Which certification is most important for crib mattresses?

For crib mattresses, we recommend looking for multiple certifications: GREENGUARD Gold (low emissions), CertiPUR-US (foam safety if foam-based), and ideally GOTS or OEKO-TEX for any fabric covers. JPMA certification adds physical safety verification. Newton and Naturepedic mattresses carry multiple certifications.

Can a product have fake certifications?

Yes, unfortunately this is common, especially on Amazon third-party listings. Always verify certifications through the official database before trusting a product. Our product pages link directly to verification databases where possible.

Do I need GOTS *and* OEKO-TEX for textiles?

They test different things. GOTS certifies organic content and production practices. OEKO-TEX tests the finished product for harmful substances. Ideally, look for both, but if choosing one: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class I provides more direct safety assurance for what touches your baby.

Why is JPMA only "silver" tier in your trust levels?

JPMA is excellent for physical safety but doesn't test for chemical content. For a complete safety picture, you want JPMA certification *plus* a chemical certification like GREENGUARD Gold or OEKO-TEX. We rate it silver because chemical safety matters too.

Is EWG Verified a certification I should look for?

EWG Verified is a solid certification for personal care products (lotions, sunscreens, wipes). It means the product meets EWG's strictest criteria for health. For textiles and furniture, the certifications in this guide are more relevant.

What about "Certified B Corporation" labels?

B Corp certification is about corporate social responsibility, not product safety. A B Corp might make excellent safe products, but the certification doesn't verify that. Look for product-specific safety certifications alongside B Corp status.

Library

Reference Guide

Understanding Baby Product Safety Certifications: The Complete Guide

GOTS, OEKO-TEX, JPMA, GREENGUARD, CertiPUR-US — what do they mean and which actually matter? Our complete guide to safety certifications for baby products.

Renee, R3 Founder

Consumer Safety Researcher

Fact Checked

February 21, 2026

15 min read

Understanding Baby Product Safety Certifications: The Complete Guide

The Quick Answer

Not all certifications are created equal. GOTS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (Class I) are gold-standard for textiles. JPMA certifies baby gear safety. GREENGUARD Gold ensures low emissions for furniture. CertiPUR-US covers foam. Always verify certifications through official databases — fake certifications are common.

GOTS

Global Organic Textile Standard

Highest Trust

The worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers. GOTS certification requires minimum 70% organic fibers and restricts use of harmful chemicals throughout production. It also includes social criteria for fair labor.

What It Tests

Organic fiber content (minimum 70%, "organic" label requires 95%+)
Restricted chemical inputs (no toxic dyes, heavy metals, formaldehyde)
Wastewater treatment at production facilities

Limitations

Final product chemical residue testing (that's OEKO-TEX)
Physical safety (no choking hazard testing)

How to Verify

Look for: GOTS certified logo with certificate number (format: CU XXXXXX)

Verify on Global Standard gGmbH

Red Flags

Product claims "organic" without GOTS certification
GOTS logo shown without certificate number
Certificate only covers the brand, not this specific product
Certificate expired (check dates)

OEKO-TEX

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Highest Trust

Tests finished textile products for harmful substances. Unlike GOTS which focuses on production, OEKO-TEX tests the final product you're actually using. Class I certification has the strictest limits, specifically designed for baby products.

What It Tests

pH levels (important for sensitive skin)
Formaldehyde content
Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic)

Limitations

Organic content (that's GOTS)
Environmental manufacturing practices

How to Verify

Look for: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label with "Class I" designation and certificate number

Verify on OEKO-TEX Association

Red Flags

Generic "OEKO-TEX" without "Standard 100" specification
Class II, III, or IV instead of Class I for baby products
No certificate number provided
Certificate expired

JPMA

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association

High Trust

Certifies that baby products meet ASTM safety standards and CPSC federal requirements. JPMA certification focuses on physical safety — structural integrity, choking hazards, entrapment risks — not chemical content.

What It Tests

Structural integrity and durability
Choking hazard assessment (small parts)
Entrapment risks (head, limbs, fingers)

Limitations

Chemical content or off-gassing
Flame retardant presence

How to Verify

Look for: JPMA Certified seal (not just "JPMA Member")

Verify on JPMA

Red Flags

Claims "JPMA member" instead of "JPMA certified"
Certification for different product variant/model
Brand certified but specific product not listed in database

GREENGUARD

GREENGUARD Gold

Highest Trust

Certifies products for low chemical emissions (off-gassing). GREENGUARD Gold has stricter standards than standard GREENGUARD, specifically designed for sensitive environments like schools and healthcare — making it appropriate for nurseries.

What It Tests

Total VOC emissions
Formaldehyde emissions
Individual chemical emissions (360+ compounds)

Limitations

Physical safety (structural, choking hazards)
Durability or longevity

How to Verify

Look for: GREENGUARD Gold (not just standard GREENGUARD)

Verify on UL Environment

Red Flags

Standard GREENGUARD without Gold designation for nursery items
Certification for different model/variant
Expired certification (check dates in UL SPOT)

CertiPUR-US

High Trust

Certifies polyurethane foam used in mattresses and furniture. Tests for harmful chemicals, emissions, and durability. Important for any foam-based baby product like mattresses, changing pads, and nursing pillows.

What It Tests

No ozone depleters
No PBDEs (flame retardants banned in US)
No TDCPP or TCEP flame retardants

Limitations

Non-foam components (springs, covers)
Other types of foam (latex, memory foam needs separate testing)

How to Verify

Look for: CertiPUR-US seal on foam products

Verify on CertiPUR-US Program

Red Flags

Foam product without any certification
Memory foam or latex claiming CertiPUR-US (only covers polyurethane)

MADE SAFE

High Trust

Screens products against a list of known harmful substances. Unlike single-focus certifications, MADE SAFE looks at the entire product across multiple hazard types. Growing certification for baby care products, personal care, and household items.

What It Tests

Behavioral toxins
Carcinogens
Developmental/reproductive toxins

Limitations

Efficacy of the product
Physical safety (choking, structural)

How to Verify

Look for: MADE SAFE certified seal

Verify on Nontoxic Certified

Red Flags

Claims "made safely" without official MADE SAFE certification
Certification for brand only, not specific product

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Certification Comparison

Attribute	GOTS	OEKO-TEX	JPMA	GREENGUARD	CertiPUR-US
Chemical Safety Testing	Restricted inputs only	Comprehensive finished product	Not tested	Emissions only	Foam only
Physical Safety Testing	No	No	Yes - comprehensive	No	No
Best For	Organic textiles	Textile safety	Baby gear	Furniture	Foam products
Verification Database	global-standard.org	oeko-tex.com	jpma.org	spot.ul.com	certipur.us

Why Certifications Matter

In a market full of "clean" and "safe" marketing claims, certifications provide objective third-party verification. But the certification landscape is confusing — some are rigorous third-party audits, while others are pay-to-play marketing badges that mean little. Understanding which certifications matter can help you make informed decisions without getting overwhelmed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing "JPMA member" (just paid dues) with "JPMA certified" (actually tested)

Accepting standard GREENGUARD instead of GREENGUARD Gold for nursery items

Not verifying certifications through official databases

Assuming "organic" means chemically tested (GOTS certifies organic content, not chemical safety)

Trusting Amazon listings that claim certifications without proof

Not checking if certification applies to the specific product vs. just the brand

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official Documentation

GOTS Public Database OEKO-TEX Label Check JPMA Certified Products Directory UL SPOT Database (GREENGUARD)CertiPUR-US Certified Brands MADE SAFE Product Directory

Renee, R3 Founder

•Consumer Safety Researcher

Lead researcher and founder of R3, dedicated to evidence-based product safety analysis.

The Quick Answer