The Hidden Dangers in Your Child’s Mattress

Choosing and maintaining a safe sleep space for a child is a priority for parents before their little one even enters the world. However, two new studies suggest that mattresses firm enough for a child to sleep on safely may emit toxic chemicals that previous research indicates are linked to developmental delays and endocrine system disruptions.

It sounds alarming, but there are things parents can do to protect their kiddos.

“Yes, the findings are concerning, but they also empower us with knowledge and choice,” says Kristen Cook, MD, a pediatrician based in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. ”Here’s the good news: You don’t need to overhaul your entire nursery or spend thousands of dollars to make a difference.”

Dr. Cook and other experts explain what the studies tell us about chemicals in children’s mattresses, what they don’t, and what parents can do.

What the Studies Say About Chemicals in Children’s Mattresses

Here’s the short answer: “They tell us that mattresses contain a lot of chemicals that are known to be harmful to people and children in particular,” says Gina Posner, MD, a board-certified pediatrician at MemorialCare Medical Group in California. 

Let’s dig further. In a new study published April 14, 2025, in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers measured chemicals in the air of 25 children’s bedrooms. The children’s ages ranged from 6 months to 4 years. The authors found high levels of phthalates, flame retardants, and UV filters. The highest levels of these chemicals were found near the children’s beds.

Why? That’s what researchers looked to find out when they conducted a companion study. For this study, which was also published in Environmental Science & Technology on April 14, 2025, the team tested 16 new children’s mattresses. They realized that these mattresses were a critical source of chemical exposure and performed a simulation. 

“It found that many of these emissions were highest in new, low-cost mattresses and that a child’s body warmth and pressure increased the release of these chemicals,” Dr. Cook explains. “Phthalates, used in plastics and waterproof covers, flame retardants added for fire safety, and UV filters were all found in concentrations near a location that a child could easily breathe them in. The implication from these studies is that our children’s mattresses are negatively affecting the developing brain and the endocrine system.”

Jane Houlihan, the research director at Healthy Babies Bright Futures, is especially concerned that the emissions showed up across the board. “It didn’t matter the cost, material, or country of origin—the mattresses still released toxic substances, and some exceeded legal limits,” Houlihan notes. “Every mattress tested contained toxic additives.”

That said, Dr. Cook says that the two studies didn’t share specific mattress brand names, and she and Dr. Posner pointed out that the studies didn’t discuss whether the chemicals directly caused long-term health issues.

“Just because there is a link between two factors does not mean that one factor causes the other factor,” Dr. Cook says. “Currently, there is no proof that the chemicals in mattresses definitively cause developmental delays or problems with the functioning of the endocrine system. Unfortunately, harmful chemicals are everywhere. These studies did not measure how mattress exposures compare to other daily chemical exposures.”

What Are the Dangers?

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) notes that “even low doses of endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be unsafe,” and that children’s developing minds and bodies leave them more vulnerable to the effects of the chemicals. According to NIEHS, the impacts of phthalates on children could include reproductive issues and ADHD-related behaviors. 

And a January 2020 study indicated that one flame retardant—polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs—could affect a child’s intellectual development.

That’s not to say nothing is being done or that zero guardrails are in place.

“The U.S. Product Safety Commission requires all mattresses, not just children’s mattresses, to pass two tests that slow down the spread of a fire,” explains Vineet Dubey, an environmental lawyer, partner, and co-founder at Custodio & Dubey LLP. “The idea is to give people more time to escape.”

Dubey explains that one test, a cigarette ignition test, requires mattresses to resist ignition from a “smoldering cigarette.” The other, an open flame test, assesses whether a mattress can stay below certain flame and heat thresholds for 30 minutes. “But manufacturers are not told how they must meet these standards,” Dubey says. ”Many turn to these chemicals because they cost less.”

What Parents Can Do

While the studies aren’t perfect or definitive, the experts Parents spoke with aren’t dismissing the research or the potential for harms. 

“Yes, children’s mattresses contain toxic chemicals, but the day-to-day risks are usually small,” Houlihan says. “What matters is that these small exposures can add up over time—just like small choices you make to protect your child’s health. That’s good news that parents need to know; protective choices add up, too.”

These are some practical steps parents can take. 

Check labels

Dubey says some mattresses are certified to have low emissions and no toxic chemicals or substances.

“Look for products that are Greenguard Gold Certified, GOTS Organic Certified, or OEKO-TEX Standard 100,” Dubey says. ”Materials to consider that are naturally fire resistant, contain no phthalates, and meet federal standards include organic wool and densely woven bamboo fiber. Also, there are some mattresses using untreated polyester and, believe it or not, Kevlar, and fiberglass. These all come with their own potential drawbacks, but are not hormone disruptors.”

Air it out

Off-gassing—another word for the release of volatile organic chemicals into the air from materials like mattresses—is highest when you unwrap something, says Dr. Cook. She lets new mattresses air out in her garage for days before bringing them into her home.

Dr. Posner agrees, saying, “A lot of the chemicals are the strongest when you first unwrap them. Let it air out for weeks—outside preferably—and then use.”

Go neutral

Neutral-hued mattresses are more than soothing and aesthetically pleasing. 

“They’re less likely to contain UV filters, which are added to prevent fading but can be harmful,” Houlihan says.

Wash often

Parents often joke about doubling their laundry loads after having one tiny human. However, regular washing of bedding and clothing can help lower risks of chemical exposure. Houlihan says bedding and clothing act as a protective barrier and can absorb some of the contaminants, reducing exposure.

Dr. Cook washes her family’s sheets once per week.

Minimalist at any age

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) sleep guidelines are for the first year of life and advise against blankets or stuffed animals in the bed. Houlihan suggests keeping stuffed animals and blankies to a minimum long-term.

“Minimize extras in the crib or bed, like stuffed animals or mattress pads, which can also harbor toxic additives,” she says.

Dr. Cook advises regularly washing stuffed animals, too. “Dust can carry phthalates and other pollutants,” Dr. Cook explains. “Regular hot water washes help reduce what your child is breathing in.”

Advocate for the collective

The headlines and research may cause worry, and you can certainly take small steps to protect your child. But Dr. Cook suggests considering advocating for future changes.

“Reach out and ask if their products contain phthalates or UV filters,” Dr. Cook says. “Many companies are beginning to prioritize safer materials and are willing to share, and if they are not willing to share, at least you are calling them out for the toxic chemicals they are contributing to our environment. This issue shouldn’t fall entirely on parents. Join forces with consumer advocacy groups to push for better regulations and clearer labeling.”

There’s strength in numbers, and our kids can benefit from it.

“Our kids will spend a third of their early lives asleep,” Dr. Cook says. “Knowing what they’re sleeping on is a powerful way to protect their long-term health. Not from a place of fear, but from a place of informed, confident parenting.”