11 Essential Certifications Every Safe Crib Mattress Should Have

When it comes to your baby’s sleep, safety, health, and peace of mind are non-negotiable. Your crib mattress should be more than just comfortable — it should be certified organic, verified non-toxic, and independently tested for emissions, breathability, and firmness.

Unfortunately, many brands make vague “green” or “eco-friendly” claims without the credentials to back them up. That’s why independent certifications matter — they prove your baby’s mattress is safe for your child and the planet.

Here are the 11 certifications every truly safe crib mattress should have:

ORGANIC CRIB MATTRESS CERTIFICATIONS
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The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the world’s leading certification for organic textiles. It verifies that the entire manufacturing process — from farm to factory — meets strict environmental and social criteria. A GOTS-certified crib mattress ensures that organic cotton, wool, and other materials are grown without the use of pesticides or toxic chemicals, and that the final product is produced ethically and sustainably. If it’s not GOTS, it’s not truly organic.

The certification process involves:

NONTOXIC CRIB MATTRESS CERTIFICATIONS
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Many mattresses test only select components. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 on the full product means every part of the mattress — from fabric and thread to zippers and labels — has been independently tested for more than 350 harmful substances.

This ensures your baby’s sleep surface is free from flame retardants, heavy metals, and harmful dyes. It’s one of the most comprehensive product safety certifications available.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is one of the most trusted authorities in health and environmental safety. The EWG Verified process evaluates products against thousands of peer-reviewed studies and maintains one of the most current databases of chemical safety research available to consumers. The EWG VERIFIED® mark confirms that the product avoids chemicals of concern and meets the highest standards for transparency and health. Avocado’s crib mattress is one of the few to earn the EWG VERIFIED® mark — setting a new benchmark for baby safety.

The MADE SAFE® certification goes beyond traditional safety testing. It screens materials for known toxicants, carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and developmental hazards. When a crib mattress is MADE SAFE® Certified, parents can rest easy knowing it’s been evaluated against the most comprehensive human health criteria in existence.

Materials banned by MADE SAFE® certification include:

Babies breathe more air per pound than adults, making indoor air quality critical. GREENGUARD Gold Certification ensures the mattress emits ultra-low levels of chemical emissions and VOCs, protecting your baby’s developing lungs and improving the air they breathe.

Key health benefits of GREENGUARD Gold certification include:

Formaldehyde is a common chemical in adhesives and finishes — even in so-called “green” products. UL’s Formaldehyde-Free Verification confirms that no added formaldehyde is present anywhere in the mattress. This means no hidden off-gassing, no harsh odors, and a cleaner, safer nursery environment.

PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are linked to numerous health and developmental risks. Responsible brands go beyond compliance to publicly share third-party PFAS test results, proving their products are free from these persistent toxins. Transparency builds trust — and your baby deserves nothing less.

SAFETY CRIB MATTRESS CERTIFICATIONS
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For dual-sided crib mattresses, both sides should be independently tested to meet infant firmness standards. That means even if the toddler side is used accidentally, your baby still sleeps on a firm, safe, and supportive surface that reduces the risk of suffocation and promotes healthy development.

BRAND CERTIFICATIONS: VALUES MATTER
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Brands that are 1% for the Planet® members commit at least 1% of annual revenue to verified environmental nonprofits. This certification demonstrates a brand’s genuine, ongoing commitment to climate action and conservation — not just marketing claims.

The B Corp Certification evaluates a company’s entire social and environmental impact — from transparency and accountability to community and employee practices. For parents, it’s reassurance that the brand operates responsibly and ethically in every part of its business — not just in its products.

The Climate Label transparently discloses the product’s full carbon footprint, from raw materials to manufacturing and shipping. This certification helps parents make informed, climate-conscious choices and holds brands accountable for their emissions and sustainability goals.

The safest crib mattresses are certified organic, verified as non-toxic, and sustainably transparent. Avocado’s Organic Crib Mattress is among the most trusted and certified crib mattresses in the world. They are tested to the world’s highest standards for organic purity, non-toxic standards, emissions, and safety, and also meet the highest standards for sustainability and social responsibility. When you choose a mattress with all ten certifications, you’re choosing the healthiest start for your baby and the planet.

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