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Are you worried that your crib mattress may be endangering your baby's health?
According to Stanford Medicine, your newborn can spend between 16 and 18 hours a day asleep in their first 6 months. So a synthetic crib mattress could expose babies to flame retardants and harmful toxic chemicals for as much as 75% of the time!
But with greenwashing rife in this market space., how can you ensure you’re getting the safest non-toxic mattress for your child, at the right price?
As a father of 2 (and an uncle of 5 more) and with 12 years of experience in non-toxic sleep products, my family and I have spent hundreds of hours personally testing the best organic crib mattresses in real-world situations to see how they compare.
Today I'm going to show you exactly what to look for (and what to avoid).
✔ Practical & Affordable
✔ 100% Safe and Non-Toxic
✔ Impressive Eco-Certifications
This is an incredible crib and toddler mattress from a wonderfully sustainable company that I've used and recommended before many times. I'm confident it will serve you faithfully through both the infant and toddler stages.
There are so many things I like about this product:
Handmade in Los Angeles, the Avocado Organic Crib Mattress measures 28” x 52” x 6” and weighs in at 28 lbs. It has been designed to fit standard cribs and it fitted ours just fine.
It comes with a 30-night trial, so you can test it at home and return it for a refund if you’re not 100% happy. There is also a generous 25-year warranty.
This is not a waterproof mattress, so I would advise getting a cover to protect it from inevitable accidents. Avocado has an excellent GOTS-certified crib mattress protector costing $59.
So, for a total of $338, you get a fully organic, eco-friendly crib mattress with complete waterproof protection that will last you right up to the end of the toddler years. You won't find better value, which is why this is my overall winner.
✔ GreenGuard Gold Certified
✔ Luxury Organic Cotton
✔ Hand-Made in the USA
This is the best crib mattress on the market, in my opinion. But not the overall winner - totally due to cost.
I will say it right now. If you are one of those lucky parents for whom budget is not a consideration, stop searching and buy this GOTS certified organic mattress. It’s better than the competition in almost every area, except the price.
This is the premium offering in the Avocado crib mattress range. Here's how it compares to the Standard and Eco-Organic versions:
Everything that impressed me about the standard Avocado product also comes bundled with the Avocado Luxury Organic Crib Mattress, but there are more luxurious layers, including 170 premium organic cotton-wrapped coils with strips or organic wool layered between to improve durability.
There is also a reinforced coconut fiber perimeter for edge-to-edge support. The whole mattress is then wrapped in a further layer of soft organic wool, which acts as a natural flame retardant.
It also comes with an extended 100-night trial (compared to 30 nights with the standard model), which is great because you can let your baby test it at home for three months and still return it for a refund if you’re not 100% happy.
Avocado’s 100 percent rock-solid 25-year warranty also covers your purchase.
✔ 100% Breathable & Washable
✔ Double-Sides for Babies & Toddlers
✔ GreenGuard Gold Certified
During our tests, we found that babies drop off to sleep quicker and get longer, better quality sleep on the EcoAir than on any standard synthetic mattress.
And while they snooze, you can relax in the knowledge that this is a completely non-toxic product (as demonstrated by the GreenGuard and Formaldehyde-Free certifications).
This reversible mattress has a separate baby and toddler side which means it will last your child into their early years, saving you money in the long run.
The core is PETE made from recycled PET plastic bottles and is removable and washable. No synthetic glues or fire retardant chemicals are used. The GOTS-certified organic cotton cover is also machine washable.
If you're still not convinced, take the 100-day sleep trial and let your baby test it out for themselves. It arrives in as little as 2 days. If your baby sleeps as well on it as my nephews did, you know you're onto a winner.
Their adult mattresses are awesome, and they have also produced one of the safest and most eco-friendly non-toxic crib mattresses at a very reasonable price. Well done Brentwood Home!
✔ 100% Waterproof
✔ No Vinyl or Harmful Chemicals
✔ Certified Organic
This is my pick of the organic waterproof mattresses I tested. It’s one of the few on the market that is fully waterproof out of the box, without the need for an additional protector.
The waterproof coating on the mattress surface is made from non-GMO sugar cane and is so pure it meets food contact standards. You get full waterproofing without the use of vinyl or chemical fire retardants.
Made in the U.S. with domestic and imported fabric and components, this Naturepedic organic crib mattress is available in three options:
Personally, I would recommend one of the two 2-stage options. In our tests, the innerspring version offered slightly better support.
However, the springs do add weight. Lightweight 2-Stage is 11 lbs. Innerspring 2-Stage is 19 lbs. So, if you feel weight might be an issue, I think the Lightweight 2-stage option might be preferable.
The fabric and fill used are premium organic cotton, purchased directly from USDA-certified sources.
All Naturepedic mattresses are naturally flame retardant, with no polyurethane foam, phthalates, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), biocides, or other questionable chemicals. It's GreenGuard Gold Certified for extra peace of mind.
You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime limited warranty.
✔ GreenGuard Gold Certified
✔ Hypoallergenic & Breathable
✔ Double Edge Support
Saatva is a well-known and respected organic sleep brand, and they've hit another winner with this made-in-the-USA crib mattress.
The mattress comes with a removable, washable, water-repellant cover made from organic cotton.
It is a 2-stage design, the baby side benefits from extra-firm coiled spring support and the toddler side has layers of organic New Zealand wool and natural latex.
What sets the Saatva crib mattress apart from the rest is the double-edge support, specifically designed to keep your baby sleeping in the center of the mattress and away from the crib edge.
The range of certifications shows that this crib mattress is made from 100% eco-friendly and non-toxic materials. With an RRP of just $355, I feel it offers excellent value for money.
✔ GOTS & GOLS Certified
✔ Firm, Breathable Support
✔ 100% Natural and Organic Materials
The Emily is one of the best crib mattresses we tested. It ticks almost all the boxes, and comes in at a very fair price.
The mattress comprises:
The Emily crib mattress is upholstered on both sides meaning we could flip it. However this is not a baby and toddler mattress, both sides are the same. Flipping is recommended to prevent indentations. We tend to do this every couple of months.
The only thing I feel is missing from the Emily is the fact that it is not waterproof - although this can easily be solved by adding the organic crib mattress protector at checkout.
There is no polyurethane foam, no chemical fire retardants, and no off-gassing. This mattress is GreenGuard Gold and MadeSafe certified, so you can be sure it is completely non toxic.
A 10-year warranty, one-year sleep trial, and free delivery all add up to what I consider to be a great deal for the price.
This crib mattress comes with GREENGUARD Gold certification - but it compares unfavorably to the others because it is not 100% organic.
However, one thing that did stand out about the Newton crib mattress (and the reason I've included it) is the fact that it’s 100% breathable and 100% washable. Both the covers AND the core!
The dual-layer outer cover is quilted for extra softness.
The natural viscose inner cover is chemical-free and meets all federal fire standards.
The Wovenaire core is where the magic happens for me. It’s 90% air and 10% food-grade polymer. Producing an incredibly breathable crib mattress sleep surface that gives the right amount of support through to the toddler years.
You can remove and machine wash the cover on a cold cycle. You can also wash the core in the shower with soap and cold water. Or even outside with a hose.
I struggled with whether or not to include this option because you really do get what you pay for in the world of crib mattresses. There are no 100% organic options that I would recommend in the budget range.
That said, the Lullaby Earth Healthy Support Waterproof Crib Mattress does have a lot going for it eco-wise for the money.
Made in the U.S. from high-quality materials, this product comes with free shipping, free returns, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a lifetime limited warranty.
I can not fully recommend this product because it does fit the criteria I set out of being 100% organic.
However, if you’re shopping on a tight budget and still want to do the very best you can for your baby’s health, this is an option you might want to consider.
✔ Premium Botanic Materials
✔ Certified 100% Organic
✔ Made In The USA
These two-stage organic baby & toddler mattresses from Nook Sleep are priced similarly to the Avocado mattress, but lack the impressive range of certifications. We also found them to be slightly less comfortable.
It also has the disadvantage of not being waterproof, which is why I also rate it below the Brentwood Home offering.
However, this is a safe, breathable, non-toxic mattress that is made from all-natural materials.
So if - for whatever reason - the mattresses I recommended above are not for you, then the Nook mattress could be a good alternative.
We all know that organic mattresses are more expensive than synthetic ones (although most of the ones I have recommended above are priced at less than $450). But they are well worth the extra outlay.
The advantages of going organic are numerous, including:
A Cockrell School of Engineering study at The University of Texas at Austin found that infants are potentially exposed to high levels of toxins from their crib mattresses while they sleep.
The research concluded that more than 30 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including phenol, neodecanoic acid, phthalates, and linalool, can be found in mainstream mattresses. All of these could potentially harm the health of your child.
Exposure to VOCs can cause symptoms such as:
Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of VOCs because their bodies are still developing, and they breathe more air per unit of body weight than adults.
In addition, some VOCs, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are classified as carcinogens, which means they have the potential to cause cancer. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can increase a child's risk of developing leukemia and other cancers.
There are almost as many certifications as there are manufacturers when it comes to finding great natural crib mattresses.
I’ve mentioned a few certifications during this article, so I thought it would be helpful to expand on each one briefly. The best crib mattresses will have one or more of these labels to help parents know that the product is safe for their babies and toddlers.
We have a more in-depth article here covering over 200 of the top organic, green certifications and ecolabels currently used in the U.S.
When you shop for non-toxic crib mattresses made in the USA, you know they’ve been manufactured to a high standard, using ethical business practices, and you can trust that all the certifications are genuine.
Poorly made budget products from countries like China do not have to pass as many checks. You also have the issue of poor working conditions leading to potential quality control and contamination issues.
Some companies exploit loopholes to market their mattresses as organic when they’re anything but. Putting an organic cover over a slab of polyurethane foam does not make a crib mattress organic.
Always thoroughly read up on the crib mattress you intend to purchase and check that every component is certified non-toxic.
Chemical flame retardants used in many synthetic foam mattresses have been linked to numerous health issues, and have also been linked to problems with the attention span, motor skills, and IQ of babies, toddlers, and small children.
Choosing a crib mattress that uses naturally flame-retardant materials (such as organic wool) will dramatically reduce the level of toxins your baby has to sleep on.
Accidents happen, so it’s wise to have some form of waterproof protection. This is usually either a waterproof mattress with protection built into the surface or a separate protector that you put on top of the mattress.
To keep poisonous chemicals out of your nursery, be sure to cover your crib or toddler mattress with a GOTS organic certified crib mattress protector.
It's important to go organic because most regular waterproof crib mattress protectors are made using chemical-laden plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This type of plastic contains phthalates which can be harmful to human health.
When creating the safest possible sleep environment for toddlers and babies, bear in mind that your baby needs firm support from their mattress.
The American Academy of Pediatricians advises that “Infants should be placed on a firm sleep surface (eg, mattress in a safety-approved crib) covered by a fitted sheet with no other bedding or soft objects to reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation”.
The mattress you choose should be a snug fit when you put it in the crib. A simple way to check is the two-finger test. If you can fit more than two fingers between the mattress material and the crib, then it’s too small.
Polyurethane foam is derived from petroleum and emits VOCs.
It’s also highly flammable and has to be treated with toxic flame retardants to meet the required federal flammability regulations.
I would also avoid some so-called greener options, such as vegetable-based foams. These are usually Polyurethane foam-based with other ingredients added to boost the validity of the manufacturer’s eco claims. Textbook greenwashing!
Yes, a good organic crib mattress is certainly worth the money. Synthetic mattresses have been proven to emit harmful chemicals which are hazardous to health. These include phthalates, flame retardants & VOCs that babies can breathe in while they sleep.
What's worse is that the body temperature of sleeping babies and toddlers actually accelerates the release of these toxins right into their breathing zone.
No parents would deliberately expose their children to harmful chemicals, but many are doing so every day without even realizing it.
Certified organic mattresses are made from natural materials and are chemical-free. They have also been shown to improve your baby's circulation and increase blood flow, helping them stay healthy and get the most restful night's sleep possible.
Yes - if you want peace of mind and a guarantee that your little ones will not breathe in harmful VOCs and chemicals from potentially toxic materials, then yes you do need an organic baby mattress.
Some pediatricians believe that there is a relationship between SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and the inhalation of toxic chemicals emitted from synthetic mattresses, but there is not enough evidence to prove this conclusively at the moment.
The best advice for parents to prevent SIDS is to ensure the baby goes to sleep on their back, not their side, and also to ensure there are no suffocation hazards such as stuffed toys that can impair the baby's breathing.
Buying a breathable mattress also makes sense, as this can help make sure your baby can breathe even if they turn on to their side or face down while sleeping.
To be completely safe, the crib base/frame itself also needs to be non-toxic. There's no point in getting a non-toxic mattress to prevent exposure to phthalates, VOCs, and flame-retardant chemicals if the frame is emitting them instead.
Check out my guide to the best non-toxic cribs to find my recommendations of the top GREENGUARD-certified options available today.
No - crib mattresses made from 100% organic cotton or organic wool do not contain harmful chemicals, so there is virtually no risk of off-gassing.
Federal regulations state that the distance between the crib mattress cover or surface and the top of the crib side rail should be a minimum of 20 inches.
This allows for a 6-inch mattress thickness, therefore the total distance between the base and rail of all baby cribs should be at least 26 inches.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) states that crib mattresses should be at least 27.25” in width and 51.25” in length, with a maximum thickness of 6”.
Many crib mattresses imported from different countries will be of different sizes. Another reason to buy products made in the USA.
No. I would never recommend buying used crib mattresses for several reasons.
No, standard memory foam is not suitable for crib mattresses, because they need to be firm and supportive to reduce the risk of SIDS. However, some manufacturers have developed a much firmer foam that is safe.
So, there you have it. I hope you’ve found this dip into the world of crib mattresses informative and useful.
Like anyone else, I love a bargain. However, when it comes to crib mattresses, my advice would be to spend as much as you can afford.
It really is worth a little extra to get a certified nontoxic crib mattress for your little one that is free of harmful chemicals.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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