To avoid poly foam and protect their children from flame retardants, parents have several options. The first is to not buy unnecessary squishy products. All of your kids’ foam stuffed animals, for example, aren’t technically necessary. While certain items containing polyurethane foam—like baby car seats—are truly necessary, when it comes to items like mattresses and high chair, families can choose versions made with safer materials including cotton, wool, and even natural latex (though this can be an allergen). Shoppers should be wary of foams marketed as green or bio. These may technically be regular synthetic foam with flame retardants plus a small percentage of soy bean or castor oil.

 
Consumers should rely on trustworthy third party certifications to guide them. Keep in mind what any given standard actually covers; some organic certifications cover fabric only, not the entire product. The Washington Toxics Coalition also offers helpful mattress shopping tips. “Keep it simple,” says Cik. “For right now this is as good as it gets. It’s not perfect, but there’s no such thing as perfect.”