There are so many decisions to make when it comes to preparing for a baby. The first thing people tend to think about is the baby’s crib, but an often overlooked element of cribs is what the baby is actually going to be sleeping on! As a new mom, I was guilty of information overload. I just picked the first baby mattress I saw because I didn’t have the time or energy to research it. Luckily it worked out ok but in hindsight, I wish I had spent more time on my decision. If you’re in the same boat, to help you out, I’ve researched the best GreenGuard certified crib mattresses for you to choose from based on your preferences and budget.
Best Crib Mattresses in Summary
- Best Overall: Beautyrest Black AIRCOOL by Delta Children – $299.99
- Best in Splurge Price Range: Newton Waterproof – $350.00
- Best in Mid Price Range: The Essential by Newton – $199.99
- Best in Low Price Range: Beautyrest Silver from Delta Children – $99
What is a GreenGuard Certified Mattress
First, you may be wondering what makes a crib mattress “good.” As products continue to change and improve, it can be difficult to sort through and understand new terminology in the baby department. Something you may see is that a product is GreenGuard Certified. This ensures that your child is breathing in safe air when they sleep at night. These mattresses will go through extensive testing and are verified to have very low chemical emissions and low VOCs. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are harmful chemicals that can be released into the indoor air and can cause health problems. If a product is GreenGuard Gold Certified, it has passed their stricter guidelines, so it will be safer for your child. Either certification is a great place to start when looking at crib mattresses.
My Picks for the Best GreenGuard Certified Crib Mattresses
Below are my picks for the best GreenGuard certified mattresses, sorted by price. And if you haven’t found one already, feel free to check out our Best Places to Buy Cribs Online article.
Splurge Picks
Naturepedic Organic Breathable Ultra – $459.00
Sitting at the top of the price point is the Naturepedic Organic Breathable Ultra. This mattress is completely waterproof and is also certified organic. It features 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and is 100% vegan. It also has two options when you go to purchase: a lightweight option or innerspring option for extra strength. The lightweight option may be better in my opinion, as you do have to pick up the mattress to put on the crib sheets pretty often, so a heavier mattress may make that difficult.
Ionic Breathe with Cloud Core from Delta Children – $399.99
Next up, we have the Ionic Breathe Crib & Toddler Mattress with Cloud Core from Delta Children. The most interesting part about this mattress is the ions embedded in the fabric. If you’re wondering what that is, it is just very small particles added in that have antimicrobial properties. There are ions in the mattress to specifically fight off any bacteria, viruses, or other microbes. The washable cover also has ions that will not wash out over time, unlike others, to ensure longevity. Another thing I love about this mattress is the Cloud Core material that makes it hypoallergenic and mold/mildew–resistant. This is so important if you live in a humid environment, because the last thing you want is mold in your child’s bed! My favorite aspect of this mattress is the 2-sided feature, allowing one firm side for your infant, and an additional layer of comfort on the toddler side. This would be a great investment since this mattress can last you years as your child grows!
Newton Waterproof – $350
This mattress, unlike most, is 100% waterproof. If you have dealt with any form of wet bedding in the middle of the night, you know how important this is. But if you’re a new mom, just know that sleep deprivation, a screaming baby, and a fully soaked mattress do not combine well at 3 am. A lot of mattresses will have a washable cover, which is nice, but does not prevent the actual mattress from getting soiled. This waterproof mattress has a waterproof liner to prevent leaks from going into the mattress, without losing breathability. It also has the 2-stage design, so it will last you through the toddler years. Just from looking at the mattress, the quilted double-layer cover looks so cozy and comfortable!
Beautyrest Black AIRCOOL from Delta Children – $299.99
There honestly isn’t much this mattress does not have. It features multiple layers of cooling and gel memory foam. This is perfect to keep your child at a comfortable temperature at night. The cooling cover is topped with woven fabric with moisture wicking technology and antibacterial properties. With luxury pocketed coil springs layer in between foam and gel layers, this mattress sounds like an actual dream to sleep on. On top of all of those layers, it is waterproof and stain resistant. Also including the 2-stage baby to toddler sides, it honestly has everything you would want. This would be my top mattress choice in terms of comfort and functionality.
Classic Organic Cotton Crib Naturepedic – $269
If you loved the Naturepedic from above, this is their classic (and cheaper) mattress. Still 100% certified organic, it features a waterproof surface with layers of GOTS certified organic cotton. This one has 3 options to choose from: lightweight, lightweight 2-stage, or innerspring 2-stage for more strength.
Mid Price Range Picks
The Essential from Newton – $199.99
If you loved the Newton mattress from above but not the price, this may be perfect for you. This mattress is 100% washable. If your baby has a blowout to the core of the mattress, you can hose the entire thing off in the shower. It still has the 2-sided feature so it is a great alternative to the more expensive Newton. Honestly, just the peace of mind knowing you can wash the entire mattress is convincing enough for me.
Sweet Bliss Dual Sided from Delta Children – $149.99
This mattress features a waterproof cover and a fiber core made from recycled materials. It still has the dual sides for both baby and toddler stages. This is a great middle ground option if you don’t want the cheapest mattress, but can’t afford the most expensive. Buying from a trusted and popular brand makes it an easy purchase.
Babyletto Pure Core – $199
Featuring a hybrid cover, the waterproof backing protects the mattress while the soft cotton top cuddles your baby. This mattress is fully recyclable and has breathable polyester layers to help regulate baby’s heat while sleeping. It’s also dual-sided and hypoallergenic. Babyletto is just a good brand for all things baby, so I am positive this mattress is of good quality.
Beautyrest Silver from Delta Children – $99
Delta Children is back on the list with their most affordable option, the Beautyrest Silver. Even though it is cheaper than their other mattresses, they do not sacrifice quality when lowering the price. This mattress still features silver technology for antimicrobial properties, waterproof cover backing, and the 2-sided perk. This is easily the best option if you cannot spend more than $100 because it surpasses the Graco in features by far.
Most Affordable Pick
Graco Premium Foam Crib Mattress – $89.99
This mattress is available almost everywhere, and it is the most affordable GreenGuard certified mattress on my list. It’s super lightweight, making sheet changes very easy. This mattress has tons of reviews, mostly positive but some commenting on an odor that persists. It does come in a very small box, so you have to wait a few days to let it air out and expand. It also doesn’t have the dual-sided feature. If your budget allows you to get a nicer mattress, I definitely would look into other options, but if you need something affordable, this is your best bet.
In Summary…
You may find it easier to first determine your price range before shopping for a crib mattress. There are decent options within every budget. Delta Children makes some of my favorite options, and I find that they have a mattress within every price point with amazing features. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your preferences on waterproof vs washable, organic vs non-organic, and high-end vs affordable. Either way, you can find a mattress perfect for you and your baby!
We, the Upside Dad Team, are a bunch of writers, parents, and baby sleep experts. Becoming a parent has been the most fulfilling and eye-opening time in our life. We are always thinking of ways to make life with babies a little bit easier and more fun. Our mission is to provide support to every parent in this journey. We are in the pursuit of finding the balance between being the best parent and still getting a good night’s sleep.