Organic Crib Mattresses for Infants & Toddlers

Crib mattresses are a big deal. Most of my friends don’t necessarily share the same view as me on my “mattress craze” but there is good reason to be concerned about what your baby is sleeping on 10-14 hours a day.

Children are constantly bombarded with chemicals in their environments as it is. Most of the chemicals in our homes, playgrounds, clothing, etc. have never been tested for toxicity – so you can only do your best to steer yourself towards products, places, things and areas that offer some sort of safeguards like organic materials, good ventilation, and non-toxic certifications when it is possible. 

Chemicals that make up the frames and linings of cribs, bassinets, cradles and strollers can all be really bad for our children’s health – oof. Even the glue that holds it all together. WTF. So, when you can go organic and non-toxic for a product your child is sleeping on (inhaling, touching, drooling on, rolling around in…) half of their day – do it. Skip the expensive diaper bag and stroller, skip the extra baby outfits, skip the fancy newborn photoshoot – get a good mattress! 

A lot of crib mattresses have a vinyl waterproofing covering and coating – because ya know – accidents, bateria, mold, etc. But vinyl isn’t an innocent add-on. Vinyl (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) is one of the most toxic and environmentally unfriendly plastics we have in our world. Vinyl may also contain flame retardants. Vinyl products may cause things like, reproductive harm, asthma, early onset of puberty, cancer, and kidney and liver damage. The fillers, fibers, coils, liners, glues and other products that actually made-up the actual mattress in the first place? A lot of these products are not safe for adults – nonetheless babies. Carcinogen anyone? And all those fire retardants on our mattresses that are suppose to keep us safer? Exposure to various types of chemical flame retardants (like on our mattresses) can suppress our immune systems, cause hormone disruption and developmental delays, cancer, affect learning and memory problems and be the culprit in behavior changes. Ugh

Vulnerable babies on these mattresses?? They are breathing in these chemicals, absorbing them through their skin, and dust around the house can collect components and then be ingested by our small tikes. Yikes.

So – what should your child sleep on? How about an organic grown bed of roses? I mean, there is so much to consider!

According to Jane Shepard at Healthy Child, “Naturepedic is the only company that uses food-grade, plant-based polyethylene (made from non-GMO sugar cane) for the purpose of waterproofing and dust mite proofing. Strict independent testing confirms there are no phthalates or any toxic chemicals in this polyethylene.Naturepedic baby and crib mattresses have certified organic cotton as the filling material. There is no polyurethane foam in their mattresses. With Naturepedic’s innovative design, the mattress passes all Federal and State flammability standards without the use of any fire retardant chemicals or barriers. They use organic cotton fabric, organic cotton fiber and PLA fiber (made from plant starch).” 

Naturepedic’s website explains itself: “Naturepedic organic baby crib mattresses feature organic cotton fabric & filling as part of a healthier, non-toxic design. Naturepedic avoids the use of latex in our organic crib mattresses for a more allergen-friendly designed specifically for babies and children. Our waterproof mattresses, pads, and accessories feature a patented waterproof surface made without harmful chemicals for a hygienic design that is easy to clean. Our innovative construction also passes all federal and state flammability standards without the use of any fire retardant chemicals or flame retardant barriers. In addition to using certified organic components, the entire crib mattress is also certified organic to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). We are proud to offer a lifetime limited warranty on all our Naturepedic crib mattresses. See our range of products above, or use our baby crib mattress selector tool to help you decide which mattress is best for your baby.” 

Show Your Baby’s Organic Mattress Here:

The secondary recommendation I make for crib mattresses is Lullaby Earth (or this version)- though it is not as safe and organic as Naturepedic – it still is something you can feel good about at a lower price point. With a food-grade polyethylene and 100% PETE core, this (American-made) breathable mattress is made without harmful chemicals, allergens, pesticides, or glues. It has a safe waterproof cover and does not use flame retardant chemicals. Lullaby Earth’s mattress is phthalate, latex, lead.