How do I get the plastic smell out of a new baby playard? ?

Question

I registered for the "Nature's Purest-Hug Me" playard from Babies R Us because it was labelled as organic and healthier. Well okay, the fabrics are organic cotton but the playard mattress is still smelly vinyl plastic! I set it up last Friday and now, almost 4 days later, it still stinks. I'm trying to avoid baby products that outgas right down to the mattress and now we are left with this thing.

I dont know if I can afford to replace it now but if anyone knows of an organic playard mattress (cotton, wool, rubber, etc) that I can replace it with, it would be great. But for now, how do I clean it? Is there something I can put on it to remove the smell? No bleach or lysol or more chemicals please.

Answer 1

I agree with the vinegar and water; you also might put the mattress outside to let it really air out. Then cover the mattress with a mattress pad if this is possible and then the baby sheet or something that the baby won't roll up in. lemon juice water might work too.

Answer 2

Maybe a try a mixture of vinegar and water.  Also when you put baby in there, put a sheet or blanket over the plastic so baby won't come in contact with it.

Answer 3

Air the mattress in a well ventilated area; humidity will help speed the release of VOC's (volatile organic compounds). In some cases it can take a month or so for the smell to go away. Please do not use the product before it has aired sufficiently, because it is toxic. You might consider returning the product and explain why you don't want it. As for a replacement, you could look into making one. NearSeaNaturals.com sells organic cotton fabric and batting. They also sell organic merchandise like clothing and blankets.

Answer 4

If it says "Nature's Purest" and it is not obviously because they want you to lay your baby on a smelly vinyl plastic mattress, then you have a case for false and misleading advertising on the part of the manufacturer.

Return this item and get your money back. If they refuse then report them to the Consumer Protection Agency in your area.

I made a play mattress for my granddaughter out of cotton fabric and cotton batting.  I followed an example of one that was not made of cotton, and it worked out fine.