The best infant crib mattresses provide a safe sleep space and peace of mind. Parents need options that are both comfortable for baby and free of chemical emissions often found in standard mattresses. Discover the best crib mattresses for your baby that you can trust.
The Best Baby Crib Mattresses without Harmful Chemicals
When buying a crib mattress, there's a lot to consider with safety being a top concern. The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) sets safety measures for crib mattresses to ensure they are the right size and firm enough. Additionally, they set requirements for chemical safety to make sure babies aren't exposed to high levels of lead and phthalates.
Why Non-Toxic Infant Crib Mattresses?
Recent research shows that products like crib mattresses may expose babies and young children face health risks like respiratory illnesses and even cancer from VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and flame retardants. Today, there are many alternative options for crib mattresses that don't expose your baby to harmful chemicals.
As you look, consider options that use third-party testing. Greenguard Gold is an excellent option that tests products for over 10,000 chemicals.
Learn about our top picks for safe, reliable, and long-lasting crib mattresses that will help your baby (and you!) sleep easy.
1. Best Breathable Crib Mattress: Newton Crib Mattress - $299
Soft, yet firm, this breathable mattress gives parents peace of mind, as baby can breathe easily even if they roll onto their bellies. Not only that, but you needn't worry about harmful chemicals with this Greenguard Gold Certified product.
The removable cover, which comes in an array of colors, is machine washable, an absolute must for busy parents. You can also wash the food-grade polymer core.
If having a waterproof mattress is important to you, choose the waterproof option. This mattress cover features a waterproof toddler side, protecting the mattress and making clean-up a piece of cake.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Breathable design
- Washable
- Comes in a mini crib size
- Ideal from infancy through toddler years
2. Best Organic Cotton Mattress: Naturepedic Cotton Crib Mattress - $269
Choose from a selection of crib mattresses including the Naturepedic organic breathable and classic crib mattresses. These non-toxic crib mattress pads feature a choice of innerspring or a lightweight core called "wavesupport." Choose the lightweight option for easier sheet changes or the innerspring mattress for maximum strength.
If you're not sure, don't worry. Naturepedic offers a 100 night trial and free returns.
Unlike many other mattresses, it has a waterproof cover, which is a major plus. From blow-out diapers to spit-up, a waterproof cover makes clean-up simple and straightforward.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Waterproof coating offers easy cleaning
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-Certified materials
- Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers
3. Best Environmentally Friendly Crib Mattress: Lullaby Earth - $279
Lullaby Earth's best baby mattress has earned multiple awards and certifications. The brand uses recycled materials, creating an environmentally friendly product. Various organizations including Green America and American Sustainable Business Network recommend this crib mattress.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Breathable cover improves safety for infants
- Washable cover
- Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers
4. Best Organic Crib Mattress: Avocado Organic Crib Mattress - $349
Your baby will rest peacefully on this crib mattress featuring all organic materials. Each Avocado mattress is crafted with organic cotton, wool, coconut husk, and latex. Plus, this brand produces sustainably. Buy it with a clear conscience.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-Certified Organic Product
- Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers
5. Top Crib Mattress for Infants and Toddlers: Saatva Crib Mattress - $355
This ideal infant sleeping surface includes a breathable layer of GOTS-certified organic cotton and a firm innerspring mattress. The springs help maintain a firm surface all across the mattress. Additionally, natural rubber and eucalyptus fiber ensure the mattress is comfortable.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-Certified materials
- Breathable top layer keeps your toddler cool
- Washable water-resistant cover
- Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers
6. Best Award-Winning Crib Mattress: Sleep Moonlight Little Dreamer Crib Mattress - $199
If you love the feel of a foam mattress, try this environmentally-friendly, non-toxic crib mattress. The waterproof cover makes for easy clean-up, even if your baby soaks through their diaper in the middle of the night. This mattress has also won multiple awards, including Gold in the Mom's Choice Awards in 2024.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Waterproof cover
- Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and softer side for toddlers
7. Best Hypoallergenic Crib Mattress: Babyletto Pure Core - $189
Your baby will sleep well on this hypoallergenic mattress. Protected by a waterproof cover, the polyester core is recyclable. This lightweight mattress is also thinner than some, for easy sheet changes.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Waterproof cover
- Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers
What Makes the Best Baby Crib Mattress?
As a mom of three, I have bought my fair share of baby products. Safety is a top priority from a sleep safety standpoint as well as when considering chemical emissions. Aside from safety, you'll also want to consider the mattress size, type, and longevity.
Infant Crib Mattress Recommendations from the Experts
What do the experts say about choosing a mattress? The American Academy of Pediatrics' crib mattress recommendations focus on sleep safety. For infants, it's crucial to use a firm mattress. This helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
You can test the mattress's firmness when you put your baby down on the mattress. According to the AAP, your baby shouldn't make an indent on the mattress when lying on it.
Sizing of the Best Infant Crib Mattress
The crib mattress size is also important, as using the wrong size can be dangerous for your baby. A standard-size crib measures 28 inches wide by 52 inches in length. Your infant crib mattress should fit tightly within the crib. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says a full-size crib mattress should measure at least 27 1/4 inches x 51 1/4 inches.
Most standard crib mattresses also fit a toddler bed, meaning you can get more use from the product. Additionally, check the thickness of the crib mattress. A crib mattress should be 6 inches thick or less.
If you have a mini crib or a differently shaped crib, be sure to purchase a mattress that will fit.
Types of Baby Crib Mattresses
Parents can choose from two main types of baby crib mattresses: spring mattresses and foam mattresses.
A coil or innerspring mattress features steel coils surrounded by soft cushion materials. Generally firmer, these mattresses are also heavier and tend to last longer.
Foam mattresses may be made of a variety of foam materials including polyurethane foam. However, newer models are made of safer materials such as food grade polymer or natural rubber.
Choosing the Best Baby Crib Mattress
The above baby crib mattresses all fit standard sized cribs and offer a non-toxic solution you can purchase with confidence. Which will you pick? Let us know your thoughts on the best non-toxic baby mattress in the comments below.
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