The arrival of a baby is one of the most exciting times in any parent’s life. And with the anticipation of a newborn comes the need to prepare your home for the newest member of your family.
Newborns spend almost all their time sleeping (besides nursing), so parents need to make sure their little one’s sleep space is as safe and comfortable as possible, starting with a crib mattress.
Contents
Why Choose Organic?
Choosing a crib mattress goes beyond its type, size, and firmness. One key factor you should look for when choosing a crib mattress is materials safety and purity—from the cover to, most importantly, what’s inside.
Foam is a popular choice for crib mattresses, but did you know that foam is usually made of petroleum-based polyurethane, which has been shown to cause respiratory problems—even cancer?
That’s not all. A 2014 study conducted by environmental engineers from the University of Texas at Austin found that crib mattresses release high amounts of potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Older crib mattresses (specifically those manufactured before 2009) may also contain toxic flame retardants (not to mention mould), which is why you should be careful when reusing or buying second-hand mattresses.
This is why it’s important that you look for a crib mattress that’s truly organic. Here are a couple of tips that will help you narrow your choices:
- If your budget allows, go for natural materials. These include organic wool, latex, and cotton.
- Look for Global Organic Textile Standard, Oeko-Tek Standard 100, or GREENGUARD Gold certified products. This assures you that the crib mattress you’re eyeing for your nursery has been tested to be free from chemicals that may release harmful fumes.
- Avoid products that contain flame retardants or vinyl-based waterproof covers, since these may contain allergens and other chemicals that may pose a health threat to your baby.
- Look for transparent mattress manufacturers. Don’t be misled by greenwashing. Ask for a complete list of the product’s material composition, including where it’s sourced. If this information isn’t readily available on the manufacturer’s website or elsewhere, take it as a sign you’re better off looking for another brand.
Organic Nontoxic Crib Mattresses: Our Top Picks
Based on our recommendations, we came up with this list of crib mattress brands that truly live up to their claim of being organic, natural, and safe for baby. Below are our top 7 picks (listed in alphabetical order):
1. Avocado Green Crib Mattress
Highlights: GREENGUARD Gold, GOTS, and GOLS certified, handmade, dual-sided (from newborn to toddler use)
Avocado is a brand known for its 100% natural mattresses, so we’re glad it finally got around to making mattresses of the same quality for babies.
The Green Crib Mattress is an affordable, nontoxic, and practical choice for eco-conscious parents looking for a mattress that will grow with their newborn. It’s made of certified organic wool, cotton, and latex — no polyurethane foams, chemical adhesives, or flame-retardant chemicals — so you can be assured your baby will be sleeping safe and sound.
This mattress is dual-sided (with a firm side for newborns and a softer side for toddlers) and comes with a 25-year warranty and a 30-night trial. Retailing for just under $300, this is one of the cheaper options on our list but is by no means lacking in features and performance.
2. Babyletto Pure Core Crib Mattress
Highlights: GREENGUARD Gold certified, vegan, nontoxic, dual-sided, hypoallergenic
Eco-conscious parents, rejoice! Here’s a crib mattress that’s not only safe for babies but is good for the environment as well.
The Babyletto Pure Core is made of 100% recyclable polyester. This nontoxic mattress is guaranteed free of “PVC, chemical flame retardants, dyes, phthalates, PFCs, synthetic latex, and off-gassing materials.” It’s hypoallergenic too, making it dust mite- and allergen-proof.
This dual-sided mattress comes with a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. It also comes with a vinyl-free waterproof cover to protect the mattress from spills and accidents.
3. Bundle of Dreams Eco-Air Organic Crib Mattress
Highlights: 100% organic, recyclable, hypoallergenic, OEKO-TEX and Greenguard Gold certified
Here’s a great addition to your green nursery. Bundle of Dreams’ Eco-Air Crib Mattress doesn’t use petroleum-based foam. Instead, it’s made of “bundle fibre,” which is 100% free of VOCs and off-gassing chemicals.
Online reviews of the Eco-Air Organic are promising, with parents raving about how comfortably their little ones sleep on this mattress.
4. Colgate Eco Classica III Crib Mattress
HIghlights: GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, hypoallergenic
It doesn’t look like much, especially since it’s thinner than the other mattresses we featured, but this lightweight, low-profile crib mattress is on our list for a good reason.
The Eco Classica III is perfect for busy parents who don’t want to break into a sweat turning over or changing the sheets of bulky and heavy mattresses. It’s made of CertiPUR-US certified eco foam and comes with an organic cotton cover, a food-grade waterproof backing, and a rayon barrier (instead of a chemical flame retardant).
The Eco Classica III features a Dual Sleep System, each side having a different firmness level, ensuring you can use the Eco Classica from birth until your child is about 4 years old.
5. Lifekind Certified Organic Crib Mattress
Highlights: GREENGUARD Gold and GOLS certified
Lifekind promises “the safest and most healthful sleep environment for little ones” with its Certified Organic Crib Mattress, and we daresay it lives up to it.
This crib mattress is made of GOLS certified, metal-free natural rubber, making it ideal for babies who have hay fever, asthma, or upper-respiratory breathing difficulties. It also meets the GREENGUARD Gold standards for indoor air quality.
If you need any more assurance about the safety of Lifekind products, you should know that this crib mattress is manufactured in a third party–approved eco-friendly factory that uses zero chemical products and doesn’t let in any chemically based products through its doors.
6. Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Mattress
Highlights: All-natural fibres, flame retardant–free, GOTS and GREENGUARD certified
A reliable pioneer in using organic cotton fibre and filling, Naturepedic is a favourite of parents looking for safe nontoxic mattresses for their babies and kids. Unlike most products in the market that use vinyl waterproof covers, Naturepedic’s uses food-grade, phthalate-free polyethylene. The brand doesn’t use nasty flame retardant barriers or chemicals either, assuring you that your little one will sleep safe and sound.
7. Newton Wovenaire Crib Mattress
Highlights: No glue or adhesives, hypoallergenic, GREENGUARD Gold certified, 100% recyclable
Your little one’s health and safety is Newton’s top priority, and this is evident in their bestselling Wovenaire crib mattress. Breathable and with just the right firmness, this nontoxic crib mattress offers an ideal safe sleeping surface for newborns. An added plus: Newton makes mattresses without any chemical adhesives or glues and doesn’t use synthetic latex or polyurethane.
When it comes to your baby’s comfort and safety, there should be no compromise. With these all-natural, organic, parent- and Mother Earth-approved crib mattresses, you can finally rest easy knowing your baby is sleeping on some of the purest, safest materials made on the planet.
Other Articles That May Interest You:
110 Simple Hacks for a More Eco-Friendly Life
Seven of the Best Linen Brands for Your Sustainable Bedroom
7 Eco-Friendly Mattresses to Give You a Good Night’s Rest
8 Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Furniture Brands for Your Green Home
Leave a Reply