Copyright 2009 Healthy Child

Naturepedic makes 8 different crib mattress models. How do you choose the best crib mattress for your baby?

What do they all have in common?

All Naturepedic mattresses are orthopedic firm with a flat surface and a snug fit, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The filling is certified organic cotton, and all models have Naturepedic’s non-toxic, natural fire protection system. All Naturepedic mattresses are GREENGUARD certified. None of the models contain any latex/rubber, wool, polyurethane foam, vinyl PVC, phthalates, biocides, toxic fire retardant chemicals, antimony, arsenic, phosphorus, or anything at all that may be toxic. All Naturepedic models are safe and healthy and come with a lifetime warranty. All can be used in a crib or in a toddler bed – U.S. standard size 28 x 52.

What are the differences between Naturepedic’s crib mattress models?

Mattress Surface or Covering

The Classic and the Ultra models have a waterproof, dust mite proof surface. The Quilted Organic Cotton Deluxe model is not waterproof or dust mite proof. It is pure organic cotton inside and out and requires an additional waterproof pad and possibly a dust mite cover.  The 2 in 1 Ultra is waterproof on one side and quilted organic cotton (non-waterproof) on the other side.

What’s the difference between the Classic and Ultra waterproof models?

The Classic surface is pure food-grade polyethylene, resembling a surface more like a traditional crib mattress. The Ultra surface is an organic cotton fabric with a thin, clear coating of food-grade polyethylene so it has a more fabric-like texture, but is still completely waterproof and dust mite proof. The Ultra surface is also stronger and more durable.
 
The advantage of the Ultra is that it has a nicer, more premium surface covering. The advantage of the Classic is that it is a great organic crib mattress for a lower price.  The 150 coil Classic models (original or seamless) are the least expensive Naturepedic crib mattress options at $259 and $279 respectively.

The Ultra has Naturepedic’s premium 252 coil innerspring with the additional 9 gauge center reinforcement, while the Classic model has a choice of the 150 or 252 coil innerspring.

They are both safe, non-toxic and healthy.

New Seamless and Dual Firmness Models

Naturepedic is now making new “seamless” models that have a cleaner, sleeker design. These models have heat sealed waterproof seams to prevent moisture penetration for a more hygienic design. No seepage of fluids or entry points for dust mites. 

In addition, Naturepedic now makes a dual firmness option that features a firmer infant side and a softer toddler side while also providing waterproofing on all sides.

Both the Classic and Ultra are available in the original models with the seams and also the seamless and dual firmness options.

All these choices – which one should you get? Here is our opinion:

Regarding the surface covering:

Ultra or Classic

The Ultra or Classic are both waterproof and dust mite proof, so you won’t need to buy a waterproof pad or dust mite cover. We recommend an organic cotton flannel pad on these models for additional comfort, absorbency, and breathability. Then all you need is a fitted organic cotton sheet on top of that.

Polyethylene is much healthier for the environment than the typical vinyl crib mattress coverings. Switching from vinyl to polyethylene plastic is very good for both your baby and our planet. While the polyethylene surface of the Classic and Ultra is better for the environment, the best thing for the environment is no plastic at all.

Quilted 100% Organic Cotton

The Quilted Organic Cotton Deluxe is pure organic cotton inside and out. Unfortunately, plastic is the only way to fully waterproof a mattress. Wool is water resistant, but baby wetness may go through a wool puddle pad and damage the mattress. So to give this mattress (or any non-waterproof mattress) a waterproof surface that is healthy and breathable, you will need to purchase the Naturepedic organic cotton waterproof pad. This pad does have a thin film of non-toxic plastic inside that is necessary to make it waterproof, but using this pad with the quilted organic cotton deluxe mattress results in using much less plastic. You won’t even know there’s a plastic film inside Naturepedic’s organic cotton waterproof pad since it looks, feels and smells like a 100% soft, natural cotton pad. And your baby is sleeping directly on top of organic cotton fabric. With the combination of the quilted organic cotton deluxe mattress and the organic cotton waterproof pad, you get a breathable, waterproof top surface with a wonderful natural look and feel. This quilted mattress is designed to meet CPSC recommendations by using a tighter quilting pattern and the 252 coil extra firm innerspring.

2 in 1 Ultra

The 2 in 1 Organic Cotton Ultra is great if you want a softer, quilted fabric covering once your baby becomes a toddler. The softer, quilted side provides a more "grown up" feel. Simply flip the mattress over and begin using the quilted side in the crib or toddler bed. The quilted side is not waterproof and should be used with the Naturepedic organic cotton waterproof mattress pad. 

Naturepedic has also designed the Classic and Ultra dual firmness models with waterproofing on all sides. It’s personal preference whether you want dual firmness or the 2 in 1 as your baby grows into a toddler.

Traditional or Seamless?

There are two main differences between the traditional and seamless designs. The first involves functionality. The seamless design features heat sealed waterproof edges that prevent moisture or fluids from seeping into the mattress along the edge. While it is rare for an accident to occur along the edge of the mattress, it is a possibility. The waterproof edges also provide a more allergenically sealed construction. The second difference involves aesthetics. Some people prefer the traditional look of a binding or trim while others prefer the sleek modern look of the seamless design.

We think the seamless is better, but it really depends on how you feel about it. Some people are used to the traditional look and are adverse to anything that looks different. If you feel this way, then get the traditional with seams. In all the years, we’ve been selling these mattresses, not once has it ever come up that wetness is going through the seams. Naturepedic said the same thing. They just want to keep on perfecting the mattress and if you don’t need the seams, then why have them? This way there’s no chance of moisture or dust mites getting into the mattress. But for people who like the traditional seamed look, Naturepedic is keeping the original model for you.

Note that with the Seamless, there are actually seams (it’s not magic!), but the seams are not around the top edge of the mattress where there may be wetness, instead they are in the middle of the sides and the seams are heat sealed so nothing can get through – no dust mites and no moisture. We think it’s a brilliant design.

Mattress Firmness and Support

No matter which Naturepedic model you choose, you are going to get a firm, supportive, quality innerspring mattress that is important to a newborn baby’s safety. However, you will find slightly different variances in the firmness and support, depending on which model you choose.

150 Coil or 252 Coil?

The innersprings in the Ultra and Quilted Deluxe models are 252 coils. The Classic seamless and dual firmness models have 150 coil innersprings. The Classic original models (with the seams) allow for a choice of either the 150 coil or the 252 coil innerspring.

What's the difference between the 150 and the 252 coil innersprings?

The 252 coil innerspring is a bit firmer with better weight distribution, but the real advantage lies in the center reinforcement. In addition to more coils, the 252 innerspring features 9 gauge cross beams that help prevent sagging in the middle of the mattress. This is only a concern with cribs that don't support the center of the mattress well, such as a wire mesh crib bottom. Both innersprings feature 9 gauge border wire for strong edge support.

Have You Seen Larger Coil Counts in a Crib Mattress?

252 coils is approximately the maximum number of coils that can physically fit in a crib mattress. Crib mattresses with higher advertised coil counts (such as 500 or 1000) don't actually contain those number of coils. They are based on equivalent larger size innersprings such as a full or queen size and can be misleading to consumers.

Dual Firmness or Innerspring alone?

All the crib mattresses have innersprings in either 150 or 252 coil counts. The dual firmness options have an additional Air-Core™ support layer on one side to make it even firmer for an infant. As your baby grows into a toddler, you can flip the mattress so your toddler is sleeping on the slightly softer side. Air-Core™ is a non-toxic support layer made from 100% food-grade polyethylene. It’s a network of closed cell air pockets that provide a firm and comfortable base without the toxic properties of polyurethane foam and the allergenic concerns of latex rubber. 

What is the Firmest, Most Supportive Baby Crib and Toddler Mattress?

Considering that the NO-COMPROMISE™ DUAL FIRMNESS Organic Cotton ULTRA Seamless crib mattress has the 252 coil innerspring with center support, plus the additional AirCore support, it is the firmest, most supportive crib mattress you can buy.

The links below will take you to the individual crib mattress product pages with more info, photos and prices:
 

Classic Waterproof Models

 NO-COMPROMISE™ Organic Cotton CLASSIC Crib Mattress

This is Naturepedic’s original design that looks more like a traditional crib mattress. It is waterproof and dust mite proof and comes in 2 different coil counts – 150 and 252. Both innerprings feature 9 gauge border wire for strong edge support. This mattress has traditional seams.

NO-COMPROMISE™ Organic Cotton CLASSIC 150 Seamless Crib Mattress

This crib mattress features Naturepedic’s New Seamless Design. The waterproof edges and heat sealed waterproof seams prevent moisture penetration for a more hygienic design. No seepage of fluids or entry points for dust mites. Innerspring has 150 coils plus edge support.
 

 NO-COMPROMISE™ Organic Cotton CLASSIC – Seamless and Dual Firmness Crib Mattress

This crib mattress features a slightly firmer infant side and a slightly softer toddler side that will grow with your child for many years. It has an additional AirCore™ Support on the infant side to make it firmer. This crib mattress also features the new seamless design. The innerspring has 150 coils plus edge support.

Ultra Waterproof Models

 ORIGINAL NO-COMPROMISE™ Organic Cotton ULTRA Crib Mattress

This crib mattress features a nicer, premium surface covering that is more fabric-like. Innerspring has 252 Coils with edge and additional center support. It has traditional seams.


NO-COMPROMISE™ DUAL FIRMNESS Organic Cotton ULTRA Seamless Crib Mattress

This mattress has the same premium covering as original Ultra. It has a 252 coil innerspring with center support, plus added AirCore support on the infant side for dual firmness, making the toddler side slightly softer. It also features the new seamless design. This is the firmest, most supportive crib mattress you can buy. Plus, it is the most hygienic.

2 in 1 Organic Cotton Ultra Crib Mattress

This mattress is waterproof on one side and quilted (non-waterproof) softer surface on the other side. Innerspring has 252 Coils with edge and additional center support.

Quilted Non-Waterproof Model

Quilted Organic Cotton Deluxe Crib Mattress

This quilted crib mattress has pure organic cotton inside and out. Innerspring has 252 Coils with edge and additional center support. Traditional seams. It is designed to meet CPSC recommendations by using a tighter quilting pattern and an extra firm innerspring.