The thought of your baby rolling over in their sleep is scary. My oldest started showing signs of rolling over when he was only a few days old. I was on edge every time he slept. I definitely wasn’t ready for that!
So I can understand that even the thought of SIDS, sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), or infant suffocation is enough to make you want to watch your baby all the time.
This is where safe sleep guidelines come in. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe sleep guidelines for babies
The sleep environment plays an important role in your baby’s sleep safety. But it’s not the only factor.
Mattress manufacturers are selling breathable crib mattresses and many parents are turning to them, thinking that a breathable crib mattress can reduce their baby’s risk of SIDS. They want to convince you that the air circulation of their mattresses will keep your baby safer while they sleep. That it will prevent your baby from overheating and allow them to safely sleep in any position, even face-down.
This is a great concept, and these are noteworthy things for a mattress to do, but there is SO much more to consider when it comes to safe sleep and SIDS risks. There is no one proven “cause” of SIDS; it is complicated and there are many factors involved. So the science behind these marketing claims is limited or mixed.
You should not buy a breathable crib mattress solely based on these claims or assumptions about their safety.
There are still many good reasons to choose a breathable crib mattress. So, if you do decide to buy one for your baby, I want you to know what to look for and what to avoid.
What causes SIDS?
Let’s start by defining SIDS. SIDS stands for sudden infant death syndrome. While it is what we hear about most often, it only refers to unexplained infant deaths.
SIDS is actually a subcategory of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). SUID is a term used for infant death while SIDS applies to deaths that have no demonstrable cause.
This description from the AAP sums it up well:
SUID can be attributed to causes of death such as suffocation, asphyxia, entrapment, infection, ingestions, metabolic diseases, and trauma (unintentional or nonaccidental). SIDS is a subcategory of SUID and is a cause assigned to infant deaths that cannot be explained after a thorough case investigation including autopsy, a scene investigation, and review of clinical history.
American Academy of Pediatrics 2
Possible Factors that Contribute to SIDS
Sleeping Face-Down: Babies that sleep face down (called the “prone” position) have a higher risk of overheating than babies that sleep on their back (“supine” position). And, babies that sleep on their stomach have a two-time greater risk of dying from SIDS than babies that sleep on their back. 3
This is why the AAP’s “Back to Sleep” campaign was so effective in reducing infant sleep-related deaths; by placing your baby to sleep on their back in a safe sleep environment, it reduces their risk of SIDS.
Lack of Air Circulation: Some studies have also shown that room ventilation in a baby’s sleeping environment can reduce the risk of SIDS. This includes opening the windows and doors and/or running a fan. But there isn’t enough data to provide specific recommendations about how, when, or where to place the fan to reduce the risk of infant death. Still, I like to personally believe that using a fan in appropriate temperature conditions is a smart precaution. 2
Temperature and Loose Items: Clothing and loose bedding covering a baby, especially over the head, have also been found to contribute to an increased risk of SIDS. But the exact reasons why aren’t clear – it may be rebreathing, overheating, hypoxia (loss of oxygen at a cellular level), or other causes. Similarly, the room temperature also plays a role. 2
Immunizations: Immunizations are also recommended by the AAP and the CDC, but the AAP also goes on to say that “the incidence of SIDS also peaks at a time when infants are receiving numerous immunizations.” There are studies that suggest immunizations may reduce the risk of SIDS while others suggest a connection. There are too many factors involved for me to provide useful commentary on this. If you would like more information, you should read the full analysis from the AAP and speak to your pediatrician. I have also found this book to be informative.
Medical Factors: There are also babies that have what is called an “intrinsic risk of SIDS”, such as infants who are born prematurely and with low birth weight, babies who have respiratory disorders, or babies who have brainstem abnormalities in neurotransmitters that may have trouble arousing from sleep. While the medical system can’t yet identify which babies have this intrinsic risk of SIDS, the AAP indicates that babies who are exposed to tobacco smoke, drugs, and alcohol in utero are at a greater risk. 4
Mattress Off-Gassing: Another possible cause involves accidental poisoning from toxic gases produced from the mattress itself when household fungus interacts with phosphorous, arsenic, or antimony. These can be present in the mattress itself or in the flame retardant chemicals. 5
Here’s a good summary of this theory:
The byproducts are the gases phosphine (PH3), arsine (AsH3) and stibine (SbH3). These nearly odorless gases breathed even in small quantities for an extended time can interrupt the choline/acetylcholine transfer of nervous impulses from the brain to the heart and lungs. This shuts down the central nervous system; heart function and breathing stop. The gases are heavier than air, and about 1,000 times more poisonous than carbon monoxide.
John Lee M.D. 6
Fungus also grows and accumulates when bodily fluids penetrate the mattress or when temperatures rise (i.e. from body heat). This is why a buying polyethylene waterproof mattress or using a polyethylene mattress cover is key. And if this isn’t possible, the authors of this theory recommend mattress-wrapping with a polyethylene mattress cover to prevent exposing your baby to any fumes.
And it is also why I personally use and recommend an organic crib mattress, and why I do not recommend buying mattresses secondhand unless you can trust the source and use a polyethylene mattress cover.
This concept was first presented by Barry Richardson out of England and was further validated by Dr. James Sprott in New Zealand. However, further analysis is needed and this certainly isn’t the only factor in sleep-related deaths, nor is it a proven one at this time.
There are many factors that contribute to sleep-related deaths, and it is the leading cause of death in infants between the age of 1-12 months. Sadly, 3,500 babies die every year from sleep-related infant deaths in America, while there are about 4 million babies born every year. Aside from an initial drop in the 1990s, the rate has not declined in recent years.
We as parents want to do everything possible to reduce that number and ensure sleep safety for our babies. Focusing on the sleep environment is an important way to reduce the risk of infant death, but it is not sufficient to prevent it.
If we are to further impact infant mortality rates and eliminate SIDS, focus on the sleep environment will continue to be important but will likely be insufficient.
Drs. Moon and Hauck
This is why I feel that mattress companies go too far in their advertising of the safety benefits of breathable crib mattresses.
Related: 12 Safe Sleep Guidelines All Parents Need to Know
How Do Breathable Crib Mattresses Work?
Breathable crib mattresses are air-permeable by design; they are designed to allow air to get through. For example, if you take a blow dryer and place it against one side of a crib mattress with a breathable core, you should feel the air blowing through to the other side.
These mattresses are made with a variety of materials, so please scrutinize the materials when buying a breathable crib mattress. Some, like the Newton Baby mattress, are made with firm plastic polymers that are spaced far enough apart to allow for breathability. The Nook Pebble Air is made with polyurethane foam, while the Wonder Dream Baby mattress seems to be made with a polyester fill.
All breathable crib mattresses have a breathable mattress cover that allows for airflow through the mattress—with the idea that if your baby rolls over on his belly in his sleep, it will allow him to breathe, ultimately reducing the risk of suffocation. Some breathable mattress covers made from polyester and some are made from cotton. Some are waterproof and others are not.
Are Breathable Crib Mattresses Safe?
Breathable crib mattresses have met all government crib mattress safety guidelines set by the CPSC.
But I personally take issue with some of the materials used and some of the claims the manufacturers make (many are committing big-time greenwashing). (Again, the best way to reduce the risk of SIDS is to follow the safe sleeping guidelines set by the AAP.)
Through my research, I have concluded there are five key problems with breathable crib mattresses. And I have identified that the best-selling breathable crib mattress is most likely the Newton Baby mattress, and it’s the one I get the most questions about. So I’ll focus most of this commentary on this mattress, but these points apply to some other brands as well.
Problem #1: Many (but not all) breathable crib mattresses contain added flame retardant chemicals.
Before you buy a breathable crib mattress, you should find out whether it contains chemical flame retardant chemicals. Unfortunately, most companies downplay the fact that their breathable mattress contains flame retardants, while touting the use of organic materials in the mattress.
Flame retardants are a class of dangerous chemicals that are used to slow or prevent the spread of fire. Over the years, some flame retardant chemicals have been removed from the market simply because they are so dangerous (but sadly, they remain present in the environment).
There are many different kinds of flame retardant chemicals, but they have been linked with such adverse health effects as endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, cancer, immune system dysfunction, neurological issues, developmental delays, and more. 7
For example, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued this warning about organohalogen flame retardants:
Consumers, especially pregnant women and young children, should avoid products containing organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs), a class of chemicals found in children’s toys, mattresses, furniture, and the plastic casings of electronic devices.
Consumer Reports 8
Most breathable crib mattresses are made with plastic or polyester; plastic is made from highly flammable petrochemicals. Others are made with polyurethane foam, which is also highly flammable As a result, these mattresses usually contain flame retardants. While they may contain phosphate-based flame retardants, this class of flame retardant chemicals is still not without its own set of health issues.
My article on the best organic crib mattresses goes into a lot of detail about how dangerous flame retardants are. You can also read my recommendations for the best organic crib mattresses.
Problem #2: Some breathable crib mattresses aren’t hygienic.
Since the purpose of a breathable mattress is to maintain good airflow, most do not have a waterproof barrier. The problem with this is that the breathable mattress cover won’t protect the mattress from inevitable messes – spit-up, diaper accidents, and other fluids.
They don’t have a waterproof barrier. Let me reiterate – these are crib mattresses that do not have a waterproof barrier.
A regular crib mattress would be waterproof. If not, you would use a waterproof mattress cover to keep urine, spit-up, and other fluids from soiling the mattress. Once your baby’s diaper leaks or they spit-up in the crib, you’d remove the waterproof cover and throw it in the wash. Or if the mattress is waterproof, you would just wipe it down and dry it and not have to worry.
This isn’t the case with most breathable crib mattresses.
Because most breathable crib mattresses don’t have a waterproof barrier, they easily become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Think about it this way: if the core of the mattress is porous to allow for breathability, then diaper leaks, spit-up, and other fluids seep directly into the core of the mattress.
This is especially concerning when you consider that this is your baby’s sleep surface; mold and bacteria would easily grow and spread into your baby’s breathing zone. This kind of unprotected “breathability” could actually be more toxic to your baby. As outlined above, some scientists have long suspected that bacteria and fungus could enter the baby’s bloodstream and actually lead to SIDS. 9, 10
A 2016 study by the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada reinforces how important it is to have a waterproof barrier on your baby’s crib mattress. Bacterial growth was found in 57% of samples where a crib mattress was found to have permeability (in this study, a crack) in the mattress cover. Waterproofing in a crib mattress or mattress pad is essential.
In the case of the original and most popular Newton Baby, the breathable mattress cover is not waterproof. It is made from polyester and if you want the waterproof version, you have to pay extra for it. But, even the waterproof version is made from polyester. If you want to avoid having your baby sleep on polyester, you would have to use a breathable muslin crib sheet on top of their mattress cover. Not a perfect solution.
Their waterproof mattress cover is made from TPU, which is a thermoplastic polyurethane coating. This isn’t the same as polyurethane foam, nor is it toxic like polyurethane foam. But it is still a less desirable waterproof coating for a crib mattress. As explained above, the safest waterproofing option is a food-grade polyethylene coating.
Other brands may be waterproof or water-resistant but are made with unsafe materials. When it comes to choosing a safe breathable crib mattress, your best bet is to choose one with a waterproof surface made with food-grade polyethylene.
Problem #3: Most breathable mattresses are difficult to clean.
As we covered above, breathable crib mattresses that don’t have a waterproof barrier will allow bodily fluids and other contaminants to enter the mattress. And since the mattress cover doesn’t protect fluids from getting through to the mattress, you actually have to wash the mattress itself.
The Newton has to be washed in the shower or bathtub. Yes, that’s right –
Then, drying the mattress is another issue. The instructions for most breathable crib mattresses are to simply hang-dry the mattress. Logistically, this is inconvenient as it can take multiple hours for it to air dry. Where would your baby nap or sleep in the meantime?
Want to Save This Post?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
It’s a lot of work to keep these clean, and even when you do clean it, it will be difficult to ensure you’ve properly removed all bacteria.
There are also no guidelines from Newton on when you should wash the mattress. When I spoke with customer support, they said that it would be up to the customer to wash it when they wanted to. But here’s the kicker: they said that if the mattress started to smell, it would be a good idea to wash it. WHAT?!
Problem #4: Breathable crib mattresses supposedly decrease your baby’s body temperature – but this may not be true.
Newton markets the notion that their mattress helps to reduce your baby’s body temperature (and promises no sweaty backs). But there is no testing data to prove this is actually true.
In fact, an article in Slate magazine points out that a 2007 study shows that babies’ body temperature is actually lower on a conventional crib mattress.
The study itself doesn’t provide a perfect comparison because it is based on one specific breathable mattress (PurFlo) and with the use of a wearable blanket. But the findings are useful:
In both thermoneutral and cool conditions, infant temperatures were higher on the PurFlo [breathable mattress] than the conventional mattress. The more deformable surface of the PurFlo mattress may lead to more effective insulation by the sleeping bag despite a lack of mattress insulation.
Institute of Child Life and Health, University of Bristol
So without there being any proof of the idea that a breathable mattress would prevent overheating, and with some data points that suggest the complete opposite, I would take extreme caution when considering the safety information that is being marketed by breathable crib mattress companies.
Problem #5: Most breathable crib mattress aren’t made with non-toxic materials.
A safe and healthy crib mattress tops the list of where to invest your money when preparing for a new baby. Your baby will spend countless hours sleeping in their crib, and you want their environment to be safe, clean, and healthy.
Just because a mattress is breathable, that doesn’t mean we should ignore the materials used. Because this is your baby’s sleep surface, you should ideally look for the best of both worlds when buying a breathable crib mattress: breathability and safe materials.
Some breathable mattresses are made from plastic polymers while others are made with polyurethane foam. One is even made with upcycled denim – so the materials are truly all over the map.
What to Look for When Buying a Breathable Crib Mattress
If you are interested in buying a breathable crib mattress rather than a more conventional organic crib mattress, here are some things to look for when you shop for a breathable crib mattress:
- Contains no flame retardant chemicals. Mattresses made with natural materials can be naturally flame resistant, and comply with flammability regulations without the use of any added chemicals. Even phosphate-based flame retardants should be avoided in your baby’s sleep environment.
- Contains no polyurethane foam. Never, under any circumstance, would I recommend buying a crib mattress that contains polyurethane foam. Even CertiPUR-US foam should be avoided when possible because even though it is cleaner than non-certified foam, it is still petroleum-based. Additionally, polyurethane foam can break down over time and release chemical-filled dust into the air.
- A waterproof barrier is a must. Your baby’s mattress has to be waterproof, period. Whether the mattress itself is waterproof or you use a waterproof mattress pad, the ability to repel moisture, dirt, and fluids is so important. You have to factor in the best way to take care of the crib mattress to ensure it stays clean for your little one.
- Consider the cleaning process. When it comes to keeping your baby’s mattress clean, consider what the manufacturer is asking of you. Is it reasonable for you to wash your baby’s mattress in the bathtub every week or every month? Where will your baby sleep while the mattress is drying? Would it be easier if you could either wipe down the surface or just throw the mattress cover into the wash?
- Avoid harsh chemicals. Look for a breathable crib mattress that is made with certified organic materials. Avoid petrochemical-based breathable mattresses and synthetic mattress covers made with polyester. Avoid any mattress that contains vinyl/PVC. Most waterproof mattresses are made with vinyl, which is the most toxic type of plastic. When shopping for a crib mattress, avoid vinyl (also called PVC or polyvinyl chloride) without exception. This is not a safe material for your baby to be sleeping on. If you want a waterproof mattress, consider one of Naturepedic’s waterproof crib mattresses.
- Look for the right third-party certifications. Don’t fall for greenwashing, which is rampant in the mattress industry. Look for a mattress that is GOTS-certified for the final product. If a mattress contains Certi-PUR foam, that means it contains polyurethane foam. GREENGUARD Gold certification is helpful but means less when you are buying a mattress.
My Recommendations for Buying a Breathable Crib Mattress
If you still feel that a breathable crib mattress is what’s best for your family, I have a few options to recommend.
1) Use Naturepedic’s breathable mattress cover with an organic and waterproof crib mattress
Buy on Naturepedic | BuyBuy BABY
You can get the best of both worlds by using Naturepedic’s breathable crib mattress cover on an organic crib mattress. This works by making the mattress cover breathable but doesn’t require the core of the mattress itself to be breathable. To me, this is a nice option because it allows you to have a waterproof organic crib mattress that your baby can still use into toddlerhood, but use the breathable (and waterproof) mattress cover under the age of 1.
Naturepedic’s Ultra Breathable Crib Mattress Cover has an organic cotton cover over breathable polyester mesh fabric. Use this with a waterproof organic mattress.
2) Naturepedic Ultra Breathable Lightweight 2-Stage Crib Mattress
Buy on Naturepedic | BuyBuy BABY
This Naturepedic breathable crib mattress is made with WaveSupport technology, which features a food-grade polyethylene mattress core. It does contain GOTS-certified organic cotton in the cover and in the batting of the mattress itself. This is
This mattress is one of Naturepedic’s lightweight models, making it easy to lift and change your baby’s sheets. As always, I would buy an extra mattress pad to have on hand when you need to wash one.
One of the nice benefits of this mattress is that its polyethylene waterproofing barrier also acts as a dust mite barrier, so no additional encasing is needed. (This will only apply to your baby if they have a dust mite sensitivity.)
- Made in the USA
- Fits standard size cribs – approximately 27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″
- Food-grade polyethylene breathable mattress core
- Waterproof mattress using safe, food-grade polyethylene
- Breathable mattress pad goes on top of the waterproof mattress to maintain hygienic standards
- Dual-stage mattress design allows the mattress to grow with your child
- Seamless waterproof edges to prevent exposure to dust mites and provide extra support
3) Naturepedic Organic Breathable 2-Stage Crib Mattress
Buy on Amazon | Naturepedic | Target
Naturepedic’s Organic Breathable crib mattress is a waterproof innerspring mattress with a firm, 252-coil innerspring. This mattress comes with Naturepedic’s breathable mattress cover, which lays on top of the mattress’s waterproof cover.
Choose this breathable mattress if you prefer the feel of an innerspring core to a polyethylene core. Since it does have two stages, one side will be firmer for your newborn and the other side is a little softer to provide more comfort for when your baby reaches the toddler stage.
As always, Naturepedic crib mattresses contain no flame retardants, latex, perfluorinated compounds (PFOAs), polyurethane foam, soy, vinyl/PVC, phthalates, or formaldehyde. Their mattresses are made in Ohio by master craftsmen and truly made with care.
- Made in the USA
- Fits standard size cribs – approximately 27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″
Firm , 252-coil innerspring mattress- Waterproof mattress using safe, food-grade polyethylene
- Breathable mattress pad goes on top of the waterproof mattress to maintain hygienic standards
- Dual-stage mattress design allows the mattress to grow with your child
- Seamless waterproof edges to prevent exposure to dust mites and provide extra support
4) Lullaby Earth is an affordable option to consider
Lullaby Earth is made by Naturepedic and is the company’s more affordable line of crib mattresses. The companies share similar values and quality in their products but Lullaby Earth does not use organic materials. Their mattresses are still kept to the standards of the GREENGUARD Gold and Made Safe certifications.
I know that it can be tough to create a non-toxic nursery for your baby and make the best choices on a budget. When you’re preparing for your baby and buying baby gear, I truly believe that the crib mattress is the #1 investment to make in your baby’s health. As long as your baby sleeps in their crib, the investment will be worth it.
Lullaby Earth is a good backup option if you aren’t able to buy a Naturepedic mattress, but it’s not my first choice because the mattresses are made with a polyester fill. However, their mattresses do not contain flame retardants, PVC, polyurethane foam, phthalates, antimicrobials, or PFCs/PFOAs.
Buy on Amazon | BuyBuy BABY | Target
Lullaby Earth’s Wisp Air Breathable Crib Mattress is a single-firmness breathable crib mattress. The mattress itself is waterproof (using food-grade polyethylene) and the breathable mattress pad is made with spacer fabric polyester.
The Lullaby Earth Breeze Air Crib Mattress is a dual-firmness breathable crib mattress. This mattress is also waterproof and you can choose your color preference when buying replacement mattress pads. The mattress pads are also made from polyester.
Lullaby Earth mattresses:
- Made in the USA
- Fits standard size cribs – approximately 27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″
- Contain no flame retardant chemicals, PFOAs, PVC, polyurethane foam, phthalates, or antimicrobials
- Waterproof mattress using safe, food-grade polyethylene
- Breathable mattress pad goes on top of the waterproof mattress to maintain hygienic standards
Final Thoughts on Breathable Crib Mattresses
There are many excellent crib mattresses on the market today and you should choose the one that you are most comfortable with. Make sure the mattress you buy for your new baby is hygienic so you can maintain a safe sleeping environment for your little one. Breathability is important, but you can also increase airflow around your baby by using a ceiling fan or simply adding a breathable mattress pad to your baby’s waterproof mattress. Materials are important, so you should also consider using a traditional organic crib mattress.
If you are set on having a breathable crib mattress, look into trustworthy brands such as Naturepedic and Lullaby Earth! They offer quality materials — without flame retardant chemicals — and do not sacrifice the importance of hygienic sleep surfaces. And be sure to use organic sheets for your baby, too.
I hope this information was useful in helping you choose the right crib mattress for your baby. Did you decide to get a breathable crib mattress or will you go with a traditional, organic crib mattress? You have lots of great options. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
If you found this article on breathable crib mattresses useful, save it for later!
- HealthyChildren by the American Academy of Pediatrics: How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained
- American Academy of Pediatrics: SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Reducing Sudden Infant Death With “Back to Sleep”
- American Academy of Pediatrics: SIDS Risk: It’s More Than Just The Sleep Environment
- Penarth Research International Limited: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: A possible primary cause
- John R. Lee, MD: SIDS and Baby Mattresses
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Flame Retardants
- Consumer Reports: New Warning to Consumers: Avoid These Flame Retardants
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and the toxic gas hypothesis: microbiological studies of cot mattresses
- FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology: Cot Mattresses as Reservoirs of Potentially Harmful Bacteria and the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Hi,
I am so thankful to have found this website!
I was wondering what is particularly bad about the Babyletto and Colgate mattresses?
Thank you for all that you do.
Hi Alex, thank you for the kind words! If you are looking for a truly organic, healthy mattress, Babyletto and Colgate don’t meet that requirement. They are greenwashed. Babyletto’s high-end mattress contains synthetics including polyester, modacrylic, and natural latex which can contain up to 30% synthetic materials. Colgate’s eco friendly mattress is made with polyurethane foam, which is flammable and generally toxic, even though it is Certi-Pur certified. I will be publishing an update to my crib mattress guide within a few days!