Crib mattress - waterproof or cotton cover?

[novembrette]

I need to buy a crib mattress and am trying to decide which cover to choose - waterproof or all cotton (I don't mean the mattress protector pad, but the mattress cover itself). My baby's very young now and ideally I would use this mattress until he outgrows his crib and toddler bed.

What are the pros and cons of a waterproof and an all cotton, non waterproof mattress in general? Please share your experiences, nothing's too basic for me as I would like to consider all aspects! My main priority is my baby's health and comfort.

And more specifically - does it make any sense to buy a super expensive organic cotton mattress and choose the waterproof cover, which is probably not breathable? The cover is supposed to be "organic cotton fabric with an easy-to-clean clear food grade 100% polyethylene waterproof coating" (see http://www.naturepedic.com/products/...b_mattress.php).

The brand I am considering also offers a combination of both covers in one mattress, the cotton one being for toddlers, but it seems to me that toddlers could also use a waterproof cover, if one choses to go the waterproof way? Or is the 2 in 1 the best option?

Looking forward to reading your opinions and experiences!
thanks
cheers

[Anastasiya]

Knowing what I know now about mattresses, I would never buy my baby a regular old crib mattress with all of its toxins and offgassings and whatnot. No way, no how.

We needed to buy the bigger kids new mattresses once they were out of their toddler beds (regular mattresses which we got rid of), and we bought twin sized organic cotton futon mattresses. They don't have the bounce and height a real mattress would have, but I didn't have the money to dish out on a cotton organic non-toxic mattress with springs and all the fancy stuff like pillow tops, etc. Those are spendy! And I feel better knowing they are sleeping on a safe surface.

For a mattress topper/pad, we use wool.

[JamieCatheryn]

I'd say get one of those polythene mattress wraps then cotton over that. Stuff that takes up residence in a crib mattress can put of toxic nerve gas.

[fawnanddoe]

I would go for the organic mattress and a wool mattress pad. We use wool for everything, mattress pad, diaper covers, etc. and it's nothing short of amazing.

With that combination it will be breathable and healthy for your babe!