Newton Vs. Naturepedic Mattress: Which Crib Mattress Is Best For Your Baby?
When it comes to providing your baby with a safe and comfortable sleep environment, choosing the right crib mattress is one of the most important decisions parents make. Newton and Naturepedic stand out as two premium options in the non-toxic crib mattress market, each with their own unique approaches to baby sleep safety, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
In this comparison, we’ll evaluate these two popular crib mattress brands across several key criteria including materials, safety certifications, breathability, comfort, price, and overall value. Our goal is to help you determine which mattress might be the better fit for your baby’s needs and your parenting priorities.
Overview of Newton and Naturepedic Crib Mattresses
Newton Crib Mattress
Newton Baby is relatively new to the market but has quickly gained popularity for its innovative approach to crib mattress design. Their signature Wovenaire® core is made from food-grade polymer and is designed to be completely breathable, washable, and recyclable.
Naturepedic Crib Mattress
Naturepedic has established itself as a leader in organic mattresses for both adults and babies. Their crib mattresses typically feature organic cotton, food-grade polyethylene waterproofing, and either innerspring or lightweight organic fill materials depending on the model.
Brand Feature | Newton | Naturepedic |
---|---|---|
Core Technology | Wovenaire® polymer core (90% air, 10% food-grade polymer) | Innerspring or organic fill with firm support |
Cover Material | Breathable quilted spacer fabric (removable, washable) | Organic cotton with waterproof surface |
Primary Selling Point | Maximum breathability for reduced SIDS risk | Certified organic materials with no toxic chemicals |
Waterproof | No (washable instead) | Yes (food-grade polyethylene) |
Materials and Construction
Newton Materials
The Newton mattress core is made from Wovenaire®, a proprietary material that’s 90% air and 10% food-grade polymer (similar to yogurt containers). This creates a structure that’s both firm enough for infant safety and completely breathable. The cover is a specialized quilted fabric designed to allow air to flow freely through the mattress.
Newton mattresses are:
– Free of foam, latex, springs, and glue
– Made without toxic fire retardants (uses physical design for fire safety)
– Completely recyclable
– Designed to be washable (both cover and core)
Naturepedic Materials
Naturepedic takes a more traditional approach with natural materials:
– Organic cotton filling and fabric
– Food-grade polyethylene waterproofing layer
– No polyurethane foam
– No chemical flame retardants
– Innerspring or lightweight organic fill options
– Certified organic components
Material Consideration | Newton | Naturepedic |
---|---|---|
Organic Certification | No (uses synthetic but food-grade materials) | Yes (GOTS certified organic cotton) |
Chemical Flame Retardants | None | None |
Waterproofing Approach | Not waterproof; fully washable | Food-grade polyethylene waterproof surface |
Primary Material | Food-grade polymer | Organic cotton with innerspring or organic fill |
Safety Features and Certifications
Both Newton and Naturepedic prioritize baby safety, but they approach it differently.
Newton Safety Features
– Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions
– Independently tested for breathability
– Designed to reduce suffocation risk if baby rolls over
– Washable design reduces bacterial growth and allergens
– Meets all federal flammability standards without chemicals
Naturepedic Safety Features
– GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified
– MADE SAFE certified
– Greenguard Gold certified
– UL/GREENGUARD formaldehyde-free verified
– Non-toxic waterproofing
– Firm surface to reduce SIDS risk
– Meets federal flammability standards without chemicals
Safety Certification | Newton | Naturepedic |
---|---|---|
Greenguard Gold | Yes | Yes |
GOTS Certified | No | Yes |
MADE SAFE Certified | No | Yes |
Breathability Testing | Yes (core feature) | Limited |
Breathability and Temperature Regulation
Newton Breathability
Breathability is Newton’s primary selling point. The Wovenaire core allows air to flow freely through the entire mattress, which:
– Reduces risk of carbon dioxide rebreathing if baby rolls face-down
– Helps regulate temperature to prevent overheating
– Provides better air circulation throughout the night
Naturepedic Breathability
Naturepedic mattresses offer:
– Good air circulation through the organic cotton layers
– Temperature regulation from natural materials
– Less complete breathability than Newton due to waterproof layer
– Potential for better moisture management due to waterproofing
Comfort and Support
Newton Comfort Features
– Medium-firm feel that balances comfort and safety
– Consistent firmness across the entire sleep surface
– No coils or springs that might create pressure points
– Maintains shape well over time
Naturepedic Comfort Features
– Firm support from innerspring models
– Lightweight organic models offer consistent support
– Dual-firmness options available (infant side/toddler side)
– Natural cotton provides a comfortable sleep surface
Comfort Feature | Newton | Naturepedic |
---|---|---|
Firmness Options | One firmness level | Dual-sided options available (infant/toddler) |
Support System | Wovenaire polymer grid | Innerspring or organic fill |
Edge Support | Moderate | Strong (especially in innerspring models) |
Weight | Lightweight (11 lbs) | Varies (innerspring heavier, lightweight models comparable) |
Cleaning and Maintenance
Newton Cleaning
One of Newton’s most distinctive features is its washability:
– Removable, machine-washable cover
– Core can be rinsed in shower or bathtub
– Air dries completely
– Can help reduce allergens and bacteria
Naturepedic Cleaning
– Waterproof surface wipes clean
– No need to wash interior components
– Spills and accidents don’t penetrate the mattress
– Cannot be fully immersed or machine washed
Price Comparison
Model | Newton Price Range | Naturepedic Price Range |
---|---|---|
Standard Crib Mattress | $299-$349 | $259-$399 |
Premium Models | $349-$399 | $399-$499 |
Mini Crib Options | $249-$299 | $199-$279 |
Additional Covers | $79-$99 | Not applicable |
Pros and Cons
Newton Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Superior breathability | Higher price point |
Fully washable | Not waterproof (requires more frequent cleaning) |
Recyclable materials | Not organic |
Lightweight and easy to change sheets | May require purchase of additional covers |
Reduces suffocation risk | Synthetic materials (though food-grade) |
Naturepedic Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Certified organic materials | Less breathable than Newton |
Waterproof surface | Cannot be washed completely |
Multiple firmness options | Innerspring models are heavy |
More certifications | Some models are more expensive |
Established reputation | Waterproof layer may create heat retention |
Recommendations Based on Specific Needs
Best for Parents Concerned About SIDS Risk
Recommendation: Newton
The breathable design of the Newton mattress provides peace of mind for parents worried about suffocation risks, as it allows babies to breathe through the mattress if they roll onto their stomachs.
Best for Eco-Conscious Parents
Recommendation: Naturepedic
With its organic certifications and natural materials, Naturepedic appeals to parents who prioritize organic products and environmental sustainability.
Best for Easy Cleaning
Recommendation: Newton
The fully washable design of Newton makes it ideal for parents who want the ability to thoroughly clean the mattress after accidents or illnesses.
Best for Traditional Feel
Recommendation: Naturepedic
Parents who prefer a more traditional mattress construction with springs or who want organic materials will likely prefer Naturepedic’s approach.
Conclusion: Which Mattress is Right for Your Baby?
Both Newton and Naturepedic offer high-quality, non-toxic crib mattresses that far exceed minimum safety standards. Your choice ultimately depends on which features matter most to you:
Choose Newton if:
– Maximum breathability is your top priority
– You want a fully washable mattress
– You’re concerned about suffocation risks
– You prefer a lightweight, modern design
– You don’t mind the non-organic (but safe) materials
Choose Naturepedic if:
– Organic certification is important to you
– You want a waterproof surface
– You prefer traditional mattress construction
– You want multiple firmness options
– You prioritize third-party certifications
Both brands have strong safety records and passionate parent followings. Either choice represents a significant upgrade over standard crib mattresses in terms of both safety and environmental responsibility.
Remember that regardless of which mattress you choose, following safe sleep guidelines (placing baby on back, keeping crib free of blankets and toys) remains the most important factor in reducing sleep-related risks for infants.