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10 Best Organic Crib Mattresses: Non-Toxic, Safe, & Firm

Organic Crib Mattresses

Since babies spend COUNTLESS HOURS sleeping inside a crib, it’s important to get a truly organic crib mattress that’s certified to be safe for your little one!

There are hundreds of mattresses out there, and a lot of them MISLEAD buyers.

Some companies greenwash their baby mattresses as “eco-friendly” or “plant-based,” having some parents feel that it’s safe for their babies.

In reality, they’re only partially made of these materials, and plant-based foam isn’t even the safest option for babies as they’re not actually chemical-free.

In this list, I narrowed down the best organic crib mattresses that are TRULY organic.

These provide the right firmness and comfort that would work great for both infants and toddlers!

Certified Organic
Our Pick
Best Foam
My Green Mattress Emily Crib Mattress
Naturepedic Breathable Crib Mattress
Colgate Eco Classica III
Our Pick
Naturepedic Breathable Crib Mattress
Certified Organic
My Green Mattress Emily Crib Mattress
Best Foam
Colgate Eco Classica III
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

10 Best Organic Crib Mattresses

1. Naturepedic Breathable 2-Stage Baby Crib Mattress

OUR PICK

Our Pick - Naturepedic

Naturepedic is a wonderful mattress brand that sells a bunch of the best organic crib mattresses today.

All Naturepedic crib mattresses are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, and GREENGUARD Gold certified.

They have a limited lifetime warranty for all of them too!

Notable Features

Their Breathable 2-Stage organic mattresses are waterproof, lightweight, breathable, and have two sides.

One side is firm, which is perfect for my infant, while the other side is soft and comfy, which is meant for older babies!

This Naturepedic mattress is a great long-lasting solution that my little one can grow alongside!

Materials and Construction

The cover is made of 3D breathable organic cotton, which isn’t waterproof.

Although, you can easily remove it and machine wash it, so that’s great! The waterproof part of the mattress is the surface layer of the mattress itself.

This surface is also made of organic cotton, but it’s applied with food-grade polyethylene waterproof coating, a safe waterproof alternative compared to using PVC.

On the inside, the filling is mixed with more organic cotton and non-GMO PLA batting. PLA batting is a type of polyester that makes it fire resistant.

This makes it pass flammability tests without using any flame retardant chemicals, so that’s great!

Naturepedic gives you the option to choose between a standard coil innerspring and their trademarked wavesupport core.

The 252 coil innerspring gives you heavy-duty core support and firmness. My baby can sleep comfortably on this mattress as it is 5 lbs. lighter, thanks to the wavesupport core.

Whichever variant you choose, this certified organic and waterproof crib mattress is still made of certified safe materials that WON’T DISAPPOINT!

Pros

  • GOTS certified cotton
  • Breathable, machine washable cover
  • Waterproof surface makes it easy to maintain
  • Standard crib mattress size fits most cribs
  • 2-Stage dual firmness makes it suitable for infants and older babies

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not fully organic

2. My Green Mattress Emily Crib Mattress

BEST CERTIFIED ORGANIC MATTRESS

Certified Organic MyGreen

The Emily Crib Mattress is a popular and reliable organic and non-toxic crib mattress that closely competes with Naturepedic crib mattresses.

Materials and Construction

This mattress is made of GOTS certified organic cotton, GOTS certified organic wool, GOTS certified organic coconut coir, and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified raw natural latex.

Their Dunlop latex is Oeko-Tex certified too!

These are all layered together with a 150 coil innerspring that gives great firmness and support to my baby!

On top of that, this mattress is also certified by GREENGUARD Gold to emit LOW levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Out of all the non-toxic crib mattresses on this list, this one is at the TOP of my list when it comes to certifications!

The organic certified wool gives natural fire protection, meaning chemical flame retardants aren’t needed for this mattress to pass federal flammability tests.

Wool is also naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and dust and is a great temperature regulator too!

Organic coconut coir helps add breathability and is bound together with the natural raw latex.

These have natural anti-bacterial properties, and they also help with evening out my baby’s weight distribution.

Other Features

On the downside, this mattress isn’t waterproof, which made it difficult for me to clean and maintain. 

I suggest buying their organic cotton waterproof cover that fits perfectly with this mattress.

This mattress is also double-sided, but both sides offer the same firmness and comfort

It might not be the most comfortable mattress for older babies, but it’s perfect to use for the safe sleep of infants!

My Green Mattress offers a 10-year warranty and a 120-night guarantee for all their non-toxic crib mattresses. The organic cotton cover has a 1-year warranty as well!

Get a 15% discount on the Emily Crib and Accessories when you use this code at checkout: GoodNursery

Pros

  • GOTS organic certified cotton and GOLS organic certified latex
  • Gives firm support for infants
  • Natural properties make it breathable, fire-resistant, and anti-bacterial
  • Standard crib mattress size fits most cribs
  • Has a 10-year warranty and a 120-night trial period

Cons

  • Not a waterproof mattress
  • Not the most comfortable for toddlers

3. Colgate Eco Classica III

BEST FOAM MATTRESS

Best Foam - Colgate Eco

Foam crib mattresses don’t have the best reputation.

They can be made of polyurethane foam, which has tons of petrochemicals and other petroleum-based substances.

If it’s not polyurethane foam, it’s likely that it’s plant-based or soy-based foam. This still isn’t organic and can contain some harmful chemicals if they’re not certified to be safe.

This product is an EXCEPTION, and you don’t have to worry about underlying chemicals harming your baby.

Materials and Construction

The Colgate Eco Classica is a popular foam crib mattress that’s CertiPUR-US certified. The foam is tested for low levels of VOC emissions and other toxic chemicals.

It also has a GREENGUARD Gold certification, so that’s great!

This is a trustworthy and non-toxic foam mattress that can compete with the best organic crib mattresses out there!

Its organic cotton cover is SUPER soft and has a waterproof coating.

It says on their website that this waterproof backing is made of food-grade material, although it’s not specified what kind of material this is. I assume they’re using polyethylene.

This waterproof crib mattress also works great for LONG-TERM use.

It has inverted seams which make it more durable, and it’s a 2-Stage Dual Firmness mattress too.

It’s firm on one side, which is perfect for infants, and comfier on the other side, which is great for toddlers!

Pros

  • Certified-safe foam material is safe for babies
  • Waterproof and easy to maintain
  • Works great as an infant and toddler mattress
  • Inverted seams make it more durable
  • Lightweight and fits most standard baby cribs

Cons

  • Not fully organic
  • Some parents claimed that it isn’t waterproof

4. Naturepedic Classic Seamless Crib Mattress

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT OPTION

Best Lightweight Naturepedic

If you’re looking for a great LIGHTWEIGHT option that’s easy to handle, this organic cotton crib mattress by Naturepedic is a great pickup.

Materials

This shares the same materials as my top pick on this list.

It’s made of the same certified organic materials and has the same waterproof and flame-retardant features!

Although, the classic seamless organic and non-toxic crib mattress doesn’t come with a removable organic cotton cover.

You also have the option of getting their Lightweight, single firmness mattress variant.

A single firmness mattress works perfectly for infants, but it’s not a suitable option for older babies.

Construction

The Lightweight 2-Stage dual firmness options are better for long-term use. You can pick between a 150 coil innerspring core or their trademarked wavesupport core.

For the best lightweight experience, I recommend getting the Lightweight wave support core variants.

The single firmness variant weighs 10 lbs, while the 2-Stage dual firmness one weighs 11 lbs!

Pros

  • GOTS certified organic cotton mattress
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Waterproof surface makes it easy to maintain
  • Standard crib mattress size fits most cribs
  • Option between single or dual firmness variants

Cons

  • Lightweight variant is expensive for a single firmness mattress

5. Naturepedic Breathable Ultra 2-Stage Crib Mattress

LUXURIOUS OPTION

Luxurious Option - Naturepedic

Coming from the same trustworthy organic mattress brand, the Naturepedic Breathable Ultra 2-Stage mattress is at the TOP of their organic crib mattress line.

Materials and Unique Features

This Naturepedic crib mattress shares the same certified-safe organic materials, waterproof and flame-retardant features, and core support variants as the Naturepedic Breathable 2-Stage mattress.

The main difference is the luxurious and soft organic cotton quilted cover. This special cover feels AMAZING, and any mom would want to try lying down on it too!

Much like the standard Breathable crib mattress, the cover of the Breathable Ultra Naturepedic Mattress is also removable and machine washable.

This 2-Stage, organic, and luxury crib mattress will FEEL GREAT for all infants and older babies!

Pros

  • Organic cotton mattress is safe for babies
  • Feels luxurious and soft
  • Waterproof surface makes it easy to clean and maintain
  • Standard crib mattress size fits most cribs
  • Suitable for infants and older babies

Cons

  • Very expensive

6. LA Baby Natural Triple Zone 2 in 1 Soy Foam Crib Mattress

BUDGET OPTION

Budget Option - LA Baby

I know buying organic baby products can be expensive.

Fortunately, this crib mattress takes the cake as the MOST AFFORDABLE crib mattress you can count on!

Mattress Construction

This crib mattress is made of soy-based foam, which isn’t as safe as certified organic crib mattresses.

Despite this, I still feel comfortable recommending this affordable mattress because it’s CertiPUR-US certified.

It’s reviewed and tested to be free of chemical flame retardants, formaldehyde, and has low levels of VOCs!

Mattress Cover

The surface of the crib mattress is made of blended organic cotton, which means that it isn’t organic enough to be GOTS-certified.

It’s blended with a synthetic polyester fabric that helps add breathability and waterproofing.

The fabric binding of this mattress is also sewn with lock stitches.

This ensures that no moisture enters the mattress, which prevents mold growth and other dirt from entering the mattress.

My baby can have a clean and germ-free sleep!

Adding to this crib mattress’ value is that it’s also a 2-in-1 mattress!

It’s suitable for infants and older babies! One side is firm enough to be safe for little ones, while the other is a comfy memory foam that older kids would love.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Waterproof and easy to maintain
  • CertiPUR-US certification means it’s non-toxic
  • Standard crib mattress size fits most cribs
  • Suitable for infants and toddlers

Cons

  • Soy-based foam isn’t the safest option
  • Not fully organic

7. Brentwood Home Wildfern 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress

ALL-NATURAL OPTION

All-Natural Opton - Brentwood

If you’re looking for an ALL-NATURAL crib mattress experience, this 2-Stage mattress is an easy pick.

This crib mattress has two sides. One side is made of a firm organic coconut husk layer that works great for infants.

The other side is made of plush organic latex that feels great for toddlers.

Materials

These natural materials provide great natural properties. It’s breathable, durable, hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, and it’s 100% vegan too!

They added a natural hydrated silica quartz barrier to make this mattress pass federal flammability safety standards.

This GREENGUARD Gold-certified mattress is FREE of chemical flame retardants and other toxic chemicals!

It’s also easy to clean and maintain this certified organic crib mattress since it’s waterproof.

They used food-grade polyolefin to achieve this, which is a safe substance you don’t have to worry about!

This coating technically makes it not 100% natural, but it’s still mostly made of NATURAL materials.

Pros

  • Natural materials give a lot of benefits
  • Certified-safe materials make it safe for babies
  • Suitable for infants and toddlers
  • 100% vegan
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • Not suitable for babies with latex allergies
  • Expensive
  • Heavy

8. Nook Organic Pure Pebble Crib Mattress

STYLISH OPTION

Stylish option - Nook

At a glance, it’s easy to see what makes this organic crib mattress stand out. If you’re looking for a stylish-looking mattress, this product is the one for you!

Materials

The inside of this organic crib mattress is made of coconut coir, natural latex, and organic wool.

This gives a bunch of natural properties like breathability and durability. The organic wool also acts as a natural flame retardant barrier, so that’s great!

Unique Features

The stylish part of this mattress is the trademarked 3D SafeSleep Pebble cover.

It’s made of organic cotton, organic eucalyptus, non-toxic polyester, and zinc. The easy-close zipper is made of nylon.

Organic eucalyptus provides natural moisture resistance, making it resistant to molds. The polyester is blended with organic cotton, which helps make the cover machine washable!

Polyester can be a turn-off for some parents, but rest assured that this mattress is certified by GREENGUARD Gold to be safe for your little one!

Their 3D SafeSleep Technology refers to the pebble surface design. It’s designed to be breathable and helps prevent suffocation hazards!

True enough, my baby slept super soundly, so I didn’t have to worry!

Pros

  • Natural materials provide a lot of benefits
  • Wool makes it naturally flame-resistant
  • Stylish organic cover blends well with any crib
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Certified-safe and made without toxic chemicals

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Only suitable for infants
  • Heavy

9. Bundle of Dreams Mini Crib Mattress

MINI CRIB OPTION

Mini Crib Option - Bundle of Dreams

For those looking for a safe non-toxic crib mattress for their mini crib, this is the one you’re looking for.

This non-toxic crib mattress is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and GREENGUARD Gold certified!

Instead of hazardous polyurethane foam, this mattress uses a Bundle Fiber core that feels firm on one side for infants, and comfortable on the other side for toddlers!

Despite being a mini crib mattress, it still caters to toddlers!

Materials

The cover and mattress are made of organic cotton, although it’s blended with other materials that are also hypoallergenic.

This can’t qualify for GOTS certification, but it’s still a safe surface that’s made without harmful chemicals.

This mini crib mattress is free of polyethylene, plastics, and VOC off-gassing, and it’s even recyclable!

The removable mattress cover isn’t waterproof, but it is water-resistant because of the polyester blend.

Some parents feel iffy with polyester, but remember that this is a CERTIFIED safe mattress. You don’t have to worry about any hidden chemicals harming your baby.

NOTE: Before buying this mattress, make sure to check if the size fits your mini crib. This non-toxic crib mattress measures 24 x 38 x 5 inches.

Pros

  • Certified to be safe for babies
  • Recyclable and eco-friendly
  • Works great for infants and toddlers
  • Water-resistant cover is removable and machine washable
  • Breathable and lightweight

Cons

  • Not fully organic
  • Not waterproof

10. Newton Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed

BEST BREATHABILITY

Best Breathability - Newton

Having a breathable mattress is important, especially for infants.

With this mattress’ innovative Breathe-Thru Technology, worrying about suffocation risks will be a thing of the past!

Mattress Construction

This mattress is constructed with food-grade polymer, which means it isn’t organic.

Although, it’s still non-toxic and certified to be safe by GREENGUARD Gold. It’s 100% recyclable too!

This unique construction is very firm and breathable, which is perfect for safe infant sleep.

It’s also still comfy enough to work well for toddlers!

The unmatched breathability gets rid of sweaty backs, and overheating, and helps my little one sleep PEACEFULLY!

Mattress Cover

The mattress comes with a 100% polyester cover. Again, that might not sound good for some parents, but don’t worry because this is a certified safe mattress for any baby!

The polyester cover helps add even more breathability.

If you’re planning on buying different mattress covers or sheets for this mattress, make sure they’re lightweight and breathable!

This mattress is also unique because all parts are easy to clean. You can remove and machine-wash the cover, and you can wash the polymer core in the shower too!

Pros

  • Certified to be safe for babies
  • Very breathable and easy to clean
  • Works great for infants and toddlers
  • Award-winning and pediatrician recommended
  • 100% recyclable
  • Can be used for floor beds or Montessori beds

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Not waterproof
  • Polyester cover might not work well for sensitive skin

Choosing the Best Organic Crib Mattress

Choosing the best

Your baby will spend countless hours lying down on a crib mattress during nap time, sleep time, and even playtime.

It’s important to pick the best organic crib mattress for your situation.

There are a lot of factors you should know more about before making a purchase!

#1 Certifications

Certifications

Knowing more about the materials of the best crib mattresses is important for your child’s health and safety.

However, remembering all the information about materials and other harmful chemicals is a lot to take in.

Thankfully for us, I can rely on certifications from independent review boards!

They make sure to review and test all sorts of baby products, and seeing those safety certifications will make it easier for you to know that it’s a safe and non-toxic product you can count on.

GOTS and GOLS

When it comes to organic materials, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) are two of the best certifications for trustworthiness and safety.

HERE’S WHY:

  • The GOTS sets toxicity criteria and strictly reviews if the environmental, social, and human safety standards of organic materials are met. To be GOTS certified, a product must be made of at least 95% certified organic fibers.
  • All GOTS-certified products are also free of other toxic substances like formaldehyde and heavy metals. Manufacturers who make these products also shouldn’t be in harsh working conditions like forced labor, excessive working hours, and working in hazardous conditions!
  • For GOLS, it’s basically the same review and testing process, except that it’s for natural latex. Organic mattresses with GOLS certification would mean that the mattress is made of at least 95% organic raw latex material. You don’t have to worry about partial or synthetic latex blends when a mattress has this certification!

GREENGUARD GOLD Certification

A GREENGUARD Gold certification is another important safety certification you should look for.

GREENGUARD Gold organic mattresses are reviewed and tested to see if they emit low levels of VOCs.

Other than the mattress, you should also get a GREENGUARD Gold certified non-toxic crib.

With a combination of these certified-safe products, you don’t have to worry about VOCs and formaldehyde harming your precious one!

Oeko-Tex Standard 100

If a product is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, it DOES NOT necessarily mean it’s made of organic or natural materials.

This means synthetic materials can receive this safety certification too!

Products with this certification are tested for over a hundred toxic chemicals.

Whether the product is made of organic cotton or polyester, having an Oeko-Tex Standard certification would mean that it’s free of a lot of chemicals and is safe for your baby.

CertiPUR-US Certification

This safety certification is specific to products with foam.

If a foam mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, it means it has NO phthalates, flame retardants, formaldehyde, and has low levels of VOC emissions.

Like Oeko-Tex Standard 100, this certification doesn’t check if a product is made of safe organic material.

If you’re looking for a mattress that’s certified organic, then looking for a GOTS or GOLS certification would be your best bet.

#2 Organic and Natural Materials

Organic and Natural Materials

Organic or natural mattresses are the best safe mattress options out there.

These non-toxic crib mattresses have little to no toxic chemicals, and a lot of them are hypoallergenic too.

Plant-Based/Soy Foam

When you see a mattress that’s labeled as having plant-based or soy-based foam, this means that the foam’s polyols are made from plant sources.

This makes it seem environment-friendly, but in reality, a lot of companies greenwash their products to make them look safer and better than they actually are!

Some crib mattresses that are “eco-friendly” can have foam that’s only 20% plant-based. This means that the other 80% is still made of petroleum-based foam, which can be harmful to babies.

These crib mattresses can still contain isocyanate which is a petroleum-based chemical that can be toxic to your little one!

While plant-based foam can be considered as a healthier alternative to polyurethane foam, it still might not be healthy in itself.

This kind of foam mattress emits lower levels of VOCs compared to petroleum-based foam. However, the best way to check if it’s truly safe is to see if it has safety certifications for low toxic chemical emissions.

Natural Latex

Not to be mistaken for synthetic latex, natural latex is derived from rubber tree sap.

Natural latex is firm, safe, and a relatively environment-friendly option that can be better than foam.

However, just like plant-based crib mattresses, you should be wary of companies labeling their crib mattresses as made of latex.

A mattress can be only partially made of latex, and it’s also possible that the latex they’re referring to is synthetic. A blend of natural and synthetic latex is also a possibility!

When picking out a natural latex mattress, you should look for a GOLS certification. This means that it’s reviewed and tested to contain at least 95% made of raw, organic latex.

Other than that, you should also be aware of the allergies that your baby might have. Latex is a common allergen, so you should avoid this at all costs if you suspect that your baby is allergic.

They can get really bad skin irritation, so watch out and make sure first before making a purchase!

Coconut Coir

Also referred to as coconut fiber or coconut husk, this organic material is a spongy and firm material that’s made from the hairy outer shell of a coconut.

This material is great for non-toxic crib mattresses because they’re naturally moisture-resistant, which also means that it resists molds well!

It’s also firm, yet breathable. A firm mattress is important for the safe sleep of your baby. Breathability also contributes to the safety of your baby while sleeping.

Coconut coir is also hypoallergenic, which is great at keeping dust mites under control. On top of that, it’s a great temperature regulator too!

Pairing this with its breathability, your baby can stay cool during the summertime while still working well when it’s cold!

Coconut coir is usually bound with latex, so you should also check and make sure if the latex is natural, not synthetic. Looking for a GOLS certification is your best bet to make sure.

Organic Cotton

Standard cotton is a problematic material that contains a lot of chemicals because of dyeing, bleaching, finishing, and it usually has pesticides too.

The way it’s harvested is also socially and environmentally problematic.

Going for ORGANIC cotton is a great way to keep your baby safe while also looking out for the environment!

Although, you should also be careful when you see that some non-toxic crib mattresses are made of organic cotton. It’s possible that the mattress is only made of an organic cotton cover, not the entire mattress itself.

An organic cover can still have harmful materials underneath like polyurethane foam and other toxic substances!

To make sure if an organic cotton mattress is actually made of organic cotton as a whole, you should look for a GOTS certification.

Organic Wool

Wool is another great material that has properties that make it stand out from the rest.

Organic wool is a naturally flame retardant material. This means that no flame retardants have to be used on crib mattresses with wool.

Wool is also naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew. It’s also breathable and a great temperature regulator. This makes it perfect to use all year round!

Same as cotton, organic wool can also be GOTS-certified. Make sure to check if the mattress is made of GOTS-certified organic wool or else you might experience problems with toxic chemicals.

Your baby might experience allergic reactions too!

#3 Synthetic Materials

Synthetic Materials

Seeing the word “synthetic” might be a turn-off for some parents — especially if your baby has very sensitive skin.

Despite being unnatural, there are some synthetic materials on crib mattresses that can still be safe for babies.

It’s also important to understand why some manufacturers still use them and end up with great non-toxic baby products!

Polyethylene

Having a water-resistant mattress is great for dealing with diaper blowouts and spills. A safe material that some crib mattresses use to become water-resistant is food-grade polyethylene.

Food-grade polyethylene is commonly used for containers that make contact with food.

The FDA approves this synthetic material to be safe for food contact, so it should ease your mind to know that it’s safe for your baby too.

This is a safe synthetic material that only adds the benefit of waterproofing and water resistance. It can either be added to the cover of a mattress or be mixed in with the filling.

Either way, you don’t have to worry about this material when mixed in with certified-safe organic crib mattresses.

#4 Toxic Chemicals

Toxic Chemicals

Now that you know more about the materials companies use to make organic crib mattresses, you should also know about the toxic chemicals to avoid.

These chemicals can give harmful effects on your baby, and since they’re still in their developmental stages, they’re more vulnerable to them too.

Polyurethane Foam & Flame Retardants

Polyurethane foam should be a RED FLAG for any parent.

When manufactured, polyurethane foam is added with a lot of harmful chemicals.

It’s also a highly flammable material, which is why flame retardants are usually applied to them to pass anti-flammability safety standards.

Having a mattress that’s flame retardant is great, and it provides added security in case a fire breaks out.

However, fire retardants can be toxic to babies, especially when they’re exposed to them in high amounts.

Flame retardant chemicals are linked to endocrine disruption, neurological problems, and other developmental issues for children!

To avoid this, a better alternative would be plant-based crib mattresses. Although, as I explained earlier, these aren’t as great as they’re made out to be.

Instead, it’s best to go for crib mattresses made of organic filling like coconut coir, wool, cotton, or natural latex as much as possible.

With safety standard certifications, these organic materials aren’t applied with any fire retardants!

Like what I mentioned before, wool is a naturally flame retardant material that’s a great alternate solution for fire safety.

PVC & Phthalates

If a mattress is water-resistant but polyethylene wasn’t used, then that probably means vinyl waterproofing was used instead.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a highly toxic plastic that contains other harmful chemicals like heavy metals and phthalates.

Some examples of heavy metals are lead, cadmium, and zinc. In prolonged exposure, these chemicals are linked to organ problems and also hinder biological functions.

Since babies are still developing, they’re more at risk of getting these organ problems later in life.

Avoid vinyl waterproofing as much as possible!

For phthalates and phthalate alternatives, these are commonly used to soften plastic. Some products that use phthalates are plastic toys, personal care products, and even food packaging.

Phthalates are linked to developing asthma, eczema, physical development problems, as well as reproductive issues.

I recommend you avoid waterproof covers and crib mattresses that use PVC. For the safety of your baby, the best solution is to go for polyethylene alternatives!

VOCs & Formaldehyde

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are often found in glue, baby crib paint, and polyurethane foam. Babies can often inhale this toxic substance through the off-gassing of VOCs in crib mattresses.

Manufactured wood also contains high amounts of VOCs. Even if you have a non-toxic crib mattress, your crib can still be a threat to your child’s health.

To avoid toxic chemical emissions, it’s best to pair up a crib mattress with a sturdy and safe non-toxic crib.

Formaldehyde is a VOC you might have heard of before. This toxic substance is linked to irritation in the skin, eyes, and throat. It’s also been linked to cancer!

Formaldehyde is often found in glues and composite wood like plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF).

If you own a crib made out of this manufactured wood, you should probably think about replacing it as soon as possible.

These non-toxic cribs often need a lot of glue to assemble too. Unless you use a safer glue alternative like water-based glue, it would be best to avoid composite wood cribs altogether.

Going for solid wood cribs that are certified for low toxic chemical emissions is your best bet for the safety of your baby.

You don’t need to worry about high levels of formaldehyde exposure because these cribs are more natural and need less glue to be put together!

#5 Comfort and Firmness

Comfort and Firmness

Another factor you should consider before buying a crib mattress is if it’s COMFY for toddlers and FIRM enough to be safe for infants.

When it comes to safe sleep for infants, the mattress should be firm enough so it won’t conform to their heads and bodies.

The less likely they are to sag, the less likely they would SUFFOCATE on the fabric or mattress material.

Softer memory foam mattresses are a BIG NO-NO for infants, but they’re suitable and comfy for toddlers and older kids.

There are some organic mattresses that have two sides or are 2-in-1, 2-Stage, or have dual firmness.

These all mean the same thing, and it means that one side is firm for infants, while the other side is softer and more suitable for older children.

These baby crib mattresses give great value compared to buying a regular mattress. You don’t have to spend on another mattress in the future when your baby outgrows a firm mattress.

Instead, you can just flip the mattress around and continue using it with your crib!

In relation to comfort, a BREATHABLE mattress is also ideal.

When your baby sleeps, there must be enough airflow to keep them comfortable. Plus, it also helps with body temperature regulation, especially during warm and cold days.

#6 Size and Shape

Size and Shape

Baby crib mattresses have a standard size — and a lot of cribs are built to accommodate this standard size.

However, it’s still possible that a mattress won’t have a perfect fit inside a crib. It can either be too spacious, or too tight.

This might not seem like a big deal, but for the safe sleep of your baby…

Having a mattress that has a snug fit inside a crib is important.

Avoid large gaps as much as possible!

A simple test you can try out is the two-finger test. You shouldn’t be able to insert more than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress.

The best practice is to take note of the dimensions of your crib and compare it to the organic mattress you plan on buying.

#7 Durability and Longevity

Durability and Longevity

Since your baby will be sleeping on this mattress everyday, ensure that it STAYS INTACT and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Fortunately, there are a lot of long-lasting mattresses that your baby can grow along with and use in a toddler bed.

Not to mention, finding a durable mattress saves you money in the long run since you won’t have to replace it!

Other Factors to Consider

  • Waterproofness – In case of spills or accidents, a waterproof mattress will prevent mold and bacteria from forming.
  • Price – Set aside enough money for an affordable mattress that is also safe and durable.
  • Warranty – A warranty is a good safety net in case of damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

When talking about your baby’s sleep, more questions will definitely arise. Hopefully, you can gain some insight from the following section!

How Do I Clean an Organic Crib Mattress?

You can clean a standard, organic mattress through spot-cleaning using a chemical-free detergent and warm water.

However, it would be best to read the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific instructions regarding cleaning.

Can I Use an Organic Crib Mattress for a Toddler Bed?

Yes!

Once your baby has outgrown their crib, you can transfer the mattress onto a toddler bed!

However, there is a chance it may not fit, so double-check the measurements first to ensure it fits nice and snuggly.

Otherwise, a too loose mattress may disrupt the kid’s sleep.

Are Organic Crib Mattresses Suitable for Infants With Allergies or Sensitivities?

Yes, non-toxic crib mattresses are made with no allergens, so your kid is less likely to develop an allergic reaction.

However, it is still best to consult with the pediatrician to be on the safe side.

Furthermore, you must double-check ALL ingredients and materials in the mattress to ensure it is COMPLETELY allergy-free.

Conclusion

Conclusion

Out of all the great non-toxic and organic crib mattresses on this list, my pick would be the Naturepedic Breathable 2-Stage Baby Crib Mattress.

Naturepedic is a wonderful mattress brand you can trust, and all of their baby crib mattresses are made of certified safe material!

I also strongly recommend the My Green Mattress Emily Crib Mattress because of its almost all-natural construction and safety certifications.

This has a bunch of natural properties that can benefit your baby, and it has a 10-year warranty too!

For those looking for a reliable foam mattress that’s soft, comfy, and non-toxic, the Colgate Eco Classica III is a great pickup.

Despite not being fully organic, this foam mattress is still safe for all babies and it’s not as pricey as other top recommendations on this list.

FINAL TIP: I suggest you read through my Preparing for Baby Checklists to help you find the best items to pair with the crib mattress that you end up choosing from this list! You can also get yourself a protective crib mattress pad while you’re at it!

About the author

Angelica Graham

A few years ago, Angelica found out about all the plastic and toxic ingredients that got into most children’s products. And this worried her to no end. Because of this, she began to research what the best ingredients and materials were for children and made it her mission to share this information with other mothers.