The Bottom Line Up Front
After 4 years of real-world use, the Newton Crib Mattress holds up exceptionally well. It's the only crib mattress I've tested that's completely washable from cover to core – no foam, glue, or springs to trap mess. While it costs more than traditional mattresses ($249-$349), it's worth considering if you want maximum airflow, easy cleaning, or have a baby who rolls onto their stomach.
Best for: Face-sleeping babies, parents who prioritize breathability, households dealing with frequent accidents or allergies
Skip if: You're on a tight budget or want built-in waterproofing on both sides
Why I First Noticed the Newton Mattress
I first saw the Newton Crib Mattress at the ABC Expo in 2016, and it immediately stood out. The inventor literally invited me to push my face against it to test the breathability (weird, but okay). I was shocked by how much air flowed through compared to traditional crib mattresses.
Most baby mattresses are heavy, hot, and awkward to handle. This felt different: light, airy, and genuinely innovative.
What Makes the Newton Different
The Breathability Question
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends infants sleep on their backs on a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet. There are currently no studies proving whether breathable mattresses improve safety outcomes – the sample size and controls needed would be enormous.
What I do know from experience: babies poop, pee, spit up, and get sweaty. Breathable mattresses run cooler, and being able to fully wash a mattress matters more than you'd think.
Key Features That Stand Out
1. Fully Washable Design
Both the cover and core are machine washable. You can literally hose down the core in the shower. For a product that regularly gets covered in bodily fluids, this is a big deal.
2. Lightweight and Easy to Handle
Changing crib sheets is annoying enough without wrestling a 20-pound mattress. The Newton is noticeably lighter.
3. No Foam, Glue, Latex, or Springs
The open-weave construction means no materials that trap allergens, dust mites, or mystery substances.
4. Firm Enough for Infants, Comfortable for Toddlers
You don't need to flip it as your child grows because it works from newborn through toddler bed years.
5. Temperature Regulation
The airflow design keeps babies cooler than traditional foam mattresses.
Safety Standards & Certifications
The Newton mattress meets or exceeds:
- CPSIA Compliance: Regulates lead and phthalate content in children's products
- ASTM Standards: Covers firmness, safety, and performance testing for crib mattresses
- GREENGUARD Gold Certification: Low chemical emissions for healthier indoor air quality
Real Parent Testing: My Writer's Experience
I sent this mattress to Emily, one of our site writers, whose son is a dedicated face-sleeper. Here's what she shared:
"From three months old, when he started rolling over onto his stomach, he made it very clear sleeping on his back wasn't an option. And he doesn't just sleep on his stomach – he sleeps face down, nose pressed into the mattress. The open weave in the Newton mattress made me feel better about this, even though it still drove me crazy."
This is the real-world scenario where breathability matters most to parents, even without formal studies to back it up.
4 Years of Real-World Testing
After Emily's initial testing (with her face-sleeping infant), she continued using the Newton mattress through all the toddler years. Here's how it held up after daily use:
Cleaning Is Actually Easy
"I didn't realize how gross traditional mattresses could get until I had one I could fully wash. The Newton doesn't feel weird to pass along as a hand-me-down, which matters if you're planning multiple kids."
It Lasts
After all these years, Emily's Newton mattress is still in excellent condition. It's currently sitting in her basement post-toddler-bed transition, and she wouldn't hesitate to give it to someone else to use – a testament to its durability (and non-grossness).
No Flipping Required
Unlike dual-sided mattresses, you use the same surface from infancy through toddlerhood, which is one less thing to remember during the chaos of parenting.
The "Questionable Stuff" Factor
"I didn't know how many chemicals and adhesives go into standard mattresses until I read Newton's specs. The long list of what's NOT included felt reassuring."
Newton Mattress Options & Prices
All mattresses fit standard crib dimensions (52" x 28") except the mini.
The Essential: 4" thick - Single-layer eyelet cover, lightweight (11 lbs), most affordable option
The Original - 5.5" thick - Dual-layer quilted cloud cover (this is what I tested), weighs 14 lbs
The Waterproof - 5.5" thick - Waterproof TPU barrier on ONE side for toddler years, dual-layer quilted cover
The Mini - 3" thick - For mini cribs (37.75" x 23.75"), NOT play yards
Pricing Note: Prices fluctuate with sales and promotions. Check Newton's website, Amazon, or authorized retailers for current pricing. As of 2026, expect to pay in the $250 - $350 range for standard sizes.
How Newton Compares to Other Breathable Mattresses
Newton was the first to market with this design, but competitors have emerged:
Lullaby Earth Breathe Safe
- Breathable 3D cover with waterproof backing built into the cover (not the mattress surface)
- Dual-sided (firm infant/medium-firm toddler) requiring flipping
- Food-grade polyethylene core
- No polyurethane foam, flame retardants, or vinyl/PVC
- Lightweight (8 lbs)
Naturepedic Organic Breathable
- 100% GOTS certified organic cotton
- Breathable 3D cover with waterproof surface made from non-GMO sugarcane
- Dual-sided design (firmer infant side, medium-firm toddler side)
- Available in lightweight and innerspring options
- No polyurethane foam, glues, or flame retardants
HALO DreamWeave (Discontinued)
- Was very similar to Newton – possibly too similar
- No longer available (potentially due to legal concerns)
The Key Difference
Newton is the only option that doesn't require flipping. The same firmness level works from newborn through toddler years (except the Waterproof model, which has a waterproof layer on one side for toddler use).
Lullaby Earth and Naturepedic both feature dual-sided designs where one side is firmer for infants and the other is medium-firm for toddlers, requiring you to flip the mattress as your child grows.
Breathability Trade-offs:
- Lullaby Earth: The 3D breathable cover has a waterproof backing, but the underlying mattress surface itself is waterproof and less breathable
- Naturepedic: Similar design—breathable organic cotton cover with 3D structure, but the core mattress has a waterproof surface
- Newton: Breathable throughout the entire core (90% air, 10% food-grade polymer). The Waterproof model has a TPU barrier quilted into one side of the cover only
If you want full airflow throughout your child's sleep years without flipping, Newton wins. If you want organic certification, Naturepedic is your best bet.
Who Should Buy the Newton Mattress?
Buy It If:
- Your baby rolls onto their stomach and you want peace of mind about breathability
- You want maximum airflow to keep your baby cool
- You value easy, thorough cleaning (allergies, frequent accidents)
- You're planning to use it for multiple children
- You're comfortable investing $250-$350+ in a quality mattress
Skip It If:
- You're on a tight budget – there are good traditional options under $150-$200
- You specifically want organic certification (consider Naturepedic instead)
- You prefer a traditional crib mattress feel with coils or foam
Is It Worth the Investment?
Crib mattresses aren't exciting purchases – they're more like snow tires or water heaters. But once you start comparing features, the differences matter.
The Newton is genuinely innovative and has inspired multiple competitors. Its breathable design, recyclable materials, and full washability make it ideal for mess-prone babies. It meets high safety standards and lasts long enough for multiple children.
The higher price (typically $250-$350 depending on model and sales vs. $100-$200 for traditional mattresses) won't fit every budget, but after Emily's 8 years of testing, I'd recommend it without hesitation.
I recommend the Newton especially if you:
- Have a face-sleeper who rolls onto their stomach
- Want to maximize airflow for temperature regulation
- Love being able to deep-clean every part of the mattress
Where to Buy
- Newton Baby Official Website (my recommendation)
- Amazon US
- Amazon Canada
Tip: Enter Newton's giveaways even if you don't win – they often send discount codes to participants. I give away a $500 gift card to one person every month so be sure to enter.
More Sleep Resources: Best Safe Sleep Options
About the Author
Amy Morrison has been writing about pregnancy and new parenthood since 2010. She's a mom of two boys and has tested hundreds of baby products through real-world use with her own family and trusted contributors.
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