New crib mattresses release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and babies breathe close to the mattress surface for many hours a day. A University of Texas study found all 20 crib mattresses it tested released VOCs, with higher emissions from new mattresses and at body temperature. That’s a reason to choose carefully and air out a new mattress, but safe sleep comes first: the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says a firm, flat surface is what matters most.
This guide covers what the research found, how to pick a lower-emission mattress without compromising safe sleep, and allergy considerations for the nursery. For more, see our indoor air quality guides.
Jump to: Quick answer · What the research found · Safe sleep comes first · Choosing a mattress · Allergy tips for the nursery · FAQ
Quick answer
- All crib mattresses tested released VOCs, more from new ones and more at body temperature.
- Babies’ breathing zone had higher VOCs than the room air, by about 1.8 to 2.4 times in a manikin test.
- Safe sleep first: the AAP recommends a firm, flat, non-inclined surface, back sleeping, and no soft bedding.
- Lower-emission options: look for third-party low-emission certifications such as GREENGUARD Gold, and air out a new mattress before use.
- Latex caution: mattresses made with natural latex aren’t suitable if anyone in the family has a latex allergy.
What the research found
In a 2014 study in Environmental Science and Technology, University of Texas at Austin researchers measured VOC emissions from 20 new and used crib mattresses.
| Finding | Result |
|---|---|
| Mattresses releasing VOCs | All 20 |
| Average total VOC emission rate | 56 µg/m²·h at room temperature (23°C); 139 µg/m²·h at body temperature (36°C) |
| New vs used | New mattresses emitted more |
| Foam type | Polyurethane foam released a greater variety of VOCs than polyester foam; covers also affected emissions |
| Infant breathing zone vs room air | 1.8 to 2.4 times higher in tests with an infant-sized heated manikin |
The authors concluded crib mattresses are an important source of VOCs and that infants’ exposure may be elevated in their sleep environment. The study measured emissions, not health effects. More broadly, the EPA notes VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and that indoor levels often exceed outdoor levels; see household chemicals that trigger allergies.
Safe sleep comes first
About 3,500 U.S. infants die each year from sleep-related causes, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to the AAP’s 2022 policy statement. The AAP recommends:
- Placing babies on their backs to sleep
- A firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface
- Room sharing without bed sharing
- No soft bedding, and avoiding overheating
Whatever mattress you choose, it must fit the crib snugly and be firm. Don’t add pillows, padded bumpers or soft toppers to make a mattress feel “safer” or more natural.
Choosing a lower-emission crib mattress
- Prioritize firmness and fit for safe sleep.
- Look for low-emission certification. UL’s GREENGUARD Gold sets limits on more than 360 VOCs and total VOC emissions, with extra safety factors for sensitive people such as children.
- Ask about materials and covers, since foam type and cover layers affected emissions in the study.
- Air out a new mattress in a ventilated room before the baby uses it, since new mattresses emitted more VOCs.
- Ventilate the nursery, and avoid air fresheners and scented products there. See fragrance allergy.
For vinyl mattress covers and phthalates, see phthalates and allergies.
Allergy tips for the nursery
- Latex: natural latex mattresses contain latex. ACAAI lists baby bottle nipples and pacifiers among latex-containing products, and recommends avoidance for people with latex allergy. See latex allergy.
- Dust mites: wash crib sheets weekly in hot water and keep humidity below 50%. See does a dryer kill dust mites?
- Smoke: keep the home smoke-free; the AAP advises avoiding exposure to nicotine.
- Night symptoms: if your child coughs or snores at night, see child snoring and allergies.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
Do crib mattresses release chemicals?
Yes. A University of Texas study found all 20 crib mattresses tested released VOCs, with more from new mattresses and at body temperature.
How can I reduce VOCs from a new crib mattress?
Choose a low-emission certified mattress, air it out in a ventilated room before use, and keep the nursery well ventilated.
Is an organic or natural latex crib mattress better?
Material choices may affect emissions, but any crib mattress must be firm and fit snugly. Avoid natural latex if anyone in the family has a latex allergy.
What does GREENGUARD Gold mean?
It’s a UL certification that limits emissions of more than 360 VOCs and total VOCs, with extra safety factors for sensitive people like children.
What matters most for a safe crib?
The AAP recommends back sleeping on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface with no soft bedding, and room sharing without bed sharing.
Sources
- Boor BE, Järnström H, Novoselac A, Xu Y. Infant exposure to emissions of volatile organic compounds from crib mattresses. Environ Sci Technol. 2014;48(6):3541-3549.
- Moon RY, Carlin RF, Hand I. Sleep-related infant deaths: updated 2022 recommendations for reducing infant deaths in the sleep environment. Pediatrics. 2022;150(1):e2022057990.
- UL Solutions. What does “GREENGUARD Certified” mean?
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Volatile organic compounds’ impact on indoor air quality.
- American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Latex allergy.
Last reviewed: October 21, 2026.
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