Naturepedic Non-Toxic Crib Mattress: Was It Worth Switching To?
Written by Irina Webb
Looking for a safe baby mattress but are not sure how to find the best one? In this comprehensive organic crib mattress review, you will learn how to buy a non-toxic crib mattress. In addition, you will see a comparative analysis of popular crib mattresses on the market, such as Naturepedic, My Green Mattress, Holy Lamb Organics, and White Lotus Home. Plus, you will see how Naturepedic compares with Newton and Nook baby mattresses. For practical steps to purchase a mattress for yourself, refer to my guide to buying a non-toxic mattress.
How I Know The Mattress Industry So Well
My son’s little body is drenched in sweat. His big tears are streaming down his red face. His body is tense. He is crying and stretching his tiny arms toward me. I can’t leave him here! I must buy a new crib mattress today!
This is a flashback to 2012 when my son was sleeping on a Sealy Soybean Foam-Core crib mattress. Actually, we had bought it because we thought it was safer than others due to its Greenguard-certified soybean foam. At that time, I had not grasped the full range of toxins in baby products yet. I didn’t realize that a baby mattress could be toxic, too (like some baby shampoos, wipes and diapers, for instance).
That was how my journey of researching mattresses started (check out my research method here). I have always used a direct approach to investigation, meaning that I contact companies to talk to the manufacturers personally. Some are welcoming and transparent; others are defensive and vague.
As a result, I discovered that even top crib mattresses on the market can be unsafe. The good news is that there is a way to make sure that you buy a truly non-toxic crib mattress! We ended up buying a Naturepedic organic crib mattress, and here is why.
Naturepedic Crib Mattress: 7 Reasons I Love Them!
To begin, the urgency to find another mattress for my son was so pressing that I was almost panicking. At that time (2012), there were not that many options out there! (Read on to find out what baby mattress options there are in the market today!)
As I have mentioned, some manufacturers are reluctant to be open about their products’ ingredients. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised when Naturepedic answered all my questions to my satisfaction. In fact, I have become so confident in them that I have acquired Naturepedic mattresses both for my family and my guests.
The following table is a quick overview of what you want and don’t want your non-toxic crib mattress to be or have. (By the way, if you are contemplating buying a new non-toxic mattress but are not sure what to do with the old one, learn how you can get rid of a mattress for real here.)
| YOU DON’T WANT your crib mattress to have/be: | YOU WANT your crib mattress to have/be: |
| Polyurethane foam | Neither polyurethane nor soybean foam |
| Flame retardant chemicals | Safe fire layer (wool, cotton, PLA) |
| Not organic | GOTS certified organic as an entire piece |
| Not waterproof | Waterproof with food grade polyethylene |
| Latex | No latex |
| Soft | Firm |
| Poor quality | Good quality |
So, here is why I love our Naturepedic crib mattress (to clarify, all Naturepedic crib mattress models are safe).
Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress Does Not Use Polyurethane Foam
As it happens, the most popular baby mattress material is polyurethane foam. This petroleum product can emit toxic gases that we know of as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The US National Toxicology Program classifies toluene diisocyanate (TDI), used to make polyurethane foam, as “reasonably to be anticipated as a human carcinogen” (source).
Although some manufacturers tout their mattresses as non-toxic, after a closer look you will see that they use soybean foam. Unfortunately, it is not much better than polyurethane. Despite its name, soybean foam is mostly polyurethane foam with a small percentage of soybean foam. In addition, it is normally made from genetically modified soybeans. Hence, I would not call a soybean foam crib mattress a non-toxic crib mattress.
That was why I was thrilled to find a crib mattress without polyurethane foam! There is neither polyurethane foam nor soybean foam in a Naturepedic organic crib mattress (in all models). In fact, there is no foam in their baby mattress because they use organic cotton batting instead. Consequently, there is no potential risk for your baby to inhale VOCs that polyurethane foam can emit.
Naturepedic Non-Toxic Crib Mattress Does Not Use Flame Retardants
As you may know, mattresses must pass smolder and open fire flammability testing to meet the federal government standards. The high flammability of polyurethane foam calls for adding flame retardant chemicals or barriers that are not required to be disclosed.
By the way, on October 6, 2023, California signed a law to ban the state-wide sale of mattresses and upholstered furniture that contain fiberglass, which is a known respiratory, skin and eye irritant and an asthmagen. Further, chronic inhalation of fiberglass has been linked with recurrent chest infections, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer (source). The law will take effect on January 1, 2027. Thus, you and your baby might be sleeping on fiberglass. Here is a bitter sweet story a mom shared on my Instagram.
Although Naturepedic uses no flame retardant chemicals in their organic crib mattresses, they can pass very stringent flammability tests. How do they do that?
For starters, they use cotton that is much less flammable than polyurethane foam, so it passes the open flame test.
Also, to pass the smolder test, Naturepedic adds polylactide (PLA) to the quilt underneath the baby mattress organic cotton cover. For your information, PLA meets both GOTS and Greenguard Gold standards and comes from the starch of non-GMO sugarcane.
Additionally, I reviewed actual test reports for Naturepedic crib mattresses and was very pleased with what I saw.
Again, I admire the company’s transparency. While many other manufacturers withhold their information, Naturepedic goes out of its way to provide all the information I seek. Moreover, I had a personal meeting with the company’s Technical Director, Founder, & CEO, Barry Cik. After our conversation, my trust level in Naturepedic as a non-toxic crib mattress manufacturer skyrocketed.
Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattresses Are Certified Organic By GOTS
It is important to note that the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the highest standard available to consumers. And it certifies both the individual ingredients/materials and entire items. Therefore, it’s a good idea to confirm that the mattress you are purchasing is certified organic as a whole piece. All Naturepedic crib mattresses, as well as adult and kid mattresses, are certified organic by GOTS as entire pieces.
If your baby mattress has a GOTS certification, you do not need to worry about its manufacturing facility. Indeed, all mattresses with GOTS certificates are made in GOTS-certified facilities to exclude the risk of cross-contamination. Plus, GOTS certification assures that the textile handling and manufacturing processes of the organic materials adhere to GOTS standards.
To verify that your non-toxic crib mattress is GOTS certified, type the company’s name in the GOTS certified suppliers database. The database must pull up the company and its details, as in the example below:
Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattresses Are Waterproof
To begin, is a waterproof crib mattress a good thing? Allegedly, a baby mattress without waterproofing allows the baby to breathe through the core of the mattress. However, a non-toxic crib mattress that is not waterproof may lead to certain health problems. (Besides, a waterproof crib mattress, like Naturepedic, can be breathable, too.)
To clarify, waterproofing ensures hygiene by protecting a mattress from spills, urine, feces etc. that can cause the growth of allergenic bacteria, mold, and mildew. This, in turn, can cause a spasmatic response in a baby’s airways and difficulty breathing. Eventually, the microbes can lead to eczema, skin irritation or infection (source).
Additionally, released into the immediate environment, the bacteria and mold can contribute to indoor air pollution. Since the baby’s lungs are still developing, the poor indoor air quality may negatively affect that process. (Consider getting a mobile air purifier.)
For these reasons, it is best to have a waterproof crib mattress cover and/or a waterproof baby mattress protector.
Note that the material for a waterproof cover is important, too. Thus, I would stay away from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that may emit and leach potentially harmful chemicals. (More on that in my post about PVC yoga mats.)
The great news is that all Naturepedic organic crib mattress models use food grade polyethylene instead of PVC. It is made from non-GMO sugarcane without glues or adhesives. As a safer type of food-grade plastic, polyethylene is free of bisphenols, heavy metals, and phthalates. (I don’t advocate eating from it, though.)
Naturepedic Non-Toxic Crib Mattress Does Not Contain Latex
Should you worry about latex in your mattress? You can find the answer to this question in my post about the best organic latex-free mattress.
In a nutshell, some people seem to have an allergic response to latex proteins, especially in direct contact with latex products. When it comes to babies, you want to be extra careful because they are more susceptible to allergy triggers. Besides, you would not be able to test your baby for latex allergy before actually facing the symptoms. Neither do you know whether your baby will develop a latex sensitivity over time.
Therefore, for safety’s sake, it is better for a baby mattress to be latex-free, and all Naturepedic crib mattresses are latex-free. Additionally, they do not contain crushed coconut husks that are usually infused with latex. In other words, if you are looking for a 100% latex-free organic crib mattress, Naturepedic is a great option! (Use the IREAD15 discount code for 15% off!) For help in choosing the right crib mattress model for you out of 7, look at my Naturepedic Crib Mattress Review blog post.
Naturepedic Safe Crib Mattress Is Firm
First of all, should a crib mattress be firm? Yes. Moreover, a baby mattress should be much firmer than an adult mattress, to support a baby’s growing bones during sleep. Indeed, a firm crib mattress provides more skeletal support than a soft, cushiony, floppy, or saggy mattress.
Second, in terms of safety, firm mattresses protect babies from getting trapped between the mattress and the crib frame.
Also, a soft crib mattress may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (source). If a baby sleeps on her stomach, a soft surface can cushion her face too much and lead to suffocation.
Therefore, the firmer the mattress for your baby, the better. In the Naturepedic Crib Mattress Review blog post, you will even find out which Naturepedic crib mattresses have 252 coil count and which ones are coil-free.
All Naturepedic Mattresses Are Of Great Quality
Indeed, we used our Naturepedic organic crib mattress for five years, and it held firm and did not sag. Neither did I have any other complaints about the quality of this non-toxic crib mattress. (Use the IREAD15 discount code for 15% off!)
Thus, if you are looking for the best crib mattress now, I would go for a waterproof organic crib mattress to prevent bacteria, mold, and mildew. Find out which Naturepedic crib mattress is made to look and feel like a non-waterproof crib mattress in my Naturepedic Crib Mattress Review blog post. And yes, all Naturepedic crib mattress are designed to fit a standard crib. Their size is 27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″. Furthermore, Naturepedic makes baby mattresses for mini cribs and for the Stokke Sleepi crib.
Also, my son is now sleeping on Naturepedic kids 2-in-1 mattress with a waterproof side and a waterproof fitted pad. He does not get sweaty. I would say Naturepedic waterproof mattresses are truly “breathable.”
Next, my husband and I have been sleeping on a super comfortable Naturepedic GOTS-certified mattress for years now. We could not be happier – the quality and the feel are superb! It is one of the best investments in our health that we have ever made. For help in choosing the right Naturepedic mattress model for you, visit my Naturepedic Mattress Review blog post.
Nevertheless, to be objective, I have done research into the brands that carry safe baby mattress options. Check out the table below to compare the Naturepedic crib mattress with some other organic crib mattress options to form your own opinion.
Popular Natural or Organic Crib Mattress Brands
I’ve looked into these 5 popular natural or organic crib mattress brands:
- Avocado (read about the lawsuit)
- Holy Lamb Organics
- My Green Mattress
- Naturepedic (Hint: my top recommendation for the reasons above! Learn more in the Naturepedic Crib Mattress Review blog post)
- White Lotus Home.
All of them manufacture their products in the USA, and four brands have GOTS certificates.
| Description | Mattress Name |
| GOTS-certified | Naturepedic, My Green Mattress Emily, White Lotus, Avocado Organic (read about the lawsuit) |
| NOT GOTS-certified | Holy Lamb Natural, Holy Lamb Natural Latex |
| Discount codes | Naturepedic (IREAD15 for 15% off) My Green Mattress |
| Latex layer | Holy Lamb Natural Latex, My Green Mattress Emily, Avocado Organic, Avocado Luxury Organic (read about the lawsuit) |
| No latex layer | Naturepedic, Holy Lamb Natural, White Lotus, Avocado Organic (latex infused padding) (read about the lawsuit) |
| No wool | Naturepedic |
| Coils | Naturepedic, Holy Lamb Natural, My Green Mattress Emily, Avocado ECO Organic, Avocado Luxury Organic (read about the lawsuit) |
| No coils | Holy Lamb Natural Latex, White Lotus, Avocado Organic (read about the lawsuit) |
| Waterproof | Naturepedic |
| Height 3.5”-5” | White Lotus (3.5”), Holy Lamb Natural Latex (4.5”), Avocado ECO Organic (5”) (read about the lawsuit) |
| Height 6” | Naturepedic, Holy Lamb Natural, My Green Mattress Emily, Avocado Organic, Avocado Luxury Organic (read about the lawsuit) |
| Dual-sided | My Green Mattress Emily, White Lotus, Naturepedic (option available), Avocado Organic, Avocado Luxury Organic (read about the lawsuit) |
| Lifetime warranty | Naturepedic, White Lotus |
| Warranty 5-25 years | Holy Lamb Natural (5), Holy Lamb Natural Latex (5), Avocado ECO Organic (10) (read about the lawsuit), My Green Mattress Emily (10), Avocado Organic (25), Avocado Luxury Organic (25) (read about the lawsuit) |
| Returnable within 30-120 days | Naturepedic (30), My Green Mattress Emily (120), White Lotus (120), Avocado ECO Organic (30), Avocado Organic (30), Avocado Luxury Organic (100) (read about the lawsuit) |
| Unreturnable | Holy Lamb Natural, Holy Lamb Natural Latex |
Newton Vs. Nook Crib Mattress
In addition, check out how Naturepedic non-toxic crib mattress compares with such baby mattress options as Newton and Nook. Among these, Naturepedic is the only GOTS certified crib mattress.
| Brand | Naturepedic (IREAD15 for 15% off) | Newton | Nook Pure Organic* |
| GOTS certified | Yes | No | No |
| Latex | No | No | Yes (Talalay) |
| Spring system | Yes | No | No |
| Cotton | Yes | No | As an option for the cover |
| Wool | No | No | Yes (organic*) |
| Other materials | PLA | Polyester, Wovenaire® (plastic) | Coconut husk and a choice of materials for the top cover (organic* cotton, organic* eucalyptus lyocell, cotton-poly blend) |
| Waterproof | Yes | w/p model available | No |
| Flame barrier | PLA | Viscose (reconstituted wood pulp) | Wool (organic*) |
| Made in | USA | China (cover), USA | India (latex), USA |
| Thickness | 6” | 5.5” | 4” |
| Firmness | Firm | Firm | Firm (infant side) / Soft (toddler side) |
*Learn more about the Nook lawsuit alleging that Nook Pure Organic crib mattresses contain “forever” PFAS.
Conclusion About Naturepedic Non-Toxic Crib Mattress
So, was it worth switching to a Naturepedic crib mattress? Absolutely!! The soybean foam baby mattress we owned (before Naturepedic) made my son uncomfortable and caused him to drench in sweat.
Conversely, the Naturepedic GOTS-certified organic crib mattress was not only comfortable, but also of great quality and design, and served us well for about five years.
Additionally, all Naturepedic crib mattresses are waterproof, use no flame retardant chemicals, no latex, no polyurethane foam, and no PVC. They are just the right thickness and firmness for your baby, and they are all safe.
Now my son sleeps on a Naturepedic twin size kids mattress, and the Naturepedic EOS Classic model my husband and I have feels like heaven. One of the nice things about a Naturepedic EOS is that you can make 2 sides different. For the latex, you can choose Soft, Medium, or Firm. And for the coils, you can choose Plush or Firm. For my side, I have soft latex and plush coils. And my husband has medium latex and plush coils. For your reference, I am 130lb and he is over 200lb. We are both side sleepers. (Use the IREAD15 discount code for 15% off!)
Finally, Naturepedic has a lot of different organic cotton mattress models. Give them a call, and they will help you choose the mattress that meets your needs and budget. And if you don’t like it, Naturepedic has a generous return policy as well as warranties. Please know that if you buy a Naturepedic mattress at your local store, those policies might not be applicable.
You can also check out my shop for other safe brand options and book a consultation with me should you need any help.
FAQ
Where To Buy A Naturepedic Crib Mattress?
You can buy a Naturepedic non-toxic crib mattress on their website. Please use the IREAD15 discount code at the checkout to get 15% off but be sure to click on the link to activate the code.
Why Buy An Organic Crib Mattress?
A GOTS-certified organic baby mattress guarantees that its materials are non-toxic for your baby. It is the strictest certification available in the mattress industry. Plus, it assures that the whole production process adheres to GOTS standards, and the manufacturing facility is GOTS certified, so there is no risk of cross contamination.
Do You Need A Crib Mattress Protector?
Yes, you need a baby mattress protector if the mattress is not waterproof. It will protect your mattress from dampness caused by spills and growth of bacteria and mold.
Are Breathable Crib Mattresses Safe?
If “breathable” refers to non-waterproof, I would be careful about using them without a waterproof protector. In case of any leakage and its absorption into the mattress, there is a risk of bacteria and mold growth. These, in turn, may affect the air and a baby’s lungs’ development. However, a waterproof mattress can be breathable, too. Check out a breathable model of a Naturepedic crib mattress and use the IREAD15 code for 15% off!
Is Polyurethane Foam Safe For Babies?
Polyurethane foam is a petroleum-based product that may contain harmful contaminants such as bisphenols and heavy metals. Therefore, I do not consider polyurethane foam safe, especially for babies, even if it is CertiPUR certified.
Is Newton Mattress Non-Toxic?
In my opinion, a non-toxic crib mattress must be made of organic ingredients, contain no polyurethane foam or PVC. Ideally, it should be GOTS-certified organic. The Newton baby mattress does not meet my criteria.
What Is The Best And Safest Crib Mattress?
Based on my thorough research and personal experience, the best and safest crib mattress is Naturepedic organic crib mattress. It is GOTS certified organic and waterproof. Also, it contains no flame retardant chemicals, no latex, no polyurethane foam, and no PVC. It is just the right thickness and firmness for your baby. We used our Naturepedic crib mattress for 5 years, and it didn’t sag or get shabby. It is of excellent quality!
How To Clean A Crib Mattress?
Maintaining a baby mattress’ hygiene is rather important because a baby’s immune system is still developing, making the baby susceptible to germs and allergens. First, vacuum the mattress on both sides, especially seams and buttons, to remove dust from the surface. Then, use warm water and non-toxic detergent to wet a cloth and moisten the mattress with it. A natural stain remover, such as baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar, or this effective non-toxic stain remover can help handle the stains. Importantly, let the mattress air dry outside or with a window open to prevent mold growth.
Is It Okay To Use A Second-Hand Baby Mattress?
Generally speaking, it is not recommended to reuse a baby mattress, even if it is an organic crib mattress. The most obvious reason is hygiene: crib mattresses deal with a lot of spills of various origin. You don’t want any growing bacteria in your baby’s mattress. However, if your non-toxic crib mattress is waterproof, like a Naturepedic crib mattress, and has not lost its firmness, I believe it should be fine to reuse.
Should A Crib Mattress Be Firm?
Yes, a crib mattress should be firmer than an adult mattress because a baby’s skeleton is still developing. A firm non-toxic crib mattress keeps your baby safe and supports her growing bones during sleep. It can also decrease the risk of the sudden infant death syndrome. Indeed, if the mattress is soft and the baby is sleeping on her stomach, a soft surface can cushion her face too much and lead to suffocation. I can attest to the right level of firmness of the Naturepedic crib mattress our son slept on.
Disclaimer: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a serious and not a perfectly understood phenomenon. I am not an expert in it or its causes or prevention. Additionally, the research on it is ever-changing. The purpose of my review of products on this website is to evaluate them for my opinions as to safety vis-à-vis the use of toxic or questionable substances, and I express no opinion as to whether this product or any other is safe from a SIDS standpoint. Be sure to do your own research into this topic and do not rely on anything I may say about SIDS SIDS or safety.
Download The Free Guide!
5 Powerful Steps To A Non-Toxic Home
Join our informed consumer community and get our free guide the “5 Powerful Steps To A Non-Toxic Home”.
Hi! Sorry I now this is an old post but I purchased the organic breathable mattress for my baby and I just realized that the breathable mattress cover has polyester. I’ve read that polyester is bad for babies and can be made with flame retardants that dont have to be listed. Would you still consider this mattress safe with the cover? Should I just not use the cover and place a sheet over the mattress?
Hi, Elizabeth! We appreciate your interest and trust! Based on our multi-year research, we recommend Naturepedic mattresses. If you want to know the details that are not described in the post, you are more than welcome to book a consultation with Irina: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/services/
Hi Irina,
Thank you for all your research and sharing your knowledge! You said your son transitioned to a Naturepedic mattress after growing out of his crib mattress- could you tell me which one? I have 2 littles, and planning to give the naturepedic crib mattress to the younger and purchase a regular naturepedic mattress for the older.
Also, do you have any advice on natural bedframes, perhaps the one your son uses?
Again, thank you so much!
Angie
Thank you for emailing me, Angie! ~Irina
Hi Irina – what do you think about Newton Crib Mattress. What about the 10% polymer, they say it food-grade, but then again the Wovenair technology is patented, so how can we be sure?
I do not want to give you a hasty response. And with the bad air quality in California and the holiday, I do not have the capacity to do this research. Have a nice Thanksgiving! ~Irina
Hi Irina, what about the Newton Crib Mattress, it seems to be a great mattress, but I am a bit worried about the patented Wovenaire. They say it’s 90% air and 10% food-grade polymer. But wanted to get your thoughts. Thank you.
I guess there is no harm in getting the Naturepedic mattresses that are waterproof? Planning to get the lightweight one or the classic one and probably also add the mattress protector sheet from Naturepedic on top of that. Wondering why you didn’t want waterproofing, and if waterproofing/plastic is not desirable for some reason? By the way, mine will be for a just-born infant…
I did not want a waterproof mattress because I felt it was necessary (we used a water-resistant pad at first and now we use a waterproof pad). Plus, I feel it is not comfortable for a baby. Would you want to sleep on plastic? ~Irina
Hi Irina, what about the other Naturepedic crib mattresses? (not the Quilted Organic Cotton Deluxe Crib Mattress, but the Lightweight Organic Cotton Classic Crib Mattress and the Organic Cotton Classic Crib Mattress)? They seem to be similar, but also waterproof. Do you recommend those as well?
It is a personal choice whether you want a waterproof mattress. I prefer to use a waterproof pad instead. Overall, I recommend all Naturepedic mattresses. ~Irina
I hadn’t thought about how it was made; just what’s it made from. Organic Coir, organic wool and an organic cotton cover.
I see that you recommend Naturepedic Organic Cotton Quilted Deluxe 252 Crib Mattress. Is it firm enough for infants who sleep on their stomachs? They offer an optional wool filling. Would you recommend this option?
Daphna: in the absence of GOTS certification, we have to be more careful. Coconut coir by itself would fly around. There should be some material that keeps shredded coconut together. At the moment, I do not have enough information as to what that material is. By the way, Natural Mat mattress cover is cotton, not organic cotton. If you ask Naturepedic, they will tell you that all their mattresses are safe for infants. But that of course what your comfort level is (the pun is not intended). Let me know if you’d like to discuss this more on the phone. Buying a crib mattress is such an important decision. And I applaud you for doing research! ~Irina
Hi Irina,
What is your thoughts on the Natural Coco Mat mattress?
Hi, Daphna: Last time I checked it was not GOTS certified, which is important for something unusual like coco foam. Otherwise, we do not really know what is involved in making it. What do you think? ~Irina
Hi! Would love to hear your opinion on Happsy as well as Avocado Green mattresses!
Thank you, Olivia, for letting me know! ~Irina
Hi! Just wondering what you think of the Nest Love and Sleep mattress which is made of foam:
1st Layer: 1” Thermic Phase Change Cooling Cover
2nd Layer: 3” 2.8lb Energex Cooling Comfort Layer
3rd Layer: 1” Convoluted SmartFlow Layer
4th Layer: 5” 1.8lb Support Foam
The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th layer would be considered to by a poly-foam (polyurethane based foam). Each foam layer in the Love & Sleep mattress is going through the stringent certification process through the not-for-profit CertiPUR-US. This means you are getting a mattress that has been made without ozone depleters, without PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (”Tris”) flame retardants, without mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, without formaldehyde, without phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and with lLow VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million.)
Do you think a polyurethane-based foam would be toxic even though they’ve passed the CertiPUR-US?
Abby, CertiPUR-US certification is not an independent certification; it has been created by the polyurethane foam mattress industry. Their standards are lenient and do not mean much. I don’t recommend this mattress. Choosing the right mattress is such a big decision for your health. I would love to talk to you on the phone with you to help you make an informed decision: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/services/ingredient-review/ ~Irina
Hello,
Have you looked into Newton Breathable Crib Matress? It is Greenguard Gold certified.
I have the Pure Core Non Toxic two-sided crib mattress. Have you heard of them? Do you have thoughts on them? Also do you recommend any safe crib sheets and pack n play sheets? I have the ABC organic cotton sheets for both, do they look good to you?
Hi, Cynthia: It sounds like you might benefit from my Non-Toxic Baby Registry service: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/non-toxic-baby-registry-service/ Thank you. ~Irina
Hi Irina,
I opted for a Naturepedic crib mattress for both of my children. Now, my oldest is ready to transition to a full size bed. I think he would prefer a soft memory foam mattress but I obviously want to avoid a toxic choice. Have you ever researched Essentia?
Hi, Sara: you should ask them if their mattresses are certified to GOTS and the latex foam is certified to GOLS. If they are, they should be able to show current certificates. On the website, it says that their facilities are certified but there is no information about the mattresses. Ask them also for VOC reports that they say they will disclose upon request. If you want me to proceed with this research, let me know. Once I obtain the certificates and reports, I can read interpret them for you. I would be more than happy to do it for a fee: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/services/consulting/ Thanks! ~Irina
Hi Irina, totally love your website it is the gospel for me now 🙂 I purchased your crib guide and am wondering if you have any brand suggestions for crib bumpers, I know using them at all is controversial however we have decided to go with one but having a lot of trouble finding ANY that have any style once so ever let alone 100% organic, any brand suggestions on organic crib bumpers and bedding??
Hi, Brian: I missed your comment somehow. Do you still need help? Let me know if you need help with anything else. ~Irina
Hi! I would love to know about organic crib bumpers.
please let me know if you have any recommendations! really appreciate it.
Hi, Jam! Welcome to my blog! The reason bumpers are controversial is because of risk of suffocation. That’s why the safest bumpers would be that allow the air through such as cotton and wool. You might want to check out this bumper. Let me know what you think. You might want to wait until you know you need a bumper. Not all babies need them. ~Irina
Irina, I totally understand (and relate). Thanks for taking the time to respond, and I’ll sign up to get the email about the Q&A.
Great! Thanks!
I’m sorry to write again, but it looks like Keetsa is a greenwash. So lame. I know you recommend Naturepedic, but it’s a bit out of my price range as a single mama. If you have any more affordable recommendations for an adult mattress, please do let me know. I was looking at Savvy Rest’s Earthspring mattress (https://savvyrest.com/products/simple-fit-mattresses/earthspring), which is $1799… do you know anything about it? (They are also currently throwing in a free wool waterproofer and 2 pillows ; )) Also I was wondering what your take on innersprings in relation to EMFs? I know you sleep on a mattress with innersprings and was wondering if you think there’s anything to the idea that they attract emfs to the body. Thank you again, you’re a lifesaver.
Hi Jennifer: I truly want to help! However, there are not enough hours in a day. I am planning to launch monthly Q&A calls starting in early November. You will be able to submit your question when I send an announcement. Please sign up here to receive the email. As for EMF, it is a controvercial issue. Here is what I can tell you right now. Bau-biologists who Dr. Mercola sides with believe that coils in mattresses amplify EMF. One way to check if your mattress became magnetized would be to use a compass. On the other hand, there are a number of YouTube videos showing no connection. You can see the videos here and here. And this is a write up that speaks of the opposite of Dr. Mercola’s views. I will looking more into it and we can talk about it during the Q&A session.
Dr. Mercola is not against the use of coils in mattresses, because Dr. Mercola sells them!!
In the past, people (including Dr. Mercola) were concerned that mattresses with coils might be creating or amplifying Electro-Magnetic Frequencies. But this is not the case. EMF is created by live currents in your home, i.e. your electric lines in the walls, ceilings, wiring to your lamps, TV, computer, etc. Coils (or steel in general anywhere in your home) will not create or amplify any EMF. Here is a link to Dr. Mercola’s website where he sells mattresses with coils: http://shop.mercola.com/catalog/all-sizes-accessories,321,0,0.htm
And also: http://products.mercola.com/organic-mattress/
Thank you, Susie! It is good to know.
Hi there. So I did a massive amount of research into crib mattresses, only to have my 6 month old now move into a phase where the refuses to sleep in the crib. And not only is my mattress my parent’s 50 yr old toxic one, but it caves in the middle. No fun. My mom (who’s house I’m living in) wants to get a keetsa mattress because they are cheaper than the organic one’s I’ve found that I like (without having researched much yet into adult mattresses, I like Savvy Rest). What is your take on Keetsa? My parents and brother have it and love it, and it’s supposedly organic. Thank you SO much for taking the time to answer all these questions from people like me!!!
Do you have any insight on Nook Sleep Systems? We have the Pebble Pure mattress for my daughter and she loves it but I would love your feedback also!
Hi Ali, while I am fine with natural latex in adult mattress, I prefer not to have natural latex in crib mattresses. Natural latex is not free of VOCs because of undisclosed vulcanizing agents.
Hi Irina, thanks for your wonderful blog. I too discovered all the ins and outs of toxic baby items after having my baby, because everything I used for her was hand-me-downs, so I didn’t have to look into anything until more recently (She just turned 6 months). I’ve spent the last 2 months reading everything and anything on mattresses, cribs, car seats, toys, clothing, you name it (scary stuff, not bedtime reading!). Anyway, my question is regarding the coils in the Naturepedic mattress. I recently decided to purchase the Lightweight version (haven’t yet), specifically because it doesn’t have coils. I’ve read that the springs can act like a magnet for emfs. Dr. Mercola has an interesting article about it on his site. So what are your thoughts/findings on metal springs for the baby mattress? I’m a bit concerned that the lightweight version would indent more easily and I have a chunka munka, as the woman commented hers did here. That’s the only reason I was going to get the Lightweight, since it’s actually slightly more expensive than the one with metal coils that you bought. Thanks for your advice!!
Hi Jennifer, on the one hand, bau-biologists who Dr. Mercola sides with believe that coils in mattress amplify EMF. One way to check if your mattress became magnetized would be to use a compass. On the other hand, there are a number of You Tube videos showing no connection. You can see the videos here and here. And this is a write up that speaks of the opposite of Dr. Mercola’s views.
Hello Irina,
What are your thoughts on using the Naturepedic organic mattress pad on top of a “plastic” mattress? We were given a crib and mattress as a handy me down but I was concerned about the toxins too. I figured at least the outer layer would be organic. Your thoughts?
Hello Shana: The pad may help some. However, if there are phthalates and flame retardants in the old mattress, they will settle into the household dust that can be inhaled and ingested. To prevent something you would need something that completely seals the mattress.
Thank you, Irina! We have a new grand baby coming and I want him to have a safe crib mattress! I appreciate all your research and will go with the Naturepedic brand.
I am glad! Thank you for your note, Mare!
After a ton of research I bought for my daughter the Greenbuds mattress ,they are truly organic with out any polyethylene or plastics which others do have and for a reasonable price considering other brands who have this mattress model, and I am very happy knowing that my daughter is sleeping on a healthy mattress.
I don’t know if you are aware but Greenbuds products have never been certified organic and still aren’t. They have been reprimanded by the Global Organic Textile Standard, which is the only organic standard approved by the U.S. Government (USDA National Organic Program). See http://www.global-standard.org and http://www.debralynndadd.com/q-a/misuse-of-product-certifications/.
Hi, I bought a Naturepedic Lightweight Organic cotton baby/toddler mattress (2 sided) and used it since baby was a newborn. When baby was around 5 months I noticed the mattress was indenting right in the center, to the point where it was making it hard for my baby to roll over in his crib, when he was able to do it perfectly fine everywhere else. I contacted Naturepedic and they were extremely helpful, they sent a new mattress right away. After only 5 days of using it, it started indenting again. Because I trust this brand, I decided to give a different model a try, one that had actual springs in it, the one I had did not have springs, so I thought maybe this would solve the problem. I did and unfortunately the mattress was too large for my standard crib. We tried forcing it in and it just didn’t fit. I had to sent hat mattress back as well and Naturepedic was nice enough to give me a full refund for my purchase.
Thank you, Paola! Before I bought the Naturepedic crib mattress, I had my concerns over the quality as I had seen mixed reviews. We have been using the mattress for almost 3 years now and have no problems. In fact, we are considering to buy Naturepedic for us, too.
Did you encounter any information on Naturepedic’s other mattresses? In searching for mattresses I noticed that Babies r’ Us sells several other organic cotton Naturepedic mattresses, but not the one you reviewed. They are much less expensive. Honestly I’m having trouble differentiating the different models and deciding whether they are comparable. Do you believe they are made to the same standard?
Updated: there are also several reviews on amazon citing problems with the mattress indenting in a short time period with normal use? Have you had similar issues?
Hi Huette! Yes, Naturepedic makes all mattress to the same standards. Yes, I read those reviews too before I bought the mattress. And I have not had this problem. We have been using the mattress for almost 2 years now.
Did you encounter any information on Naturepedic’s other mattresses? In searching for mattresses I noticed that Babies r’ Us sells several other organic cotton Naturepedic mattresses, but not the one you reviewed. They are much less expensive. Honestly I’m having trouble differentiating the different models and deciding whether they are comparable. Do you believe they are made to the same standard?
Is this mattress suitable for infants? I heard it was too soft? Thanks!!
It is safe for infants. It is softer because it does not have a rigid plastic cover, which is a great thing. I am not a big fan of babies sleeping on plastic. 🙂 I really like this mattress.