Choosing the Best Organic Crib Mattress: Safe and Non-Toxic Options for Your Baby

At Sprout Babies, we firmly believe that if there's one item in your nursery that should be organic, it's the crib mattress. Babies spend up to 16 hours a day in their cribs, and traditional mattresses can release potentially harmful chemicals into the air. These mattresses are often made of polyurethane foam, which can break down and emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This foam is also highly flammable, leading to the use of flame retardant chemicals that may not be safe for infants. In contrast, organic mattresses are made of cotton and made flame retardant using wool, latex, or baking soda. Thankfully, there are a variety of organic options to suit any budget and preference for firmness or materials. Here’s how to choose the best one for your baby:

Key Points to Consider When Choosing an Organic Crib Mattress

• Plastic: Some mattresses use food-grade plastic (without BPA, PVC, or phthalates) to make them waterproof. For example, Naturepedic mattresses are covered in organic cotton and brushed with a layer of food-grade plastic. If you prefer to avoid plastic, consider the Nook Pebble Pure.
• Allergens: If you’re concerned about allergies to wool or latex, opt for a mattress like Naturepedic, which uses baking soda as a flame retardant instead of wool and latex.
• Firmness: According to SIDS guidelines, babies should sleep on a firm surface. Naturepedic’s 150 coil mattresses are very firm, but for added firmness, choose one with 252 coils.
• Seams: Seamless mattresses are less likely to collect dust and allergens compared to those with seams around the edges.
• Two-Sided / 2-Stage: If you plan to convert your crib into a toddler bed, a dual-sided mattress can be a good investment. These mattresses have a firm side for infants and a less firm or quilted side for toddlers.

Our Top Recommended Options

Budget-Friendly Choice:

Healthy Support Crib Mattress:  At Sprout Babies, we recommend the Lullaby Earth Healthy Support Crib Mattress for its exceptional safety and health benefits. Made in the U.S.A. from food-safe materials, it's MADE SAFE® certified non-toxic, containing no harmful chemicals like polyurethane foam or flame retardants. The patented waterproofing makes it easy to clean, ensuring hygiene. Its firm surface and reinforced edge support meet CPSC guidelines, and the dual firmness design grows with your child. Lightweight with a snug fit, it's crafted from recyclable, food-grade polyethylene and polyester, eliminating potential allergens and harmful chemicals. Trust Lullaby Earth for a safe, comfortable, and healthy sleep environment.

Cozy, Adult-Like Baby Mattress:

Naturepedic Organic Breathable Ultra Baby Crib Mattress (2-Stage): We recommend the Naturepedic Breathable Ultra Crib Mattress for its unparalleled safety and breathability. With 360 degrees of airflow, it's one of the only certified organic, waterproof, and breathable crib mattresses in the world. The thick, removable, machine-washable layer maximizes breathability and doubles as a mattress protector. Choose between a lightweight option for convenience or an innerspring option for maximum strength. The mattress features 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and a waterproof surface made from non-GMO sugarcane, and it's entirely vegan with no glues, adhesives, or polyurethane foam. It meets flame standards without fire retardants or chemical additives. Made in the U.S.A., it fits standard size cribs and toddler beds with dimensions 27 1/4" x 51 5/8" x 6". Trust Naturepedic for a safe, comfortable, and healthy sleep environment for your baby.

Explore Our Collection

For a full range of organic mattresses, including options for bassinets, cribs, twin, full, queen, and king sizes, visit our Mattresses & Mattress Pads section.