Do I Need an Organic Crib Mattress?  Is an Organic Baby Crib Mattress Necessary? 

Moms all are asking, "Do I need an organic crib mattress? Is an organic baby crib mattress really necessary?"   There is a need for research any time there is a substantial price difference between one nursery item and another and being as the cost of organic is a bit more expensive, this question is asked often and for good reason. 

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To save moms precious time (not to mention cash), we will answer some of the questions that will help moms to make the comparisons necessary for crucial decisions when equipping a nursery.

One point that needs to be made early on is that parents should not be surprised or feel challenged if (when) you feel that your research is complete and your decision has been made. Just bear in mind that what may be the perfect choice for one infant may not be suitable for another.

When it comes to arguments pertaining to the best materials to use in mattress construction or whether foam is better or safer than one with coils, the best advice is to rely on facts based in science and the advice of trustworthy professionals in the field.

Do I Need an Organic Crib Mattress?

That said, this page is a wonderful resource that will assist moms and dads in knowing which questions to ask.

Peaceful, sleeping baby swaddled in organic cotton on an organic mattress


Go here to see a top-recommended organic crib mattress for less than $200!



What is an Organic Crib Mattress Anyway?

In the spirit of keeping it simple, by definition an organic crib mattress is one that is in compliance with organic safety standards for mattresses and whose construction features no:

  • synthetic materials
  • chemicals


Now that we see that going organic may expose your newborn to fewer chemicals you may no longer be asking "Do I need an organic crib mattress?" but wait, there are more questions left to be answered; keep going.

Are Organic Crib Mattresses Worth It?

Generally speaking, the less organic crib mattresses are also the least expensive. A cheap price is so hard to turn away from and a high price tag can be so difficult to justify but in this case, with the uptick in cost comes benefits as listed below.

1. Baby Will be Exposed to Fewer Toxins

The definition of toxin is "a poisonous substance". In what universe would a parent want their child exposed to a toxin?

Fewer toxins are the best reason to choose a crib mattress manufactured using as many organic materials as possible.

A study conducted by an organization promoting safer environments investigated 190 crib mattresses and discovered that over 70% contained one or more chemicals that have been linked to health risks.

Crib mattresses have been reported to release:

  • VOC's
  • fragrance allergens
  • endocrine disruptive phthalates


many of which are believed to be at their strongest within baby's breathing area.

Consider how many hours a newborn will spend sleeping in contact with the crib mattress that you choose. Since babies breathe more rapidly than adults they may inhale any harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds)that are being off-gassed even more rapidly. These compounds may may have both short as well as long-term adverse health effects and the heat from their tiny bodies could possibly accelerate the release of these compounds affecting the air quality of the nursery.

Most parents will agree that with the information that is available at this time that yes, organic crib mattresses are worth it.

Do I need an organic crib mattress? If your goal is to do all you can to improve the air quality in the nursery; the answer is a resounding "yes".

What is The Best Organic Crib Mattress

The best organic crib mattress is one that is:

  • Certified Organic
  • as heavy in organic, non-toxic materials as possible in its construction
  • GOTS/GOLS Certified


Beware of a mattress that is not organic through and through. Pay close attention to the materials used inside as well as out. It is possible for an organic mattress cover to be used with cheap, toxic polyurethane foam that may have an adverse effect on the air quality of the nursery.

The Bottom Line

My hope is that the information in this article will help to give new parents a sense of direction when facing the question, "Do I need an organic crib mattress?"

Unique Baby Gear Ideas can not guarantee the safety or level of toxicity of any crib mattress and recommends that our visitors defer to the opinions of trusted professionals and research published by experts in the field.

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Unique Baby Gear Ideas advises everyone to never use drop side baby cribs. It is illegal to buy, sell or use a drop side crib. If you own a drop side crib, please disassemble it and dispose of it at the local city or county waste dump.



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