Every year, approximately 3,600 sudden unexpected infant deaths occur in the United States, according to NIH research. According to the same research, improper bedding is one of the significant factors in such cases. That’s the reason why many parents are looking for the safest possible mattress for their kids, and breathable mattresses are one such option.
In this article, we’ve researched and selected 6 best breathable crib mattresses out of more than 20 options. Such mattresses should be safe for kids, that’s why we were looking for products that have proper certifications from such organizations as GREENGUARD or GOTS. We also selected a number of two-stage models that are suitable for both infants and toddlers. As a result of our research, the Newton Crib Mattress became the Editor’s Choice.
Other features: fully washable (both cover and core)
Our Editor’s Choice, the Newton Crib Mattress, is a tried-and-proven option for parents who want to give their child the best night’s sleep possible. The mattress features a Wovenaire core, which is made from food-grade polymer, resulting in a mattress that you can literally breathe through. Moreover, the core is two-stage, meaning there are two sides — for infants and for toddlers. Finally, this core is fully washable, so you can rinse it in a shower to give it freshness. This product also comes with a cover that’s also washable, even in a machine. Finally, you can buy this mattress in one of four colors — white, moonlight grey, pink, and sky blue, resulting in a mattress that’s perfect for any nursery. The Newton Crib Mattress is also GREENGUARD Gold certified, ensuring that your child will be safe from harmful chemicals and pollutants.
The Newton Crib Mattress is pretty similar to another mattress we reviewed, i.e., the Naturepedic Organic Ultra-Breathable Crib Mattress. Both feature a food-grade polymer as part of their construction. Additionally, both are certified GREENGUARD Gold, which adds to the certainty that the mattresses are safe for your child. The Naturepedic mattress is great for those ready to pay a premium to get an extra half-inch of thickness. However, if you want a mattress that you can wash in its entirety for extra freshness, the Newton Crib Mattress is ideal.
Other features: three-dimensional structure for improved airflow, sugarcane-based waterproof coating, weights 14 lbs.
The Naturepedic Organic Ultra-Breathable Crib Mattress is a great choice for parents who are ready to pay a lot to give their children extra comfort and safety. This mattress features patented wavesupport technology, which creates a three-dimensional structure that improves airflow and makes the mattress lightweight (at just 14 lbs.) and incredibly breathable. The mattress also features a sugarcane-based waterproof coating, so it’s not only practical but also free of any potentially dangerous chemicals. Additionally, the Naturepedic Organic Ultra-Breathable Crib Mattress is certified GOTS and Greenguard Gold, ensuring that it is made with safe and high-quality materials. Finally, this mattress features a two-stage design, so, as your infant grows, you can just turn this mattress over for a less firm sleeping surface. Unfortunately, all these incredible features and technologies come at a higher price that’s multiple times higher than other options on the market.
Compared to the Newton Crib Mattress that came before it on the list, we noticed this Naturepedic option is slightly thicker despite the similarity in construction materials. This may influence the overall longevity of use. Also, the Newton Crib Mattress seems like a great pick for anyone who’d want to occasionally wash both the cover and core of their crib mattress. However, buyers who want extra perks such as the three-dimensional structure supporting airflow and lightweight construction should get this Naturepedic option instead.
Other features: inflammable with no flame retardant chemicals, allergy-friendly, reinforced edges, waterproof core with no chemicals, Breathe Thru organic mattress pad with a three-dimensional surface
The Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress is a great choice for parents who are looking for the healthiest environment possible for their kids. This mattress is made with organic cotton fabric and filling, and it does not contain any flame-retardant or water-repellant chemicals (while being both inflammable and waterproof!), which is especially great for kids that are prone to allergies. This matress’ edges have extra reinforcement to ensure that the baby won’t get stuck along the sides. As with many mattresses, this product is also double-sided, working great for both infants and toddlers. Finally, the Breathe Thru cover ensures great breathability and heat distribution of this mattress, with its 3D-mesh, that’s also fully washable.
Compared to the only other Naturepedic mattress listed, which is our premium choice, there are a few similarities to note. One is the thickness, with both mattresses being two-stage offerings. Furthermore, both crib mattresses have GOTS and Greengard gold certifications. The differences come in construction with the premium choice using food-grade polyurethane, while this Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress uses a coil innerspring instead. As such, it may come down to a matter of preference which model you pick.
Other features: machine-washable and water-resistant cover, comes in a compact box, optimal firmness for infants
If you’re looking for a safe and affordable crib and toddler mattress, the Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress is a great option to look at. This mattress is made of polyurethane foam and is CertiPur-US certified, meaning it’s free from harmful chemicals and pollutants. It’s also been tested and certified for safety and comfort by GREENGUARD Gold, so you can rest easy knowing your child will sleep well on it. The mattress comes in a compact box for easy transport and setup, and it has a machine-washable and water-resistant cover. This mattress is single-sided, but it’s designed to be firm enough for infants but still comfortable for toddlers. Finally, it comes with a water-resistant cover that can be machine-washed, making this mattress an even better, more practical solution.
The Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress is one of two 5-inch mattresses on our list, with the other being the Wonder Dream Baby Crib Mattress. Another similarity is the foam construction, although the perks are different. With this option, you get a machine washable and water-resistant cover with Greenguard Gold, CertiPur, and JPMA certification for cheap. With the Wonder Dream mattress, you get a hypoallergenic mattress with a lifetime limited warranty and an organic replacement cover.
Other features: no toxic emissions or allergens, water-repellent coating, comes with an organic replacement cover, lifetime limited warranty
The Wonder Dream Baby Crib Mattress is a great choice for parents who want a quality mattress for their child that is also sure to last long. The mattress is made of quality foam and is certified as Greenguard Gold, meaning that it does not emit any toxic fumes and is allergen-free. It also comes with an organic replacement cover. Additionally, the mattress has a water-repellent coating to keep it dry in case of accidents. Best of all, it comes with a lifetime limited warranty, so parents can rest assured that they are making a wise investment.
Compared to the Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress, this Wonder Dream Baby Crib Mattress is just about the same thickness. You also get foam construction in both with water-resistant covers. Due to the price, the Graco Premium is better if you’re strapped for cash and want to get as much value as you can. However, if your baby is prone to allergies, our recommendation is to spend the extra money for this hypoallergenic option with an organic replacement cover.
Other features: three-dimensional spacer cover for better air circulation, washable cover, comes compressed in a lightweight box, 10-year limited warranty
The Dourxi 6-Inch Crib Mattress is a great choice for parents who are looking for a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for their kid, while also not breaking their bank. This mattress is two-sided, with high-density firm foam for infants and temperature-regulating, cool gel memory foam for toddlers. The CertiPur-US certification proves that this mattress is completely safe for a kid. The three-dimensional spacer cover provides better air circulation, ensuring breathability by creating a 360-degree airflow beneath your baby. This cover is also washable, so you can easily keep it clean. The mattress comes compressed in a lightweight box, which makes it easy to carry and store. Plus, the 10-year limited warranty gives you peace of mind that this product is built to last.
The Dourxi 6-Inch Crib Mattress is the same thickness as our best organic pick, the Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress mentioned below. While both are great crib mattresses in their own right, the Naturepedic features a coil innerspring and cotton filling. Therefore, it should be the better pick if you want something hypoallergenic. However, if you want a combination of temperature regulation, a washable cover, and a 10-year warranty for more value, the Dourxi mattress should be ideal.
When choosing a crib mattress, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. The most important consideration is the safety of your baby, and it’s better to be supported by certifications. You’ll want to make sure that the mattress is made from safe yet comfortable materials. The breathability of a mattress can differ even on models that are all marketed as breathable, so it’s also an important factor to look into. Let’s take a closer look at these aspects.
Most crib mattresses are 5 to 6 inches thick. A thicker mattress may be more comfortable for your baby, but there’s no direct correlation between thickness and comfort. A thicker mattress may be more expensive. During our research and testing, we’ve found plenty of thick and expensive mattresses that didn’t make the cut, as well as thinner and less expensive ones that did.
Crib mattresses are generally made from foam, although there are also some coil-based options. The type of material used in the construction of a mattress can affect how comfortable and durable it is. It’s also important that the materials used in a crib mattress are safe for your baby. For example, some mattresses use food-grade materials as well as organic waterproofing coatings.
Crib mattresses also come with covers to prevent staining and extend the life of the mattress. Most of these covers are also waterproof, so they protect the mattress from accidents. We recommend choosing mattresses that have machine-washable, organic covers since those are the most practical and the safest.
Kids of different ages need different levels of support from their mattresses. A newborn needs a mattress that is firm to provide the ideal level of support for their developing spine, while an older child can benefit from a bit more give in their mattress.
If you want your crib mattress to last long, we recommend investing in two-stage mattresses. These mattresses have one side that is extra firm for infants and another side that is softer, so it’s good for toddlers. This way, you can flip the mattress over as your child grows, getting years of use out of a single mattress. And, if your kid has already overgrown its crib, you can also look at the best toddler beds reviewed by us.
There are multiple certifications that can be found on a baby crib mattress and knowing what they mean can be confusing for parents.
One such certification is the one by JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association), which is given to products that follow the safety guidelines set by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission). The JPMA certification is not just given to baby crib mattresses but also to other juvenile products.
Another certification that can be found on a baby crib mattress is the GREENGUARD certification. This certification means that the product has been tested for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and it has been proven that it emits low levels of these chemicals.
The GREENGUARD Gold certification is given by UL (Underwriters Laboratories), which is a world-renowned safety organization.
The last certification we want to talk about is the CertiPUR-US certification. It means that the foam in the mattress has been tested for things like heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates and contains low levels of these chemicals.
A breathable mattress will help to keep your baby comfortable and cool, and can also help to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Manufacturers found different ways to achieve a more breathable mattress.
For example, some foam mattresses are constructed with a special structure inside that allows air to flow more freely through the mattress. The most common method is to have an inner core of firm foam with an outer layer of softer foam. On more affordable models, though, you’ll usually find special covers with a 3D structure that allows air to circulate more easily through the mattress.
If for one reason or another you’re not looking for a breathable crib mattress specifically, we can recommend you take a look at the best crib mattresses overall.
Breathable mattresses became popular in recent years as it was recognized how important good airflow is for a comfortable and healthy baby’s sleep. A breathable mattress allows air to flow freely through the fabric and filling so that the baby stays cool and comfortable all night long.
First, a breathable mattress helps to prevent your child from overheating. Overheating is a serious concern for young babies, and can lead to health problems. A breathable mattress allows air to circulate around your child, helping to keep them cool and comfortable.
Second, a breathable mattress helps to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Mold and mildew can cause serious respiratory problems in young children. A breathable mattress helps to keep the sleeping environment clean and free of harmful spores. Thus, breathable mattresses are a good way to prevent allergies and infections.
Third, and most importantly, it’s believed that a breathable mattress helps to prevent SIDS. SIDS is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can occur when a baby is not able to breathe properly. A breathable mattress allows your child to breathe easily and reduces the risk of SIDS. While there are a lot of factors that may contribute to SIDS, a breathable mattress is one way that you can help to reduce the risk.
As we mentioned earlier, one of the main reasons why parents opt for breathable crib mattresses is to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one-year-old. While the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, researchers found multiple factors that contribute to the risk of SIDS.
It’s been found that babies who sleep on their stomach or side are more at risk for SIDS. This is because when babies sleep on their stomach or side, they can rebreathe their own carbon dioxide. So, what’s the connection between breathable crib mattresses and SIDS? Breathable crib mattresses allow air to flow freely under and around the baby.
Sleeping on a soft surface is also a risk factor for SIDS. This is because soft surfaces can increase the risk of suffocation. Crib mattresses that are too soft can cause the baby’s face to become pressed against the mattress, leading to rebreathing. That’s why it’s important to buy firm mattresses for infants, or, which is a more practical choice, a two-sided crib mattress with a firmer side for infants.
Breathable crib mattresses can also help reduce the risk of SIDS by keeping the baby’s temperature regulated. Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS, so it’s important to make sure that the baby’s sleeping environment is not too hot. A breathable crib mattress can help ensure that the baby doesn’t get too hot during sleep.
There are also multiple physical factors that put babies at a higher risk for SIDS. These include:
Going into all these factors is well beyond the scope of this article. However, we hope that this gives you a better understanding of SIDS. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, there are multiple things that parents can do to reduce the risk, and buying a breathable crib mattress is believed to be one of them.
No, not all crib mattresses are breathable. Some even have a waterproof cover that doesn’t allow for airflow. If you’re looking specifically for a breathable crib mattress, be sure to check the product description before making your purchase. Although these mattresses are usually pricier than regular ones, your investment will be worth it in the long run as your baby will be more comfortable and won’t overheat during sleep.
It’s believed that you can use any type of sheet with a crib mattress, but there are some that are better than others. Cotton is always a good choice because it’s breathable and won’t trap heat. You may also want to consider a fitted sheet to make sure it stays in place. Look for sheets that are specifically designed for cribs or toddler beds. These will be the right size and have all the safety features you need. Whatever type of sheet you choose, be sure to wash it regularly in order to keep your child’s sleeping environment clean and free of allergens.
We also have a thorough review and guide of the best crib sheets, so check it out.
You can clean a crib mattress by vacuuming it, spot cleaning it with a mild soap and water solution, or by using a special mattress protector. If you’re using soap or any other detergent, make sure that it’s appropriate for use on baby products. You should also avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaners on the mattress. After cleaning, allow the mattress to air dry completely before putting it back in the crib. Using a special mattress protector can help keep the mattress clean and protected from spills and stains. As of now, most mattresses go with some kind of cover just for that reason.
We decided to make the Newton Crib Mattress our Editor’s Choice because of its quality, hypoallergenic design, and dedication to safety. This mattress is made with breathable materials and is fully washable, which is unique for such mattresses.
The Naturepedic Organic Ultra-Breathable Crib Mattress is a premium option for parents who want to ensure their baby is sleeping on an organic, breathable mattress. This option is significantly pricier than most of its competitors, but ultimately it’s a worthy investment.
Finally, parents who want to get the most organic of the best breathable crib mattresses over there should opt for the Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress. It is fully organic, allergy-friendly, chemical-free mattress, this option is the best the market has to offer.
