Avoiding Flame-retardants In Children’s Sleepwear: Snug Organics Creates A Warm Non-toxic Solution

PRLog (Press Release) - Sep 10, 2009 -
(Denver, CO) - As fall approaches and chilly nighttime temperatures are looming, many parents stock up on cozy new pajamas for their children.  But if you are a mom like Erin Royer, owner of Snug Organics, you might be concerned about being environmentally conscious and minimizing your child’s exposure to toxic chemicals, like flame-retardants.  After doing her research, Royer learned the dangers that flame-retardants pose to us all, especially children.  “Many parents have been looking for an alternative for their children, so we are proud to be able to offer a warm solution that is organic and free of PBDEs."

PBDE stands for polybrominated diphenylether. These dangerous chemicals have been detected in blood, urine and breast milk.  They are embedded in our people, animals and land.  PBDEs have been linked to damage of the thyroid, immune system, reproductive system, and liver.  They disturb brain development, learning abilities, hormone function and can cause cancer, hyperactivity (ADD & ADHD), obesity, diabetes and permanent behavioral changes.   These are all the same conditions that are increasing in our children today, who happen to be the most highly exposed.  According to animal studies, most problems stem from prenatal exposure and exposure soon after birth.

Flame-retardants are used in the US and Canada for children's sleepwear, carpet padding, foam cushions, mattresses, wallpaper, and plastics used for electronics. The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) requires that children's sleepwear contain flame-retardants or be snug fitting.  Royer suggests that parents choose "snug fitting" due to the dangers of flame-retardants, which are added to materials during the manufacturing process in order to reduce the likelihood of a garment catching fire. Flowing nightgowns and baggy tops and bottoms have a higher chance of coming into contact with an open flame than a snug fitting pair of pajamas.  

Following the births of her two sons, the former elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home-mom became increasingly concerned about the chemicals her sons were being exposed to.  To comply with the CPSC's requirements for children's sleepwear and at the same time eliminate these toxic chemicals, Royer dreamed up Snug Organics, a company dedicated to providing comfortable and safe sleep solutions for children.  She created a snug fitting, warm, fleecy sleeper that is free of not just flame-retardants, but pesticides and synthetics too.  Snug Organics’ sleepers are made of 100% certified organic cotton sherpa. This organic cotton is warm enough for babies and toddlers who must also follow the recommendations of pediatricians to avoid blankets in cribs.  To be sure that your child's sleepwear is free of flame-retardants, look for the yellow hangtag and the phrase, “must be snug fitting, not flame resistant.”  Royer realizes that for many parents completely outfitting their children in organic baby clothes is financially unrealistic, but investing in organics for sleepwear can account for roughly two-thirds of an infant’s day and more than half of a child’s developmental years.  

To add to Snug Organics’ eco-friendly mission, all of their organic baby clothing is unisex and long lasting, to ensure that each item is used to the utmost and can be passed on.  Products are available online at snugorganics.com and all packaging and tags are recyclable and biodegradable.  10% of Snug Organics’ profits are donated to Healthy Child Healthy World, a nonprofit organization inspiring parents to protect young children from harmful chemicals.  Snug Organics launched in September of 2009.  The website www.snugorganics.com provides product details, e-commerce and the opportunity to learn more about the dangers of flame-retardants.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/10338312/1