Naturepedic Crib Mattress Review: Evaluating All The Options

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Written by Leigh Matthews, BA Hons, H.Dip. NT

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Leigh Matthews, BA Hons, H.Dip. NT

Sustainability Expert

Leigh Matthews is a sustainability expert and long time vegan. Her work on solar policy has been published in Canada's National Observer.

Updated:

If your family is in the market for an organic, non-toxic crib mattress, Naturepedic is a solid choice. Here is what you need to know about Naturepedic’s line of crib mattresses, from firmness, to eco-certifications, and of course price. We break down the differences between the Classic, Breathable, Breathable Mini, and Breathable Ultra crib mattresses by Naturepedic.

Table of Contents
  1. Why we like Naturepedic
  2. Green and non-toxic certifications
  3. Our favorite Naturepedic crib mattresses
  4. Comparison of different models
  5. Naturepedic crib mattress FAQs
Here is a video of a Naturepedic organic crib mattress in action. We filmed this video while using the Naturepedic crib mattress in a home nursery.

Why we like Naturepedic

All Naturepedic mattresses are made without toxic chemicals and mostly comprise natural materials like organic cotton. These crib mattresses also have a wipe-clean waterproof surface made with sugar cane-derived polyethylene. This cover meets food contact standards and has waterproof seams to prevent moisture penetration and allow for easier cleaning. 

Naturepedic crib mattresses do not feature:

  • Vinyl or PVC
  • Phthalates
  • Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs)
  • Biocides
  • Flame retardants
  • Polyurethane foam
  • Wool
  • Latex
  • GMOs
  • Soy.

Note that the breathable covers included with the Breathable Ultra mattresses (and that you can add on for the Classic mattresses) are made with polyester.

Every Naturepedic crib mattress comes with a lifetime limited warranty and is made in the USA with domestic components and imported fabric and components.

Naturepedic also has a strong reputation for making high quality mattresses both for adults and children. It offers excellent customer service too and is typically very responsive if anything does seem amiss.

Green and non-toxic certifications

Naturepedic’s impressive crib mattresses carry the following certifications:

  • EWG Verified (the first crib mattress company to achieve this!)
  • Greenguard Gold
  • UL validated Formaldehyde-Free
  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
  • MADE Safe
  • 1% for the Planet.
Naturepedic crib mattress certifications
Naturepedic crib mattresses carry several important certifications including Made Safe and GOTS.

Our favorite Naturepedic crib mattresses

With nine options to choose from, Naturepedic is a great choice for an eco-friendly nursery. That said, we favor some Naturepedic mattresses more than others.

My top choice for a Naturepedic crib mattress is a Breathable innerspring mattress with a 252 coil count. This way, you get the benefits of the firmer innerspring support and two-stage design but can decide if you want to use the breathable polyester cover or switch it out for a puddle pad made with wool.

Holy Lamb offer various sizes of wool puddle pads (view on Amazon). Or, you could just go with a crib sheet over the wipe-clean mattress and be ready to wipe up spills as needed.

Why not the Classic mattress? While I think the Naturepedic Classic is a great choice for an eco-friendly mattress, I’d like to see a higher coil count. That said, if you’re a smaller adult (or don’t plan to lie beside your baby on the mattress at any point) and your baby/toddler is likely to be on the smaller side, the Classic innerspring mattress may be the ideal choice. It’s more affordable and doesn’t come with the polyester breathable cover, meaning it is petroleum-plastic-free and more eco-friendly overall.

The takeaway is that whichever Naturepedic crib mattress you choose, it’s likely to be a great choice. These are top quality mattresses that are truly non-toxic, well-made, and eco-friendlier than most.

buyer tip from leigh

Naturepedic innerspring crib mattresses are available with 150 coils (Classic MC32) or 252 coils (Breathable MC46C and Breathable Ultra MC47C).

Naturepedic doesn’t specify the gauge of the coils it uses in its innerspring mattresses. However, company representatives have left comments online stating that these are mainly 15.5 gauge coils for the mattress interior, with 9-gauge coils for added edge support.

The company also notes that the innerspring mattresses have sidebar support, making these a better choice if you plan to lie beside your toddler on their mattress. Technically, the weight limit of these mattresses only goes up to 80-100 lbs., with the innerspring models more likely than the lightweight WaveSupport mattresses to hold up under the weight of an adult.


1

Naturepedic Breathable Crib Mattress

Highlights: Organic cotton mattress available with robust innerspring module or WaveSupport technology. Non-toxic, wipe-clean waterproof cover and an optional breathable cover with waterproof backing made with organic cotton and polyester.

Overall Score
Durability Score
Toxicity Score
Sustainability Score
User Experience Score
Transparency Score

Coupon alert!

Naturepedic is offering LeafScore readers 15% off their purchase using coupon code LEAFSCORE15 at checkout.

What we like

  • A non-toxic, mostly natural crib mattress with many impressive certifications
  • Waterproof, wipe-clean surface all around the mattress
  • Breathable cover is removable for easy washing
  • No polyurethane foam
  • Available in lightweight or innerspring versions
  • The innerspring model has 252 coils for excellent support
  • Two-stage design as standard (ideal for infants and toddlers)
  • Excellent reputation for quality

What could be better

  • Removable breathable cover is made with polyester mesh

Naturepedic’s Breathable Crib Mattress comes in two versions:

  • WaveSupport – can support up to 80 lb. / weighs 14 lb.
  • Innersprings (252 coil count) – can support up to 100 lb. / weighs 19 lb.

Both options are two-stage, making them suitable for infants and toddlers. And both are fairly lightweight mattress choices compared to a latex crib mattress.

Both have Naturepedic’s signature wipe-clean, food-grade polyethylene cover.

The major difference between the Classic and Breathable Naturepedic Crib Mattresses is the coil count.

The Naturepedic Classic crib mattress with innersprings has a 150 coil count. This is the minimum I’d recommend for a firm mattress for an infant. The Breathable models have a higher coil count of 252 and appear to have different coil gauges and greater edge support. If you expect to have a bigger baby or want to keep using this mattress well into late toddlerhood, choose the sturdier Breathable mattress instead of the Classic.

The other big difference between the Breathable and Classic models is the breathable cover made with a 3D polyester mesh lattice. This structure enables all-around air circulation to help your baby breathe more easily. Naturepedic’s Classic crib mattress is also very breathable, but if you’re especially anxious about breathability, Naturepedic’s Breathable crib mattress is the top choice.

How breathable is breathable?

Under official test conditions for crib mattress breathability, administered by a third-party lab, Naturepedic’s breathable mattress got a score of 2.

Scores can be between 0 and 100, and lower scores mean better breathability. Anything lower than 16 passes the test as a breathable cover or mattress, but Naturepedic’s low score of 2 is even better. This means Naturepedic is far ahead of most competitors making ‘breathable’ mattresses.

As Naturepedic also points out on its website, a breathable mattress is a great idea as long as the mattress beneath the breathable layer is not off-gassing harmful chemicals. Rest assured that Naturepedic’s crib mattresses contain no formaldehyde, phthalates, vinyl or PVC, glues, or other toxic chemicals.


2

Naturepedic Breathable Ultra Crib Mattress

Highlights: Naturepedic’s breathable organic cotton mattress available with innersprings or WaveSupport technology and an upgraded extra thick breathable layer with more luxurious organic cotton surface.

Overall Score
Durability Score
Toxicity Score
Sustainability Score
User Experience Score
Transparency Score

Coupon alert!

Naturepedic is offering LeafScore readers 15% off their purchase using coupon code LEAFSCORE15 at checkout.

What we like

  • A non-toxic, mostly natural crib mattress with many impressive certifications
  • Waterproof, wipe-clean surface all around the mattress
  • Breathable flat cover is thicker and softer
  • Breathable cover works well as a protective surface when traveling!
  • No polyurethane foam
  • Available in lightweight or innerspring versions
  • The innerspring model has 252 coils for excellent support
  • Two-stage design as standard (ideal for infants and toddlers)
  • Excellent reputation for quality

What could be better

  • Breathable cover is made with polyester mesh
  • More expensive than other Naturepedic mattresses and similar mattresses with a waterproof cover

The Naturepedic Breathable Crib Mattress and the Breathable Ultra are very similar. The major differences are as follows:

BreathableBreathable Ultra
Removable breathable coverThicker breathable pad with thicker organic cotton surface
Machine washableMachine washable, but takes longer to dry
Cover is much thinner than the padPad can double as a crib upgrade or even a change pad when traveling

(You’ll want to avoid putting the Breathable Ultra pad on rough surfaces, lest you nick the waterproof layer and compromise the barrier.)

The underlying mattress is the same for both the Breathable and Ultra.

All in all, I’d choose the Breathable innerspring model and save the $100 difference.


3

Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic Crib Mattress

Highlights: GOTS certified organic crib mattress with a wipe-clean waterproof cover, made with organic cotton and a choice of innersprings or a lightweight model featuring WaveSupport technology.

Overall Score
Durability Score
Toxicity Score
Sustainability Score
User Experience Score
Transparency Score

Coupon alert!

Naturepedic is offering LeafScore readers 15% off their purchase using coupon code LEAFSCORE15 at checkout.

What we like

  • A truly non-toxic crib mattress with many impressive certifications
  • Waterproof, wipe-clean surface all around the mattress
  • No petroleum-based plastics or foam
  • Available in lightweight or innerspring versions
  • Two-stage option available
  • Excellent reputation for quality

What could be better

  • Only a 150 coil count – a higher count would offer greater firmness and support

The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic Crib Mattress is a waterproof mattress that can be made with innersprings or Naturepedic’s WaveSupport technology for easier lifting.

Whichever Classic option you choose, you’ll get an organic crib mattress with a built-in non-GMO sugar cane-derived polyethylene waterproof cover. This edge-to-edge cover means the mattress is easy to wipe clean and isn’t vulnerable to moisture accumulation and mold.

Optional breathable cover

The Classic crib mattress is naturally breathable but doesn’t come with Naturepedic’s breathable mesh covers made with polyester. You can, however, add a cover to your order for an extra layer of cushioning and increased breathability.

The Naturepedic Classic crib mattress with innersprings has a 150 coil count. This is the minimum I’d recommend for a firm mattress for an infant. Ideally, Naturepedic would offer this mattress with a higher coil count of 252 instead, but this is only available for the Breathable and Breathable Ultra mattresses currently.

Note that the Naturepedic innerspring Classic crib mattress (MC32) weighs about 19 pounds, versus just 10 pounds for the lightweight WaveSupport MC24 mattress and 11 pounds for the two-stage WaveSupport MC34 mattress. If you think you might struggle with changing crib sheets on a nearly 20 lb. mattress, consider getting the lighter weight two-stage version.


4Staff Tested

Naturepedic Breathable Organic Mini Crib Mattress

Highlights: Naturepedic’s classic mattress, just for mini cribs!

Overall Score
Durability Score
Toxicity Score
Sustainability Score
User Experience Score
Transparency Score

Coupon alert!

Naturepedic is offering LeafScore readers 15% off their purchase using coupon code LEAFSCORE15 at checkout.

What we like

  • Non-toxic mini crib mattress with many impressive certifications
  • Waterproof, wipe-clean surface all around the mattress
  • Lightweight
  • Two-sided (flippable)
  • Excellent reputation for quality

What could be better

  • Breathable cover is made with polyester (cover is removable though)

The Naturepedic Mini Crib Mattress is one of the best mini crib mattresses available. Weighing just 8 lbs., this lightweight mattress offers excellent support for younger babies and has a convenient wipe-clean waterproof surface for easy cleaning after leaks and accidents.

The Mini comes with a breathable mattress cover that has a waterproof backing and is removable for easy washing. This is made with polyester, though, so if you’re looking to go as natural as possible, just remove it and replace it with a wool puddle pad or be ready to wipe up spills quickly and change sheets as needed.

The Mini mattress is two-sided, but not two-stage. That makes sense, given that most toddlers will have outgrown a mini crib and upgraded to a toddler bed with a larger and slightly less firm toddler mattress.

Our experience with the Naturepedic Breathable Organic Mini Crib Mattress

Leaf Score founder, John and his wife, chose the Organic Breathable Crib Mattress by Naturepedic for their new baby. They paired the mattress with a mini DaVinci crib.

John chose the Naturepedic Mini crib mattress because of the firmness for an infant, more affordable price point, and practical non-toxic waterproof cover.

Our Naturepedic organic crib mattress in a DaVinci crib.

5

Naturepedic Oval Crib Mattress

Highlights: Organic cotton crib mattress with WaveSupport technology. Lightweight and supportive design. Wipe-clean food-grade polyethylene cover for convenience.

Overall Score
Durability Score
Toxicity Score
Sustainability Score
User Experience Score
Transparency Score

Coupon alert!

Naturepedic is offering LeafScore readers 15% off their purchase using coupon code LEAFSCORE15 at checkout.

What we like

  • Designed to fit the Stokke Sleepi oval crib (V2)
  • Non-toxic crib mattress with many impressive certifications
  • Waterproof, wipe-clean surface all around the mattress
  • Lightweight
  • Two-sided (flippable)
  • Excellent reputation for quality

What could be better

  • May be too short for the updated Stokke Sleepi V3 crib
  • Not available with breathable cover

The Naturepedic Oval Crib Mattress is designed to fit an oval crib such as the Stokke Sleepi (V2). It has the same built-in wipe-clean polyethylene cover as Naturepedic’s other crib mattresses, which means you don’t need to worry about leaks and spills leading to mildew and mold in your baby’s mattress.

The Oval crib mattress is two-sided, meaning you can flip it over as needed. It is not two-stage though, which is understandable given that most toddlers will outgrow an oval crib before you start thinking about them needing a softer sleep surface.

The Oval crib mattress is only available with WaveSupport technology, not as an innerspring mattress. This makes it a very lightweight choice at just 8 lbs. Naturepedic also offers an organic cotton oval crib sheet to fit this mattress (view on Naturepedic)


Comparison of different models

Shopping for a Naturepedic mattress can be a bit confusing as the company offers nine crib mattress options. These include mattresses to fit standard size cribs, oval (Stokke) cribs, and mini cribs, as well as a choice of Classic, Breathable, and Breathable Ultra designs.

What’s the difference between Naturepedic crib mattresses? We put together these handy charts for easier comparison.

Naturepedic Classic crib mattresses specifications

ClassicClassicClassic
 MC24MC34MC32
Price$269$299$329
Size27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″
Wipe-clean waterproof coverYesYesYes
Breathable coverCan addCan add  Can add  
Type of breathable coverN/AN/AN/A
WaveSupport?YesYesNo
Innerspring countN/AN/A150
Two-stage (infant and toddler)NoYesYes
Weight10 lbs.11 lbs.19 lbs.
Mini/oval crib optionOvalNoNo
Weight limit80 lbs.80 lbs.100 lbs.
 View on NaturepedicView on NaturepedicView on Naturepedic

Breathable and Breathable Ultra crib mattress specifications

BreathableBreathable Breathable UltraBreathable Ultra
 MC46MC46CMC47MC47C
Price$399$449$499$549
Size27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″
Wipe-clean waterproof coverYesYesYesYes
Breathable coverIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Type of breathable coverRemovable cover with waterproof backingRemovable cover with waterproof backingFlat waterproof pad that fits between mattress and cover. Thicker breathable layer for extra airflow, and a more luxurious organic cotton surface.  Flat waterproof pad that fits between mattress and cover. Thicker breathable layer for extra airflow, and a more luxurious organic cotton surface.  
WaveSupport?YesNoYesNo
Innerspring countN/A252N/A252
Two-stage (infant and toddler)YesYesYesYes
Weight14 lbs.19 lbs.14 lbs.19 lbs.
Mini/oval crib optionMini  NoNoNo
Weight limit80 lbs.100 lbs.80 lbs.100 lbs.
 View on NaturepedicView on NaturepedicView on NaturepedicView on Naturepedic

Mini and Oval crib mattress specifications

Oval Crib ClassicMini Crib Breathable
 MK40MC46-MN
Price$249$279
Wipe-clean waterproof coverYesYes
Breathable coverNoYes
Type of breathable coverN/ARemovable cover with waterproof backing
WaveSupportYesYes
Innerspring countN/AN/A
Two-stage (infant and toddler)NoNo
Weight8 lbs.8 lbs.
Size27″ x 47″ x 3″23.5″ x 37.5″ x 3″
Weight limit80 lbs.60 lbs.
 View on NaturepedicView on Naturepedic

Naturepedic crib mattress FAQs

What size are Naturepedic crib mattresses?

Naturepedic crib mattresses come in a standard size for the Classic, Breathable and Breathable Ultra models, and as an Oval and Mini crib mattress.
The standard size has square corners for a snug fit and measures approximately 27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″. It fits toddler beds and day beds, and is a great fit for one of my top picks for an eco-friendly non-toxic crib, the DaVinci crib
The Oval crib mattress measures 27″ x 47″ x 3″. This makes it a good fit for the V2 Stokke Sleepi but a bit short for the newer V3 Stokke Sleepi crib.
The Mini crib mattress measures 23.5″ x 37.5″ x 3″ and should fit most mini cribs.

Is Naturepedic and Lullaby Earth the same company?

Naturepedic also owns Lullaby Earth, a brand that offers slightly cheaper crib mattresses made with recycled polyester.

Will a Naturepedic crib mattress fit a Pottery Barn crib?

The standard size Naturepedic crib mattresses tend to run a little too big for Pottery Barn cribs, including the Kendall crib (a Leaf Score recommended product). Naturepedic offers a special crib mattress designed to fit Pottery Barn cribs (the MC34Y), so check with your local Pottery Barn if you’d like to order one of these.
Also, because Naturepedic’s innerspring crib mattresses have firm edge support (which you want!), they aren’t a good fit for certain cribs, such as the Baby Appleseed Chelmsford crib. The edge supports mean the mattress won’t squeeze into the lower setting of this type of crib, meaning the crib and mattress combination will only work on the top setting. 

Does Naturepedic offer refunds and exchanges on crib mattresses?

All Naturepedic crib mattresses come with a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee provided the product was purchased directly from Naturepedic. You have to pay all shipping costs, however, including outbound costs associated with any promotions.

Does Naturepedic offer a warranty on crib mattresses?

Yes! Naturepedic has a 10 year warranty against manufacturing defects, with full coverage in the first 5 years and pro-rated coverage thereafter.

Are Naturepedic crib mattresses waterproof?

Yes! Naturepedic offers nine variations of crib mattresses and they are all waterproof, thanks to a food grade polyethylene cover that wraps all the way around the mattress. Some of the crib mattresses also come with a removable breathable cover or flat breathable topper made with polyester with waterproof backing.

Naturepedic’s breathable organic cotton and polyester waterproof cover.

If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper waterproof crib mattress, Lullaby Earth’s crib mattress (View Price on Amazon) and Nook’s Pebble Pure, which has a removable washable cover (View Price on Amazon), are also decent options. Both of these use less eco-friendly materials and practices overall, however.

Are Naturepedic crib mattresses wool-free?

Yes! None of Naturepedic’s crib mattresses currently contain any wool. This makes Naturepedic a great choice for a vegan crib mattress.
See also: The best vegan mattresses (for older kids and adults!)

Do Naturepedic crib mattresses contain chemical flame retardants?

Nope. These crib mattresses are designed in such a way that they meet federal flammability standards without wool and without the need for hazardous chemical flame retardants. Naturepedic instead uses a mixture of baking soda, silica, and eucalyptus as a natural flame retardant.

How does the cost of a Naturepedic crib mattress compare to other brands like OMI and Savvy Rest?

Consider Naturepedic an excellent mid-price option for an eco-friendly and non-toxic crib mattress. Naturepedic’s Classic and Lightweight Classic cost under $330 and include a built-in waterproof cover, unlike most other crib mattresses, where you’d have to buy separate covers or puddle pads.
Lullaby Earth (owned by Naturepedic) offers a less expensive version of the Naturepedic lightweight mattress for $179-$279 made with recycled polyester fiber fill (instead of organic cotton) and a waterproof polyethylene cover. It also has some decent eco-certifications, though I’d still favor the Naturepedic Lightweight because of the organic cotton content and the company’s longstanding commitment to quality and service.

Are Naturepedic crib mattresses heavy?

Not especially. The Mini and Oval crib mattresses weigh just 8 lbs., while the Classic, Breathable, and Breathable Ultra weigh 10, 11, 14, or 19 lbs. depending on your choice.
Because these mattresses are made with lightweight WaveSupport or innersprings and no latex, they’re a lot lighter overall than latex crib mattresses (which can weigh 35 lbs. or more!).

Is Naturepedic a sustainable company?

Naturepedic is a 1% for the Planet member and makes quality products using mostly natural materials. It also avoids using toxic chemicals, ensures materials are sustainably sourced, and is taking steps to fit into a more circular materials economy. The company also has programs in place to reduce energy use and increase the proportion of operations powered by renewables. In 2021, Naturepedic offset 100 percent of its energy use through windpower credits.
The company published its first Sustainability Report in 2022, detailing Naturepedic’s use of soy inks for printed materials, recycled and recyclable packaging, and a switch to organic cotton fabric bags as packaging for bedding, among other things.

Where are Naturepedic crib mattresses made?

Naturepedic manufactures its crib mattresses and most other products in Ohio. It uses American sources of cotton (typically from Texas) and other materials as much as possible, both to promote a sustainable supply chain and to reduce its environmental footprint.

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