Last Updated on October 18, 2026
Generally, you can flip a Naturepedic 2-stage crib mattress when your baby is around 12 months old. However, you do not have to flip it immediately after your baby’s first birthday. The right time depends on the mattress design, your child’s age, and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Newborn babies need a firm, flat sleeping surface. As they grow into toddlers, they may enjoy a little more cushioning. This is why Naturepedic offers dual-sided crib mattresses with an extra-firm infant side and a slightly more comfortable toddler side.
But remember, not every Naturepedic crib mattress has two different sleeping surfaces. Some models are single-stage mattresses, meaning you should not flip them unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.
So, when should you flip your Naturepedic crib mattress, and how can you do it safely? Here is what you need to know.
What Is a Crib Mattress?
A crib mattress is a mattress designed specifically for babies and toddlers. Unlike adult mattresses, crib mattresses must provide a firm, flat, supportive sleeping surface and fit securely inside a compatible crib.
Some crib mattresses have two usable sides:
- Infant side: This side is extra firm and designed for newborn babies and infants throughout their first year. The firm surface helps reduce the risk of suffocation associated with soft bedding.
- Toddler side: This side provides slightly more cushioning for older babies and toddlers. It is still designed to remain firm and supportive.
The firmer side must face up when a newborn uses the mattress. Once the baby reaches the appropriate age, parents can choose to switch to the toddler side if their mattress has this feature.
Naturepedic offers single-stage and dual-stage options in its Classic Organic Crib Mattress collection. Its Breathable Organic and Breathable Ultra Organic crib mattresses also feature 2-stage designs.
When Should You Flip a Naturepedic Crib Mattress?
The recommended time to flip a Naturepedic crib mattress is generally around 12 months of age, provided you have a 2-stage model designed for both infants and toddlers.
Naturepedic recommends using the firmer infant side from birth and throughout the baby’s first year. After that, you may turn the mattress over to the slightly cushioned toddler side.
However, turning one year old does not mean your baby must immediately start sleeping on the other side.
If your child is comfortable on the firm infant surface, there is no problem with continuing to use it. In fact, a firm crib mattress remains suitable throughout the toddler years, provided it is in good condition.
Before making the change, always check the label and instructions supplied with your particular Naturepedic mattress.
Naturepedic Crib Mattress: Infant Side vs. Toddler Side
| Feature | Infant Side | Toddler Side |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended age | Birth through the first year | Generally 12 months and older |
| Firmness | Extra firm | Slightly more cushioned |
| Main purpose | Provide a firm, flat infant sleep surface | Offer additional toddler comfort |
| When to use | From birth | After the recommended transition age |
| Is switching necessary? | Required during infancy | Optional for toddlers |
Why Should I Flip the Naturepedic Crib Mattress?
Flipping a Naturepedic 2-stage crib mattress allows you to use the sleeping surface designed for your child’s next stage of growth.
The firmer infant side is important because newborns need a stable sleeping surface that does not sink deeply beneath their heads or bodies.
A mattress that is too soft can conform around a baby’s face, increasing the risk of suffocation. That is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface for infants.
As children grow, they become more mobile and develop better control over their movements. Around their first birthday, they may be ready for the slightly more cushioned toddler surface.
However, the toddler side is mainly a comfort feature. Flipping the mattress does not improve muscle development or make your child physically stronger.
You also should not flip the mattress simply because your baby moves frequently during sleep. Movement alone does not mean the firm side is uncomfortable.
How to Flip a Naturepedic Crib Mattress Safely
Flipping a Naturepedic crib mattress is a simple process. Still, you should follow a few steps to make sure the mattress remains secure and suitable for your child.
- Remove the bedding: Take off the fitted sheet and any removable mattress cover or protector.
- Take out the mattress: Carefully lift the mattress out of the crib and place it on a clean, flat surface.
- Check the label: Confirm that your mattress has an infant side and a toddler side. Do not assume both sides are interchangeable.
- Inspect the mattress: Look for sagging, tears, soft spots, moisture, or other visible damage.
- Clean if necessary: Wipe the waterproof surface according to Naturepedic’s care instructions and allow it to dry completely.
- Flip the mattress: Turn it over so the designated toddler side faces upward.
- Return it to the crib: Make sure the mattress fits snugly against the crib walls without dangerous gaps.
- Replace the fitted sheet: Use a correctly sized fitted sheet and only manufacturer-approved mattress accessories.
Do not add soft mattress toppers, pillows, or extra padding to make an infant’s sleeping surface more comfortable.
If the mattress is damaged or has developed uneven areas, replacing it is safer than attempting to correct the problem by flipping it.
Advantages of a Naturepedic Crib Mattress
Naturepedic is known for manufacturing organic crib mattresses that combine supportive construction with carefully selected materials. Here are some of the main benefits.
1. Waterproof Surface
Many Naturepedic crib mattresses feature a waterproof surface that helps protect the mattress interior from urine, milk, and other spills.
Naturepedic uses waterproof barriers made with polyethylene derived from non-GMO sugarcane in selected crib mattress models.
This design helps prevent liquids from soaking into the mattress, making everyday maintenance easier.
2. Easy to Clean
Cleaning a Naturepedic crib mattress is relatively simple because many models feature a wipe-clean waterproof surface.
When accidents happen, remove the fitted sheet and wipe the mattress surface using a damp cloth and mild soap if needed.
Some Naturepedic breathable crib mattresses include removable covers that can be machine-washed and dried according to the care label.
However, you should not soak the entire mattress, spray it heavily with water, or submerge its internal components unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.
3. Lightweight Options
Naturepedic offers lightweight crib mattresses that are easier to lift when changing sheets or cleaning the crib.
For example, the lightweight versions of its Breathable Organic and Breathable Ultra Organic crib mattresses weigh approximately 14 pounds.
The innerspring versions weigh approximately 19 pounds and provide a more traditional steel coil construction.
Both options can provide the required firmness, so the choice mainly depends on whether you prefer easier handling or an innerspring design.
4. Organic Materials and Certifications
Naturepedic uses GOTS-certified organic cotton in its organic crib mattress collections.
Selected models also carry certifications and verifications such as GREENGUARD Gold, MADE SAFE, and EWG VERIFIED.
The company designs its organic crib mattresses without added flame retardants, fiberglass, polyurethane foam, or conventional adhesive glues.
However, no mattress should be described as entirely chemical-free. Naturepedic uses approved non-organic components in certain designs, including specialized waterproof barriers and support materials.
For more information about the brand’s mattress construction, you can read our Naturepedic mattress review.
5. Breathable Design
Naturepedic’s Breathable Organic crib mattresses feature a removable three-dimensional breathable cover designed to allow air to move through the surface layer.
The cover also helps provide a comfortable sleeping surface while protecting the waterproof mattress underneath.
However, breathable materials do not eliminate the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Parents must still follow established infant safe-sleep recommendations.
If you want to compare another crib mattress design, our Newton Baby mattress review discusses a different approach to breathable mattress construction.
Important Safety Tips for Using a Crib Mattress
Choosing a suitable crib mattress is only one part of keeping your baby safe during sleep. The following precautions are equally important.
- Always place your baby on their back: Put infants on their backs for every sleep until they reach one year of age, even if they can roll independently.
- Use a firm, flat mattress: Avoid soft, inclined, or uneven sleeping surfaces.
- Keep the crib empty: Do not place pillows, loose blankets, stuffed toys, crib bumpers, or sleep positioners inside an infant’s crib.
- Check the mattress fit: The mattress must fit securely inside the crib without dangerous gaps along the edges.
- Use a fitted sheet: Choose a sheet designed for the mattress dimensions.
- Inspect the mattress regularly: Replace mattresses that have significant sagging, damage, or persistent moisture problems.
- Follow crib safety instructions: Lower the crib mattress support as your baby grows and begins sitting or standing, according to the crib manufacturer’s guidance.
Remember that the firmness of the mattress is more important than how soft or comfortable it feels to an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I flip my Naturepedic crib mattress before 12 months?
No. Naturepedic recommends keeping the firmer infant side facing up throughout your baby’s first year. Do not switch to the toddler side early simply because it feels more comfortable. Always follow the instructions for your mattress model.
Do all Naturepedic crib mattresses have two sides?
No. Naturepedic offers both single-stage and 2-stage crib mattresses. A single-stage mattress should not be flipped unless its product instructions specifically permit using both sides for sleep.
Can my toddler continue sleeping on the firm infant side?
Yes. The firm infant side remains suitable for toddlers as long as the mattress fits properly, stays flat, and remains in good condition. Changing to the toddler side is optional.
How do I identify the infant side of a Naturepedic mattress?
Look for the manufacturer’s label identifying the infant and toddler sleeping surfaces. The infant side is generally firmer, but you should not rely on firmness alone to identify it.
How long can a Naturepedic crib mattress be used?
Naturepedic crib mattresses can be used from infancy through the toddler years, provided the mattress fits the crib or toddler bed correctly and remains in good condition. Always follow the specific model’s weight limits and product instructions.
Should I rotate my Naturepedic crib mattress regularly?
Regular rotation is generally unnecessary unless the manufacturer recommends it. Rotating the mattress means changing its head-to-foot direction, while flipping changes which sleeping surface faces upward. If the mattress develops sagging or soft spots, replace it rather than relying on rotation.
Bottom Lines
Knowing when to flip a Naturepedic crib mattress helps you use the right sleeping surface as your child grows.
For a 2-stage Naturepedic crib mattress, keep the extra-firm infant side facing up throughout the first year. Around 12 months, you can switch to the slightly cushioned toddler side if the product instructions allow it.
However, there is no need to rush the change. Your toddler can safely continue using the firm infant side as long as the mattress remains suitable and in good condition.
Most importantly, always prioritize a firm, flat sleeping surface, a properly fitted mattress, and appropriate crib safety practices over extra cushioning.