Naturepedic Crib Mattress Review

When it comes to a baby, choosing the right crib mattress is of paramount importance for many.  After I learned what chemicals and materials are used in conventional crib mattresses, safety became a non-negotiable factor in this decision-making process for me, too.  

Back in 2012, it took me a while to find a safe and high-quality crib mattress.  I even bought a wrong mattress at first.  Although it was Greenguard Gold certified, it contained a PVC waterproof cover, polyurethane foam, and, possibly, undisclosed flame-retardant chemicals/barrier. It may seem like there are plenty of options for crib mattresses on the market, but when it comes to safety and high quality, there are not that many. So, my goal is to help you avoid the mistakes I made by sharing the information about the best mattresses, in my opinion, that are suitable for standard cribs.

In this Naturepedic crib mattress review, we will dive deep into the features of all Naturepedic crib mattress models to help you make an informed choice for your little one. And if you would like to know how Naturepedic crib mattresses compare with other crib mattresses on the market, visit my blog post Naturepedic Non-Toxic Crib Mattress: Was It Worth Switching To?.

Naturepedic Crib Mattress Review

A true leader in the organic mattress industry, Naturepedic was founded by Barry Cik after he had tried (and failed) to find a non-toxic crib mattress for his own grandchild. When I contacted Naturepedic, they answered all my questions, which truly was a breath of fresh air for me.  Indeed, before that, every mattress company rep I had turned to looked down on me and dismissed my questions.

In addition, Naturepedic was first to disclose the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification on its website.  Importantly, it was not expired, and it was not a transaction certificate (learn more here)! In other words, I felt that I’d finally found a mattress company I could trust.  

Over the years (since 2012), Naturepedic has proven their commitment to sustainability, safety, transparency, integrity, and high quality. And their organic baby crib mattresses are no exception.

Common Features Of Naturepedic Crib Mattresses

To begin, Naturepedic makes seven crib mattress models suitable for standard cribs.  Here is the story behind why Naturepedic offers so many options. 

Initially, Naturepedic came out with one great crib mattress at a very reasonable price.  Ironically, customers preferred to buy more expensive, though non-organic, crib mattresses assuming that the more expensive ones were of higher quality.  Hence, two major baby stores asked Naturepedic to raise their prices.  As a result, Naturepedic added some features to an already great safe crib mattress to justify a higher price. 

To emphasize, the lowest in price Naturepedic crib mattress model has everything your baby needs to sleep safely and comfortably.  Therefore, if you can’t afford more expensive models, there is no reason to feel bad.  But, if you would like to have additional features in your organic baby mattress, there are more expensive models for you.  It is kind of like the difference between Toyota and Lexus – both are great and have what you need, but the latter is just fancier. 

With this said, let’s go over the common features of all 7 Naturepedic organic crib mattresses.

Organic Materials

First off, all Naturepedic crib mattresses are constructed with either organic materials, such as organic cotton fabric and filling, or GOTS-approved materials.  The GOTS-approved materials, allowed by GOTS to be used in certified organic mattresses, include PLA (polylactide) and polyethylene plastic.  Both PLA and polyethylene plastic are made of non-GMO sugarcane.  This means that according to GOTS – the best standard for both adult and crib mattresses on the market – Naturepedic mattresses are safe. 

Waterproof Surface

Bearing in mind that accidents are bound to happen, especially with babies, Naturepedic offers a waterproof surface on their crib mattresses.  However, the waterproofing is done without the use of conventional materials such as PVC or vinyl.  Instead, Naturepedic uses food grade polyethylene plastic made of non-GMO sugarcane.  Unlike PVC, polyethylene is free of harmful chemicals such as bisphenols, heavy metals, and phthalates.  

Note that the waterproof surface of the waterproof crib mattresses protects your baby from bacteria, mold, and other microbial contaminants that can develop in non-waterproof mattresses. In other words, non-waterproof mattresses, also called “breathable” mattresses, may expose your baby to bacteria and mold.  This is very important to keep in mind, especially if your baby sleeps with his face down. My son started sleeping with his face down at 6 months or so.  

Furthermore, the waterproof surface allows you to clean it easily and regularly, preventing dust mites in the baby nursery.  According to the American Lung Association, dust mites can cause asthma attacks associated with allergic reactions.

No Latex

Another reason I always say that Naturepedic offers the best organic crib mattresses on the market is that all their crib mattresses are latex-free.  Indeed, even certified organic latex contains proteins that have the potential to cause an allergic reaction.  Possibly, an allergic reaction to latex may result in respiratory illness, rashes, headaches, and other symptoms (source). You can read more about latex in the #1 Latex-Free Mattress blog post.  

When it comes to babies and kids, Naturepedic doesn’t want to take any chances (their kids’ mattresses are free of latex, too). This is commendable because they could probably make more sales if they offered crib mattresses with latex.  

Note that Naturepedic offers latex-free mattress models for adults, too.  

Dual Firmness

With the exception of one of the “Classic” models, all Naturepedic crib mattresses have dual firmness.  One side of the mattress is designed for infants, offering a firm sleeping surface recommended by pediatricians to minimize the risks of suffocation. As your baby grows, you can flip the mattress to the medium firm side, instantly making it a toddler bed while still fully complying with CPSC and pediatrician guidance.  (Please know that the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is real, and is something that doctors and scientists are continuing to study.  I am not an expert in this area, and you should do your own research and not rely on us in this regard.)

Seamless Design

The Naturepedic crib mattress is designed with a seamless, easy-to-clean waterproof surface, preventing the accumulation of dirt and moisture.  This feature makes maintenance a breeze for busy parents.

Certifications

Along with the certifications issued by various third-party organizations, including Greenguard Gold, Made Safe, FSC, OCS, OTA, Green America, and Vegan Awareness Foundation, Naturepedic holds the most important certification by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). It certifies the entire mattress, not only its parts, as well as the manufacturing facility.

Naturepedic Crib Mattress Comparison

And now without further ado, let’s go over the differences among the Naturepedic crib mattress models so you can quickly decide which model is for you.

There are three major types of Naturepedic mattresses for babies and toddlers:

• “Classic”
• “Breathable,” and
• “Breathable Ultra” models. 

Below, you can see a comparison table that summarizes their features, but we are going to go over them in detail, so read on!

Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress

To start with, “Classic” organic cotton crib mattress models are of three types (click here for a 15% discount code and access to the mattresses):

• “Lightweight”
• “Lightweight 2-stage,” and
• “Innerspring 2-Stage.”

Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress – Lightweight

Support

All Naturepedic mattresses, especially crib mattresses, provide excellent support.  Naturepedic understands the importance of firm mattresses for babies and kids. In the Naturepedic “Classic Lightweight” models, the support is designed to be light.  Therefore, Naturepedic offers WaveSupport,™ made from GOTS-approved plastic, specifically food grade polyethylene plastic.  That doesn’t mean that you can eat it; instead, that indicates that it is safer than PVC, a typical plastic that conventional mattress manufacturers use.  PVC does not meet food contact standards.

Dual Firmness

This is the only model out of the 7 models that doesn’t have dual firmness. But again, that does not mean that you miss out a lot.  All babies and kids need firm mattresses for their developing spine.

Weight

It is the lightest model weighing just 10 pounds. 

Breathability

Just like all Naturepedic crib mattresses, it is designed to be firm to minimize the risks of suffocation if the baby sleeps face down.  In other words, if a non-waterproof mattress is firm and free of PVC, polyurethane foam, and flame retardants (which is the case with all Naturepedic mattresses), it can be considered “breathable.”  Again, I don’t recommend non-waterproof crib mattresses because your baby can breathe in the bacteria and mold that can grow inside the non-waterproof mattress.

Price

At $269, the Naturepedic “Classic Lightweight” organic cotton classic crib mattress is the most budget-friendly option.   

Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress – Lightweight 2-Stage

Support

The “Classic Lightweight 2-Stage” crib mattress also has the food grade polyethylene WaveSupport™ system described above.

Dual Firmness

This model features two sides: a baby and a toddler side.  That means that the toddler side is medium firm, which allows for more comfort. However, it is not necessary.  Babies need firm mattresses.  My baby (born in 2012) slept super well and does not understand the concept of comfort or discomfort or not sleeping well.

Weight

It is a pound heavier than the previous model, weighing 11 pounds. 

Breathability

Just like all Naturepedic crib mattresses, it is designed to be firm to minimize the risks of suffocation if the baby sleeps face down.  

Price

At $299, the “Classic Lightweight 2-Stage” crib mattress is just $30 more than the least expensive crib mattress, but it has a toddler side.

Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress – Innerspring 2-Stage

Support

The Naturepedic “Classic Innerspring 2-Stage” crib mattress has metal coils, namely 150 coils, that disperse the weight of the baby, reducing pressure points.  Plus, the innerspring crib mattresses have a heavy-duty border rod for extra support around the perimeter in case an adult sits on the edge of the mattress.  This feature makes innerspring organic baby mattresses perfect toddler beds.

Dual Firmness

The “Classic Innerspring 2-Stage” mattress also has two sides: a baby and a toddler side. 

Weight

The metal coils make the Naturepedic “Classic Innerspring 2-Stage” crib mattress heavier.  It weighs 19 pounds. 

Breathability

Just like all Naturepedic crib mattresses, it is designed to be firm to minimize the risks of suffocation if the baby rolls onto his face.  

Price

The Naturepedic “Classic Innerspring 2-Stage” crib mattress is priced at $329.

Naturepedic Organic Breathable Baby Crib Mattress 2-Stage

The Naturepedic Organic “Breathable” baby crib mattresses feature an air-flow waterproof breathable cover that functions as a crib mattress protector and can be removed and washed. This layer of air between the baby and the mattress provides plenty of airflow (the normal fresh room air, not concerning air inside the mattress).  So, when the baby happens to be face-down, she can breathe into this layer of fresh air.  Be sure to wash the crib mattress cover often. 

In addition, this waterproof breathable cover allows for more airflow beneath the baby, which can allow for heat to dissipate more easily and can reduce the sweatiness that a baby might otherwise experience.

In sum, with the waterproof breathable cover on, this waterproof crib mattress will look and feel like a non-waterproof mattress (click here for a 15% discount code and access to the mattresses).

Naturepedic Organic Breathable Baby Crib Mattress 2-Stage – Lightweight

I’m happy to report that Housekeeping’s 2022 Parenting Awards chose this model as the Eco-Conscious Crib Mattress in the Superb Sleep Stars category. 

For your information, Good Housekeeping, a team of engineers, scientists, and product experts, thoroughly reviews submissions and experience the products firsthand, both in their homes and the Good Housekeeping Institute testing labs. They consider quality, innovation, convenience, value, style, sustainability, and safety.  You can read more about that here.

Weight

The Naturepedic “Breathable Lightweight” crib mattress model is a little heavier than the “Classic Lightweight” model.  It is 14 pounds.

Price

The Naturepedic “Breathable Lightweight” organic baby crib mattress costs $359.

Naturepedic Organic Breathable Baby Crib Mattress 2-Stage – Innerspring

Weight

Just like “Classic Innerspring” mattress, the “Breathable Innerspring” baby crib mattress weighs 19 pounds, even though it has 252 coils (vs 150 coils in “Classic Innerspring”).

Price

The Naturepedic “Breathable Innerspring” crib mattress model is $399.

Naturepedic Organic Breathable Ultra Baby Crib Mattress 2-Stage

The Naturepedic “Breathable Ultra” crib mattresses feature a little bit fancier airflow removable and washable non-waterproof breathable cover. The crib mattress cover makes the mattress look and feel exactly like a non-waterproof mattress while offering protection from accidents, moisture, bacteria, mold, and dust mites as well as less sweatiness.  Because the breathable cover is not waterproof, parents need to make sure the mattress surface stays clean by using the crib mattress protector included in this mattress model.

The mattresses come in “lightweight” and “innerspring” options (click here for a 15% discount code and access to the mattresses).

Naturepedic Organic Breathable Ultra Baby Crib Mattress 2-Stage – Lightweight

Weight

This model weighs 14 pounds. 

Price

The Naturepedic “Breathable Ultra Lightweight” baby crib mattress is priced at $459.

Naturepedic Organic Breathable Ultra Baby Crib Mattress 2-Stage – Innerspring

Weight

The “Breathable Ultra Innerspring” crib mattress has 252 coils in its innerspring system and weighs 19 pounds. 

Price

At $499, the Naturepedic “Breathable Ultra Innerspring” organic baby mattress is the most expensive crib mattress model.

Naturepedic Return Policy

Before we wrap up, please know that Naturepedic offers a very generous return policy.  Instead of a 30-day money back guarantee, Naturepedic offers a 100-day money back guarantee!  That makes your purchasing decision an easy one, doesn’t it? 

Please know that the same generous policies and warranties might not apply if you buy your Naturepedic mattress at a local retail store.  Remember to discuss the store’s policies and warranties.  Additionally, if you buy through the I Read Labels For You, you will have 15% off with my discount code (click here for a 15% discount code and access to the mattresses).

Summary About Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattresses

Naturepedic Non-Toxic Crib Mattresses Come In Seven Models And Offer A Variety Of Special Features Allowing You To Select A Model That Will Work Best For You And Your Baby.  

In sum, you’ve just learned what sets Naturepedic crib mattresses apart from many other crib mattresses as well as the similarities and differences among 7 crib mattresses.

Based on my research into mattresses that I’ve been doing since 2012, I believe that the Naturepedic crib mattresses are the best, even if some other brands’ crib mattresses are GOTS-certified organic.

I am glad that we purchased a Naturepedic crib mattress back in 2012.  And later, we acquired two kids’ mattresses and two adult mattresses (EOS Classic) – king and queen.  We’ve been very happy with all of them!  I hope these mattress reviews will help you decide which Naturepedic organic mattress model to choose for your baby. 

For the reviews of all other kinds of Naturepedic mattresses, please refer to my Naturepedic Mattress Review. Additionally, to learn how Naturepedic organic mattresses compare with many other organic mattress brands, visit my blog post Are Organic Mattresses Worth It?. 

Take advantage of the latest posts on the I Read Labels For You blog that provides for you tons of free information on healthy living.  Also, visit the “Healthy Baby and Kids” section of our non-toxic products shop, and get access to my weekly emails for assistance deciding on the safest products for you and your loved ones.