The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
We’ve reviewed dozens of the best organic, non-toxic, and eco-friendly crib mattresses — these are our top 5 selections.
Babies under a year old sleep a lot — upwards of 12–16 hours a day. This sleep is critical in supporting both their cognitive and physical growth. But how much thought do you give to what they’re sleeping on? Traditionally, crib mattresses are made of or topped with polyurethane foam, which comes from petroleum, and they often contain potentially dangerous fire retardants. Plus, crib mattresses’ vinyl linings can emit harmful phthalates. Yuck. Below, we discuss the essentials of organic crib mattresses and round up the best healthy crib mattresses on the market. Read on to learn more. 👶
Why are organic crib mattresses important?
Not only do natural or organic mattresses reduce “exposure to harmful chemicals commonly found in conventional mattresses,” explains Byron Golub, VP of product and merchandising at Saatva, which specializes in eco-friendly mattresses, but they’re also “resistant to allergens, and offer durability through high-quality materials.”
Let’s talk about potentially harmful chemicals. You know that weird smell when you first open something from a factory, like a mattress? That’s called off-gassing, and polyurethane foam is known for it. What you’re smelling are volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, and they can be harmful in high amounts, according to the American Lung Association. In general, the less synthetic a mattress is, the less VOCs it emits.
Since mattresses must contain flame retardants, many companies use synthetic ones like boric acid, PBDEs, and antimony trioxide. Children are most vulnerable to the potential toxic effects of these synthetic chemicals because they’re still developing, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Organic crib mattresses are more likely to utilize natural flame retardants, like wool, or safer synthetic ones.
Since we’re looking at crib mattresses specifically, those are often lined in vinyl — great for its waterproofing ability, sure, but not so great since it emits phthalates, chemicals linked to harmful health effects like disrupting your endocrine system.
What should you look for when purchasing organic crib mattresses?
Alright, so we’ve gone over how some crib mattresses can be less than ideal for a baby’s health. So how do you shop for a better option?
Your best bet is to look for third-party certifications that indicate product safety. A GreenGuard certification ensures a product won’t emit VOCs at a harmful level, and an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification means it’s free of 100 commonly used toxic substances and allergens. Golub also recommends a GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification, meaning 95% of a product’s materials must be certified organic, and a Cradle to Cradle certification means the product meets five different criteria: material health, product circularity, climate protection, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness.
And, in general, look for mattresses made of natural materials like “organic cotton, organic wool, and natural latex,” says Golub. Some of these materials are naturally flame resistant, too, like wool, helping you avoid more harmful flame retardants.
All crib mattresses should also be firm, which is crucial to babies’ health. “A firm mattress is essential at this stage of an infant’s growth to help prevent SIDS and other sleep-related accidents,” says Golub. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends babies sleep on their backs on a firm mattress with no pillows or blankets.
Our criteria:
There are a lot of organic crib mattress brands on the market — from niche organic cotton crib mattress brands to affordable organic crib mattress lines from larger manufacturers — so we’ve selected the best sustainable brands making nontoxic crib mattresses for your little ones using the criteria below.
- ORGANIC | Each brand’s mattresses are made of natural or recycled materials like cotton, wool, latex, and recycled or clean polymers that meet third-party specs.
- SAFETY | Each brand features third-party certifications to guarantee consumer safety.
- FIRMNESS | Every mattress is firm to give your baby a safer sleeping experience and to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- PRICE | While we’ve selected mattresses across a range of price points, they’re all high quality and long lasting.
1. Naturepedic
Natural & Nontoxic | Organic cotton, sugarcane PLA fibers
Sizes | Baby, mini, oval, twin
Ships To | Contiguous US & Canada
Price | Starts at $269
Naturepedic offers not one, not two, but three crib mattresses for your little one. Yet regardless of which you choose, they’re all 100 percent organic and waterproof. The waterproofing element is made from food-grade polyethylene that still meets fire safety and food contact standards. For maximum safety, Naturepedic’s mattresses are GOTS, MADE SAFE, and GREENGUARD GOLD certified. Enjoy a lifetime limited warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Naturepedic Review | “My daughter loves sleeping in her crib and I think the mattress has everything to do with it. The outer covering is very easy to wash and put back on.” – Janelle (Read all reviews)
2. Avocado
Natural & Nontoxic | Organic cotton, organic latex, organic wool
Sizes | Dual-sided crib mattress, kids, twin
Ships To | US
Price | Starts at $349
Discounts Available | Use code GOODTRADE at checkout to save 10% sitewide
Avocado, a leading name in the mattress industry, has created some of the most organic, sustainable, and well-crafted crib mattresses around. These baby beds are handmade at a GOTS and GOLS organic certified factory in Los Angeles with safe and natural materials—including organic cotton, wool, and latex. Avocado’s mattress makes our list for its organic ingredients and comfort. (I’ve literally napped on my daughter’s crib mattress because it’s that dreamy.) It’s also dual-sided for two levels of firmness to transition from baby to toddler stage. With a 25-year warranty, a 30-night trial, and a range of price points, this B Corp touts the very best.
Avocado Review | “Love that it’s non toxic and it’s so comfortable. Probably more comfortable than my bed. The fabric is so soft and the quality is great. Smells fresh too!” – Melissa T. (Read all reviews)
3. Saatva
Natural & Nontoxic | Organic cotton, natural latex, eucalyptus fibers, recycled steel coils
Sizes | Dual-sided crib mattress, kids, twin
Ships To | Contiguous US
Price | $355
Saatva is a leading disruptor in the mattress industry. All of Saatva’s products are made with plant-based materials and crafted in the USA. The Saatva Crib Mattress is essentially two beds in one, with one side focused on double-firm support for babies and the other with firm support for toddlers. Plus, the mattress is GREENGUARD GOLD, Cradle-To-Cradle, and OEKO-TEX certified, and treated with a water-repellent finish.
Saatva Review | “My husband and I shopped around for awhile for a crib mattress, which was a very daunting task—lots of options out there to set doubt in your mind about which is best for your child. Based on what to look for in our research we found that this was the best option!” – Lauren (Read all reviews)
4. Organic Dream
Natural & Nontoxic | Organic cotton
Sizes | Standard, mini, Pack and Play
Ships To | Contiguous US
Price | Starts at $200
Organic Dream makes crib mattresses in the USA from high-quality materials that are GREENGUARD GOLD certified and hypoallergenic. The washable, breathable mattresses come with two stages of firmness to easily transition from infant to toddler sleep support. The #1 Pediatrician recommended mattress, the organic material is clean and free from pesticides, fertilizers, and toxic chemicals. Your baby will rest easy so you can, too.
Organic Dream Review | “So good we had to get a second one for our little nephew that just arrived.” – Angela A. (Read all reviews)
5. Brentwood Home
Natural & Nontoxic | Organic cotton
Sizes | Dual-sided crib mattress, kids, twin
Ships To | US
Price | $349
Brentwood Home’s waterproof crib mattress is designed for worry-free sleep. The recyclable PETE core is 90 percent air for breathability, includes two sides for babies and toddlers, and has an organic waterproof liner and removable cover. (The team has truly thought of it all!) Brentwood’s baby and kids’ mattresses are GREENGUARD GOLD certified, climate-neutral, and vegan — so it’s as safe for the planet as it is for your bundle of love.
Brentwood Home Review | “Couldn’t be happier with it! Makes me feel so much better knowing my child isn’t breathing in harmful chemicals from the old mattress and sleeping comfortably now.” – Kimberly C. (Read all reviews)
Featured image is from Avocado
