If finding products that are organic and eco-friendly is important to you, then shopping for a baby shifts this impulse into high gear. One of your most important searches will be for a high quality, organic crib mattress and a safe, healthy crib constructed from good materials. After considerable searching my wife and I chose these: NaturalMat Coco Mat Mattress giggle Better Basics Organic Cotton Flannel Mattress Pad If you found this page through a random search for the best organic crib mattress or crib, then please know that I personally put in at least 10 hours researching these products! Although they are expensive, when you consider the amount of time babies and toddlers spend in their cribs, it is important to choose materials that are not cheap, hazardous, and off-gassing chemicals directly into the nursery air. Why the Oeuf Sparrow Crib? I liked this crib because of the solid wood construction. Pressed wood is made with glues and often puts out formaldehyde.
There is a solid birch option which is not painted, but we went with the white color. The paint used by Oeuf is water-based and free of harmful VOC’s. The cribs are made in Europe under the strictest environmental standards, not in China. Aesthetically the Oeuf Sparrow crib is very attractive and in my opinion appears mid-century modern. One downside for me was that the base of the crib was some sort of plywood, not solid wood. I suppose this makes sense because solid wood can crack and warp, and the base needs to be sturdy. Oeuf provides reassurance thusly: “Engineered hardboard panels are made from recovered wood fibers, meeting European E1 emissions standards as well as California’s CARB 1 and 2 emissions standards.” In my paranoia I actually painted the base anyway, using a zero VOC Mythic Non-Toxic Paint, let it dry outside for a day, and plywood smell problem solved. The eco-friendly crib is made from sustainably sourced wood in a Forest Stewardship Council certified facility.
Why the Coco Mat Organic Crib Mattress? We chose NaturalMat’s mattress over Ouef’s crib mattress. Either would have been excellent choices, but NaturalMat’s organic crib mattress won us over for these reasons: there is no latex, it is made from organic coir (coconut husks) and organic wool (thermally insulating), yet it is very breathable. Lavender, eucalyptus, and lemon extracts help make it dust-mite resistant in a natural way, and from experience lend no detectable smell. The Cocomat is naturally fire retardant without any harmful PBDE retardants. It is made in England and seems completely non toxic with no polyethylene or synthetics. Why the Organic Cotton Flannel Mattress Pad? It looked cozy, and the material is made of two layers of 100% Egyptian Certified Organic Cotton Flannel with ultra-thin waterproof membrane in center. No vinyl/PVC, phthalates or latex are used. You could go without the mattress pad but chances are your baby will have some accidents, snotty nights, etc…
Are Organic and Green Materials Worth It? Is this level of concern about materials excessive? With all the other crap in our daily environments, choosing the best organic crib mattress and eco friendly crib might seem absurdly reductionist. Your baby will be exposed to countless chemicals regardless, right? But once again, the amount of time spent in the crib, and the intimate proximity of the materials to the baby’s skin and respiratory system compelled us to fork over some big bucks on a green, high-quality crib and mattress. If it is only for peace of mind, and less than scientifically proven to keep your child healthier, then so be it. That mid-century modern crib aesthetic in the age of Mad Men is valuable, too.How to Choose the Best Mattress for Your Baby’s CribCrib sheets are more than just something to cover your baby’s mattress. With a range of colors and prints to choose from, crib sheets are a subtle but effective way to bring together your nursery. And considering how much time you’ll spend at the side of your little one’s crib (bedtime, diaper-change-time, middle-of-the-night-crying-time), you’ll want to pick a style and design that you really admire.
Here are our favorite crib sheets from the past year. FAIRY TALE FINDS FROM THE LAND OF NODYellow & Grey Chick Print Crib SheetThese lovely and whimsical choices will bring magic (and detailed quality) to any nursery. The Land of Nod feaures a range of beautiful crib sheets, as well as baby quilts (to use for decoration or activities like tummy time, until your child is old enough to safely use them as their own blankets). Pink and White Swan Crib SheetSerene swans gliding through a pink lake; Blue Nested Organic Crib SheetFeaturing a lovely nest illustrated by artist Elizabeth Olwen. SWEET & SIMPLE FROM ADEN + ANAISaden + anais Classic Muslin Crib SheetThese crib sheets from aden + anais feature gentle, soothing designs combined with soft colors. And like the brand’s swaddles, these sheets are made from cotton muslin, which becomes softer with every wash. organic crib sheetThis organic crib sheet is the most breathable fabric to lay your little one on, keeping baby warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
aden + anais Classic Muslin Crib SheetAs well as the up, up and away pattern, we also love the star pattern from aden + anais! aden + anais Organic Crib Sheet (Once Upon a Time)A charming yet subtle print in modern colors. BOLD PATTERNS FROM SERENA & LILYZebra Crib SheetThe vivid colors and designs from Serena & Lily will give your nursery a modern touch. The strong colors will brighten the entire room and make your crib choice stand out. Mosaic Crib SheetA striking but not overbearing print in soft grey and navy blue. Scale Crib SheetA fun fishscale pattern for your nursery. BIG DREAMS FROM OUR SHOP SMALL FAVESHello Meadow Crib SheetNothing like smiling mama and baby animals to decorate a nursery. Aqua Hello World Crib SheetWhat a great sentiment for a newborn baby! Picking out crib sheets is a fun way to express your personal sense of style and color in your baby’s sleeping space. For more ways to add to your nursery, check out our picks for the Best Cribs, the Best Bassinets, and the Best Changing Tables.