When my first baby moved into a standard size crib, I had no idea about mattresses. I figured they were all the same and simply chose one with decent reviews and a relatively low cost. I had no idea that any sort of harsh chemicals could be in crib mattresses. Once I found that out by chance while reading an article, I promptly looked for a replacement for my son’s bed. It worried me a lot. The main things I was concerned about were health and safety.
No parent wants their baby to sleep in a toxic environment. This is the main reason why I decided that organic crib mattress would be a better choice for my little one.
An organic mattress is typically made of materials like wool or certified organic cotton and free of harsh chemicals like flame retardants. Sometimes you will find plant materials and food-grade foams as well.
In addition, SIDS is a very serious and growing problem. Choosing a crib mattress that is chemical-free helps reduce that risk, allowing you to have more peace of mind when you put your child to bed.
Carry on reading or jump to our #1 pick here.
Table of Contents
- What Should I Look for in an Organic Crib Mattress?
- Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Organic Crib Mattress
- Our Top Picks for the Best Organic Crib Mattress of 2024
- #1: Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress (Best Value)
- #2: Avocado Green Luxury Organic Crib Mattress (Best Overall)
- #3: Newton Wovenair Baby Crib Mattress (Best Breathable)
- #4: LA Baby Natural 2-in-1 Crib Mattress (Best Low Cost)
- #5: Colgate Eco Classica III Mattress (Best Foam)
- #6: My Green Emily Crib Mattress (Best for Support)
- #7: Bundle of Dreams Mini Crib Mattress (Best for Mini Crib)
- #8: Lullaby Earth Non-Toxic Crib Mattress (Second Best Low Cost)
- What Exactly Is an Organic Crib Mattress?
- Is an Organic Crib Mattress Really Necessary?
- What About Safety?
- Verdict: Your Best Choice for an Organic Crib Mattress
What Should I Look for in an Organic Crib Mattress?
There are certain standards the crib mattress will have to meet to be considered organic. These details are among the most important when you are shopping for a mattress for your baby’s crib. Be sure to take all of this into consideration if you decide to do your own research. We made sure that all of the crib mattresses on our list are the safest options so they truly are the best to choose from. Take a look at some of the information we gathered to aid you in your decision.
Filling
A true organic crib mattress will be free of polyurethane foam and flame retardants. It needs to be made of organic cotton or wool materials to actually be considered organic. It also helps if it has some sort of certification.
Surface
Surface and comfort kind of go hand in hand here. You will want the surface of the mattress to be soft and comfy, but also somewhat breathable to further reduce suffocation risks.
Comfort
Obviously, you want the mattress to be comfortable and to provide adequate support. Your baby will be using it for quite a while, since most crib mattresses can be used in toddler bed frames. Also, it’s good to keep in mind that you do not want to add any pillows or blankets to your baby’s crib. If you are concerned about keeping them warm use a swaddle or a safe space heater for the nursery.
Make sure that the mattress itself is comfortable enough to prevent any need for additional bedding. Most of the time the cover of the mattress will be made of organic cotton, and that should be plenty soft for your child to sleep on.
Weight
Sometimes your baby’s diaper will leak or something else will happen and you will need to clean your mattress. That’s when the mattress weight becomes important, since you’re going to need to bend over the railings and pick it up in order to clean it. So make sure the mattress is not too heavy for you to take out.
Flame Resistant
All mattresses should be flame resistant, regardless of how the mattress is made. Even adult mattresses are made to pass fireproofing laws. However, polyurethane foam is still highly flammable. This is why an organic crib mattress would be a better choice.
Certification
Many of these organic crib mattresses will give you some sort of certification that they are truly safe and organic. This includes Greenguard certification, Global Organic Textile Standard GOTS certified, and GOLS. You should also see certified organic cotton or wool listed in the materials.
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Organic Crib Mattress
The first step was making sure that the mattresses we chose are actually organic. For some mattresses, certain materials keep them within safety standards, but they are not a truly organic mattress. (There is one exception that you will read about as well.) You will see that after that, we compared prices and reviews from parents to pinpoint which ones were the best. It also helps to add in personal experience, so of course that is sprinkled in as well. This list consists of what parents swear are the best organic crib mattresses for your little bundle of joy.
Our Top Picks for the Best Organic Crib Mattress of 2024
#1: Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress (Best Value)
When I looked for an organic mattress for my own child, I stumbled upon the Naturepedic brand and I was thoroughly impressed. It is in the middle for cost but ended up being the perfect match for us. When you shop for Naturepedic mattresses, you will notice that there are a few different models, including the organic cotton classic. The organic cotton classic just narrowly missed making our top picks, but anything made by Naturepedic has been trusted by parents. Read on to see what makes the Naturepedic Breathable the top organic crib mattress on our list.
It’s waterproof
This isn’t something you’ll see often with the organic mattresses. I found that this was important for us since there’s always a risk for an accident at night, even with a potty-training toddler. Having a waterproof mattress that is also easy to clean and that wouldn’t become damaged from a wet diaper was a win. The best part is that the waterproof coating is made from non-GMO food-grade material. It is literally sugar cane. No glue!
It is made for your child’s growth
What I liked about this organic mattress was that each side was dedicated to a different stage. One side is nice and firm for safe sleep. The toddler side is a little less firm and made for your growing child. It’s as easy as just flipping the mattress over once they transition out of their crib. You will see that a few of these organic crib mattresses have this capability, and it was a real selling point for me.
360-degree air circulation
To add to the safety of this crib mattress, it is completely breathable. The fabric allows the air to flow right through it because of its 3-dimensional design. This alone gave me the most peace of mind when I was looking for an organic mattress for my babies.
Here are some other notable features of this crib mattress:
- No flame retardants
- No polyurethane foam
- Organic cotton fill made in the USA
- The waterproof covering is machine washable
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified
- Greenguard certified
There are many reasons to choose this mattress, and they are exactly why we chose it. With a 30-day money-back guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty, you really have nothing to lose. Plus, it’s comfortable because of the soft organic cotton. I can honestly say that my babies got the best nights of sleep on this mattress. $350 may seem like a lot, but with how much use your child will get out of it, it will basically pay for itself. Plus, you get to choose the lightweight or innerspring coil for the inside of the mattress. It was a really great purchase, and I am so glad that we decided to go for it.
#2: Avocado Green Luxury Organic Crib Mattress (Best Overall)
This handmade in Los Angeles crib mattress is in a league of its own. It is made with all-natural organic materials and is one of the safest crib mattresses on the market. The only real drawback of this organic mattress is the price. It comes in at a whopping $1,249. However, if you have the money to spare you should go for it. I wish I did but I don’t and went with the Naturepedic, which is also very safe and certified organic. What makes this crib mattress so luxurious? Read on and find out.
It is completely handmade
This mattress was made in the USA. The organic cotton wrapped coils are cut by hand, stitched to a coco fiber base, and layered between organic wool. Not only does this provide more durability, but results in no noisy metal coils. It is the most natural and organic mattress you can find, just unfortunately not at an affordable price. However, it is totally handcrafted, so you’re paying for all the hard work that went into making it.
25 year limited warranty
Avocado stands behind their products, which is why their warranty lasts so long. The best part is that they will offer full replacement and pay for all the shipping costs for the first 10 years. This will bring you way past your child’s infant and toddler years. You will find the same warranty applies to all of their mattresses, including the adult-sized ones.
What else makes this one of the best organic mattresses?
- Infant side and toddler side
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Organic Textile Standard GOTS certified organic
- GOLS organic certified
- Made-safe certified
- Formaldehyde-free
- No chemical flame retardants
- No polyurethane foam
If you can invest in this mattress, you should do it. The only reason this didn’t take the number one spot is that not everyone has an unlimited budget. This product is truly revolutionary and will last years. It has every safety certification possible, and you will never have to worry about your babies being exposed to harmful chemicals, especially flame retardant chemicals.
#3: Newton Wovenair Baby Crib Mattress (Best Breathable)
This mattress is a unique one, and let’s talk about why. Many parents swear this is one of the best crib mattresses, and we have done the research to prove it. It takes the Best Breathable because it really is. You won’t ever have to worry about your child getting too hot because this crib mattress allows them to regulate their temperature. This way they will stay cool and comfortable all through the night. Keep reading to find out what other important features put this mattress at #3 on our list.
It’s 100% washable
No other crib mattress in our top picks has this feature. You can wash every part of it from the cover all the way to the core. This will give you so much peace of mind since we all know what kinds of germs and bacteria can trap themselves in something that is used by our babies daily. Sometimes a wipe-down and washing of the cover just aren’t enough, and Newton considered this when they designed this mattress.
You have the option for a free trial
Newton is so confident that you will love their mattress that they offer a free 100-night trial so you can test it out. If you aren’t satisfied or if your baby doesn’t like it, you can return it for any reason. The best part? You can return it for free. No fees and no shipping costs. If that doesn’t tell you something about this product then you’re missing something.
Here are some more features that are worth mentioning.
- Greenguard Gold certified
- 90% air, 10% food-grade polyethylene
- No foam, glue, latex, or springs
- 2 stage design
So this may seem like a little bit of a contradiction because Newton doesn’t classify this mattress as organic. After all, it isn’t made of organic cotton material. However, it is still one of the safest crib mattresses for your baby. It is the most hygienic because of your ability to clean it so thoroughly. The Greenguard Gold certification alone tells you that this mattress is totally free of any harmful chemicals even though it isn’t actually organic. Since it’s more breathable than any of the other mattresses on our list, you will have no reason to worry about a risk of suffocation. After thorough research and parent testimonials, I believe that this mattress has still earned its place within our top picks.
#4: LA Baby Natural 2-in-1 Crib Mattress (Best Low Cost)
This is another foam mattress, much like the Colgate Eco Classica III except it’s made of a slightly different kind of foam. The organic cotton cover is soft and comfortable, giving your baby a soft place to lay their head. All this while being sustainably sourced while also not breaking the bank. These are some of the reasons why this organic crib mattress took the spot for the best low cost. Keep reading to find out what else makes it so special.
It’s made of soybean foam
The core of this mattress is designed to help with the development of your baby’s spine. It is firm and offers plenty of support without sacrificing comfort. Plus, this mattress is also CertiPUR-US certified since it is made from only renewable resources. The memory foam on the toddler side is less firm, allowing for extra softness. This layer is also CertiPUR-US certified.
It has a waterproof cotton cover
This crib mattress is made with a blended organic cotton cover. It makes the LA Baby a waterproof mattress that also has a barrier for dust mites, making it hypoallergenic as well. If you live in an abnormally dusty home, then this mattress might be a good choice for your child.
Here are more features that make this crib mattress the best inexpensive organic option.
- Air vents to promote mattress freshness
- The knitted polyester layer on the toddler side
- Dual firmness for babies and toddlers
- Made in the USA
- Lock stitch at the seam to prevent moisture exposure
The LA Baby mattress was made to last. It has a very durable design with stitching that’s strong enough to prevent most rips and normal wear and tear. On top of that, it keeps moisture from creeping into the core, keeping it fresh and clean. You really can’t go wrong with this mattress as an option for someone with a stricter budget. It still checks all the boxes for being a great mattress, including the absence of flame retardant chemicals, if you are considering going organic.
#5: Colgate Eco Classica III Mattress (Best Foam)
This Colgate crib mattress takes the cake for the best foam pick. Keep in mind that you will naturally pay more for organic because of the materials and the care it takes to make them. Coming in at $220, this crib mattress won’t put quite as big of a hole in your wallet as the Naturepedic or the Avocado, just as examples. However, just because this one will save you some money doesn’t mean it isn’t a great choice. That’s why it made our list, after all. Though it isn’t as inexpensive as the LA Baby organic mattress or the Lullaby Earth Non-toxic mattress, take a look at why we chose this crib mattress as our #5.
It’s made of eco-friendly foam
The difference between this crib mattress and the others is mainly the material. This mattress is made of sustainable plant oils. You won’t see this with any of the other mattresses. It makes the foam completely safe and non-toxic, providing you with peace of mind. The cover is made of organic certified cotton fabric, making it comfortable and ultra-soft.
Colgate Mattress is a family-owned and operated company
In business since 1955, Colgate Mattress has trademarked itself as the Crib Mattress Specialist. Their mattresses are made in the USA by hand and have been for several decades. If you are looking for eco-friendly, you can’t get much better than that. Plus, it is a more budget-conscious option compared to all of the other mattresses we will talk about.
Let’s look at the other important features of this mattress:
- Dual firmness for infants and toddlers
- Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified
- Fits all standard cribs and toddler beds
- Inverted seams for durability
One of the great things about this crib mattress is that it is 100% compliant with all federal flammability standards. This means it is totally free of flame retardant chemicals and has a natural fire-resistant barrier. Plus, it has a waterproof backing that stays dry, keeping your baby’s skin protected. Not to mention it is also soft and comfy because of the organic cotton cover. Even though this mattress isn’t the most expensive, it is still a great organic choice and has the certification to back up its claims.
#6: My Green Emily Crib Mattress (Best for Support)
One of the first things you will notice about this baby crib mattress is how unique it is. Yes, it is made with a mixture of organic cotton and organic wool, but it doesn’t stop there. This mattress is 100% natural and organic while also being really environmentally friendly. Overall it is a great choice for your little one. My Green Mattress stands behind their product and parents stand by them as well. Read on and see what makes this crib mattress so special.
This mattress is made with coconut fiber
So it probably sounds strange because it’s different, but parents swear that it is a great addition. It provides support. The coconut fibers are bound with latex to alleviate pressure, allowing your baby to have a relaxing night of sleep. This coconut coir is also GOTS certified, ensuring that it will be safe.
Your purchase includes a 10-year warranty and a 120-night trial
Similar to the Newton crib mattress, the Emily also offers a sleep trial. However, they want you to give it a real shot, so they ask you to give it a full 30 days to adjust. If you or your baby are still not satisfied, you can reach out to receive a full refund. What’s different? They don’t want the mattress back. Instead, they will ask for proof of donation so it can go to someone else who needs a crib mattress for their baby. The warranty covers defects and you will be set up with a replacement mattress with no extra cost to you. This isn’t something you will see with other brands like Naturepedic, for example.
Here are some more important features of this organic baby mattress:
- GOTS certified organic cotton fabric
- GOTS certified organic wool
- GOLS organic certified
- Oeko-Tex certified Dunlop latex
- Free of flame retardant chemicals
- Biodegradable
This is another great option for an organic crib mattress. It is made with sustainably sourced materials, making it safe for the environment and your baby. The organic wool is also a natural flame retardant as well as resistant to mold and mildew. You will never have to worry about your child’s crib mattress being full of allergens or toxins. Your little one will always have a restful night of sleep on this mattress, with plenty of support to ensure they are as relaxed as possible.
#7: Bundle of Dreams Mini Crib Mattress (Best for Mini Crib)
Not all parents can fit a standard crib in their room while their baby is still an infant. This is why many families opt to use a mini crib instead. It gives your baby their own dedicated space to sleep while also being close to you. Of course, even if it is a mini crib, you will still need a quality mattress for it. Why not choose organic and make sure they are experiencing the safest and healthiest sleep environment possible? Let’s go over the features that made the Bundle of Dreams Mini Crib Mattress one of our top picks.
It has a removable organic cotton cover
Accidents happen, and they are sometimes unavoidable. This is a completely normal part of parenting young babies and toddlers. In addition to being organic and natural, it is also waterproof. A waterproof mattress will prevent any damage if there is a diaper leak. All you have to do is remove the organic cotton cover and put it in the washing machine. It really doesn’t get any easier than that.
There are no VOC’s
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. Do you know the chemical-like smell when you open the plastic of new items? What you’re smelling is off-gassing coming from the polyurethane foam you find in most mattresses. Bundle of Dreams 100% stands by their product so strongly that they can guarantee that you will not experience that smell when your baby’s new crib mattress arrives. It is completely safe and non-toxic.
Take a look at some of the other features that make this the best mini crib mattress:
- Breathable and helps temperature regulation
- Dual firmness for baby and toddler stages
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Hypoallergenic
- Oeko-Tex certified
- Lifetime warranty
This brand makes the best organic mini crib mattress out there right now, and it’s obvious they are confident because of the warranty they offer. If you are looking to purchase a mini crib or if you already have one and want to switch to an all-natural and organic crib mattress that’s better for the environment, look no further.
#8: Lullaby Earth Non-Toxic Crib Mattress (Second Best Low Cost)
If you can afford a little more in your budget, this mattress could also be a great wallet-friendly option. It is under $200 like our #4 pick that we talked about, but over $150. This organic baby crib mattress is made of foam as well and is completely non-toxic. Read on to see why this particular mattress rounds out our list at #8.
This mattress is recyclable
Being made of food-grade polyethylene, it is made of the same material the FDA-approved food packaging is made of. This means that every mattress is free of chemicals and allergens. It is another safe and organic non-toxic mattress that will help you breathe a sigh of relief. There’s no need to worry about fire retardants ever being present in this mattress’s design.
It contains a WaveSupport core
The patented core in this mattress won’t be seen in any of the other organic crib mattresses that we mentioned. It is very easy to wipe down, so you never have to worry about how to keep it clean. Plus with the seamless edge, nothing will ever get trapped inside, affecting the integrity of the core of the mattress.
Here are some more features of this organic crib mattress:
- Greenguard certified
- No flame retardant chemicals
- Made with food-grade polyethylene
- No polyurethane foam
- No adhesives or off-gassing
- Dual firmness
So the bottom line is that if you can slightly expand your budget, you may choose this one over the LA Baby Natural mattress. It is very similar; it is just made of a different kind of foam and includes a lifetime warranty that you won’t find with #4. Otherwise, go for the Naturepedic if you can afford to throw in a little extra. Either way, choosing an organic mattress is important to ensure the safety and health of your child.
What Exactly Is an Organic Crib Mattress?
Organic crib mattresses are made of 100% all-natural materials that are free of harmful chemicals. Most of them are Greenguard certified or meet the Global Organic Textile Standard, and sometimes both. You will see that there are no chemical flame retardants, and the ingredients usually consist of organic cotton and wool.
The bottom line is you will have to look for some sort of legitimate certification to back up the claim that it is truly organic and not just a regular crib mattress claiming to be organic. You will also never see any polyurethane foam or any materials that include lead, BPA, or phthalates. Besides, who would want any of those ingredients anywhere near their baby, especially in their crib?
Is an Organic Crib Mattress Really Necessary?
Would you want your baby to sleep on something toxic? Not all crib mattress manufacturers have to make them out of all-natural materials, as long as they fall within fire safety standards and have low chemical emissions. Other than that, there can still be toxic chemicals in the crib mattress, like polyurethane foams and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Keep this in mind when you are looking at purchasing a baby mattress.
Something else to consider is that there is no safe level of exposure to harsh chemicals. Cotton will not burst into flame the same way that polyurethane foam can, which makes it a much better choice. PVC is one of the most toxic materials that your baby can be around. Heat from their bodies while they sleep will speed up chemical emissions from their crib mattress, especially since most regular mattresses are covered in PVC vinyl. If there is ever a fire, you will worry less knowing that your baby is sleeping on organic cotton or wool, both natural flame retardants instead of toxic chemicals.
What About Safety?
Safety is always going to be your #1 concern as a parent. We all want what’s best for our babies. These organic crib mattresses allow for plenty of airflow while also being comfortable and firm. This is especially important in reducing the risk of SIDS. Being free of toxic chemicals will keep your baby safe and healthy even if it means spending more money in the long run. It will be a small price to pay to keep from exposing your baby to harmful flame retardant chemicals. Plus organic cotton is super soft, which is essential when you are shopping for a crib mattress. An all-natural and organic crib mattress is the way to go.
Verdict: Your Best Choice for an Organic Crib Mattress
So here is the takeaway of our top picks for organic crib mattresses . . .
If you want the best value for your money, pick the Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress. It is average for cost so it won’t hurt the wallet, but Naturepedic went above and beyond with crafting this organic crib mattress. This also includes their organic cotton classic.
If you want the best overall and the most luxurious, pick the Avocado Green Luxury Organic Crib Mattress. It is one of the absolute safest and most natural mattresses on the market. This crib mattress is worth it if you have the budget.
For the best breathable mattress, pick the Newton Wovenair Baby Crib Mattress. Even though it isn’t a truly organic crib mattress, it is still just as safe and non-toxic as the other crib mattresses and helps the baby to regulate their temperature.
To spend under $150, pick the LA Baby Natural 2-in-1 Crib Mattress. It may be the least expensive option, but you can’t always base quality completely on price.
If you want the best foam option, pick the Colgate Eco Classica III Mattress. It is plant-based and environmentally friendly, so you know that you will be exposing your child to something non-toxic.
For the best support, pick the My Green Emily Crib Mattress. It offers the most pressure-relieving support, ensuring that your baby will get the most relaxing night of sleep ever on this organic crib mattress.
If you are looking for the best mini crib mattress, pick the Bundle of Dreams Mini Crib Mattress. This mattress is just as safe as the others but is great for a smaller area if you can’t fit a full-size crib in your home.
To spend under $200, pick the Lullaby Earth Non-Toxic Crib Mattress. It is made of food-grade polyethylene and just as safe as any other mattress on this list.
Your decision must be first based on what amount of money you can spend on a mattress for your little one’s crib. You should choose the LA Baby for the strictest budget and the Lullaby Earth if you can splurge a little extra. Both of these options are under $200 but also still organic and non-toxic. For the best bang for your buck, you should definitely give the Naturepedic a try. It is in the middle for cost but is worth every penny. However, if you have unlimited money to spend, pick the Avocado Green. It is truly the most luxurious and the best organic mattress that money can buy. Even though the Newton Wovenair isn’t classified as organic, it still provides what you would be looking for in a mattress including the absence of fire retardants as an example. However, remember that each of these mattresses has its own unique features that made us choose them for our top picks. No matter what you go with, you will still end up with something that is not only non-toxic but also of high quality.