enough not to scrunch up when rolling over, and soft enough for baby skin. The fact I repurposed a couple of odd sized sheets was a bonus :) They go ontop of the mattress sheet and get changed every second day so having several is handy.
 

[DKPA]

well that's a relief about the cotton and maybe ill try that with the sheets good idea, thank you!

[colsxjack]

For a mattress pad, we used an old wool blanket. We washed in hat water and dried on high heat then cut a rectangle for the bed. We put it under the sheet as a mattress protector. Then over the sheet we used a receiving blanket folded in half and tucked in. The receiving blanket was to catch any spit up through the night. Easy to change and make comfy without having to change the whole bed.

I do and would def. worry about flame retardants. You can sleep in shorts and a t-shirt and just pull your shirt up to nurse. Or buy a loose v-neck tank top and slip it down.

[madcap150]

Adult PJs (and clothes in general) should NOT be treated with flame retardants. If you just buy cotton PJs, nightgown,etc, whatever you get should not be treated. The laws about treating sleepwear only apply to children's apparel (and manufacturers don't really want to add the hassle and expense of treatment to their adult products for no reason. . .)

[DKPA]

so i guess buying a wool blanket sounds like the easiest solution for a waterproof surface and that's good to know adult pajamas aren't treated. The more i read, the more depressed I get  i feel like i'll never use the stroller, highchair, activity gym or breastfeeding pillow i received because they're all treated right?  And i know I have to use a carseat but I won't ever leave the baby in it when we aren't driving.  i feel bad i didn't know this before people bought me gifts:( i guess i'll donate stuff since i don't have receipts.  i also read that baby carriers are treated, but if i buy a sling or wrap from companies like chicken scratch, didymos or ellaroo are they treated?  i would hope it's just big companies like baby bjorn...this is such a nightmare!!

[RoamingWidgeteer]

The wool blanket is a great idea (we have one too) but you might still want something on top of the sheet that can be easily and quickly thrown in the wash in the morning. The flannel works very well, but towels might be good enough if you want to save some effort.

I wouldn't worry about the stroller and carseat - use them as necessary but don't leave the baby in them. Or try a wrap/sling instead of the stroller - they are great for around the house too and aren't treated afaik, and the baby benefits (see #3) so much from being carried instead of laying in the crib/playpen. I'd be more worried about chemicals via fabric softener, hair products including shampoo, perfume and makeup. Let me know if want references, wrangling teething baby at the moment ...

[DKPA]

Thanks for the reassurance and for the websites on fabric softener and perfume.  I had stopped using both when I got pregnant and started researching things but it's always great to have good sources to show my boyfriend so he doesn't just think i'm being crazy again!