Emily Natural Crib Mattress: What Makes It Special?

Overview & Some Things To Know About Crib Mattresses

Babies spend most of their time sleeping. Newborns may even sleep for as much as 18-19 hours daily. So, their crib mattress must be safe. Does the Emily Natural Crib Mattress fit the bill? Is it made of organic materials, and is it worth the money? What makes it special? (1)

Crib mattresses aren’t created equal. Cheaper ones don’t always offer the best value for your money, yet pricier products don’t always mean they’re 100% safe.

Some crib mattresses can expose your baby to harmful and toxic chemicals, including VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as formaldehyde, chemical flame-retardants, and PVCs (polyvinyl chloride).

VOCs can irritate your baby’s nose, throat, and eyes. They might even cause nausea, breathing troubles, damage to the nervous system, or cancer. (2)

Chemical flame retardants such as PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) and HBCD (hexabromocyclododecane) may cause neurodevelopmental disorders. (3)(4)

The CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) requires that crib mattresses and other baby essentials (e.g., sleepwear, blankets, etc.) meet federal open-flame flammability standards. However, the use of harmful chemicals is also prohibited. According to the CPSC, many products meet the standard without using chemical flame retardants. (5)

PVCs might be added to waterproof covers or crib mattresses. Watch out for this material because it can be toxic and may cause serious, irreversible damage to male babies’ reproductive system (e.g., future testosterone production and sex organ function). (6)

Thankfully, the GREENGUARD GOLD Certified Emily Natural Crib Mattress by My Green Mattress, is an organic product that can be a safe place for your baby to sleep. It meets all the CPSC crib mattress requirements.

It offers a firm, breathable sleep surface made of GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic-certified materials.

Crib mattresses also need to meet certain size and firmness standards to reduce the risks of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). What are these standards, and does the Emily Natural Crib Mattress meet them? What other factors should you consider before buying your baby’s crib mattress? How can you ensure your baby sleeps on a safe surface?

Continue reading for answers to these questions.

My Green Mattress Emily Natural Crib Mattress Review

Pros & Best Features

Special Features: High-quality crib mattress made of organic cotton quilted cover sewn with certified organic wool (natural fire retardant); breathable organic coconut coir (pad)

Benefits: Naturally cool sleep; naturally antibacterial and can be resistant to dust mites, mildew, or mold

Option For Extended Use (Two-Stage): Double-sided mattress (both sides have the same firmness and composition)

Age Recommendations: Infant (newborn) to toddler (as long as they’re within the weight and height limits)

Weight/Height Limits: Up to 50 lbs and 52”

Design & Construction Features: Innerspring mattress; natural materials sourced from a renewable resource (rubber tree)

Safety Features

Materials & Type: Inner material made of GOLS-certified organic coconut coir (organic coconut fibers bound together by organic latex) and a cover made of GOTS-certified organic cotton with GOTS-certified organic wool (natural fire retardant)

Firmness: Firm crib mattress that passes the federal standards with heavy-duty, 150 coil innerspring that has supportive edges

Air Circulation (Reduced Heat Retention) & Breathability: Breathable crib mattress

Certifications: GREENGUARD GOLD, GOTS, GOLS, OEKO-TEX, and Made Safe Certifications

Expiration: Up to 10 years

Warranty: 10-year warranty; also comes with a 365 Night Sleep Trial (you get a refund if you aren’t satisfied with the mattress, but you must show proof of donation within 365 days from purchase; the donation must be coordinated with My Green Mattress)

Other Features

Dimensions: 27 ¼” x 52” x 6” (the size also makes it ideal for use as a toddler mattress for a regular or floor bed)

Weight: 15 lbs 6 oz

Inclusions: Crib mattress only, but you can purchase a cotton cover, mattress protector, and sheets

Affordability & Value For The Money: Can be pricey (costs over $300); however, this mattress can offer peace of mind in knowing your little one is on a safe sleep surface, which is priceless, so it can offer the best value for the money

Customer Service: Chat (find the chat icon on any page on their website, mygreenmattress.com), email (bedhead@mygreenmattress.com), and telephone (708-246-2224) support; you can also use the website form to send them a message (mygreenmattress.com/contact/)

Care & Maintenance Options: Not machine-washable, so the brand recommends using a mattress protector for easy cleaning; if needed, use natural ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar to clean your baby’s mattress, and air it out for a few hours, preferably under direct sunlight to eliminate odors

Production Features: Free from off-gassing from chemical flame retardants and toxic materials used in some polyurethane foams; made in the USA, adheres to strict CertiPUR-US guidelines, and uses hand-tufting techniques instead of potentially toxic glues and adhesives to keep the mattress materials together

Company History, Mission, & Reputation

The Emily Crib Mattress was created by My Green Mattress makers Tim and Cindy Masters. It was named after their daughter, Emily, who struggled with allergies and eczema. She inspired Daddy Tim to develop a hypoallergenic and organic crib mattress.

Although it started as a personal mission to create a safe, chemical-free, and non-toxic mattress for his baby, Tim recognized the “pressing need” for other families in the US.

Part of the company’s mission is to provide safe, non-toxic mattresses for all ages. All their products are free from toxins, flame retardants, and VOCs.

Products with GREENGUARD Gold, GOLS, GOTS, and OEKO-TEX certifications are also free from pesticide residues, PVCs, and other toxic chemicals.

The brand assures consumers they won’t experience off-gassing from toxic emissions with newly opened mattresses.

Recalls

None

Cons & Downsides

Some customer complaints about the crib mattress being hard, lumpy, and “easily sagging” in the middle even if their babies weigh less than 20 lbs (the mattress limit is 50 lbs)
Can be pricey

What Customers Say

Positive Customer Reviews

“Such an excellent investment for my baby! I love that I can rest assured that my baby isn’t inhaling toxic fumes during sleep. The quality is excellent.” – Reviewer on Amazon

“What a beautiful thing. Our family’s new little one will lay his little head on clean, natural, chemical free softness.” – Reviewer on My Green Mattress

Negative Customer Reviews

“I wanted to love this mattress because of the quality, safe materials that it’s made of, but it started to sag in the middle once my baby hit 13 lbs…” – Reviewer on Amazon

“This mattress is so hard and lumpy from the springs. I can feel the springs just running my hand across the top of the mattress…” – Reviewer on Amazon

Are Crib Mattresses Safe For Babies?

Based on the sleep guidelines issued by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), babies are supposed to sleep on a firm, flat surface. Crib mattresses are included among the “safe surfaces,” but they must still meet the CPSC guidelines on firmness, thickness, and other safety requirements.

Not all crib mattresses are safe for babies. You can find several crib mattresses among the baby products recalled in 2024.

How Do You Know If Your Crib Mattress Is Good?

Meets the CPSC safety standards
Haven’t had any recalls
Fits your crib perfectly, without any gaps between the mattress pad and the crib walls

Factors To Consider For Crib Mattresses

Choosing Safe Materials & Features For Your Peace Of Mind

GOTS-Certified & Truly Organic Crib Mattresses

Not all products marketed as ‘organic’ are made of 100% organic materials. Products can only be 100% organic if they’re made of 100% organic ingredients or materials, excluding water and salt. (7)

Don’t worry. You don’t have to find a 100% organic crib mattress for a product to be safe for your baby. According to Global Organics, it’s difficult to make a product that’s 100% organic, so most of the products that fall under this category are made with single ingredients. (7)

Most products that fall under the ‘Organic’ category aren’t 100% organic but contain at least 95% organic materials or ingredients. They have also been produced using organic methods. (7)

Emily Organic Crib Mattress is made of primarily organic materials:

Inner material made of GOLS-certified organic coconut coir (these organic coconut fibers are bound together by organic latex)
Cover made of GOTS-certified organic cotton interwoven with GOTS-certified organic wool (natural fire retardant)

To reduce the need for non-organic additives or materials (e.g., potentially toxic glues and adhesives), the brand (My Green Mattress) uses hand-tufting techniques to keep the mattress materials together.

Are Organic Crib Mattresses Worth It?

Yes. Although organic products are usually pricier than non-organic crib mattresses, they can provide your little one with a safer, non-toxic sleep surface.

Mattress Materials

Organic Cotton

While cotton is a common material used for fabrics and textiles in crib mattresses, we recommend choosing products made of organic cotton.

Emily Organic Crib Mattress is made of GOTS-certified organic cotton.

Organic & Natural Wool

Wool is a natural flame retardant. Emily Organic Crib Mattress uses GOTS-certified organic wool. It passes the federal flammability standards without using chemical flame retardants.

Coconut Coir

Emily Organic Crib Mattress’s inner material is GOLS-certified organic coconut coir.

Organic Latex

The Emily Organic Crib Mattress‘s coconut fibers are bound together by organic latex. In combination with organic wool, the organic latex makes the mattress naturally antibacterial and resistant to mildew, molds, and dust mites.

Innerspring

Crib mattresses with innerspring can be more durable, but they’re also heavier and less portable.

Emily Organic Crib Mattress uses a heavy-duty, 150-coil innerspring with supportive edges for added durability.

PLA – Polylactic Acid

PLA comes from natural fibers in starchy plants. It’s a high-performance, food-grade polyester material sometimes used for crib mattresses.

Emily Organic Crib Mattress doesn’t use PLA.

Latex-Free

If your baby has latex allergies, look for a product that doesn’t use this material. Emily Organic Crib Mattress isn’t latex-free; it uses organic latex.

Although the Emily Organic Crib Mattress contains organic latex, this material isn’t on the cover and doesn’t come in contact with your baby’s skin. The crib mattress was designed and named after the My Green Mattress owner’s daughter, Emily, who had eczema and allergies. So, this product is allergen-free.

Avoid Toxic Chemicals

Polyurethane Foam & Flame Retardants

Many foam mattresses are made from polyurethane.

Never use a crib mattress with memory foam. Soft mattresses, including those made of memory foam, can create indentations that might increase your baby’s risks for suffocation or “rebreathing” (they inhale carbon dioxide from their exhaled breath instead of oxygen). (8)

While foam is a common mattress material, the EWG (Environmental Working Group) doesn’t recommend it because it might contain VOCs and chemical flame retardants. The group warns that manufacturers aren’t required to disclose all the materials they’re using on their mattresses and might only list “polyurethane foam” without declaring the others. (9)

Emily Organic Crib Mattress doesn’t use foam. Instead, it has organic coconut coir.

Vinyl & PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC and other types of vinyl are commonly used for waterproofing. However, they can cause irreversible damage to male babies’ reproductive system (e.g., affect sex organ function and testosterone production). (6)(9)

They might also cause or trigger asthma. (9)

Meets Crib Mattress Regulations

Meets The Firmness & Thickness Requirements

Crib mattresses must pass the firmness tests (the tester’s “feeler arm” shouldn’t touch the sleep surface. (10)

There should be at least 20 inches of crib-side height (measured from the mattress top to the bottom of the lowest railing position). (10)

Which Is Better: A Soft Or Firm Mattress?

The AAP recommends a firm, flat, and unobstructed sleep surface. It can reduce the risks of SIDS. So, a firm mattress is better. (8)

Meets The Crib Mattress Standard Size Requirements

Size for full-size crib mattresses: (10)

Must be at least 27 ¼” wide and 51 ⅝” long
Corner gap shouldn’t exceed 3.15”

According to My Green Mattress, the Emily Organic Crib Mattress meets all the CPSC requirements.

Other Safety & Special Features

Breathable Mattress & Crib Cover

According to the AAP, a “breathable” mattress is acceptable as long as it meets the CPSC standards, including firmness and size. (11)

The Emily Organic Crib Mattress is marketed as “breathable.” It meets the CPSC standards.

Anti-Allergy & Hypoallergenic Materials

Some products are made of anti-allergy and hypoallergenic materials, such as latex-free (for babies allergic to latex).

Emily Organic Crib Mattress isn’t latex-free; it uses organic latex (but it’s inside the mattress, not outside).

Anti-Fungal Features

According to My Green Mattress, the Emily Organic Crib Mattress uses organic coconut coir, latex, and wool, making the product naturally antibacterial and resistant to dust mites and fungi (mildew and molds).

Comfort, Heat Regulation, & Perspiration Control Features

Coconut coir and other natural materials can also help promote comfort and heat regulation because they have a high level of air permeability (also considered as “breathable”). (12)

Waterproof Mattress & Cover

A waterproof mattress and cover can have a longer lifespan. Avoid using vinyl products. Instead, try to find a cover that uses polyethylene. (9)

No Recalls

Regularly check for recalls to ensure your baby’s crib mattress doesn’t have a safety issue.

Mattress Quality, Durability, & Value For The Money

Some crib mattresses, including My Green Mattress’ Emily, can be pricey. However, these high-quality products can also be durable and last long. So, they can still offer you the best value for your money.

Mattress Type

One-side mattresses – Firm throughout but only have a useful cover on one side
Double-sided mattresses – Firm and also upholstered on both sides
Two-stage (dual firmness) mattresses – Firm side for a baby mattress and soft side for a toddler bed

FAQs

What Are The Benefits Of Wool On Crib Mattresses?

Wool is a natural fire retardant. (12)

It can also make your baby’s crib mattress naturally resistant to fungi, such as mold and mildew. It also has antimicrobial and anti-bacterial properties. (13)

Is It Safe For My Baby To Sleep On A Memory Foam Mattress?

No. The AAP advises against using memory foam mattresses because their soft nature allows for indentations to form on the sleep surface, possibly increasing your baby’s risks for breathing obstruction and suffocation. (8)

When Do I Lower My Baby’s Crib Mattress?

If your baby’s crib has different height settings, you can follow this guide by Cleveland Clinic pediatrician Laura O’Connor, MD: (14)

Is It Ok To Elevate My Baby’s Mattress If They’re Sick?

No, unless your pediatrician recommends it. According to the AAP, no evidence exists that elevating an infant’s mattress can alleviate gastroesophageal reflux or upper respiratory infection, regardless of severity. (8)

Should I Flip My Baby’s Crib Mattress Regularly?

Yes. My Green Mattress recommends flipping the Emily crib mattress once a month during your baby’s first three months and once per season (every 3-4 months) after the first quarter.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Crib Mattress?

The exact lifespan of a crib mattress depends on its materials and the conditions it’s subjected to. Generally, innerspring mattresses last longer than foam mattresses. (15)

The Sleep Advisor recommends following the 5-year rule in replacing mattresses and replacing them sooner if yours had a ‘harder’ life, such as spills, blow-outs, etc. (15)

Whether it has reached five years or not, a crib mattress must always be replaced if it has sagging sections or has grown mold and mildew.

Should I Get A Waterproof Crib Mattress?

It’s up to you. Some crib mattresses, such as those made of PLA, can be waterproof. While they are generally less durable than innerspring mattresses, they might still have a longer mattress life by preventing mold and mildew growth. (15)(16)

What Are Vegan Crib Mattresses?

Vegan crib mattresses are free from animal products, including:

Wool
Cashmere
Mohair
Feathers
Silk

The Emily Organic Crib Mattress contains wool and isn’t considered vegan. If you’re looking for one, consider a Naturepedic crib mattress. The brand offers GOTS-certified organic, Vegan-Certified, and PETA-Approved Vegan products.

Is My Green Mattress Charitable?

Yes. Under the 365 Night Sleep Trial, the brand requires customers to donate (and show donation proof) their used mattresses if they aren’t satisfied with the product.

How Should I Choose My Baby’s Crib Mattress Cover?

Must fit the crib mattress perfectly (covers from the same brand are likely the most ideal)
Easy to remove and machine-washable
Can be waterproof but mustn’t have vinyl, PVCs, or other toxic materials

When Should Babies Move To A Toddler Bed?

For your baby’s safety, the CPSC recommends keeping them in a crib until they’re at least 15 months old (less than 50 lbs). (17)

Other Crib Mattresses To Consider

Organic Crib Mattresses

Natural Crib Mattresses

Crib Mattress Covers

Recent Baby Product Recalls & Safety Warnings

Stay informed with the latest news by signing up for our regular Motherhood Community recall alerts so you never miss an important recall.

Check these comprehensive lists of product recalls by category:

Crib recalls (up to 2023)
Stroller recalls (2020 to 2023)
Recalled toys list (2020 to 2023)
Baby formula recall (2001 to 2023)
Baby food recall (2015 to 2023)
Pacifier recall (2019 to 2022)
Baby wipes recall (2014 to 2022)

References

(1) https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleepnewborn.html

(2) https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/volatile-organic-compounds

(3) https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/flame_retardants

(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6695782/

(5) https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/560.pdf

(6) https://www.ecocenter.org/phthalates–toxic-chemicals-vinyl-plastic

(7) https://www.global-organics.com/post.php?s=2016-03-29-4-categories-of-organic-product-labels

(8) https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022?autologincheck=redirected

(9) https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/08/mattress-chemicals-you-could-be-sleeping

(10) https://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Crib-Mattresses-Business-Guidance-and-Small-Entity-Compliance-Guide

(11) https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057991/188305/Evidence-Base-for-2022-Updated-Recommendations-for?autologincheck=redirected

(12) https://safesleeptech.com/crib-mattress-facts-and-information/

(13) https://homeofwool.com/all-natural-ways-to-prevent-mildew-kill-mold-at-home/?v=a25496ebf095

(14) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-to-lower-crib-mattress

(15) https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-long-does-a-crib-mattress-last/

(16) https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/crib-mattresses/buying-guide/

(17) https://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Toddler-Beds