Are flame retardants in foam nursery mattresses linked to developmental risks?
No. Peer-reviewed research links exposure to flame retardants to developmental risks, including behavioral issues, cognitive delays, and thyroid disruption in children.
What's actually in it
Many foam nursery mattresses contain organophosphate ester flame retardants and brominated flame retardants. These chemicals are added to foam to meet fire safety standards, but they don't stay put. They leach out of the foam and into your home environment, where they can be inhaled or ingested.
What the research says
The science is clear: these chemicals are not safe for a developing child. A 2026 study in J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol linked organophosphate ester flame retardants found in house dust to negative outcomes on the Child Behavior Checklist.
Cognitive development is also at risk. A 2026 study in Environ Pollut found that prenatal exposure to these same chemicals is associated with lower child cognition scores. These effects can persist as children grow. A 2026 study in Environ Res suggests that gestational exposure to organophosphate flame retardants is linked to changes in child growth, including weight and body mass index, in children aged 2 to 10 years.
The risks extend to physical health and neurological function. A 2026 study in Environ Res found that halogenated flame retardants are linked to thyroid function changes and traits related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Additionally, a 2026 study in Sci Total Environ identified a clear association between brominated flame retardants and the development of allergies in children.
The research at a glance
What to use instead
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