Article: Top 7 Best Baby Crib Mattresses, Chemical-Free

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Top 7 Best Baby Crib Mattresses, Chemical-Free

Non-Toxic Crib Mattresses Trusted by Parents, Loved by Babies

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Author By Rachel Peachey

Updated Oct 21, 2024

The best baby crib mattreses provide safety and peace of mind. Parents need options that are comfortable for baby, yet not filled with harmful chemicals. Discover the best baby mattresses you can trust to help your baby have a peaceful sleep.

What Makes the Best Baby Crib Mattress?

Picking out the best crib mattress is a matter of safety and comfort. Here's what you need to know.

Crib Mattress Recommendations from the Experts

For infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics' crib mattress recommendations highlight the need for a firm mattress. This helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

You can test the mattress firmness when you put your baby down on the mattress. According to the AAP, this means your baby shouldn't make an indent on the mattress when lying on it.

Sizing of the Best Infant Crib Mattress

Be sure to pick the correct mattress size. A standard-size crib measures 28 inches wide by 52 inches in length. A standard 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.

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.

Non-Toxic Infant Mattress Options

Many baby crib mattresses are manufactured with harmful chemicals. Offgassing of foam is a common hazard. Some common volatile organic compounds or VOCs found in mattresses are phthalates and flame retardants. Phthalates in particular may interfere with child development and reproductive health.

Fortunately, there are many non-toxic and organic crib mattress options, including those listed below. You can avoid harmful chemicals by choosing mattresses that are GOTS or Greenguard Gold Certified.

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.

The Best Baby Crib Mattresses without Harmful Chemicals

Discover crib mattresses made with safe materials you can trust.

1. Best Breathable Crib Mattress: Newton Crib Mattress - $299

Soft, yet firm, this breathable mattress comes with a choice of mattress cover color. This crib mattress also comes in a mini crib size if you prefer.

This breathable crib mattress gives parents peace of mind, as baby can breathe easily even if they roll onto their belly.

The removable cover 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
Ideal from infancy through toddler years

2. 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 mattress is made in a sustainable way with environmentally-friendly materials. 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 softer side for toddlers

3. 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 softer side for toddlers

4. 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 mattress.

Highlights:

Greenguard Gold Certified
Breathable cover improves safety for infants
Washable cover
Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and softer side for toddlers

5. Best Organic Cotton Mattress: Naturepedic Cotton Crib Mattress - $269

Choose from a selection of mattresses including the Naturepedic organic breathable crib mattress and classic. Nataurepedic offers non-toxic crib mattress pads featuring a choice of innerspring and a lightweight core called "wavesupport."

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 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, measuring 5 inches thick.

Highlights:

Greenguard Gold Certified
Waterproof cover
Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and softer side for toddlers

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.

Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best mattress for a newborn crib?

A crib mattress for a newborn should be firm. Many mattresses feature two sides, one that's firmer, and one that's softer. Always use the firmer side for a newborn, as this is safer. Some excellent crib mattresses for newborns include the Newton Crib Mattress and the Avocado Organic Mattress.

What type of mattress is best for babies?

Babies need a firm mattress that fits snugly within their crib. Purchasing a firm mattress that's the right size for your baby's crib ensures safety. Breathable mattresses are a popular choice, as your baby can still breathe easy if they roll onto their belly. Also, consider purchasing a non-toxic mattress that won't off-gas harmful chemicals. Look for certifications such as Greenguard Gold to ensure the mattress is safe.

What mattress prevents SIDS?

Firm mattresses designed for infants can help prevent SIDS. Also, remember to use tight-fitting crib sheets. Avoid placing blankets, stuffed animals, and other soft objects in the crib with your baby. In addition, always place your infant on their back to sleep. With these measures, you can help lower the risk of SIDS.

Do crib mattresses make a difference?

Yes, a good crib mattress can make a difference in your baby's comfort and safety. Firm, tight-fitting mattresses help ensure your baby is safe while sleeping.

How much should a good crib mattress cost?

Quality standard-sized crib mattresses made with non-toxic materials cost between about $175 and $350. More affordable options are also available and may cost as little as $50.

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Rachel Peachey

A former Montessori teacher, Rachel taught at an international bilingual Montessori school at both the preschool and lower elementary school levels. She also uses the Montessori method at home with her three children. In her free time, Rachel loves spending time with her family, baking, reading, and crafting.