Are you a concerned eco-parent looking for the best mattress for your baby or toddler?
You've likely heard that memory foam mattresses are an increasingly popular choice for adults.
But are foam mattresses safe for babies & toddlers? Well…some are, but most should probably be avoided (and the reasons might surprise you)!
Do they also provide enough comfort and support to ensure restful nights, both now and in the future?
Read on to learn the facts about the good and bad of foam mattresses, and arm yourself with knowledge before choosing a new mattress for your bundle of joy!
Contents
Memory foam (that squishy stuff that makes you feel like you're sleeping on a cloud) was initially designed for NASA aircraft seats in the mid-1960s.
But what exactly is it?
Memory foam is a polyurethane foam that can mold to a warm body and bounce back when the pressure is gone.
When making memory foam, manufacturers add chemicals to standard polyurethane.
These added chemicals increase the foam's density and viscosity (making it heavier and stickier).
This transformation is what gives memory foam its memory.
As eco-friendly consumers, we need to be aware of the environmental impact of these added chemicals.
Traditional memory foam manufacturing can be pretty heavy on petrochemicals and other potentially harmful substances (more on this later).
When it comes to our tiny tots, their safety is the North Star guiding all our decisions. And believe it or not, the humble mattress plays a leading role in this epic tale of parental protection.
For babies, a firm mattress isn't just a preference…it's a must-have for safety!
A firm mattress gives them the stable surface they need to wiggle, squirm, and eventually roll over.
But the benefits of a firm mattress don't stop at mobility. It also plays a vital role in reducing the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
So, while sinking into a memory foam mattress might feel like a dream for adults, it's not the safest choice for our wee ones. A soft mattress can conform to a baby's face, obstructing their tiny airways.
When choosing the right mattress for your baby, size and fit in the crib are two critical considerations.
A good, snug fit is essential to keep babies safe. Gaps between the mattress's edge and the crib's sides can cause a space where they can roll into and be trapped.
It's crucial to measure your crib and buy the right mattress size for it. You should be unable to push a finger between the crib and the mattresses.
Mattresses for babies are federally regulated to be 27 ¼" x 51 ¼".
I've already rounded up a comprehensive list of safe and sustainable crib mattresses to keep your baby safe all night.
As our little ones transition to toddlerhood, their mattress requirements change too.
Toddlers can safely sleep on slightly softer mattresses.
However, it's still crucial to ensure that the mattress doesn't conform too much to their bodies, which could lead to increased body heat or difficulty moving around.
It's still important to get the right size mattress for your toddler.
Even when they've graduated from a crib to a toddler bed, you should still ensure a snug fit to eliminate potential issues with gaps.
Low-profile bunk bed mattresses are excellent for toddlers in their first big boy/girl bed.
They don't have to be used exclusively on bunk bed frames. Many bunk bed mattresses also fit some standard adult bed sizes.
For bigger kiddos, comfort becomes more of a focal point. Soft mattresses are only safe when your child has done a lot of growing and can support their weight and easily lift themselves up.
Once your child hits 5+ years old, they can move up to a slightly more plush mattress.
In my experience, a twin mattress is the perfect size for bigger kids. It's big enough to grow with them for many years.
At this age, a snug fit is not a critical concern, but still something to be aware of.
Older children don't need a child-specific mattress. An appropriately sized organic adult mattress should suit their needs perfectly.
Memory foam might feel like a cloud but can sometimes harbor a storm.
Traditional memory foam is made using various chemicals, some of which can off-gas and cause adverse reactions:
I cover the toxicity of memory foam in more detail in my memory foam toxicity article.
Just because traditional memory foam has some chemical concerns doesn't mean you must avoid it altogether.
Thanks to technological advancements, eco-friendly memory foam mattresses are available.
One of the best ways to tell which mattresses are organic and eco-friendly (and which are not) is to look for trusted certifications and labels.
These will help you avoid greenwashing (manufacturers making false eco claims about their products) when shopping for memory foam mattresses.
Some of the best include:
Finally, let's discuss the endgame. What happens when your memory foam mattress has sung its swan song?
Unfortunately, memory foam doesn't bow out gracefully. It's not biodegradable and can take up a hefty chunk of space in landfills.
Plus, recycling efforts often meet a dead end with memory foam.
Check out my responsible mattress disposal article for more details.
Yes, Amerisleep sells a few mattresses I consider suitable for children. The AS1 is very firm and good for younger children. The AS3 is softer and recommended for older children.
ISO 20743 certified foam meets the antibacterial criteria set down by ISO 20743:2021.
Refer to the user manual of your crib to find out the appropriate size of mattress recommended for use. The manual will provide clear instructions regarding the mattress size.
Comfort is not a consideration for a crib mattress. A firm crib mattress is a safe crib mattress.
No, memory foam mattress toppers can be an excellent comfort enhancer for adults and older children, but they're not safe for infants.
A soft sleeping surface can conform to the shape of the baby's head or face, increasing the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a firm surface for infants.
Coil crib mattresses are safe to use if they meet federal safety guidelines. All coil mattresses must pass standards set down by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
No. Sleeping on a memory foam mattress is not safe for a one-year-old.
No. Sharing a bed with your baby is not recommended. The AAP recommends keeping infants in their own sleeping space until at least the age of one to reduce the risk of suffocation or SIDS.
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are a group of carbon-based chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. They're found in everyday products, including paints, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and foam mattresses.
When choosing the right mattress for your family, safety and sustainability should be at the forefront of all decision-making.
Many memory foam mattresses contain harmful chemicals, making them potentially hazardous for babies and toddlers.
There are also softness issues for infants and small children.
So, while some firm and non-toxic memory foam mattresses are perfectly safe for babies and toddlers, most aren't.
And, with so many other eco-friendly options available, why take the chance?
With this information in hand, I hope you feel empowered to make informed decisions on what type of mattress best suits your baby, toddler, and child needs while prioritizing both environmental impact and personal health.
Would you be happy with your baby sleeping on a memory foam crib mattress? Or do you steer clear of all memory foam products when it comes to kids? What is your baby mattress material of choice? Drop me a line and let me know.
