Last updated: May 5, 2016. Best Crib Mattress: Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Classic Lightweight crib mattress—it’s a mouthful, but the name really says it all: this mattress is lightweight; organic and GREENGUARD certified. Worried about crib mattress safety? Wondering which mattress is right for you? Check out Crib Mattresses 101. Perfect for first-time parents and even old hands who need a refresher. We evaluate crib mattresses with hands-on inspections, reviews by our readers and online feedback. We do not accept free samples from manufacturers—if we purchase a mattress to review, we buy it from the same sources we recommend on this site (Amazon, stores, etc). We also meet manufacturers in person at trade events and evaluate product samples and prototypes. We have been researching and writing about crib mattresses since 1994. With the advent of new foams and cover materials as well as interest in organic and natural mattresses, the options have greatly expanded for new parents.
Our PickNaturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Classic Lightweight27.5″ x 52″ x 6Naturepedic’s No Compromise Organic Cotton Lightweight Classic mattress incorporates all the features we’re looking for in a crib mattress: light weight, no chemicals, waterproof cover, organic fabrics. $258.00* at Amazon* Prices change daily. Naturepedic’s owner Barry Cik got the idea for his company after a frustrating search for a crib mattress for his grandchild. Cik, an environmental engineer and hazardous material expert, was appalled at what he found on the market—crib mattresses made of petro-chemical foam, chemical fire retardants and more. “I knew all about vinyl/PVC, polyurethane foam, and the various chemicals contained in them and there was no way I was going to put my grandchild to sleep within a few inches of these chemicals” Cik said. In 2004, Cik launched Naturepedic as a more natural alternative. The company has five goals for its crib mattresses: no harmful chemicals;
natural, organic and renewable materials wherever possible; practical, easy to clean design; and third-party testing by GreenGuard to ensure they meet strict standards. Naturepedic offers four series of crib mattresses: lightweight, classic, ultra and quilted/2-in-1. Prices range from $260 to $289. The No Compromise Organic Cotton Lightweight Classic mattress is uniquely designed with closed-cell air pockets made from food-grade polyethylene (no polyethylene). Called Wavesupport, the pockets are created with a wave design as shown below: Here’s an actual photo of the Wavesupport as well: As a result, this mattress is half the weight of a traditional coil mattress. The cover is organic cotton fabric with a food grade polyethylene waterproof—making it both waterproof and dust mite/bed bug proof. Under the cover is another layer of organic cotton filling and there are no chemicals required to make it flame retardant. Another plus, the mattress is seamless with waterproof edges.
The No Compromise is GREENGUARD certified and the components are certified organic as well. This is Naturepedic’s best-selling model at $260; a dual-firmness model is $300. While these prices may seem high compared to other crib mattresses, it is substantially less than the competition in the organic mattress category. See below under Crib Mattress Competition. If you want a coil mattress, Naturepedic’s Organic Cotton Classic 150 coil mattress is our pick at $260. It’s made with organic cotton filling, a firm coil innerspring and the waterproof cover mentioned above. The No Compromise is not exactly the cheapest mattress on the market, but it is comparable (and somewhat less expensive than) other organic, chemical free options. In online reviews, some parents have complained their mattress sagged after only a short time. Other parents note that the measurement of the mattress was off and it was too small for their crib (leaving an unacceptable gap). Naturepedic replaced those mattresses that had problems.
Overall, the company’s customer service is good. Also GreatLullaby Earth Super Lightweight$169.00* at Amazon* Prices change daily. Lullaby Earth’s Super Lightweight mattress is a great option if you have a bit more money to spend. It is made of polyethylene foam (a non-toxic, food-grade foam that requires no fire retardant chemicals) and weighs just 6.5 lbs. Most other foam mattresses on the market are made of polyurethane. It features seamless edges and Greenguard-certification. Lullaby Earth’s Super Lightweight crib mattress is a good deal at $169—and Lullaby Earth is the more affordable division of Naturepedic. Same quality and environmental commitment. “All natural” crib mattresses similar to the No Compromise mattress include those made by Naturalmat, Greenbuds Baby, Natura, and Nook. Many of them are more expensive than the Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton ($400 and up in most cases), while others are missing key features like a waterproof cover (Natura and Nook, for example).
Naturepedic’s No Compromise Organic Cotton Lightweight Classic mattress incorporates all the features we’re looking for in a crib mattress: light weight, waterproof cover, organic fabrics. Compared to other organic mattresses that top $400, the Naturepedic No Compromise at $258 is a decent buy. Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Classic Lightweight27.5″ x 52″ x 6Naturepedic’s No Compromise Organic Cotton Lightweight Classic mattress incorporates all the features we’re looking for in a crib mattress: light weight, no chemicals, waterproof cover, organic fabrics. Solid foods and weaning See all baby groups There are many types of cot mattress available. You can choose between foam spring interiors, natural fibres, special anti-allergy fillings, or a combination of any of the above. You may find it difficult to decide which is the best and safest mattress for your baby. But The Lullaby Trust states that it doesn't matter what kind of mattress you use, as long as it:
is firm not softfits the cot snugly without any gapsdoesn't sag doesn't have signs of wear and tear Any mattress you choose should conform to BS 1877-10: 1997. It should also be at least 8cm to 10cm deep to support your baby while she sleeps. If the mattress you choose has a fabric cover, vacuum it regularly to keep dust mites at bay. Unless you know the history of a second-hand mattress, buy a new one. This will give you peace of mind.Foam mattressesFoam mattresses are generally the cheapest. They are designed to provide the right support and maintain your baby's natural posture. They often have a wipe-clean PVC cover or removable, breathable covers on one or both sides. They may also have ventilation holes to help keep your baby cool, but these aren't necessary. lightweight provide good supportgood value for moneygenerally easy to keep clean ConsA PVC cover may make your baby feel a bit clammy in hot weather. May start to lose shape after several years. This may be something to consider if you want to use the mattress for subsequent children.
Dirt or grime can be difficult to remove from ventilation holes. Coil spring mattressesThese traditional mattresses have a coiled spring interior with layers of felt and foam padding. They often have a cotton cover on one side and PVC, or other wipe-clean material, on the other side. A spring inner core will support your baby. These mattresses also tend to hold their shape well. If you choose a cot bed, you may prefer a coil spring mattress as they tend to be longer lasting than foam. The space within the spring lattice allows for increased airflow through the mattress. This helps to regulate a child’s body temperature and to keep the mattress fresh. They are a traditional, popular choice with many parents.In hot weather, you can lay your baby on the cotton cover side to prevent her becoming clammy. More expensive than a foam mattress.The cotton side may be preferred for comfort, but can be more difficult to keep clean, unless your mattress has a removable panel.Pocketed spring mattressesThese mattresses are very similar to coil spring mattresses, but each spring is in its own pocket to provide improved support for longer.
Expensive.Probably not cost-effective, unless you have a cot bed that your baby will sleep in for several years, or the mattress will be used for more than one child. Dual Core™ mattressesThe Dual Core™ cot mattress is a patented design that incorporates two cores in one. It aims to meet the needs of your child from when they are first born to when they start school. For your newborn baby, it has a coir and orthopedic foam interior, which provides a flat and firm sleeping surface. As your baby grows into a toddler and preschooler, the second core incorporates micro-pocketed springs to conform to your child's changing weight and shape. excellent support throughout your baby's early yearsextremely hard-wearingholds its shape well expensiveNatural fibre mattressesNatural fibre mattresses have a core of coconut fibre with other layers of different materials. The fibres are coated in latex for strength and protection, and the natural fibre filling helps air to circulate through the mattress.
These mattresses are available with a soft cotton or wipe-clean covering. Good choice if you are concerned about your baby sleeping on synthetic material, or you are concerned about introducing unnecessary chemicals or synthetics into your home. One of the firmest types, so the mattress is long-lasting, and holds its shape well. This could be a sensible choice if you want a mattress that will last for more than one child. More expensive than foam or most spring interior mattresses.Less widely available than other types of mattress.Hypoallergenic mattressesIf allergies or asthma are a concern in your family, you may want to consider a hypoallergenic mattress for your baby. These come with a quilted top layer that can be easily detached and washed at 60 degrees C to kill the dust mites that may cause allergies. Allergy UK has a list of approved mattress covers and bedding. Good choice if your baby has allergies or asthma. Easy to keep clean. May be more expensive than other kinds of mattress.