The Associated Press reported on Monday that a study was conducting in Oakland, California that confirms that using fans in babies rooms helps to reduce the chances of SIDS deaths. Ironically, the reason the fans working was not addressed: most crib mattresses are made out of polyurethane, which off-gasses brominates, flame retardants, formaldehyde, and other toxic chemicals.

When fans are on, the air circulation helps to dilute the concentration of these chemicals, which can hover in an invisible layer of toxins right above Baby's mattress. This is also why back sleeping has helped to reduce the instances of SIDS deaths: because the chemical gasses are heavier than air, they stay low to the mattress, so sleeping face-up keeps Baby from breathing in higher concentrations of these chemicals.

Here is the simple truth: the farther away Baby is from toxic chemicals, the better. Wool mattress overlays can help, as they keep air circulating around Baby, while creating a barrier between the bed and Baby.

In a perfect world, all of the bedding for your family would be free of these chemicals.