I have a confession to make.

(How many times do I start a post like that? What do I think this is, True Confessions?)

I’m having a baby on Thursday, and I’ve got the cradle all set up next to my bed. I’ve already put the mattress pad and cradle sheet on the mattress - not because I’m proactive, but because I can’t stand to look at the mattress.

Because I’m pretty sure it’s the same mattress on which I lay when I slept in that same cradle.

It’s neat to think that my own babies will have all slept in the same cradle that I did, but it’s frankly a little gross to think that all of us have slept on the same mattress that is now more than 35 years old.

However, it gives me a great reason to encourage other mothers - especially those who are just starting their families - to check out Natural Mat.

Natural Mat is a UK-based bedding company that specializes in mattresses made from organic raw materials. They just expanded into the US last fall, both online and in baby boutiques across the country. As eco-consciousness and health concerns have become more prevalent, Natural Mat’s products fit the bill perfectly for many parents:

• Materials are non-allergenic and anti-dust mite, thanks to essential oils of lemon, lavender, and eucalyptus;
• Materials are naturally fire retardant and comply with federal regulations
• Materials are from renewal and sustainable sources

And most impressive for those of us who can’t bring ourselves to replace items that should have been replaced years ago - the materials used in Natural Mat’s products provide much better, longer lasting support than traditional materials (like foam and cotton batting).

They offer three varieties of crib mattresses: 1) The Coco Mat (shown above) - filled with a core of organic coconut fiber wrapped in lambswool; 2) The Latex Mat - filled with a core of natural latex fiber (direct from the rubber tree), also wrapped in lambswool; and 3) The Mohair Mat - filled with a core of horsetail hair wrapped in mohair fleece.

Granted, the prices of these mattresses fall into the category of “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.” But again, if you’re like me, you’ll hang on to your Natural Mat for years, passing it down as an heirloom. And unlike my 1970s-era foam cradle mattress, these mattresses are built to last.

For more information, check out the Natural Mat website.