by Heidi Trilling

Organic cotton and wool cuddles toys.

Ah, a good night’s sleep! As parents and caregivers of children know well, this can be a hard thing to come by.

Infants and toddlers sometimes have erratic sleep patterns. School-age children often lead busy, over-scheduled lives these days — just like their grown-up counterparts. Such fast-paced modern living takes a toll on good, sound sleep.

Another factor preventing children from getting enough rest may be health issues caused by materials used in the manufacture of their sleepwear and bedding.

Popular fabrics for children’s pajamas and sheet sets include synthetics like polyester and acrylics, as well as conventionally grown cotton. These fabrics are treated with harsh chemical finishes and flame retardants, which can cause headaches, skin rashes, allergic reactions and respiratory conditions. Not exactly conducive to rejuvenating slumber. Fortunately, there are alternatives available.

Here are some healthy choices for making your child’s bedroom a safe and restful sanctuary — naturally.

1. Atmosphere
Try considering the bedroom its own little environment devoted to healthful rest. Make it a peaceful room where your child can relax and be lulled to sleep. Decorate with natural materials in soothing colors. Store toys out of sight, if possible. Get rid of the TV and other plug-ins. Lower volumes and close doors to minimize sounds from other rooms. Use “black-out” curtains to create the illusion of nighttime, if necessary. Honor your child’s bedtime by creating an atmosphere that supports relaxation. This sends the message to your child that sleeping soundly is important!
2. Pajamas and Bedding

Choose 100 percent organic, natural-fiber sleepwear and bedding for your child — and yourself.
Here’s why: In addition to the chemical treatments mentioned above, conventionally grown cotton is planted and harvested in soil laden with synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 25 percent of the world’s pesticide use is involved in the conventional-cotton industry, and that over 50 percent of the pesticides in use are carcinogenic. Daunting information!
However, natural fibers like 100 percent organic cotton, hemp and bamboo are grown in fields without toxic chemistry, and are processed without harsh chemicals. Also, organic-product companies often promote fair trade practices in farming communities worldwide. Good for the planet, good for people.
Natural fibers are especially good for children with chemical sensitivities, allergies and asthma. Organic fabrics do not contain skin irritants, nor is there chemical off-gassing to trigger respiratory reactions like coughing and wheezing. Children undisturbed by congestion and related ailments rest easy. Healthful sleep is sound sleep.

Where to buy:
Organic cotton “onesies” for infants are sold in Rachel Ortolan’s shop Abode on Main Street in Half Moon Bay. Occasionally, organic cotton sleepwear shows up for sale in Teri Strelchun’s Bearly Worn children’s resale shop in Pacifica. It’s worth checking out their offerings, and perhaps finding one of these organic treasures. Online, fine organic sleepwear and bedding can be found at www.pipbabywear.com, based in San Carlos. Also visit www.ahappyplanet.com and www.greenhome.com, based in San Francisco.

3. Pillows, Blankets and Mattresses
Chemically-untreated wool is wonderful for pillows and blankets! It is naturally flame-retardant and resistant to mold, mildew, bacteria and dust mites. It can hold up to 40 percent of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet or cold — comfy for little ones sleeping in diapers! Due to wool’s “breathability,” wool pillows and blankets keep sleepers warm in winter and cool in summer. Natural lanolin in untreated wool acts as its own laundry detergent, and so items need only to be aired in sunshine, or washed in a gentle wool cleanser every six months or so. Another plus for busy parents!
Conventional mattresses contain toxic flame retardants, harsh adhesives and chemical foams. Instead, consider mattresses made of natural latex rubber, organic cotton and untreated wool. Natural latex has anti-microbial properties, resists dust mites, and is extremely durable. It is also hypoallergenic, wonderfully supportive of muscles and joints, and helpful in improving sleeping posture.
Where to buy:
A Web site for superb wool products and information is www.danishwool.com. Also, visit www.ecobaby.com for superior mattresses, comforters and mattress pads. Find more quality options at www.nontoxic.com and www.earthsake.com.
4. Cuddle Toys
Most children like to snuggle with a teddy bear or bunny at bedtime. Natural cuddle toys are made with 100 percent organic fibers and non-toxic dyes. Whimsical details are usually embroidered, avoiding choking hazards like buttons and zippers.
Where to buy:
Soft, sweet-faced, 100 percent organic stuffed animals and dolls are available at www.playstoretoys.com, www.ecobaby.com and www.organicgiftshop.com.
5. Fragrant Gardens
Consider fragrant plants for your child’s natural bedroom plan, if related allergies are not an issue.
For centuries, fragrant flowering plants have been used to soothe frazzled nerves and promote sleep. Browse through resources on plant lore and medicinal uses. Have fun visiting nurseries with your child and sniffing blooms. Include organic fragrant plants in a starter window box, or in soil directly under your child’s bedroom window. Let their scents gently waft into your child’s room. Make it part of your bedtime ritual to go out at dusk, breathe deeply in the garden, relax together, and have a good night.
A few suggestions:
Star jasmine’s heavenly fragrance is legendary and induces calmness, but did you know jasmine symbolizes parental love and protection? A lovely selection for a child’s garden.
Lavender has been used traditionally to treat insomnia. A member of the mint family, its clean scent is said to dissolve irritability and restore contentment.
Lemon verbena soothes nerves and has mild sedative properties.
Escallonia’s pretty pink blossoms have a delightful fragrance: a mix of honey, watermelon, and cotton candy! (No tasting, though!) Symbolizing the sweetness of love and dreaming, escallonia promotes happiness. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds — a treat for a child’s garden. As it tolerates wind and salty spray, escallonia is a great coastal shrub.
Where to buy: Coastsiders have a variety of local nurseries selling seeds, seedlings and flowering plants. Visit your local favorites, and ask for organics.
Above all, enjoy the process of making your child’s bedroom a natural, relaxing environment for sound sleep and sweet dreams.