Overview

For sleeping, the crib and mattress are the biggest investments you'll make, and aside from a fitted sheet, the only things you'll actually need for your baby, from newborn to toddler. Recent safety advice advocates no co-sleeping in the same bed, but sleeping in the same room as your baby for at least the first six months.

Hidden Hazards

Mattresses can be made with a wide variety of materials. All must withstand an open flame for a period of time in order to meet flammability standards. Fire prevention can be achieved with a nontoxic barrier material (the most benign being wool; kevlar is another option), or by adding flame retardant chemicals to foam/latex. Many people seek waterproof mattresses and as a result, coverings can be made of polyvinyl chloride (with softeners including some phthalates) or can be coated with per- or polyfluoro alkyl substances (PFAS). Mattress surfaces may also be treated with antimicrobial chemicals. Inside, mattresses may be made with a variety of padding, some of which may include other chemicals of concern including solvents.

Other Considerations

Now that drop-side cribs should no longer used, heavy mattresses can be more challenging to change. However, traditional metal-coil mattresses can be the least dependent on petroleum chemicals, and can more easily meet flammability standards without use of flame retardant chemicals. If you are choosing a foam mattress, beware of green claims for "soy-based foam" which is not made with a significant portion of soybean oil. Such foams are still polyurethane, and are still made with carcinogens.

Recommendations

The Getting Ready for Baby campaign specifically recommends products that have been certified MADE SAFE. For crib mattresses, this includes:

Avocado Green Mattress

• Organic Crib Mattress ($279)

Lullaby Earth

• Breeze Air Breathable Crib Mattress 2-Stage ($259)

• Healthy Support Waterproof Mattress - Single & 2-Stage Firmness ($169)

Lullaby Earth for buybuy BABY

• Lullaby Earth Super Lightweight Baby Crib & Toddler Mattress ($170)

• Lullaby Earth Super Lightweight Baby Crib & Toddler Mattress Stage 2 ($200)

Lullaby Earth for Pottery Barn

• Lullaby Earth Lightweight 2 Stage Crib Mattress ($229)

• Lullaby Earth Breeze 2-Stage Crib Mattress ($259)

Lullaby Earth for Rosie Pope

• Wishful Dreamer Lightweight Crib Mattress ($199)

Naturepedic

• Organic Cotton Classic Seamless Baby Crib Mattress - Lightweight or 150 Coil Support ($259)

• Organic Breathable 2-Stage Baby Crib Mattress - Lightweight or 252 Coil Support ($349)

• Organic Breathable Ultra 2-Stage Baby Crib Mattress - Lightweight 252 Coil Support & Quilted ($399)

• Organic Cotton Oval Baby Crib Mattress (27x47x3) - Fits Stokke Sleepi ($219)

Naturepedic for buybuy BABY

• Naturepedic Lightweight Organic Cotton Regency 2-Stage Crib Mattress ($320)

• Naturepedic Organic Cotton Element Baby Crib & Toddler Mattress ($260)

• Naturepedic Organic Cotton Ultimate Baby Crib & Toddler Mattress ($380)

Naturepedic for Pottery Barn

• Naturepedic Organic Ultra Light 2 Stage Crib Mattress ($329)

Aside from these specific recommendations, we recommend looking for mattresses made without flame retardant chemicals, polyvinyl chloride, antimicrobial additives, per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS - this includes PFCs). There is no evidence that "soy foam" offers any environmental or health benefit versus polyurethane foam, which we also recommend avoiding.

References and Resources

Learn more about the hidden hazards by reviewing the glossary or take a deep dive by reading Safer Products for Babies and Toddlers: Resources and Recommendations for Retailers.

Learn more about how mattresses are made (and what they were made of in 2011) in The Mattress Matters.