When shopping for a crib mattress, it is important to know that you are purchasing one that is organic and non-toxic. Conventional mattresses may contain toxic chemicals and off-gassed substances that can harm your child.
There are many great organic crib mattresses available. These mattresses are made with only organic materials from GOTS and OEKO-TEX certifications.
1. CertiPUR-US
A certified organic mattress is the best choice to make sure your baby`s bed doesn`t contain toxic chemicals. There are many certifications to help you make an informed decision.
CertiPUR US is the most trusted certification for foams. It certifies mattresses with low VOC emissions indoor air quality (less that 0.5 parts per millions), no ozone depleters or TDCPP flame retardants, formaldehyde and heavy metals such as lead and mercury.
The mattress itself is made from flexible polyurethane foam that`s GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it contains no banned phthalates or ozone depleters, and is safe for children and the environment. It can also be machine washed and waterproof. The two-sided design allows you to easily switch between a firmer toddler side and an infant side.
2. GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certificate
GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification (formerly GREENGUARD Gold Certification) evaluates products that are intended for use in environments where children and sensitive individuals may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of chemical emissions. It provides stricter certification criteria, considers safety factors to account for sensitive individuals, and ensures that a product is acceptable for use in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities.
UL Environment, a business unit within UL (Underwriters Laboratories), created this program in 2005 to reduce indoor air pollution and improve quality. It helps buyers and manufacturers identify low-chemical emission interior products and materials.
GREENGUARD Gold certification means that a building product or material has been scientifically verified to comply with the strictest third-party chemical emission standards. This certification allows architects to create more sustainable, healthy and efficient buildings.
3. Dual Firmness
Dual firmness is a feature that allows parents to flip the mattress over to a softer side as their baby grows into toddlerhood. A crib mattress with a firm side to accommodate infants and one that is soft enough for toddlers will provide a safer sleeping surface, according to the AAP safe sleep guidelines.
It also makes it easier for your baby to adjust their sleep position without disturbing you. The mattress also conforms to the shape of your baby`s body, which can help relieve pressure points.
It is important to search for certifications that guarantee the safety and non-toxicness of the mattress` materials. CertiPUR-US, for example, is a program that tests the integrity of organic and natural materials. The program`s strict standards help reduce the possibility of off-gassing.
4. Washable & Hypoallergenic
A low-quality mattress can trap heat, develop mold, and trigger allergies. It also may have a high-risk of containing toxic chemicals that can be absorbed by your baby through skin or breathing.
To reduce these risks, look for a mattress that is washable and hypoallergenic. These materials are designed to keep dust mites and other allergens at bay while also providing a breathable surface for your baby to sleep on.
Naturepedic`s organic crib mattress is hypoallergenic and washable. It is CertiPUR US certified and GREENGUARD gold certified for low emissions. The organic cotton cover reduces the chance of your baby inhaling VOCs from polyurethane foam.
5. Recyclable
Modern parents should have a breathable organic crib mattress without chemicals. These parents are concerned about issues like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SID), volatile organic compounds, toxic flame retardants and heavy metals.
CertiPUR US certification is a good way to ensure that your baby`s mattress has organic and non-toxic components. It`s free from harmful chemicals such as mercury, PBDE flame-retardants, ozone depleters and chlorofluorocarbons.
GREENGUARD Gold is also a certification that`s worth looking for, as it`s backed by UL, one of the most thorough oversight and standards independent organizations in the United States. You`ll also get a waterproof cover that meets the food contact standards so cleanups will be quicker and easier.