Best Organic Crib Mattress – The Experts Confirm

Organic Crib Mattress

Organic Crib Mattress – The Professionals Rate the Top 7 Brands

When it comes to your baby’s health and safety, there’s no room for compromise.  There is growing concern among physicians, health professionals, and public safety officials regarding the many effects chemicals have on our children. Researchers suspect toxic chemicals play a role in the significant increase in childhood disorders.  Unfortunately, there are often many harmful chemicals in crib mattresses.

How can this happen? 

In the mid 70’s the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) required mattress manufacturers to meet strict flammability standards.  These standards include CPSC regulations 16 CFR – 1632 and 1633.  This requirement forced mattress makers to add flame retardants to foam, cotton, and various plant-based mattress materials.  These flammability requirements are in response to foam mattresses holding an open flame during house fires.

Consequently, manufacturers begin turning to flame retardant chemicals like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), Chlorinated Tris, TCPP, TCEP, and others.  These chemicals are associated with a slew of health hazards including cancer, thyroid disruption, learning problems, lower IQ, developmental delays, early puberty, miscarriages, hormone disruption, an increased risk of ALS, and reduced fertility.

In fact, chlorinated Tris was removed from children’s pajamas in the early 70’s.  However, it was never banned from use in crib mattresses and other baby products.

Organic Crib Mattresses Emerge

Once research began emerging about these negative effects chemicals in mattresses have, responsible manufacturers began finding ways to eliminate them.  And the “organic” age was born.

Today, there is no shortage of crib mattresses on the market claiming to be organic.  And after speaking to top medical professionals and safe sleep policy makers, we help parents navigate what is important when choosing the best organic crib mattress for your baby.

Why Buy an Organic Crib Mattress?

Your baby spends 70% of their first-year sleeping.  You don’t want your baby breathing in chemicals while sleeping.  What most parents don’t know is, most standard crib mattresses have chemical that can emit into the air while their baby is sleeping.

In fact, studies show 97% of Americans have flame retardants in their blood.  When flame retardants are added to foam, these chemicals eventually break down and off-gas.  This off-gassing pollutes the dust and air which we inhale.  Babies have been shown to be exposed to high levels of these chemicals.  This happens through hand to mouth transfer.  When babies crawl around on the floor and put their hands in their mouth, they ingest these chemicals.

According to a two-year study of standard crib mattresses – “Crib Mattresses Emit High Rates of Potentially Harmful Chemicals” – the researchers found:

  •   New conventional crib mattresses release about four times as man VOCs as older crib mattresses with the same design.
  •   Body heat increases emissions.
  •   Chemical emissions are strongest in the sleeping infant’s immediate  breathing zone.

The researchers identified more than 30 VOCs in standard foam crib mattresses.  These VOCs include phenol, neodecanoic acid and linalool.

Types of Organic Crib Mattresses

There are many crib mattresses on the market that do not use toxins or harsh chemicals to meet flammability requirements.  Often, these mattresses use natural fire barriers such as wool or polyester.  Even though organic mattresses eliminate the need for flame retardants, most of them still need some type of waterproof coating.  Popular coatings include, sprayed on nano-coatings or silicas. Nano-coatings are not toxic, but the monomers binding the coating are.  Monomers are a known carcinogenic.

When it comes to “organic” and crib mattresses, it is easy to become confused.  Many crib mattress manufacturers use the word loosely.  It’s important to know what part of the mattress the company is referring to.  Are they claiming the interior or fill is organic?  Or are they claiming the cover materials are organic? 

A lot of companies use a technique called greenwashing.  Greenwashing” means the use of marketing claims to over-state or misrepresent a product or company’s efforts to be environmentally sound. They confuse consumers by making claims their crib mattress is organic when in fact, only the surface fabric is organic, or parts of the fiberfill are organic.  Also, crib mattress companies that claim to use all organic materials. may be using waterproof coatings that contain toxins. 

In fact, “For a mattress to qualify for the USDA Organic seal, it needs at least 95 percent certified organic materials and to be processed without potentially harmful chemicals,” says Charlotte Vallaeys, a Consumer Reports senior policy analyst for sustainability. “As of now, few mattresses meet the USDA Organic standards.”

We explore the top seven organic crib mattress brands to determine how each one rates for organic fill, cover, and overall safety.

Types of Crib Mattresses

Foam Crib Mattresses

Foam is a petroleum-based product which emits VOCs.  There is nothing organic about it.  Foam mattresses touting the CertiPUR-US label, simply means the foam is free from certain substances like polybrominated diphenyl ether, or PDBE, flame retardants.  It is also and it is free from formaldehyde and other toxins. 

Foam, including plant-based, and soy-based foam are highly flammable and must contain some type of flame retardant.  They also must contain some type of waterproofing chemicals to avoid contamination. 

A Special Note About Memory Foam

The AAP issued a warning in the new 2022 Safe Sleep Technical Report warning parents against the use of memory foam mattresses.  Memory foam can cause face compression which blocks an infant’s airways should they end up in a face down position.  It also traps high levels of CO2 which can lead to rebreathing.  Be sure the organic crib mattress you are considering does not contain memory foam.

Innerspring Crib Mattresses

Innerspring crib mattresses consist of steel spring coils that are heat tempered.  This process allows the coils to bounce back into shape easily.  While most innerspring mattresses feature coils that are joined together with a steel frame inside the mattress, there is some variation. A pocket spring mattress features steel coils that are individually sewn into pockets of fabric instead of joined together. This allows the springs to move individually, instead of each spring affecting the one next to it.

Obviously metal springs are not organic.  However, the metal springs must contain a fiber outer layer and a cover.  Some innerspring crib mattresses use a combination of both organic covers and interior fibers.  Others use one or the other.  Some are not at all organic.

Special Note on Innerspring Crib Mattresses

What is unclear when it comes to innerspring crib mattresses is if they amplify EMFs.  EMFs exist on a spectrum, and a field’s location on the spectrum depends on its wavelength and frequency.

Some believe that the metal in innerspring or metal coils in mattresses can work as an antenna for electromagnetic frequencies.  There are no studies that prove this theory. 

Latex and Other Plant-Based Mattresses

Latex in its natural form comes from the sap of rubber trees.  Only a handful of mattresses claiming to be organic latex are made from only latex with some type of fabric cover.  However, the majority of crib mattresses claiming to use organic latex, combine latex foam with either springs or reflex foam.

One concern with latex mattresses is latex allergies.  Because of the washing process that latex undergoes during the manufacturing process, allergies are generally not an issue.  Further, the fact your baby’s skin won’t be directly exposed to the latex contained inside the mattress, most babies with latex allergies will not be affected by sleeping on a latex mattress.

Breathable Crib Mattress

We certainly cannot ignore the term “breathable crib mattress.”  Just like the term “organic” there are many meanings to the term “breathable.”  The one difference is, there are no set or approved standards in determining what breathable means when it comes to a crib mattress.  There are no certifications or certification standards.  If you want to find out more on the topic visit Breathable Crib Mattress – Medical and Safe Sleep Experts Explain.

Organic or Chemical free Crib Mattress

Knowing that we now know, most crib mattresses can be considered organic.  Consequently, we need to take a closer look at the chemicals used in crib mattresses. 

But determining if a  mattress is partially or completely chemical-free can be a challenge. There are many different labels that address only certain parts of the mattress.

Additionally, while natural fibers are more sustainable, there are still environmental concerns to consider. Cotton, for example, requires a great deal of water and pesticides to thrive. And, contrary to popular belief, comparing cotton fiber to recycled polyester fiber, the latter would be more sustainable.

Let’s explore each label and determine what each one means when it comes to a safe, organic crib mattress.

Types of Organic Crib Mattress Certifications and What They Mean

The Department of Agriculture allows the term “organic” on mattresses (for instance, “made with organic cotton”) if only a portion of the components are certified organic. Other components, in fact, not only don’t need to be organic but also can be processed using potentially harmful chemicals.

Organic Content Standard 100 refers only to the percentage of certified-organic materials, not to the presence of flame retardants, VOCs, colorants, or dyes.

GOL

GOLS stands for Global Organic Latex Standard. It is a certificate associated with the Control Union that specifically focuses on latex products, evaluating farming and manufacturing practices, as well as the organic nature of the raw material as a whole. The GOL label ensures crib mattresses made with latex use 95% pure latex.  There are restrictions on what the other 5% can contain.  However, there is no guarantee the other products being used with the latex are organic.

Greenguard 

GREENGUARD certification means the product has met industry standards for low emissions.  However, anything designed for a child’s room or educational setting has to meet even stricter standards.  GREENGUARD Gold Certification means products lower levels of emissions.  Specifically, they have a significantly low level of formaldehyde emissions.

Since kids take more breathes per second than an adult, they are more susceptible to air-quality problems. 

OEKO-TEX

OEKO-TEX is a registered trademark, representing the product labels and company certifications issued and other services provided by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology.  The prestigious Zurich-based International OEKO-TEX Association has been around since 1992. It now operates in over 40 countries. Its various certifications and standards, including OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and OEKO-TEX Standard 1000.  OEKO-TEX has is a guiding force for consumer safety.

When it comes to product safety and social responsibility, OEKO-TEX is one of the best-known labels worldwide.

While OEKO-TEX Standard 100 doesn’t ensure that a mattress’s fiber is produced organically, it does set limits for the emission of harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  These chemicals have been linked to ozone, smog, respiratory illnesses, and memory impairment. I

OEKO-TEX also bans the use of certain chemical flame retardants, colorants, and allergenic dyes.

GOTS

GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard.  GOTS certified the organic production of raw materials such as cotton, flax etc. GOTS covers “the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70% certified organic fibers,” according to the standard’s website.

GOTS uses two labels: “organic” for materials with a minimum of 95% organic fibers and “made with organic materials” requiring at least 70% organic fibers. GOTS prohibits outright the use of certain substances even for the other 5% and 30% percent.  These substances include chemical flame retardants and polyurethane.  Both are the chief ingredient of memory foam.

Meaningless Terms Crib Mattress Manufacturers Use

There are many terms crib mattress manufactures use that are meaningless or made up.  For example, the term “natural” is meaningless with no standard behind it.  Other terms include “eco-friendly” and “non-toxic.”

Made up terms are easily identified when a company has a registered trademark on the term or is intending to do so (® and ™).  One mattress company claims their mattress is made from “hypoallergenic eco-friendly Bundle Fiber™” Does anyone know what bundle fiber is? 

Another manufacturer uses the term wavesupport™ core which is a solid plastic in a loose accordion shape.  This crib mattress company claims to offer “certified organic” crib mattresses.  I don’t believe plastic is organic.

A Note About Sustainable Textiles

Aside from natural fibers like cotton and wool, what are sustainable textiles typically made from? Current sustainability trends include:

  • Blended fabrics utilizing fiber technology that reduces synthetic microfiber pollution.

  • Advanced recycled and biodegradable fibers, such as Econyl.  Econyl is made from synthetic waste like fishing nets and industrial plastic.

  • Biodegradable polyester such as CiCLO.

List of the Top 7 Organic Crib Mattress Brands 

BrandCostFill MaterialsCover Materials
SafeSleep®$299no fill or core (air)polyester
Nook®$199-$419wool, latex, foam, coircotton, lyocell, polyester
Naturepedic®$269-$549innersprings, cotton, plastic, synthetic fiberscotton, polyester
Avocado Green®$349-$1,379innerspring, cotton, wool, coir, hemp, latexcotton
LifeKind®$549innerspring, cotton, wool, latexcotton
My Green Mattress®$299innerspring, coir, latex, woolcotton
Saatva®$345innerspring, latex, wool, eucalyptus fibercotton

Before we go into our analysis of the leading organic crib mattress brands, we identify the top 4 things to avoid when shopping for an organic crib mattress.  Additionally, we list the top 6 things to look for when buying a crib mattress.

Top 4 Things to Avoid When Shopping for an Organic Crib Mattress

  •     Foam
  •     Vinyl Covers
  •     Flame Retardants
  •     Waterproofing Chemicals

Foam

There is nothing organic about foam.  Most foam mattresses contain both fire retardants and waterproofing chemicals.  Polyurethane foam and vegetable-base foams, including soy, are highly flammable and they emit VOCs. 

Vinyl Covers

Crib mattresses with vinyl covers are problematic for two reasons.  One, they artificially elevate an infant’s core body temperature.  An elevated temperature causes an infant to wake.  It is also linked to SIDS. 

Two, vinyl is a toxic plastic.  The technical term for vinyl is polyvinyl chloride or PVC.  PVC is the most toxic plastic.  This plastic contains dangerous chemical additives including phthalates, lead, cadmium, and/or organotin.  All these chemicals can be toxic to your child’s health. These toxic additives can leach out or evaporate into the air over time, posing unnecessary dangers to children.

The toxic chemicals that PVC off-gassing cause issues with children’s health and development by interfering with natural hormone functioning.  They have been linked to birth defects in baby boys, testicular cancer, liver problems, and early onset of puberty in girls.  Early puberty is a risk factor for breast cancer later in life.  

Flame Retardants

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), flame retardant chemicals have clear benefits to consumer safety when they are added to common household items. However, the NIEHS also acknowledges that there is continued evidence that flame retardants could potentially have dangerous effects to humans and animals.

These harmful effects may include damage to the immune system, disruption to the endocrine and thyroid functions, reproductive toxicity, impaired and neurological function, and cancer. 

Since we do not know the long-term effects of flame-retardant chemicals, it’s best to avoid crib mattresses that use them.

Waterproofing Chemicals

When it comes to waterproofing chemicals in crib mattresses, it’s a catch-22.  Most organic crib mattresses must contain some sort of waterproofing chemicals to avoid contaminating the interior fill.  If the interior of a fiberfill crib mattress becomes saturated with liquids or human excretions, it becomes a breeding ground for pathogens, mildew, and other microbes.

Additionally, you should also avoid anti-microbial, antibacterial and/or anti-mildew chemicals. These chemicals add an extra coating of something that’s potentially toxic.

Consequently, your best option is an organic crib mattress that contains no fiberfill. Yes! there are crib mattresses on the market that contain no fiber fill.

Top 5 Things to Look for When Shopping for an Organic Crib Mattress

  •     Snug Fit
  •     Washable
  •     Firm
  •     Breathe-Through
  •     Find out What Additional Bedding is Needed

Snug Fit

Any crib mattress you choose should fit snugly in your crib.  The CPSC requires a standard size crib mattress be between 51 ⅝ to 53 inches in length and 27 ¼ to 28 inches in width .  You should not be able to fit more than 2 fingers down between the side of the mattress and the inside side of the crib.  This size requirement is designed to prevent an infant from becoming trapped between the side of the mattress and the crib.

A mattress should not be taller than 6 inches.  This requirement is to protect a baby from falling out of the crib.  You also want the crib mattress to be at least 4″ high.  

Want more information on the topic?  Visit, Crib Mattress Size – The Complete Guide

Firm, Flat Surface

A crib mattress should be firm and flat.  If you press your hand flat down, into the mattress, there should be minimal compression.  A firm crib mattress is believed to prevent suffocation and rebreathing risks.  However, should your baby roll to their tummy and is sleeping face down, there are no guarantees.  

Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns parents about using an inclined sleep surface.  Inclined surfaces have resulted in over 200 infant deaths and over 1,000 injuries.  A crib mattress should be firm and flat.

Washable

The ideal organic crib mattress should be washable.  If a crib mattress is completely washable, there is no reason for it to contain waterproofing chemicals.  Additionally, mold, pathogens, and other microorganisms will be avoided.

Breathe Through

An organic breathe-through crib mattress eliminates the risk of both suffocation and rebreathing.  It also helps keep an infant’s body core temperature stable for safer, longer, and better sleep.  

Find out What Additional Bedding is Needed

A good quality crib mattress can be pricy.  When your good quality organic crib mattress needs extra bedding, it can more than double the cost of the mattress.  Consequently, you want to make sure you know what extra bedding – if any – is needed and how much that additional bedding costs.

Afterall, you don’t want to pair your organic crib mattress with sheets and pads that contain the chemicals you are trying to avoid.

Find out more about what to look for when choosing a baby mattress for your crib, Baby Mattress for Crib – What to Look For.

An Analysis of the Top 7 Organic Crib Mattress Brands

We conducted an analysis of of the top 7 organic crib mattress brands to see what they are filled with and covered with.  We also look at other features such as certifications, safety features, washability, is additional bedding needed and are they breathe through.

Our Top Pick for Best Organic Crib Mattress

Our top pick for best organic crib mattress is the SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib mattress.

 

1)   SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress

 

Breathable Crib Mattress

 

The SafeSleep® Breathe-Through crib mattress created by Safe Sleep Technologies, is a unique two part crib mattress.  This mattress allows a baby who is sleeping face down to breathe normally right through the surface.  It is moderately priced at $299.  Additional toppers can be purchased for $99.

The SafeSleep® was designed by a leading pediatrician.  No surprise, it is the #1 Pediatrician recommended crib mattress.  We give it additional high marks for safety.

Safe Sleep TechnologiesCostFill MaterialsCover
Materials
Fire RetardantsWater-proofing+ Bedding Required100
Washable
Breathe ThroughShop
SafeSleep® Breathe-Through$299.00None 3D Spacer Mesh/polyesterNoneNoneNoYesYesBuy Now

SafeSleep® Interior

The interior of the SafeSleep® is the most organic crib mattress on the market when it comes to the fill material.  There is no fill or core.  The interior is free flowing air.  And it doesn’t get any more organic than that.

There are no added chemicals to the interior of the SafeSleep® baby mattress.

SafeSleep® Exterior

The surface of the SafeSleep® is made from a 3D, medical grade, spacer mesh.  The 3D warp knitting offers an extreme high air permeability rate.  The air permeability rate of the SafeSleep® is over 300x higher than a conventional organic or fiber filled crib mattress.

The 3D surface is cushioned, absorbent, resilient – meaning it keeps its shape.  It is soft to the touch, and pleasing to the eye.  3D spacer mesh is a sustainable alternative to foam.  Overall, 3D spacer fabrics offer great durability, retain their cushioning properties – they don’t sink or sag.  They are also recyclable, making them better for the environment. 

Additionally, 3D spacer fabrics contain a combination of textile sheets and distance fibers, with a porous structure that can offer high absorption capacities.  3D Spacer regulates heat and moisture as the structure of fabric, helps to transport liquid away and allow air to flow through.  This is the reason it is used in a lot of medical products.

Flame Retardants and Waterproofing

There are no flame retardants or waterproofing chemicals used in or on the SafeSleep® organic crib mattress.  Since there is no fill or core material to become contaminated, there is no need for any waterproofing.  In fact, water passes through the surface and ends up at the bottom of the mattress where it can be easily wiped clean.

Extra Bedding

There is no extra bedding needed for the SafeSleep® crib mattress.  The special design of this mattress eliminates the need for a mattress protector and sheets.  

Washability

The SafeSleep® is completely washable. It is the only completely washable crib mattress in the organic crib mattress category.  The surface of the mattress is easily removed for machine washing.  The hollow base section can be wiped down with a damp cloth while still in the crib.

Breathe Through

The SafeSleep® is the only mattress on our organic crib mattress that is completely breathe through.  The mattress registers 100% oxygen rich air while a baby is breathing through it.  Testing also shows SafeSleep® eliminates both suffocation and rebreathing risks.  

We hear a lot of parents say they sleep better knowing their baby is sleeping on a SafeSleep® crib mattress.

Certifications

The SafeSleep® organic crib mattress is OKEO-TEK certified.  This certifies the purity of the products.  Since the SafeSleep® has no fill or core material other certifications would not apply.  The Company does have a lot of scientific testing they share about their products safety.

 

2) Nook®

Nook Organic Crib Mattress

Nook® offers two organic crib mattress choices – the Air and the Pure Organic crib mattress.  The air retails for $199 and The Pure Organic retails for $439.   Additional covers can be purchased for $119.

Nook® refers to their Air crib mattress as organic even though it is made mostly from foam.  Hum!  The most unique thing about the Nook® mattress is the raised pebble surface. 

Nook® CostFill MaterialsCover MaterialsFire RetardantsWater-proofing+ Bedding RequiredCompletely WashableBreathe ThroughShop
Organic Pure$419.00Coconut coir, latex, woolCotton, lyocell, polyester blendYesYesNoNoNoBuy Now
Air Lightweight$199.00FoamCotton, lyocell, polyester blendYesYesNoNoNoBuy Now

Nook® Interior

As stated prior, the Nook® Air Organic crib mattress is made up mostly of foam. I have to believe that is why it is only $199. 

The Nook® Pure Organic crib mattress is comprised mostly of coconut coir.  One side of the mattress has an additional layer of latex and the other side has an additional layer of wool.  

Nook® Exterior

The surface of the Nook® – the Company refers to as Pebble Cover – is a combination of cotton, lyocell, and a polyester blend.  Lyocell is considered a semi-synthetic fabric.  It is a form of viscose (rayon). 

Unlike viscose and other types of rayon, lyocell is made using a “closed loop” process which means that the chemicals used in production do not get released into the environment make it more eco-friendly.

While lyocell by itself is compostable, if blended with other synthetic fibers, the new fabric will not be compostable

Lyocell is a delicate fabric so expect some snagging and abrading or pilling on the surface.

Flame Retardants and Waterproofing

Nook uses a Freudenberg flame retardant on its Air organic crib mattress.  The wool on the Nook® organic acts as a natural fire barrier.  The surface materials shard by both Nook® mattresses use waterproofing chemicals called nano-coating.  

Extra Bedding

There is no extra bedding needed for either Nook® organic crib mattresses.  The mattresses are ready to use right out of the box.

Washability

The cover that surrounds both NooK® crib mattresses are removable for machine washing.  Because of he delicate nature of the fabric, the Company recommends washing the covers in cold water and air drying or using a low heat setting.  This creates a longer washing time.  The interior of the mattress is not washable.

Breathe Through

The Nook® is not considered a completely breathe through crib mattress.  There is no way for air to travel in and out of the Nook®’s multiple layers of foam, latex and coconut coir.  

Certifications

The foam of the Nook® air is CertiPUR-US® certified.  Both product have Greenguard Gold Certification.  

 

3) Naturepedic®

Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress

Naturepedic® offers three organic crib mattress choices – Classic, Breathable, and Breathable Ultra.  The Classic starts at $269.  The Breathable starts at $399.  And the Breathable Ultra starts at $499.  Waterproofing pads can be purchased for $59.  Additional breathable pads with waterproof backing can be purchased for $99.

All three Naturepedic® crib mattresses are a traditional crib mattress design – innerspring encased in fabric.

Naturepedic® CostFill
Materials
Cover MaterialsFire RetardantsWater-proofing+ Bedding Required100%
Washable
Breathe ThroughShop
Classic$269.00 – $329.00Innerspring or plastic wave core, cotton and synthetic fibersCottonNoneYesYesNoNoBuy Now
Breathable $399.00 – $449.00Innerspring or plastic wave core, cotton and synthetic fibersCotton and polyesterNoneYesNoNoNoBuy Now
Breathable Ultra$499.00 – $549.00Innerspring or plastic wave core, cotton and synthetic fibersCotton and polyesterNoneYesNoNoNoBuy Now

Naturepedic® Interior

All three Naturepedic® are available with innerspring or a plastic accordion shaped core the Company refers to as a wavesupport™ core.  This wavesupport™ creates a lighter weight crib mattress.  The lighter weight helps with crib sheet changes.  However, the wavesupport™ core ads an additional $50 to the already pricey Naturepedic® mattresses.

All three Naturepedic crib mattress designs use cotton batting that wraps around the innersprings or wavesupport® core.  An additional layer of synthetic fabric is used.

Naturepedic® Exterior

Additionally, all three Naturepedic organic crib mattress designs have a cotton cover that is stitched around the mattress interior fill.  Both the Breathable and Breathable Ultra have a removable cotton and polyester cover that is a 3D mesh fabric.  This cover is similar to a crib mattress pad.  

Flame Retardants and Waterproofing

None of the Naturepedic organic crib mattress designs contain any flame retardants.  However, all three designs use a waterproof coating.

Extra Bedding

 The Company recommends using one of their waterproof crib mattress pads.  They retail for $59 unless you opt for their breathable model which retails for $99.

Washability

Both the Breathable and Ultra breathable have a removable, washable cover.  However, that is the only part of the mattress that is washable.  If the mattress develops a tear, which is common on many crib mattresses, the interior will eventually become contaminated.

Breathe Through

We do not consider any of the Naturepedic® crib mattresses breathe through.  There are waterproof layers, and layers of cotton batting, that most likely impede airflow.

Certifications

Naturepedic® products are Greenguard Gold Certified, and have GOL, and GOTS.  There is no doubt, Naturepedic® takes a serious approach to making sure their products are organic.

4) Avocado Green®

Avocado Green Organic Crib Mattress

Avocado Green® offers three organic crib mattress designs – Ergo Organic, Organic, and Luxury Organic.  The Ergo Organic crib mattress is $349.  The Organic is $449.  And, the Luxury Organic is $1,379. 

Each Avocado Green organic crib mattress requires a mattress pad that will set you back another $69.  

Avacado Green®CostFill
Materials
Cover MaterialsFire RetardantsWater-
proofing
+ Bedding Required100% WashableBreathe ThroughShop
Eco Organic$349.00Cotton, coconut coir, hemp, wool, InnerspringCottonNoneNoneYes – Company suggest 3 cotton pads at $69.00 eachNoNoBuy Now
Organic$439.00Cotton, coconut coir, wool, latexCottonNoneNoneYes – Company suggest 3 cotton pads at $69.00 eachNoNoBuy Now
Luxury Organic$1,379.00Coconut coir, hemp, wool, latex, InnerspringCottonNoneNoneYes – Company suggest 3 cotton pads at $69.00 eachNoNoBuy Now

Avocado Green® Interior

The Avocado Green’s Ergo Organic crib mattress is an innerspring mattress with a layer of coconut coir followed by wool on one side and a layer of hemp and wool on the other.  

The Organic is layers of coconut coir, latex, and wool.  The Luxury Organic is also an innerspring mattress.  The springs are individually covered with cotton.  There are additional layers of latex, coconut coir, wool and hemp.  

Avocado Green® Exterior

All three of Avocado Green®’s crib mattress designs have a cotton cover. 

Flame Retardants and Waterproofing

The Company does not use any flame retardants or waterproofing chemicals.  A mattress pad, or waterproof sheet must be used.  

Extra Bedding

 The Company recommends using their  quilted cotton protector pad they sell for $69.  The pad has a polyurethane core covered with cotton fabric.

Washability

None of the Avocado Green® organic crib mattresses ae washable.  

Breathe Through

With the multiple layers of various fabrics and fiber fill, the Avocado Green® mattresses are not considered breathe through.

Certifications

Impressively,  Avocado Green® crib mattresses have multiple certifications which include; Greenguard, OEKO-TEX®, GOL, and GOTS, 

5) Lifekind®

Lifekind organic crib mattress

The Lifekind® offers two organic crib mattresses.  One is an innerspring and the other a latex core.  Both share the same styling and outer cover.  The Lifekind® mattress is a traditionally designed crib mattress.

LifeKind®CostFill
Materials
Cover MaterialsFire Retardants Water-proofing+ Bedding Required100% WashableBreathe ThroughShop
Certified Organic$549.00Wool, latex, innerspringCottonNoneNoneYes – Company suggests a waterproof coverNoNoBuy Now

Lifekind® Interior

As mentioned, you have your choice of a latex or innerspring core.  Both are then wrapped in wool batting.

Lifekind® Exterior

The exterior fabric is cotton.  

Flame Retardants and Waterproofing

No flame retardants are used.  It is unclear if the Lifekind® organic crib mattress has any waterproofing chemicals.  We believe they do not since they suggest using a “barrier cover.”  

Extra Bedding

  The Company suggests a “barrier cover.”  

Washability

The Lifekind® crib mattress is not washable.

Breathe Through

The Lifekind® crib mattress is not considered a breathe- through mattress.  It is a conventionally designed fiber fill mattress.

Certifications

The Lifekind® organic crib mattress has GOTS, GOL, and Greenguard certifications.  

6) My Green Mattress®

The Emily crib mattress from My Green Mattress® is a conventionally designed crib mattress with innersprings.  

My Green Mattress®CostFill
Materials
Cover MaterialsFire RetardantsWater-proofing+ Bedding Required100%
Washable
Breathe ThroughShop
Emily $299.00Coconut coir, latex, wool, innerspring CottonNoneNoneYes – A cotton pad $69.00NoNoBuy Now

My Green Mattress® Interior

The Emily organic crib mattress is an innerspring mattress.  It has additional layers of  coconut coir, latex, and wool.

My Green Mattress® Exterior

The exterior surface is cotton with the wool layer underneath it. 

Flame Retardants and Waterproofing

No flame retardants are used.  It is unclear if the Emily crib mattress uses any waterproofing chemicals.  The Company recommends a cotton “protector” that retails for $69.

Extra Bedding

  A crib mattress pad or “protector” is recommended.

Washability

The Emily organic mattress is not washable.  

Breathe Through

The Emily organic crib mattress is a traditionally designed crib mattress with fiber fill.  Consequently, it is not breathe through.

Certifications

The Emily organic crib mattress by My Green Mattress has GOL, GOTS, and Greenguard certifications.

7) Saatva®

The Saavta® organic crib mattress is also a conventionally designed mattress.  However, it does have a removable cover that can be machine washed.

Saatva®CostFill
Materials
Cover MaterialsFire RetardantsWater-proofing+ Bedding Required100% WashableBreathe ThroughShop
Crib Mattress$345.00Latex, Lyocelll, wool, innerspringCottonNoneYesNoNoNoBuy Now

Saatva® Interior

The Saatva® organic crib mattress is a conventionally designed innerspring mattress with added layers.  These layers include latex, wool, and lyocell.  

Saatva® Exterior

The exterior fabric is cotton.  A waterproof repellent has been added to the cotton cover.

Flame Retardants and Waterproofing

The company ;does not use any flame retardants.  However, they do use a waterproof coating on their organic crib mattress.  The Company claims this coating is non-toxic.   

Extra Bedding

  No extra bedding is needed.

Washability

The Saatva® organic crib mattress has a removable cover that can be machine washed.  The rest of the mattress cannot be washed.

Breathe Through

With the multiple layers of various fabrics and fiber fill, the Saatva® mattress is not considered breathe through.

Certifications

The Saatva® is both GOTS and Greenguard certified.

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Conclusion

All the crib mattresses we reviewed avoid three of the four things we mentioned when looking for an organic crib mattress.  None of the mattresses use foam, or flame retardants.  Additionally none of them have a vinyl cover.  

Some of the organic mattresses do use a waterproof coating.  However, those using a waterproof coating claim they are non-toxic.  Without disclosing the chemicals used, it leaves the consumer to only guess.  So, don’t be afraid to ask what chemicals are being used.  

All of the crib mattresses we reviewed have a snug fit and firm surface.  Some have washable covers, but only one organic crib mattress on our list is completely washable – The SafeSleep®.

Additionally, the SafeSleep® is the only organic crib mattress that is completely breathe-through.  

All the organic mattresses we reviewed claimed to be “breathable.”  As we mentioned, there is no industry standard for “breathable” when it comes to a crib mattress.  A breathe-through crib mattress is one that registers 100% oxygen rich air while a baby is breathing through it.

Mattresses claiming to be breathable often trap harmful CO2.  CO2 rebreathing is a know risk when it comes to infant sleep related deaths.  Scientific testing on the SafeSleep® breathe-through organic crib mattress shows that CO2 dissipates – is gone – before a baby takes in their next breath of air.  Not only does the SafeSleep® eliminate suffocation risks.  It eliminates the risk of rebreathing.

Most of the organic crib mattresses on our list require some type of topper or protective cover.  Those that don’t are using a waterproofing coating.  The one exception is the SafeSleep®.  Since the SafeSleep® has no fill or core materials, there is no need for a waterproofing coating or a protective covering.  

In fact, the SafeSleep® wicks away water.  This is an added safety feature.  If a baby spits up, the expelled liquids do not pool on the surface.  Liquids pooling on the surface can cause a chocking risk if a baby ends up face down.  

In reference to certifications, all the mattresses using latex have the proper GOL certification.  Those using cotton, wool, and coir have the proper GOTS certifications.  And those using cotton, polyester, lyocell or similar materials have either Greenguard or OKEO-TEK cortication.  

I would feel comfortable putting my baby on any of these organic crib mattresses knowing they were not breathing in toxic chemicals.  However, the SafeSleep® stands out with its extra safety features.

Find out more why SafeSleep is the #1 Pediatrician recommended crib mattress, Best Crib Mattress – The Science Speaks.

 

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