Ask My Little Buddha
Any suggestions on a good organic crib mattress? We are setting up a baby room and a bit overwhelmed at the number of choices.
Choosing an organic crib mattress is confusing. Here are the basics:
There are two kinds, innerspring and natural latex/rubber.
Innerspring mattresses have wire coils inside (the inner spring) which is the way most mattresses are built. The coils are covered with organic cotton and wool. Innerspring mattresses tend to be less expensive than natural latex/rubber.
Natural latex/rubber mattresses have an inner core of latex (rubber) which is wrapped with organic cotton and wool or just organic cotton. The most expensive crib mattresses are natural latex covered with organic wool and cotton.
Making a decision:
Any of these mattresses are great for a newborn (choose extra firm) through toddler. They last for 10 years or more, are safe and free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and plastics that other baby mattresses contain.
Some of the nuances that mattress manufacturers discuss:
- Innerspring mattresses are not completely “natural” because of the metal coils. If that’s a concern, choose the latex.
- Organic wool on a mattress is a natural moisture barrier and flame retardent.
- Children sleep better on wool.
A few other details to know before getting an organic mattress:
- They’re not covered with a plastic moisture protection cover. When purchasing, get two organic wool crib puddle pads. After a leaky diaper, remove the puddle pad immediately to avoid wetness on the mattress. Puddle pads are washable on hand wash cycle, hang dry in the sun. We find the unfitted puddle pads easier to use on the crib, and we layer them for extra protection.
- Organic mattresses can be aired out, not washed down. We flip ours over on occasion and definitely between children.The best part of buying an organic mattress is knowing our kids are sleeping naturally those first years of their lives when they sleep so much!
Organic Mattress Stores
Dax Stores
Lifekind
Allergy Buyers Club
Where to look for a less expensive latex/rubber mattress
What about the concern of latex and how it contributes to allergies. From Reading the naturepedic web site, they say there are is no way to process latex with out the use of chemicals.
The organic latex mattresses are a natural rubber and not a latex blend that is the usual allergy trigger.
That said, Dax Stores and Lifekind recommend that people with a known allergy try holding and sleeping with a natural rubber sample (for adults it could be a pillow) and see how they feel.
Lifekind can also send a list of allergic symptoms to watch for.
For complete safety and piece of mind, the innerspring mattress made of organic cotton and wool is a good option.