PVC oilcloth 'dangerous' for baby to lie on for playing?

[lyd76howe]

I bought some PVC coated fabric today with the intention of putting it on the floor for my 7 month old son to play on, with and without nappy (he's a serious dribbler and very competent pee-er and I'd like to get the longest life out of our carpets that I can). The guy who served me overheard me answering another customer that it was for my son to roll about on and he said that babies shouldn't lie on it because of an 'oil vapour' which it gives off.

Anyone got any views on this? I'll pack the stuff away until he's old enough to draw on the kitchen table if I need to but I'd be interested to hear if anyone has any superior knowledge.

Thanks!

[The Nappy Lady]

Hiya,

Not heard of this I'm afraid, but would say that if he wees on the oilcloth I imagine it will 'run' and potentially end up on the carpet anyway??

I can highly recommend these though;

http://www.thenappylady.co.uk/public/productdetails.aspx?id=40&cat=5

Fully waterproof, rubber in the middle, but with cotton bonded on both sides. Could use as you suggest, but also in bed (can put a child directly on it to sleep if staying at a friends etc. and worried they might wet the bed), also if breastfeeding in bed with leaky boobs and so on. I've got about 4 of them in various sizes and have used them so much over the years.

Best wishes, Molly

x

[littleEDfamily]

I think its something to do with phthalates - it's some sort of chemical used to plasticise (is that a word) textiles. I think is considered dangerous. Try googling phthalates...seem to recall the US introducing new restrictions a year or so ago.

You could try a genuine oil cloth instead, but could be expensive.

[lyd76howe]

Just Googled phthalates and it makes concerning reading! But I think that's what the guy was getting at. I'll look for an alternative - very possibly some of those mats you recommend, Molly.

Thank you both!

[kristymac1]

lyd76howe Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Just Googled phthalates and it makes concerning

> reading! But I think that's what the guy was

> getting at. I'll look for an alternative - very

> possibly some of those mats you recommend, Molly.

>

>

> Thank you both!

I bought some of these mats from Molly a year or so ago (when my daughter was almost dry in the night but had the odd accident), I'd really recommend them, they're really soft and comfortable and much more value for money than disposable versions (and much mre comfy/'uncrinkly'). Good luck x

[hpsaucey]

Yup - its to do with the phthalates used to make plastics - usually PVC - flexible. The problem is particularly bad when these things are new due to 'off gassing' - lovely phrase. There are EU directives nowadays to cover products for children and babies, but not sure how this covers things made elsewhere in the world. Also, phthalates are used in all sorts of things as are chemical finishes in general. I know we're all worried about baby bottles etc these days but I wonder how many people worry about off gassing from their new sofas and matresses for example? See this ... http://www.ehow.com/how_6337014_avoid-phthalates-pregnant.html

Helen (one time member of a plastics exhibition team - how randoms that lol)!

littleEDfamily Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I think its something to do with phthalates - it's

> some sort of chemical used to plasticise (is that

> a word) textiles. I think is considered dangerous.

> Try googling phthalates...seem to recall the US

> introducing new restrictions a year or so ago.

>

> You could try a genuine oil cloth instead, but

> could be expensive.