Sealy SafetyCase Protective Crib Mattress Encasement (52" x 28" x 6.5") | Sealy Cozy Cool Hybrid 2-Stage Coil & Gel Crib Mattress | Crescent Mini Crib 50 Coil Mattress | Sealy Naturals Cotton Crib Mattress Pad | Kolcraft Fresh Start PolyFoam Crib Mattress | Sealy Healthy Grow Plush Crib Mattress (52" x 28" x 8.5") | Luna 88 Coil Ultra Firm Crib Mattress | Sealy Soybean Natural Dream Crib Mattress | Sealy Perfect Rest Crib Mattress, Kela | Sunshine 3 Inch Ultra Firm Mini Crib Mattress | Sealy Soybean Plush Crib Mattress | Sealy Nature Couture Soybean Serenity Crib Mattress, Organic Cotton | Sealy Nature Couture Cotton Bliss 2-Stage Mattress, Organic Cotton | Sealy Posturepedic Crown Jewel Luxury Firm Crib Mattress |When you are expecting a new baby, shopping for a crib and mattress can be very exciting. But it can also be stressful, once you become aware of the problems surrounding conventional mattress production. Many contain toxic materials such as fire retardants, plasticizers, polyurethane foam, and vinyl (PVC) that have been linked to problems with child development.
There is also a theory that SIDS is caused by the toxic chemicals released by conventional crib mattresses. When a normally harmless household fungus (Scopulariopsis brevicaulis) comes into contact with the elements of phosphorous, arsenic, or antimony that have been found in chemical fire retardants in mattresses, it can generate extremely poisonous gases that are far more toxic than carbon monoxide. (Read more about it here.)New Zealand has been wrapping many of its conventional crib mattresses to seal in the toxic chemicals since 1995 and has noticed a 72 percent reduction in SIDS. The campaign, spearheaded by Dr. T.J. Sprott, has seen nearly 205,000 babies sleeping on wrapped mattresses with no deaths, while crib deaths on unwrapped mattresses were reported to be 975 in the same time period.So it’s definitely a worthwhile investment to buy a ‘clean’ crib mattress for your new baby. If that’s too expensive, then consider purchasing a BabySafe Mattress Cover, which is the non-toxic plastic ‘bag’ used by Dr. Sprott.As a follow-up to my recent post about VOCs emitted from foam crib mattresses, here is a list of alternative green mattresses for your baby:Perfect for really young babies, this mattress is handmade using organic cotton and premium wool batting.
It contains no fire retardants, synthetic fabrics, or petrochemical-based plastics. The 14-person company that makes this mattress uses sustainable practices such as permaculture (i.e. leftover materials are composted by worms) and ensures zero waste of manufacturing byproducts. Available online through Organic Lifestyle.This mattress features a core made of renewable and sustainable plant foam and organic cotton batting. Its cover is also organic cotton for breathability. One side is firmer than the other, making it better for infants; then you can flip it over to the softer side as your baby grows into a toddler. Made in the U.S., this crib mattress contains organic cotton filling with springs to provide firm support. It has no wool or latex, for customers with allergy concerns. The waterproof model contains a non-toxic, food-grade polyethylene surface. Naturepedic uses a naturally-derived fire retardant formula made of baking soda, silica, and cellulose fiber from eucalyptus. Stuffed with a combination of coconut coir and natural latex, this crib mattress is made in the U.S.
It features a removable cover made of organic cotton and wool. The wool acts as a natural fire retardant and water barrier. This crib mattress is made from 4 inches of natural rubber wrapped in organic cheesecloth. The outer removable cover is made of organic cotton jersey fabric. Obasan makes all its products in Ottawa, Canada, and sells them exclusively in store or over the phone. All products are described in detail on their website.Nook is a natural mattress company based in southern California. Its Pebble Pure crib mattress is made with an organic coconut core layered with natural latex foam and organic wool (sourced from local farmers). The covering is made of breathable eucalyptus fibre infused with zinc, which is a non-toxic microbe resister, and organic cotton. ships to U.S. and Canada.This is the only crib that contains memory foam, except that this is entirely natural foam, made using hevea milk (rubber tree sap). The company describes it as “the memory foam we all know and love, but it’s made without the gunk.”
The mattress contains no plastics, vinyl, or chemically treated fabrics, and using Kevlar fabric to pass flammability tests. The outside is made of organic cotton. Handmade in Devon, England, this mattress is stuffed entirely with organic coconut coir, which comes from coconut husks and is very breathable and supportive. It is wrapped in lambswool with a washable cotton cover. Also available are natural latex and mohair-filled crib mattresses. See here for a list of retailers in the U.S.If you have a generous budget to spend on an organic crib mattress, this one comes highly reviewed online. The 6-inch mattress contains 280 coils, making it firm, supportive, and entirely non-allergenic. The covering, padding, insulator pads, and binding tape are all made of 100% organic cotton. It is handcrafted in the U.S. and is available online.We’re not going to lie. Watching your little one peacefully snoozing in her crib, all angel-faced and cuddly, is one of the greatest pleasures of parenting.
Whether you use a crib from day one or transition your baby into the crib later, you’ll be sure to get years of use of it, and even longer if the crib converts to a bed. In addition to a bassinet, using a crib is the safest place for your baby to sleep. It’s important to follow crib safety guidelines, no matter which brand you select. The space should be free and clear of stuffed animals, toys, bumpers, and blankets that can become suffocating hazards. Once you’ve got your crib setup, you can add a cute fitted sheet over the mattress and call it done. If you’re purchasing a crib brand new, it will automatically comply with current safety standards. It’s a whole other story though when looking at used models. You’ll want to check for recalls and make sure your crib was made after 2011. Also, avoid cribs with drop-down sides (since 2007, seven million of these types of cribs have been recalled). You’ll also want to make sure the crib you select has at least a few adjustable mattress settings (allowing you to lower or raise the mattress).
When your child is an infant, you’ll want a higher mattress that allows you to easily scoop them up; but as your baby grows, you should lower the mattress so he or she can’t climb out. Although there are still regular cribs on the market, many these days convert to a toddler bed and some later turn into a standard size bed frame (usually a double bed) as well. Some convertible cribs do require conversion kits to morph into different setups and those can be included with your crib purchase or an additional cost. Mattresses are also sold separately from cribs. Some families prefer to just use a mini crib (larger than a bassinet, but smaller and usually more portable than a standard crib) throughout babyhood before transitioning their child straight to a full-sized bed; this is handy if baby tends to sleep in multiple locations or if you have limited spaces. Although you can use a crib for your baby from the get-go, many parents choose to have their newborns sleep in bassinets or co-sleepers, but typically transition their babies’ to a crib after three to four months.
Even if you don’t plan on using a crib right away, consider putting one on your registry since it’s an expensive item that friends and family may want to pitch in to get for you. Depending on your child’s weight and height, you could use a crib until he is four or five years old. However, parents usually move their children into toddler or twin beds around two to three years old. But, if your kiddo is a climber, you’ll likely make the change sooner because of safety concerns. We asked thousands of real BabyList families about the baby products they love the most. We took the top cribs they shared with us and added our own research and insight. We think you and your little one will love at least one of these items, too. BARGAIN BUYIKEA Sniglar CribWHY WE LOVE IT This simple, low-priced crib comes unfinished so you can paint it any color you want (if you’re up for it!). And, surprisingly, even at this price point you can still use it for a toddler if you move the mattress to the lowest setting and remove one side (so one side will be entirely open - no toddler rail to keep a child from falling out).
“I love the simple Scandinavian style.” To prevent this crib from tipping over, it must be permanently fixed to the wall. WHAT BABYLIST PARENTS SAY “The Sniglar is affordable, light colored and bright! And I love the simple Scandinavian style.” -Caitlin D. “The Sniglar is inexpensive, good quality and has a slim profile. I needed to fit two in the same room for our twins.” -C.M. As crib until child weighs 50 lbs. Yes, converts to a toddler bed with included conversion kit. Two adjustable mattress levels. VINTAGE THROWBACK DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib WHY WE LOVE IT This sweet crib features intricate, traditional-style spindles on silver wheels so you can move it around or lock it in place. The surprisingly small price tag for such a find! While the name implies it can convert to three different configurations, there is really only two you can do without need to make an additional purchase. Either use it as a crib, or remove one side and set the mattress to the lowest level for a toddler-like daybed (but one side will be entirely open - if you want a toddler rail to keep your child from falling out, you’ll need to purchase the toddler bed conversion kit).
“We are planning to move in the next year and we also have the nursery on the second floor. So we needed a crib that was easy to carry upstairs, assemble/disassemble and will be easy to take it with us to a new house. I also think the DaVinci crib looks really nice and classic.” -Amanda K. As crib until child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches; as a toddler bed until child weighs 50 lbs. Yes, toddler bed conversion kit sold separately ($61.95). Four adjustable mattress levels. MOD FAVORITEBabyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib WHY WE LOVE IT This popular pick boasts sleek, but substantial good looks and it’s lower profile makes it easier for shorter folks to reach over into the crib. “modern looking yet timeless” If you’d like to use a crib skirt, parents report that a standard one doesn’t fit the Hudson due to angled metal brackets that support the frame. However, you can purchase crib skirts from Babyletto ($39). “We chose the Hudson because it’s modern looking yet timeless (seriously, why do all of the cribs these days look like the same style?), had as many adjustable settings as possible, was durable, and could be converted to a toddler bed.” -Lauren R.
as toddler bed until child weighs 50 lbs. Yes, converts to toddler bed and daybed with included conversion kit. LONG-LASTING CLASSICPottery Barn Kids Kendall Crib WHY WE LOVE IT With craftsman styling and solid wood, the Kendall is a sturdy, traditional pick that’ll hold up through an entire brood. The Kendall is pricier and only converts to toddler bed, not a daybed or full size bed as others do. “I wanted a white wooden crib and this one was very similar to what I envisioned. I read that it was Pottery Barn’s best selling crib, and it was a reasonable cost…We picked it up the next weekend and it was assembled in under 30 minutes. We have loved it!” -Sara P. Until child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches. Yes, converts to a toddler bed with conversion kit sold separately ($129). Three adjustable mattress levels. BUDGET SAVVY SELECTIONIKEA Gulliver CribWHY WE LOVE IT This lightweight, painted white crib is an economical choice and can also be used as a toddler daybed (like the IKEA Sniglar crib, one side would be rail-free).
Like the IKEA Sniglar crib, the Gulliver also needs to be permanently fixed to the wall to prevent it from tipping over. “Loved the sleek style and affordability. And, it was very easy to assemble.” -E. H. Until child weighs 50 lbs. SPLURGEWORTHY MULTI-TASKERStokke Sleepi CribWHY WE LOVE IT Although costly, the Sleepi crib has a 7-year guarantee on all wooden parts and can grow with your child up to 10 years old. It can transform into a bassinet (conversion kit sold separately), a toddler bed, and then into a junior bed with the purchase of a conversion kit. Or, after the toddler years, you can switch it over to a set of chairs for the playroom. The big bummer about the Sleepi is that you’re forced to purchase the mattress and sheets from Stokke because of the unique oval shape of the crib. “We love the way it grows from a bassinet to crib to bed to chairs. I also love the mattress! It’s firm and comfy and very thick. I’d sleep in it if I could!” -Marielle G.