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Are you concerned about toxic chemicals in your nursery? Looking for a solution that will protect your crib mattress from leaks, but also (more importantly) keep your baby safe?
As a father of two and a proud new uncle, I share your concerns.
My family and I don't allow any toxic chemicals near our little ones. That's why we've been busy testing the best organic crib mattress pads on the market that are made from natural fibers.
Today I share my top picks to help you find an affordable waterproof pad that will keep your baby's mattress dry, without harming your budget or your family's health.
✔ Sleeps Cool
✔ No Crinkling Noises
✔ Non-Toxic, Hypoallergenic & Breathable
This is a high-quality, eco-friendly crib mattress pad at a very reasonable price. It feels tough and durable, but also soft and comfortable against sensitive skin.
The waterproof barrier is highly effective at keeping the mattress completely dry without any leakage, provided you follow the care instructions carefully to maintain its performance over time. I recommend you wash it before first use, as it shrinks to fit. After doing so, it goes over any standard-size crib mattress easily, just like a fitted crib sheet.
Like most waterproof pads, this contains a very thin polyurethane film layer which is required for waterproofing. I appreciate this is never ideal from an environmental perspective, but it does only represent a very small percentage of the total content. There is no way to achieve the full waterproofing effect without it, so a compromise has to be made.
The good news is that the film layer is fully certified non-toxic and contains no PVC, phthalates, or vinyl. It's also breathable and 100% crinkle-free, so your baby gets a cool, undisturbed and safe sleep - guaranteed.
Taking everything into account, this is my favorite of all crib mattress pads I've seen. Customers love it, and you won't find a better product for the price.
✔ Makes any Crib Mattress Breathable
✔ Waterproof & Easy-to-Clean
✔ Certified Organic & Non-Toxic
When testing the Naturepedic organic waterproof crib cover I was particularly impressed with the innovative design of its breathable 3D mesh layer.
It offers exceptional air circulation, which significantly reduces the risk of overheating for infants, a crucial safety aspect often overlooked in traditional crib covers. This mesh layer is uniquely paired with an organic cotton cover, offering a soft, gentle surface that's ideal for a baby's sensitive skin.
The cover's waterproof functionality, achieved with a non-toxic polyurethane barrier, protects against spills without compromising on breathability. Again, while polyurethane is not perfect from an environmental point of view, it does serve to maintain a dry, hygienic sleep environment while avoiding the use of harsh chemicals often found in conventional waterproofing.
There are options to fit various crib sizes, including standard, mini, and specific models like Stokke Sleepi and HALO BassiNest.
Adding the Naturepedic organic cotton mattress cover to your baby's sleep surface can make any crib mattress breathable, even if it was not so originally. The peace of mind you'll get from that feature alone makes it a worthwhile investment in my view.
Brentwood Home has come up with a very attractive waterproof fitted crib pad. It boasts an incredibly soft organic cotton layer, which also offers a degree of natural breathability.
The waterproof feature of these mattress pads is efficiently executed with a thin polyurethane film. Unlike bulkier waterproof layers in some other products, this thin layer doesn't detract from the overall feel of the mattress. It provides excellent protection against spills and accidents, without the use of harmful chemicals like PVC or phthalates.
Another commendable aspect is the product's eco-friendly certifications. The GOTS certification assures that the cotton used is organic and sustainably sourced. Climate Neutral certification, which is found across the brand's products, demonstrates a commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
From a practical standpoint, the pad's machine washability is a significant advantage for busy parents. It simplifies the often daunting task of keeping baby items clean. The pad fits standard-sized crib mattresses well, and it doesn't make noise if your baby moves around while sleeping.
✔ Safe and Chemical-Free
✔ Effective Moisture Protection
✔ Handmade in the USA
This waterproof mattress pad is the same product as the adult version but comes in crib mattress size.
The standout for me is that the thermoplastic polyurethane used in the thin waterproof barrier is made from natural and renewable materials such as non-GMO corn. It's GOTS-approved and sourced from OEKO-TEX certified suppliers, so you know it's 100% safe for your nursery.
The top and bottom layers are made from organic cotton and feel just as soft to the touch as the Avocado and Naturepedic pads. However, it lacks the temperature regulation that these products offer.
These mattress pads are machine washable and can go in the tumble dryer on low heat. However, the manufacturer states that repeated washing weakens the water-resistant barrier, so it is recommended to only do this when necessary.
One final aspect in which this product compares unfavorably is the sleep trial (there isn't one). So if this is important to you, the Avocado, Naturepedic, or Brentwood crib pads would be a better choice.
That said, the customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive and this is a good quality crib mattress pad at a decent price.
✔ Choice of Sizes and Thickness
✔ 100% Organic Material
✔ Made in the USA
This 100% organic latex crib mattress topper comes with a choice of organic bamboo, cotton, or wool covers. It also comes in the widest range of sizes of any brand I tested. If you need an organic mattress pad for a bassinet, cradle, or mini-sleeper then this is the brand for you.
The comfort level is second to none. If you've ever used an adult mattress topper, you'll know how transformative it can be. If you're trying to solve the problem of your baby or toddler waking too often, or suffering restless sleep due to an old or uncomfortable crib mattress, then this is the answer.
Note that this is a fully organic crib mattress topper. It's certainly easy to clean and maintain. However, I would describe it as water-resistant rather than waterproof. There is no water-repellent layer, so you may want to add a cover to stop liquids from soaking through to the mattress in the event of a severe spill or diaper leak.
Because it's a topper rather than a pad, and because it's fully organic, this product is the most expensive I've recommended here. You can find cheaper supposedly organic bamboo crib mattress pads on Amazon from brands like Baby and Brooke, but those are made in China and don't carry any trusted certifications, so I cannot recommend them.
If you have the budget, I would certainly recommend this topper either as a standalone solution or in addition to a waterproof crib mattress pad or fitted sheet.
If you're struggling to get your baby to sleep, you'll find it's worth every penny.
A crib mattress pad is an additional protective layer that sits on top of a baby's crib mattress. Its primary functions are to:
The pads are usually designed with elastic edges to keep them in place.
If you've already invested in a quality organic crib mattress, is there any need to add a crib mattress pad as well?
While not essential, there are several benefits. An organic waterproof mattress pad helps protect your crib mattress and your baby's health in several ways:
Need some help choosing a crib mattress pad for your baby's nursery? Here's a quick checklist of what to look for and what to avoid.
Yes, it is generally safe to use a baby mattress pad in a crib, but there are important safety considerations.
The mattress pad should fit snugly and securely around the mattress to prevent any loose fabric that could pose a suffocation hazard.
It's also crucial to ensure the pad doesn't make the sleep surface too soft, which could be unsafe for infants.
Opting for a firm, waterproof mattress pad made from non-toxic materials is recommended for both safety and hygiene. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and safety standards for baby crib bedding.
Organic crib mattresses are not strictly necessary, but they offer benefits that appeal to many parents. They reduce the baby's exposure to chemicals while sleeping, and are also often hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.
However, the key factor in any crib mattress is safety, particularly firmness and fit. Non-organic mattresses can also be safe if they meet safety standards and are free from harmful chemicals. The choice depends on personal preferences, values, and budget.
Organic mattress protectors and pads are the healthiest choice for babies and adults alike.
Organic cotton or organic bamboo are both perfect crib mattress pad materials.
Synthetic materials like PVC, vinyl, and polyurethane foam should all be avoided. According to NJ.gov:
PVC contains dangerous chemical additives including phthalates, lead, cadmium, and/or organotins, which can be toxic to your child's health.
In practice, the terms are used interchangeably, and "crib mattress cover" could be used to describe crib mattress protectors, pads or toppers. But strictly speaking, there is a difference.
A crib mattress pad is a protective layer placed on top of the mattress, often quilted and padded for extra comfort, and usually waterproof to protect the mattress from spills and accidents.
A mattress cover is primarily designed to encase and protect the mattress. It might not have the additional padding that a pad offers but still serves to shield the mattress from dirt, dust, and allergens.
Both are used for hygiene and longevity of the mattress but differ in thickness and additional comfort features.
Synthetic materials can and do emit harmful chemicals into the air, and create an unsafe environment for your baby just when they're at their most vulnerable. So it's an understatement to say that keeping them out of your nursery is a good idea!
But at the same time, accidents happen. When your baby spends most of the day in their crib, you won't have the time or inclination to clean their mattress on a daily basis.
Organic crib mattress pads offer the waterproof protection you need, without compromising on safety. They may cost a few bucks more than vinyl or plastic alternatives, but the benefits are huge and undeniable.
I always buy organic whenever possible, and I hope my recommendations help you pick out the perfect option for your family.
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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