The 7 Best Crib Mattresses

Weight: 20 lbs | Dimensions: 51.63" L x 27.25" W x 6" H

Our favorite baby crib mattress is the Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage. Its sturdy construction feels built to last with appropriate firmness and superior edge support for safe sleep. The 2-stage option provides a firm infant side and a toddler side with slightly more give. The materials are top-notch (i.e., GOTS-certified organic cotton and heavy-duty 150-coil steel innerspring), making it potentially a better selection for those with allergies or asthma. There is no polyurethane foam in any Naturepedic mattress, and they don't use flame retardants in any product. This mattress has no chemical odor and is GreenGuard Gold Certified. Its food-grade polyethylene cover is waterproof and seamless, which makes cleaning easy, protects the interior from dust mites, and reduces the potential for microbial growth.

Because of its innerspring construction, this Naturepedic is the heaviest of our favorites at 20 lbs. This heft means it might require more muscle to lift it when changing fitted sheets. This could be a challenge if you have weight limitations after giving birth or loathe the idea of struggling with sheet changes. If you want a Naturpedic but need something lighter weight, the Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness uses a wave of dense foam inside instead of coils, which makes it much lighter. If you are looking for a non-waterproof cover, this one is also not the best choice, as it uses food-grade polyethylene for waterproofing. The Wonder Dream Mattress does come with a water-repellent cover. Last, while this mattress's measurements are within the standard size, its corners are square, so it may not fit well in every crib. The crib mattress plus crib combination can be a frustrating dilemma, so we suggest purchasing from a retailer with a generous return policy (like Amazon) if the products don't combine the way they should. Naturepedic has excellent customer service and a warranty for the original purchaser.

Weight: 10 lbs | Dimensions: 52" L x 27.75" W x 6" H

Given the regular nighttime sheet changes synonymous with babyhood, the traditional coil mattress can be too heavy a burden for some; the Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness might make life somewhat easier. This lighter-weight mattress uses what Naturepedic calls “food-grade polyethylene waves” to make up most of the inner mattress core instead of steel coils. The inner workings look like condensed batting in a wave-type structure, similar to the wave inside the middle of dense cardboard (only bigger), providing support. It also includes organic cotton and a waterproof surface to help keep things clean. It is manufactured in the USA, GreenGuard Gold Certified and Naturepedic is known for its excellent customer service and warranty. This mattress is dual-sided for infants and toddlers, and it has waterproof seams to keep things clean and free from mites, liquids, and microbes.

When this mattress style was first launched, there were reports of the center sagging. When we spoke with Naturepedic, they assured us that the mattress's design and content have been redesigned and that the new version is less susceptible to sagging. We purchased the mattress and used a 30 lb weight in the center for several months to see if we could force the mattress to sag. Our tests didn't result in sagging or indentation in the mattress, even though the weight logically should have left some impression. If you are worried about sagging, the original Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage includes coils that create a comfortable sleep space with less chance of sagging (is is heavier as a result). Overall, we like this lighter mattress and think it is a great choice for families worried about off-gassing or using natural materials in their baby's sleeping area.

Weight: 15 lbs | Dimensions: 52" L x 27.5" W x 6" H

The My Green Mattress Emily Natural is an excellent option to avoid synthetic materials. Unlike the Naturepedic brand, My Green Mattress produces ONE crib mattress. The Emily has a soft quilted cover that uses GOTS Certified organic cotton with Oeko-Tex Certified natural wool underneath. We like wool as it regulates temperature, aids in flame resistance, is naturally resistant to dust mites and mold, and includes some water-resistant properties (though not water-proof). The internal structure combines 150 13.5-gauge innerspring coils, all-natural coconut coir (GOTS-certified organic coconut), and GOLS-certified natural latex with heavyweight organic cotton batting. Even though the Emily mattress uses innerspring, it is 5 lbs lighter than the Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage, making it a good choice for anyone who needs something lighter without resorting to synthetic materials. The Emily Natural is also GreenGuard Gold Certified and has excellent customer service.

When you open this mattress, there is a noticeable natural wool odor, which can be particularly strong in humid climates. According to My Green Mattress, the smell comes from the use of natural wool. The company changed its wool supplier in December 2016 to attempt to remedy the issue. The new all-natural wool is washed in a GOTS-compliant organic detergent to help decrease the natural smell. While non-toxic, if you still detect an odor, My Green Mattress suggests hanging the mattress uncovered in the sun for 1 to 2 days to help neutralize any odors. This odor is not the same as off-gassing from synthetic man-made foams. If you want to skip the wool and would rather have more traditional materials than coconut, the Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is a classic option with GOTS-certified organic cotton and no off-gassing. The Emily Natural has no integrated waterproofing, so we recommend using a waterproof pad like the Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Fitted Crib Pad to keep your mattress clean.

Weight: 9 lbs | Dimensions: 52" L x 27.875" W x 5.5" H

The Babyletto Pure Core with Dry Waterproof Cover utilizes a recyclable polyethylene mattress core that exceeds flammability standards using 80% modacrylic and 20% polyester fiber batting instead of chemical flame retardants. It is a good choice for those with allergies and asthma, and purchasers comment on zero odor and dual firmness (the firmer infant side is the one with the Babyletto tag). The Dry Cover has a polyester outer and an inner cotton lining that is waterproof and easily wipeable for clean-up; it is washable and feels soft. The Pure Core mattress can come with either the Babyletto Smart Cover, which is water-repellant/moisture-wicking and Oeko-Tex certified, or the Babyletto Hybrid Waterproof Cover, which has a waterproof inner and organic cotton outer layer. We recommend purchasing a second replacement cover for easy wash rotation. Trust us. You'll need it. The Dry Cover version of this mattress appears to be discontinued. We now link to the Hybrid Quilted Waterproof Cover version.

This mattress is not very organic, which could be a deal breaker for some. The Wonder Dream Crib Mattress is a potential alternative as the whole thing is GreenHuard Gold Certified and comes with an organic cotton cover. However, if you are okay with man-made materials, the Babyletto is a potential choice.

Weight: 12 lbs | Dimensions: 52" L x 28" W x 5" H

If you want lightweight, some organic materials, no off-gassing and don't have a lot to spend, then the Wonder Buggy Wonder Dream Baby Crib Mattress could be the solution to your search. This mattress is made in the USA, comes with a machine washable, water-repellent cover, and doesn't off-gas. We like that this mattress has an organic cotton cover, and the entire thing is GreenGuard Gold Certified. The Wonder Dream core is densified polyester, which doesn't off-gas like polyurethane and is better for the environment. We experienced no smell in the mattress we purchased and no sagging during testing.

If you want all-natural materials, this isn't the mattress for you, as polyester is human-made. However, the cover is organic cotton, and that is what your little one will be the closest to while sleeping. If you want something more traditional with more organic materials, the My Green Mattress Emily Natural avoids synthetic materials. While the Wonder Dream may not be the right choice for everyone, we love that they are bringing a product to the market that is safer for little ones and the environment without a hefty weight or price.

Weight: < 10 lbs | Dimensions: 51.63" L x 27.25" W x 6" H

The Lullaby Earth Breeze 2-Stage mattress ticks all the boxes. The mattress core (59% polyester fiber / 41% polyethylene foam) is springless yet firm with solid edge support. It includes 2-sides with a firmer option for infancy and a softer toddler side. Lullaby's products have no flame retardants, and the Breeze is GreenGuard Gold Certified for low VOC emissions. Upon opening, there is no offensive smell to the mattress, and we appreciate that the mattress and cover are waterproof, as little ones have accidents. The cover is food-grade polyethylene with seamless stitching that cleans easily with a wet cloth and protects the core from dust mites, moisture, and microbial growth. The removable, washable polyester cover has a polyethylene waterproof backing and fits the mattress like a crib sheet for easy changes. The cover also has what Lullaby refers to as a 3D honeycomb, which supposedly creates a “cushion of air underneath the baby” to help regulate the bedding temperature. At under 10 lbs, crib sheet changes are more manageable and might be suitable for petite moms. Because the mattress cover is removable and washable, we recommend having an extra Lullaby Earth Breeze Washable Mattress Pad available for rotation through the wash.

Even though Lullaby Earth markets the Breeze Mattress Cover as “breathable,” this marketing should not be interpreted as a safe invitation to place your baby on their stomach to sleep. All babies should sleep on their backs on a firm surface every sleep. We go into further detail on this topic in the Newton Wovenaire review, where, in our opinion, the “breathability” marketing is a bit excessive. If you want a lighter weight option than a typical coil mattress but prefer a more well-known brand, the Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress - Dual Firmness offers a potential alternative to the Lullaby Earth. That said, we think the Lullaby Earth Breeze is a quality, lightweight crib mattress. With a washable, waterproof cover and a design that makes changing “a breeze,” it is a good choice for many families.

Weight: 11 lbs | Dimensions: 52" L x 28" W x 5.5" H

The Newton Wovenaire is a synthetic, springless, foamless mattress that utilizes recyclable food-grade polyethylene polymer in the mattress core. Newton differentiates the Wovenaire from similar synthetic competitors with its core's unique fabrication and washability. It's pretty cool how they manipulate polyethylene into something that resembles a block of dried ramen noodles. Newton claims that 90% of the mattress core is air. Now that's innovative! The Wovenaire is a great choice for those with a history of asthma and allergies, as the core and cover are entirely washable (in the shower) and resistant to mites and microbial growth.

Along with the removable, washable, 100% polyester 3-D Cloud Cover (two layers of 3-D spacer material quilted together), you can wash the core in the bathtub or shower (cold water only). According to Newton, the core is air dry only, which takes anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on ventilation and your local humidity levels. We recommend investing in an additional safe sleep area like a top-ranked travel crib to use if your little one needs a nap while the main mattress finishes drying. Also, Newton claims their cover is water-resistant, not waterproof, so it is a good idea to have an extra Newton Replacement Cover for use during washing, as they recommended the cover be machine-dried on cool or air-dried. There have been complaints that the Wovenaire's cover is rougher to the touch, so for babies with sensitive skin, wash the outer cover before first use and consider using a crib sheet to help avoid irritation. Also, although the Wovenaire is Greenguard Gold certified, a short period of airing outside may be helpful if you detect any odor.

There is no doubt that Wovenaire is famous for a reason that concerns us. Newton markets the Wovenaire as “breathable,” implying that a stomach-sleeping baby can breathe thanks to the mattress's design and that the structure prevents re-breathing exhaled carbon dioxide (a suspected risk factor for SIDS). We sincerely hope no one interprets Newton's “breathable” hype as a suggestion or recommendation to place an infant on their tummy to sleep, as this is NOT a safe sleeping situation. Wovenaire or not, “breathable” or not, you should always follow safe sleep guidelines. Babies should always be put on their backs to sleep. There is no dispute about this as supported by the dramatic decrease in SIDS after the Back to Sleep campaign in 1994. Interestingly, supine sleeping carries more risk than just rebreathing carbon dioxide. In our opinion, Newton is capitalizing on and relying on most parents' fears of SIDS. We don't care for this misleading marketing or preying on a parent's worst nightmare. Despite Newton's unfortunate marketing choices, we still feel the Wovenaire is an interesting, albeit expensive, crib mattress for its allergy-friendly attributes and washable core with a removable, washable cover. This design demonstrates the out-of-the-box innovation we like. But, please, always put your baby on their back to sleep.

Considered But Not Recommended

If you compare our favorites list to our other review categories, our favorites list probably looks small, where we typically include 15-30 contenders (or at least 10). We've completed hours and months of research, time, and effort going down the dark mattress rabbit hole to make our final selection of products. We considered well over 30 potential competitors. One by one, many products were slashed from the competition for reasons varying from questionable material safety to a lack of transparency (or downright lies) from the manufacturer.

Your baby will spend more time resting on their crib mattress than anywhere else, making it safety-critical. So, while buying a crib mattress might feel like a boring piece of gear to check off a list, it's an essential item where safety should rule all. Because of this, we believe you should be more selective when choosing a mattress than you might be with other items. We intentionally eliminated mattresses containing flame retardants, polyurethane foam, vinyl, and other materials we feel are questionable or wouldn't use with our children. Suppose you don't see a mattress you've been considering. In that case, it might contain one or more of these questionable materials, and we encourage you to research your selection further before making a purchase.

Here are some examples of popular contenders that didn't make our list and why.

• Sealy Everlite 2-Stage crib mattress / Sealy Perfect Rest — Kolcraft makes these Sealy mattresses. After several weeks and five email attempts to receive information from the manufacturer, they finally gave us material information after we told them who we were. We think companies should be transparent about what materials are in their mattresses. We don't think the average parent would receive an honest answer from this company without significant effort and cajoling.

• Colgate Eco Classica III — In an email from the company, they claim this mattress is “eco-friendly.” They also unnecessarily attempted to disparage other companies that use organic materials. Both responses leave a bad taste in our mouths. This mattress is not eco-friendly (it uses petroleum), and implying negative things about other mattresses doesn't make their mattress a better product. This mattress uses 24% “non-edible plant oil” to replace petroleum-based oil in its polyurethane foam. So, in other words, 76% of this foam still uses petroleum-based oil. Using petroleum products and foam production is not particularly eco-friendly and certainly doesn't qualify this product as good for the environment. This company also told us via email that the “tag on the mattress says only what is legally required to be said on the mattress,” we prefer transparency of all materials, not just what the law demands.

• Nook Pebble Pure Crib Mattress/Pebble Lite Eco-Friendly Crib Mattress — Some Nook mattresses have a foam core they claim is “non-toxic,” we aren't entirely sure what they mean with this claim. We assume they are alluding to the CertiPUR certification. This certification only indicates that the foam meets the emission limitations outlined as acceptable by CertiPUR. The emissions are not equivalent to being “free of toxins.” Therefore, we feel they intentionally mislead consumers with vague, undefined language and greenwashing (see below for more on Greenwashing). Also, their website lists the Pebble Lite Eco-Friendly as “environmentally friendly,” which we believe to be false as polyurethane foam production isn't environmentally friendly due to its use of petrochemicals. So despite one mattress being natural and interesting, the overall greenwashing on the website is offensive.

• Serta Tranquility Eco Firm — This mattress is advertised (on Amazon) as “non-toxic” and “natural.” It is a polyurethane mattress that, while CertiPUR and Greenguard certified, is not “non-toxic” as it does off-gas VOCs. These two organizations' certification means the mattress meets the certification requirements; it does not mean it doesn't off-gas and is “non-toxic.” It is also not “natural” as it uses human-made foam from petroleum instead of materials naturally found in nature, like cotton. Also, in an email from the manufacturer, they tell us this mattress has a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cover. Vinyl is a material we are uncomfortable with and wouldn't use with our babies. PVC has been shown to have adverse effects on health, including short-term problems like headaches and dizziness to long term effects of potential liver cancer and central nervous system damage. It certainly isn't non-toxic or natural.

• Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer — The Moonlight company has a history of misleading marketing and lying exposed by the FTC including creating and awarding its mattress a made-up “green” certification. Combined with the regular use of polyurethane foam, this information is why you won't find any mattresses by Moonlight Slumber in this roundup.

How We Test Crib Mattresses

Choosing crib mattresses worthy of our review was a labor of love and took more than a year to complete. We were looking for healthy and organic options in multiple price categories to help provide readers with a comprehensive list of options. We considered more than 30 potential mattresses for inclusion and omitted those with significant off-gassing concerns, greenwashing marketing, or lower-quality options without material transparency. Ultimately, we purchased each mattress and tested it alongside the competition, including cutting them in half to see what was inside. We looked at the materials used, the quality of the construction, potential odors, and more before choosing award winners.

Why Trust GearLab

This review was led by a board-certified pediatrician and BabyGearLab founder, Dr. Juliet Spurrier. Dr. Spurrier, a mom of 2, was instrumental in the mattress selection process. She used her knowledge as a physician to help research and choose healthy and more eco-friendly products than the competition. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor and mother of 2, rounds out the mattress team. Wendy's obsession with baby mattresses began with her first child's birth and hasn't stopped since. In her quest to find an odor-free and natural mattress for her son, Wendy purchased and returned more than four products that failed to live up to the hype or marketing for natural, limited off-gassing, or odor-free claims. Needless to say, both mothers take this topic and gear category very seriously, which is why this review contains a significant amount of information about materials, greenwashing, and health, and why only a few products made the list of contenders. We considered eco-health, safety, quality, materials, ease of use, and cleaning when making our product selections for this roundup.

How to Pick the Best Crib Mattress

After spending too much time choosing mattresses in our lives, we know exactly how hard it is to find a safe, non-off-gassing mattress that works well with your chosen crib. Keeping a few things in mind can help you narrow the field to some excellent options.

Materials

We found a lot of greenwashing in the mattress manufacturers. Why? Because materials and how a mattress is constructed are so important, and if a manufacturer's mattress can't measure up, they mislead the user. We prefer natural, organic materials when possible. Those that are GOTs certified are also good potential options. In short, you want to find the least likely choices to off-gas.

Weight

You will be changing sheets regularly. Babies often urinate excessively at night, and they often need clothes and sheet changes when this occurs. Lifting and maneuvering the mattress is something you will need to do. Some of the options are pretty heavy, and bending into a crib to lift them out won't be easy for everyone, depending on your height and lifting ability. While we love coil mattresses, they might be weight-prohibitive, and it is something to consider.

Crib Size

While cribs and mattresses come in what should be standard sizes, this doesn't mean they always match up well, and you should check any mattress with your crib before using it to ensure there are no gaps between the crib and the mattress.

Guidelines for Safe Sleeping Environment

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its safe sleep guidelines; this is your best source for safe sleeping information. Given the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) concern, you must create and maintain a safe sleeping environment for your baby for every single sleep.

Back to Sleep

Sleeping on their back is the only safe position for sleeping babies to help avoid SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) “Back to Sleep” campaign encourages and educates parents to place babies on their backs to sleep every time. Studies indicate that little ones sleeping on their back are far less likely to have breathing difficulties that lead to SIDs. This back sleeping dramatically reduces the risk of SIDS. Research shows that sleeping on their stomach increases a baby's risk of SIDS by two-fold. Since the campaign launch in 1994, the number of infants who have died from SIDS has decreased by over half! Now that is something to celebrate and more than enough evidence to support the back-to-sleep movement.

Unfortunately, SIDS is associated with other preventable situations like a stomach or side-sleep position, bed-sharing, too much bundling, a covered head, an overheated environment, and smoking in the home.

Firm Surface

A firm sleeping surface is critical for a great infant mattress, so set your sleeping preferences aside. Cushy memory foam toppers, sheepskin, fluffy down, or hammocks are not safe for babies, even if you love them. Some crib mattresses provide dual firmness (called two stages), with an extra-firm side for infants and a firm but slightly softer side for toddlers. The firm surface helps prevent the mattress from indenting under the baby's weight for safer sleep. If the surface indents and your baby rolls to their stomach, it can be challenging to roll back over or breathe unobstructed.

Any infant mattress you choose should have firm edge support that doesn't sag or significantly compress when pushed. This design helps prevent the entrapment of smaller baby parts between the crib slats and mattress. Foam mattresses often have squishier edges than innerspring, making edge inspection even more important. If the sides are easy to squash, you should return the mattress and look elsewhere.

You also need to be aware of the dangers of sagging mattresses. Our research shows a trend toward bio/plant-based foams significantly sagging over a short time—manufacturers like Colgate Eco and Sealy Soy-Foam blend soy-based oil with polyurethane foam. If you choose this kind of product (which we don't recommend), you should pay extra attention when the product is new and every time you change the sheet to ensure sagging doesn't become a problem.

Baby Sleeps in Their Own Space

Besides a traditional crib with a crib mattress, acceptable sleep areas for a baby include a favorite bassinet (until 4 to 5 months old) or one of the best travel cribs designed specifically for sleeping. It is unsafe for babies to sleep in the same bed with others or on couches or other furniture. It is also unsafe for a baby to sleep in their car seat carrier, swing, bouncer, or similar gear because it can potentially cause airway obstruction when their head falls forward onto their chest. Do not get into the habit of leaving your little one sleeping in these potentially compromising situations. While a swing might soothe them to sleep, the risks are not worth the moments of peace.

Snug Fit

Mattresses should fit snuggly inside the crib with less than a two-finger width gap between the mattress's edge and the crib frame. If your mattress and crib combo has a wider gap, you'll need to purchase a different mattress or crib to ensure a safe sleeping environment.

Bare Crib

Babies should sleep in a bare crib. While this isn't cute or picture-perfect, a crib without bumpers, soft bedding, pillows, stuffed animals, and toys are the only safe way to sleep. The only things that should be in the crib are the mattress with a tightly fitted sheet and your baby asleep on their back. The Newton Wovenaire recommends only using the cover that comes with the mattress to get the most from the “breathable” design. Do NOT confuse this “breathable” marketing with putting your baby to sleep on their stomach. Despite the breathable claim, the only safe way for babies to sleep is on their backs! Do not take the risk!

Crib Quality

New cribs must adhere to specific safety standards, so it isn't a good idea to use a second-hand crib, especially if it has been in your family for years or was yours as a child. While saving money is always a consideration when bringing

anew baby home, a crib is not a great item you should take lightly, as safety is a key factor. Things to look for when choosing a crib:

• Slat Width — The side slates of the crib should have spacing no more than 2 3/8" in width.
• Corner Posts — The corner posts of the crib should not extend more than 1/16" to avoid strangulation by clothing snagging
• Solid Construction — All screws, brackets, and joints on the crib should be nice and tight, with all sharp edges and metal out of the baby's reach.
• Decorative Embellishments — The headboard and footboard on the crib should not have decorative cutouts or additions.
• No Drop Down — While cribs no longer come in drop-down options, it wasn't that long ago when you could buy one. This crib style has a history of injuries and accidents, including death, so take a hard pass on the drop side; it isn't worth the risk, no matter how much money it will save.

Check out our review on the Best Baby Crib to get more help finding an excellent crib for your little one. We bought and tested a variety of crib options in different styles and price points. There is something for almost everyone in this review.

Things to Consider

So, you thought buying a mattress was as simple as finding a good fit at the right price. However, there are other things you should consider concerning materials and everyday use as you will use this product for 2-4 years.

Ease of Use

• Weight — While a mattress sits immobile in your crib most of the time, the weight matters when you lift and move the mattress to change the sheet. If you have trouble lifting heavier items or don't want to, you'll want to look for a lightweight product. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2-Stage is 20 lbs, the heaviest in this group, which could be a no-go for some. Alternatively, the Babyletto Pure Core with Dry Waterproof Cover is 9 lbs, and the Lullaby Earth Breeze 2-Stage is about the same. Given that nightly sheet changes could be in your future, it is important to consider mattress weight.

• Ease of Cleaning — Every baby has accidents, and no matter the accident's consistency, the mattress will need regular cleaning. The only washable product in this review is the Newton Wovenaire, but others have waterproof/wipeable surfaces, or you can purchase a mattress cover or pad.

• Waterproof — Unlike regular mattresses that don't typically require waterproof or water-resistant covers, many crib mattresses come with this feature. Waterproofing makes for easy cleaning, limiting the need for additional bedding that might add thickness. Most water resistance in mattresses comes from using Polyethylene/Polymer in the mattress's cover. This component is food-grade grade" polyethylene. We recommend avoiding vinyl or PVC products, as these components can cause potential health issues.

• Materials — Mattresses can include all sorts of materials, from polyurethane to organic cotton and natural latex. Some have foam components to create firmness, while others have inner coil springs. We recommend choosing as natural as possible and paying attention to certifications to help your baby avoid inhaling VOCs during sleep.

• Odor-Free - Does the crib mattress emit a strange chemical smell? This odor is off-gassing, otherwise known as volatile organic (not the cool kind) compounds (VOCs). If you choose a mattress with that “new” smell, we recommend airing it out until it dissipates. Better yet, send it back and get one that doesn't smell. Why? Because no smell doesn't mean it isn't off-gassing. Looking for Greenguard Gold Certification can help reduce VOCs and other toxins. Choosing natural products that don't off-gas is the best option if your budget allows it.

• Flame Retardant-Free — We recommend choosing mattresses free of chemical flame retardants. This lack of chemicals doesn't mean the bed is kindling waiting to burst into flames; it only means that the product meets the flammability and smoldering laws without using chemicals that could potentially be harmful to your baby. Less is more when it comes to chemical additives, in our opinion. Natural wool is excellent at offering flame resistance without chemicals.

Materials

Companies specializing in crib mattresses (i.e., Naturepedic) tend to have healthier, better products than large conglomerates (i.e., Kolcraft/Sealy, Serta/Delta Children's). While not a hard and fast rule, it rings true for the most part. There are things you should look for when making a decision, no matter what the brand or marketing hype. The materials are important, and we can't emphasize enough that you should pay attention to the materials and their certifications.

Innerspring

A traditional innerspring mattress has inner metal coils for firmness and support. This mattress style is cumbersome compared to foam products, and some parents claim they feel resistance that causes pressure points. However, firmness is vital for babies to help avoid SIDs, and babies are lightweight enough that it is doubtful that they feel pressure points the way an adult does.

Foam

Some foams are better than others, and certified foam is potentially better than those without certifications. However, we are not fans of polyurethane foam, no matter its certification or what percentage comes from plants. Why? Foams are petroleum-based products with added chemicals to create the cellular foam structure, and as a result, they emit VOCs. VOCs create an unhealthy breathing environment that can potentially cause health problems in the short and long term.

Which certifications apply to foam products?

• The CertiPUR CertiPUR-US foam certification is a group comprised and run by those in the foam industry. This certification checks for banned chemicals and tests for VOCs up to a specific limit that is defined by foam producers. While we concede this is better than nothing, this isn't the best certification as the certifier benefits ($$) from certifying foam as they also work in foam production and sales. It is similar, in our opinion, to the fox guarding the henhouse. Would you trust a fox to protect your chickens? Would you trust the foam seller to tell you foam is safe?

• GreenGuard is a third-party governing body that tests and certifies materials used in building products, furniture, and other items to ensure “better” indoor air quality. The certification allows for no greater than 1/100 of the currently published ACGIH® Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and no greater than one-half of California's Chronic Reference Exposure Levels (CRELs).

While we recognize you can't avoid all VOCs in the modern world, we feel you should make an effort to limit or avoid them when you can, and your baby's sleeping surface is the perfect place to start being proactive about chemical exposure. We prefer GreenGuard certifications over CertiPUR. Why? Because GreenGuard is a third-party tester, and CertiPUR is owned and operated by those that create and benefit from the sale of foam. Neither certification means the foam is as safe as organic or natural materials, nor does it mean no VOCs, non-toxic, or even a “safe level of VOCs,” as no one has yet determined a “safe” level of VOCs might be.

Textiles: Cotton and Wool

The best materials in a mattress include natural textiles like GOTS certified cotton and wool. Including these types of materials increases the mattress's health and can be crucial for children with allergies or asthma. The GOTS standard includes the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading, and distributing of textiles that are at least 70% certified natural organic fibers. The , My Green Mattress Emily Natural, has a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover with Oeko-Tex-certified natural wool.

Products that carry the GOTS label of “organic” must have a minimum of 95% certified organic fibers. Products labeled “made with organic” must have a minimum of 70% certified organic fibers. These certifications give discerning parents confidence in their purchases. There are other cool things about being GOTS certified (for the environment and fellow humans), and we encourage you to read more about it.

Latex

Latex is an excellent alternative to memory foam and traditional mattresses. Natural latex is breathable, supportive, renewable, and antimicrobial (they even repel dust mites!). These properties make it ideal for people with asthma, allergies, or other chemical sensitivities. It can come in a 100% natural, synthetic, or blend option. You'll want to research to see precisely what kind of latex a potential mattress uses, so you can determine if it meets your needs and health or environmental goals. We prefer natural latex and encourage parents to look for GOLS Certified Latex, which is processed with only natural ingredients, or a 100% natural designation to avoid unintentionally buying a synthetic blend. A certification from the Control Union Certifications is the first global standard for organic latex. GOLS defines requirements for latex products from organic raw materials and non-organic materials.

Synthetic vs. Natural Latex

Natural latex comes from extracting the milk from the rubber tree, 40% of which is pure latex. Each manufacturer has a proprietary method of processing the milk. Some will use up to 70% of the milk to create latex instead of purifying the milk closer to 40%. Blended latex, or Dunlap, combines natural and synthetic components that bring the elasticity of natural latex together with the stability and firmness of synthetic additives. Talalay Latex is technically a 70% synthetic and 30% natural latex blend. Talalay latex generally lasts longer and can be produced at different firmness levels. To confuse things further, Talalay Natural Latex is classified as 100% natural and includes 98% natural latex with 2% synthetic as a bonding agent. This latex is generally the most expensive and shouldn't be confused with Talalay, which doesn't specify “natural.” Whew! Confusing right?

Coconut Coir

Coconut coir may conjure up thoughts of the coconut's hard shell, but this material is much softer but still firm enough to provide infants with adequate support. Coir is free of harsh chemicals and flame retardants as a natural product, making it an excellent choice for families looking for natural alternatives. It is firm, springy, breathable, durable, and allergen-free. Coconut coir can be found in the Emily Natural by My Green Mattress in this roundup. We can't wait to see how manufacturers will utilize this renewable resource in the future.

Waterproofing

Not all baby mattresses are waterproof. However, a waterproof mattress is handy when your baby has a blowout or vomits, and you need to clean things up to go back to bed. The mattress must contain some synthetic material to create a waterproof surface, and many of the current options are potentially toxic. So, what is the point of making an organic mattress only to wrap it in an off-gassing material? Good question! Finding a good water-proofer that doesn't ruin a natural mattress can be tricky and often comes down to choosing the lesser potential evils.

The waterproofing material we prefer is polyethylene, which is non-toxic and relatively inert and traditionally found in products that come in contact with food. This coating is in the Naturepedic mattress and some mattress covers. Alternatively, we are not fans of vinyl. Vinyl off-gasses, and some types can crack or break down, making it a poor option for long-term use. There are different types of vinyl, but in our experience contacting manufacturers, it is challenging or impossible to get them to identify what type they use. This lack of information leaves us to assume that their vinyl could off-gas into your baby's sleeping environment. For health reasons, we did not choose mattresses in our roundup with vinyl or unspecified waterproofing. If we weren't sure about waterproofing material, we always attempted to contact the manufacturer for more information. Not all of them responded.

If the mattress you choose doesn't have a waterproof cover, it is critical that you use a waterproof pad or added cover to prevent mold and bacteria from growing inside the mattress once it gets “wet.” We like the Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Fitted Crib Pad. Some parents prefer the all-natural option of 100% wool “piddle pads,” which repel liquids but aren't waterproof. If you choose this route, you must catch accidents immediately and clean and dry your mattress properly after every incident. You might consider the Newton Wovenaire mattress if you prefer a wool pad. This mattress is completely washable, so a waterproof cover isn't essential, and a wool pad could work well.

Whether or not you choose to waterproof your crib mattress is up to you. A versatile option is the Babyletto Pure Core combined with the Babyletto Smart Cover (water-repellent/moisture-wicking), which is Oeko-Tex certified, or a Hybrid Waterproof Cover with a waterproof lining and organic cotton layer.

Breathable Mattresses: Evidence-Based or Marketing Hype?

Some mattresses claim to be “breathable.” While we love innovative and potentially better or safer mattresses for babies that can potentially help prevent re-breathing carbon dioxide, we worry the marketing will encourage or mislead parents into disregarding the “back to sleep” recommendations that have been saving babies' lives since 1994. These breathable claims prey on parents' fears of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs) based on the presumed reduced re-breathing of carbon dioxide. However, research indicates that “breathable” products WON'T prevent re-breathing and that babies sleeping on their stomachs can lead to SIDs for reasons other than re-breathing. For example, reduced cerebral oxygenation, impaired arouse-ability in young infants, and altered cardiovascular control/lower blood pressure (circulatory failure in 2-3-month-olds). Also, several studies indicate that tummy sleeping in very young infants (<5 months) increases the risk of cardiovascular collapse and decreased respiratory drive, irrespective of re-breathing carbon dioxide.

Don't buy into the breathable hype. If you prefer a breathable mattress, that's cool. We like the innovative Newton Wovenaire or the Wonder Dream. However, even with these types of mattresses, you should ALWAYS practice safe sleeping, including putting the baby to sleep on their back. Every. Single. Time.

What is GreenWashing?

Greenwashing is any marketing or branding that intentionally uses misleading language to make the consumer believe a product is healthy, good for them, or environmentally friendly (green) when it isn't. This marketing hype is an intentional deception by the manufacturer to persuade consumers to buy products they believe are eco-friendly or non-toxic when, in reality, they are neither. Being green is fantastic, and when a product is 100% organic, GOTS certified, B Company certified, etc., the marketing is just “green.” When a company uses terms like “eco-friendlier,” "eco-foam," or “hypoallergenic,” it can potentially be greenwashing, as these terms do not mean anything. We encourage consumers to question and investigate ALL claims, especially if the claims seem vague, undefined, or seem too good to be true. In our extensive mattress research, we saw a disturbing amount of greenwashing and misleading language in the mattress industry. This deceptive language can make it extremely challenging for parents to find healthy products for their children.

So how do you recognize greenwashing? In our research, we encountered significant greenwashing. So much so that we decided to help others identify greenwashing when they see it. If you research mattresses and see any of the following words or eco-labels, you may be being greenwashed: eco-friendlier, eco-foam, certified, hypoallergenic, plant-infused, soy foam, and any language that feels vague or deceptive. Let's define some popular terms and explain why they aren't as innocuous as you think.

• Eco-friendlier/Eco-foam — We saw these terms in marketing for several mattresses, specifically the Eco Classica III Eco-Friendlier Crib Mattress. The phrases imply that the product is good for the environment or at least better for the environment than other foam mattresses. Upon investigation, we think this claim comes from 24% “plant materials” in their “urethane foam.” Polyurethane foam traditionally uses petroleum with additional chemicals (catalysts) that create a chain reaction to produce foam. While this company might be using 24% renewable plant resources, the foam still requires 76% petroleum and the same potentially harmful chemicals for the reaction to create the foam cell structure. As a result, the mattress still off-gases VOCs and contains the same materials we dislike in polyurethane. Also, this product is not environmentally friendly (as it implies). It is still a petroleum-based foam with a similar carbon footprint as regular polyurethane. However, it often costs more than the competition as the manufacturer hopes you'll buy into the hype and spend more on an Earth “friendlier” mattress.

• Plant Infused/Soy Foam/Natural Foam — We saw these ambiguous phrases in advertising for multiple mattresses that use a percentage of plant oil in their foam. They are often CertiPur, or GreenGold certified, and many claims to be “good for your baby” or “natural” foam. However, these foam products still contain petroleum and toxic chemicals that emit VOCs. The fact that it includes a small percentage of plant oil is essentially irrelevant. The final product comprises similar properties as the polyurethane foam it claims to be better than. To be clear, there is no such thing as a natural “foam” unless it describes natural latex. Sadly for everyone, there isn't a foam plant that sprouts tiny foam buds that magically turn into natural mattresses.

• Hypoallergenic — You'll see this term in marketing for all sorts of products. However, it means virtually nothing. Consumers usually assume it means that a product is suitable for allergies or asthma. Maybe you think it means the product is inert or doesn't cause allergic reactions. But does it mean this? Hypoallergenic is an “unregulated” word, which means it has no actual or agreed-upon definition in any industry. Any company can use the phrase without testing or offering supportive evidence to indicate what they claim it means. This lack of regulation means that the definition of hypoallergenic means something different to every company. Unfortunately, as a consumer, you can't be sure what it means from product to product or even if the company making a claim has done testing to support the claim. Labeling any foam mattress as “hypoallergenic” is intentionally misleading as the chemicals that make the foam can be toxic and unhealthy, and the foam itself off-gases.

Buyer Beware

We wish that all mattress manufacturers were transparent about the materials they use. Unfortunately, most are not, and the law does not require them to tell the consumer the details about what they use. As a result of this lack of transparency, we think you should spend your valuable money with companies that believe in and respect your “right to know.” We encourage everyone to reward transparent companies that relay the entire truth by choosing to purchase their products when they meet your needs and goals. At the very least, we encourage parents to avoid buying from companies that use greenwashing and misleading language to influence or confuse consumers about their products or materials.

Conclusion

We researched over 100 crib mattresses over a year, searching for healthy and safe products we would use with our babies. Finding an excellent crib mattress isn't as exhausting as it once was, with more options available than ever. Still, it still isn't as easy as napping. Thankfully, you have more organic and low off-gassing mattresses to choose from than ever before. Far more companies are manufacturing eco-healthy products (less off-gassing) than even five years ago, forget about ten-plus years. We recommend choosing the best product with the healthiest materials aligned with your budget.

If you aren't sure about our selections and would like to do more research, we recommend staying vigilant about greenwashing and avoiding off-gassing materials (i.e., polyurethane foam and vinyl) if your budget allows. Babies spend a significant amount of time in their cribs, so we believe you should choose the highest-quality, healthiest mattress possible. We prefer natural materials (i.e., latex and cotton) over those filled with chemicals (i.e., foam, vinyl, and other additives) to help create a healthier environment for your bundle of joy to sleep peacefully and dream. We believe our quality selections have something for most families and budgets.