Choosing a Natural, Organic Crib Mattress
Conventional vs. Organic
Here’s why we recommend a Natural, Organic Crib Mattress
Conventional:
Look at the label on a conventional crib mattress and you will see that they are typically made out of polyurethane foam, polyester, metal coils, batting or filling, padded tops and a fabric covering. First, polyurethane and polyester are made of petroleum products that emit toxic fumes. These toxic fumes are known to cause serious allergies as well as problems for immune and reproductive systems. Some mattresses also contain other carcinogens (i.e. formaldehyde) known to irritate the eyes and skin. Petrochemicals are used in manufacturing conventional mattresses because they’re easy to work with and relatively inexpensive. As you shop for your crib mattress, you’ll notice that conventional crib mattresses are quite reasonably priced and petrochemicals are a large part of the reason why.
In addition to the petrochemicals, more toxins are applied to the tops & fabric coverings of mass-produced mattresses. Ironically, this is done in the name of safety. For example, flame-retardants are necessary because the foam typically used in the construction of a conventional mattress has the same combustion rating as kerosene. The flame-retardants themselves, however, contain polybromiated diphenyl (PDBE), a compound known to cause irreversible damage to children’s nervous systems and brain development. PDBEs are similar to PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), now banned in the US.
All Natural:
As an alternative, when looking at the list of materials on a natural or organic crib mattress you will likely see a some combination of natural latex foam, organic cotton, wool, eucalyptus, and coconut fibers.
Natural latex foam contains no petrochemicals. Natural Latex is an open celled material and when used as part of a crib mattress this means air flow through the core of the mattress and a more oxygen rich environment for your baby. Natural latex is also hypoallergenic, anti-microbial and anti-mite. As if that wasn’t good enough, Rubber trees are one of the more efficient absorbers of CO2 and the rubber can be harvested without doing harm to the trees; natural latex is not only good for your baby but also good for our planet.
The same can be said of Organic Cotton. Choosing organic cotton contributes to a reduction of the pesticides and fungicides that are used on conventional cotton crops, and that is good for air quality and the health of us all. Of course, Organic Cotton is also soft and gentle against baby’s skin.
Eucalyptus fibers are one of nature’s best absorbers and are sometimes used in natural crib mattresses to help absorb moisture during the night. Additionally, Eucalyptus offers a silky softness & sheen that is an ideal surface for sensitive skin.
Wool contains natural lanolin that creates a natural waterproof barrier or repellency. Wool is also thermal and helps keep baby cool by pulling heat away from the skin. Additionally, no chemical fireproofing is necessary as wool is a natural flame retardant.
A natural mattress is a substantial investment, but considering your infant will spend 16-18 hours per day in his or her sleeping environment, isn’t it worth it?
TIPS:
When choosing an all-natural, organic crib mattress, follow these guidelines as a starting point for the highest safety and quality standards:
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC - by OTCO to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
- GREENGUARD® CERTIFIED - Regularly tested for chemical emissions
- Meets CPSC firmness recommendations and fits snugly in U.S. standard size cribs
Top Two Picks:
Oeuf Pure & Simple Organic & Natural 
Nook Pebble Pure
Lightweight Mattresses:
Oeuf Pure & Simple Dual Firm 
Nook Pebble Light
The next best thing to an organic mattress is an organic mattress topper:
Holy Lamb Organics Crib Mattress Topper 
Holy Lamb Organics Fleece Mattress Topper
