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 will be using this for naps mostly, as we will be co-sleeping in the bedroom.

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

Try setting the Play Yard outside in the fresh air for a few hours. Also, you could try cleaning it with Dish Soap and a wet washcloth. After doing these two things, it should get rid of the smell. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

putting it out in the sun in the yard to air might help. but quite frankly , having read the information on outgassing plastics  causing some forms of asthma in children I'd suggest  getting someone who sews to make a new one out of baby safe materials for you.  

Answer 3

No, you just have to put it outside and let the vinyls off gas in time.  I have a big porch that has become my spot for this sort of thing.

If you want to return it, a good way to avoid the fumes is to use second hand stuff.  I bought a brand new bassinet at a yard sale for $10.  If you look hard, you can find deals like that.  Your family members my be willing to share with you as well.  That way, you won't have to store it when you're finished using it!

There are instructions on the internet for making your own wool mattress, but it's extremely expensive.  

Kudos on avoiding off gassing and for planning to cosleep.  Sleeping next to your baby is the best!

Answer 4

Why dont you put the mattress outside for several days to ventilate... the smell will eventually dissipate with all the outside air...  If you are still unhappy... How about cut a piece of plywood or thin fiberboard (sold at most home improvement stores) to fit the inside of the playpen and then cover it with cotton batting and then a playyard sheet over the top. Or if you are really crafty, you can take an old baby comforter and sew some elastic to the edges using a sewing machine... then place this over the fiberboard to make a soft cushiony area for baby.