I've been doing research on changing pads and I noticed so many are made from toxic materials like vinyl and polyurethane foam. I know Mrs. Bee bought the Naturepedic changing pad for $99, but I'm torn. I don't want to shell out $99 but I also don't want to use a toxic pad.
Any alternative recommendations or did you bite the bullet and opt for an expensive but non-toxic changing pad?
hostess / wonderful persimmon / 25556 posts
@Clementine: in what way are they toxic? Has there been research done that shows the foam or vinyl ones harm children? I guess it's not something I ever really worried about...
persimmon / 1329 posts
@Mediagirl, well those materials release toxins that aren't good for you, baby, or environment esp. since it will most likely be in their nursery where they are sleeping hours at a time.
I mean, we probably grew up with the same if not worse, and are fine. But, just knowing better I can't help but think maybe I should do more research before buying a conventional pad.
http://www.euphoriababy.com/store/pc/viewcontent.asp?idpage=10
pear / 1723 posts
I have some grad school edu in toxics and their flow through the environment, and honestly I'm not overly concerned about the off gassing from a changing pad. It's relatively small surface area, and if you have reasonable air flow through your home, any 'fumes' aren't going to build up in the nursery. You could also 'air it out' on a patio or a garage for an amount of time before baby arrives to get the most intense smells out of the house. I might consider an organic changing pad cover, since that's what's coming into contact with baby's often naked skin.
From what I learned, the scarier things are carpet, paint, and other building materials that can off gas for 20+ years, and very intensely at first.
But I think if you're concerned and have the budget for it, it's a great option! One less thing to worry about. If it were maybe $50 or less, I'd consider it.
hostess / wonderful honeydew / 32460 posts
We used to change our LO on the bed, couch, floor... etc. 
Now we change her on all of the above + the changing pad on her pack and play.
pear / 1723 posts
@chopsuey119: Yep that's pretty much what my SIL&BIL do for their baby. On the bed or on the pack n play bassinet. And they just put a chux pad underneath him 
kiwi / 718 posts
we aren't buying a changing pad b/c I figure if it's a flat surface & it's big enough, it will suffice and I'm really trying to bring as little stuff into our house as possible
clementine / 958 posts
I used this information from the Washington Toxics Coalition: http://watoxics.org/healthy-living/healthy-families/safe-start-for-kids-1/choosing-safer-products-matresses-and-changing-pads/
We chose the Serta Organic pad. It's $30 at Babies R Us. It isn't entirely organic - it has a vinyl cover, but it's free of phthalates and polyurethane foam.
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