Best Crib Mattresses – Consumer Reports

Because all crib mattress components are not typically disclosed, Consumer Reports reached out to all companies to ask them to share all of their mattress materials, including flame retardants, adhesives, and waterproofing. We also followed up with companies using materials that are linked to environmental or human health concerns, asking them to comment on why they’re using them.

Lullaby Earth responded to our inquiries and disclosed all components in their mattress. They stated that most crib mattresses under $200 contain polyurethane foam, glues, flame retardants, and vinyl. “Lullaby Earth makes crib mattresses that compete with these less expensive mattresses and does so without using toxic and questionable ingredients that these other mattresses use.” Lullaby Earth noted that polyethylene and polypropylene are considered less toxic plastics by Clean Production Action. Made Safe’s crib material evaluation independently reached the same conclusion, which is reflected in the analysis above.

Newton Baby disclosed all materials in response to our inquiries and noted three important characteristics of their crib mattress: breathability, washability, and recyclability. “Unfortunately, none of this would be possible without the use of polyester and polyethylene. Given this limitation, we do everything we can to ensure the highest quality materials, maintain strict controls at the factory, including recycling pre-consumer waste and undergoing annual GREENGUARD Gold testing.” Newton Baby noted they continually evaluate natural alternatives and will adopt them if they can provide improved performance and sustainability.

IKEA also disclosed all mattress components in response to our outreach. When asked about their materials, IKEA told us, “At IKEA, we’re committed to creating products that are safe for both people and the planet. The referenced materials are widely utilized within the industry, and we carefully select materials, ensuring they are used responsibly to meet our customers’ needs while adhering to strict health and environmental standards. Our products are thoroughly tested to guarantee safety and sustainability, reflecting our dedication to improving lives and protecting the environment.”

Dream on Me provided a complete list of materials used in their mattress and noted that they use materials that have been tested, passed, and are approved by several U.S. standards.

Delta Children did not respond to our request for disclosure of all mattress components, but did respond to our request for comment on their materials. Delta said their product meets or exceeds applicable federal requirements for childcare articles, including 16 CFR 1307, a regulation that restricts the levels of eight phthalates in products intended for children. Additionally, they stated that the product has achieved GREENGUARD Gold certification, which limits emissions of more than 360 VOCs and total chemical emissions.

Avocado, My Green Mattress, and Naturepedic also responded by disclosing all of their materials. Graco, Milliard, Safety 1^st, and Sealy failed to disclose their mattress materials and did not respond to our request for comment.