Babies are extra delicate and need quality products to ensure their safety and well-being. The best crib mattress is one of the most important things you’ll buy for your little one. Not only will these keep them comfortable for some quality sleep to help their development, but such mattresses are also made with safe, hypoallergenic materials to protect their sensitive skin. This way, your baby won’t wake up repeatedly due to breathing issues or rashes. They will sleep better at night, and so will you.
When looking for the perfect mattress for your baby, we paid attention to some certain features. One is the profile thickness of the mattress, which is regulated to be no thicker than six inches, though can be as thin as three inches. No matter what thickness you choose, it should be firm enough to prevent your baby from sinking in, especially in those early months when the baby can’t roll over if they have difficulty breathing. The core material used should be high-quality, safe, hypoallergenic, and comfortable, so your baby gets a good night’s sleep. Certification tells you that the mattress meets standards for safety regarding the materials and production. The warranty covers you if there are issues with the materials or the manufacturing of the mattress that makes it unusable.
To help you choose the best crib mattress for your baby, we’ve checked out the manufacturer’s information, looked over all the product features, and read hundreds of customer reviews. Then we chose the top mattresses, created a comparison table with in-depth reviews, and added a buying guide to help you make the right choice.
More features: dual-sided design, waterproof sleep surface, removable machine-washable cover, free of fiberglass and chemical flame retardants
The Graco Ultra 2-in-1 is built around a CertiPUR-US certified foam core, and the certified flexible polyurethane foam is analyzed by independent, accredited laboratories for content, emissions, and durability. It is also GREENGUARD Gold and Formaldehyde Free certified, and it is made without fiberglass and without chemical flame retardants.
It is dual-sided and designed to fit any standard full-size crib or toddler bed, measuring 52 inches long by 28 inches wide and up to 6 inches thick, so the same mattress carries your child through both stages. The ultra-soft outer cover unzips and washes in cold water on a delicate cycle, the sleep surface underneath it is waterproof, and at 12.67 lbs the mattress is light enough to flip and to lift for sheet changes.
More features: dual firmness; built-in breathable pad
The best non-toxic crib mattress will not only give your baby a comfortable place to sleep, but it will also keep them completely safe while they do so. The Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress is certified organic, so it is made of components that are completely natural, without the use of chemicals or other harmful additives. This mattress is also GreenGuard and Global Organic Textile certified to ensure it meets all safety standards.
The model is made up of a few layers. In the middle is the patented Wavesupport Technology, which gives your child the support they need for proper alignment. Then there is the organic cotton batting over this layer for some softness and comfort.
The cover is organic cotton fabric with a layer of food-grade PE material underneath to keep those little spills and accidents from soaking through. This helps to keep your mattress clean. The cover is also easy to clean whenever needed, using some mild soap and water.
This Naturepedic crib mattress has two-stage dual firmness for infants who need that extra support and a softer side for toddlers who prefer a bit more comfort. Though this mattress is a bit pricey, this may end up saving you some money in the long run since you don’t have to buy two mattresses as your child grows. It is also lightweight at only twelve pounds, so it’s easy to flip or add some sheets.
More features: dual-sided infant and toddler design, waterproof vinyl cover, 2.5 lbs, made in the USA
If your little one sleeps in a mini crib or a portable crib, this compact mattress from Dream On Me is a lot of value for very little money. At 38 by 24 by 3 inches with square corners, it is built to sit snugly in a mini or portable crib frame, though it is not sized for a standard full-size crib or a playard, so measure before you buy.
The fiber core gives a firm, supportive surface, the two-sided design gives you an infant side now and a toddler side later, and the waterproof vinyl cover wipes clean with mild soap and water. At just 2.5 pounds it is easy to lift when changing sheets, and it is Greenguard Gold certified, passes the 16 CFR 1632/1633 flammability tests, and comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
More features: reversible design; waterproof vinyl cover with lock-stitched binding; 6-gauge steel border wire; made in the USA
An infant mattress has to stay firm and flat rather than cradle, and this one uses 88 heat-tempered Bonnell coils under two 1-inch fiber padding layers, with a 6-gauge steel border wire to keep the edges even. It is reversible, so you can use either side.
The waterproof vinyl cover protects against spills, stains and odors and wipes clean with a damp cloth. It is Greenguard Gold certified and BSA verified, made in the USA, and at 52 x 28 x 5 inches it fits standard full-size cribs and toddler beds, though not mini cribs or playards.
More features: 100% recyclable
If you’re looking for the best breathable crib mattress for your little tummy sleeper, the Newton Baby Crib Mattress may be the right choice. It is designed to be completely breathable, so even those infants that can roll to their tummies but not onto their backs won’t ever struggle to breathe while they sleep.
This crib mattress is made using a patented Wovenaire core, which consists of 10% food-grade polymer and 90% air. The individual polymer strands are woven together, creating a web-like pattern that lets the air flow freely between them, while still giving your little one the support they need for healthy development.
The 3-D Spacer Cover is made of two layers of extremely breathable spacer fabric. These layers are quilted together, forming a stylish cloud pattern with plenty of air pockets. To help maintain the breathability of the cover, it is recommended not to use sheets or mattress pads, though some have found that the cover is a bit rough on their baby’s skin. So, if you do choose a sheet, make sure it is as breathable as possible to maintain the easy airflow.
The cover is removable, so you can use your washing machine’s cold cycle to clean it. The mattress itself is washable in a tub if it gets soiled, though the water-resistant cover should keep liquids from soaking through. You can also spot clean it as needed for those smaller spills.
More features: dual-stage design; breathable cotton cover with airflow channels; waterproof PVC-free barrier; made in USA
The Sealy Baby Flex Cool 2 Stage is a dual-sided crib mattress with a firmer infant side for newborn support and a more comfortable toddler side you flip to as your child grows.
Inside, steel coils with reinforced border edges and strength pillars keep the sleep surface flat and supportive, even when your baby rolls toward the side of the crib. The cotton cover has airflow channels that help air circulate around your baby, while a waterproof, PVC-free barrier protects against leaks and makes cleanup easier.
It is GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions, made in the USA, and sized at 52 x 28 inches to fit standard full-size cribs and toddler beds.
More features: dual-sided design, waterproof vinyl cover with lockstitch binding, weighs 8 lbs, made in the USA
If you travel a lot or have limited space at home, a mini crib may suit you better than a standard one, and this Dream On Me mattress is made to fit it. It measures 38 x 24 x 3 inches and fits mini and portable cribs, though it is not recommended for playards.
The core is made of 3 inches of interwoven steel coils wrapped in a CertiPUR-US certified foam layer, giving your baby firm support. It is dual-sided, with a breathable fabric on the infant side and a waterproof cover on the toddler side, so you can flip it as your child grows. It is Greenguard Gold certified and meets federal flammability standards.
More features: hypoallergenic; waterproof removable cover
Many people prefer the way memory foam cradles their bodies, combining comfort and support for the best night’s sleep. So, it’s no wonder they choose this type of mattress for their babies. The My First Mattress Memory Foam Crib Mattress uses extra-firm high-density memory foam to give your little one the support they need for their early development, without sacrificing the softness.
Another benefit of this mattress is that it is designed to be completely safe for your bundles of joy to sleep on. It is completely hypoallergenic, plus is CertiPUR-US certified, so it won’t contain any harmful flame retardants, heavy metals, ozone depleters, formaldehyde, phthalates, or high VOCs. There may be some initial odor but this is normal for this type of mattress and should completely air out in a matter of days.
Over this comfortable mattress is a waterproof cover, which keeps those little accidents from soaking through and destroying the foam underneath. This cover is also removable, though the zipper isn’t the highest quality. So, if you’re taking it off to give it a good wash, be extra careful that you don’t damage it in the process.
This cover is plush velour on the top to increase the softness of the mattress. It also has some little nubs on the bottom side to keep it firmly in place as your baby moves during the night, even if the mattress isn’t a super tight fit in your baby’s crib.
More features: ships compressed in a box; includes a fire barrier layer
Keeping babies comfortable while they sleep is extremely important, otherwise, they’ll wake up repeatedly during the night, keeping everyone from getting a good night’s rest. The Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress designed their mattress with this in mind.
The mattress itself is made of high-quality foam, which is firm enough to keep your baby safe, but still soft to keep them comfortable all night long. This foam is also breathable, keeping your little one at the optimal temperature rather than retaining their heat and giving them a cranky, sweaty morning.
This mattress is also GreenGuard Gold certified, so you know it is free of harmful materials, such as lead, mercury, and phthalates. It also meets federal flammability standards, so it is extra safe for the smallest members of the family.
Over the mattress are a fire barrier, a separation barrier, and an embossed quilted polyester cover. This cover is water-resistant, so it helps keep moisture from soaking into the mattress. This mattress is also removable, so you can take it off whenever needed to give it a good cleaning. It will need to be hand-washed and hung to dry, though, so you may want a spare to put on between cleanings.
The Graco crib mattress fits standard cribs and is perfect for both infants and toddlers. It is lightweight at only seven pounds and comes with a six-year limited warranty.
More features: dual sided design, waterproof cover on both sides, made in USA
The Serta Perfect Slumber is a dual sided crib and toddler mattress built around a firm fiber core made from sustainably sourced upcycled plastic bottles. It is GREENGUARD Gold and JPMA certified, contains no toxic fire retardants and meets flammability, lead and phthalate testing, so it covers the safety standards parents look for.
Both sides are finished with a hypoallergenic waterproof vinyl cover that is easy to wipe clean, so you can flip the mattress for a fresh surface when your child moves to a toddler bed. It measures 52 x 27.5 x 5 inches with square corners for a snug fit in a standard crib or toddler bed, the lightweight design makes changing sheets easy, and it is backed by a 7-year warranty.
When you have a new addition to your family, you want to make sure they have the best of everything. Since babies and toddlers spend so much time sleeping, the best crib mattress will likely be one of the first items on your list of things to buy. There are a wide variety of crib mattresses available, so choosing the right one may seem daunting, but checking out the features they have to offer will help you make the right decision.
If you’re unsure which crib mattress is right for you, there are certain features that you should look into. This will ensure you are getting the right mattress for your little one, so they are comfortable and safe throughout the night.
When you look at crib mattresses, there may be a claim that they are “standard” sized mattresses. This isn’t a specific size, though, since the standard crib mattress size has a minimum of 51-5/8 x 21-1/4 inches, with a thickness that can’t exceed six inches. This means that some mattress can be wider and longer than this standard size. This doesn’t mean that they won’t fit in your crib, it just means that some mattresses may fit a bit more snugly than others.
For instance, the Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress is slightly smaller than the Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress, so it may leave a bit more room at the top and bottom of the crib. This is fine as long as it leaves less than two fingers of space in that area, but any more could be dangerous for your baby.
The profile thickness tells you how thick the mattress is. As stated above, a crib mattress can’t exceed six inches. The thicker it is, the more room your larger children have to sink into a softer mattress. For infants, this isn’t an issue, though, since firmer mattresses are a must for their developing spines. As they grow, their weight will push farther into the mattress, so for toddlers, a thicker profile may be necessary.
There are a few different types of core materials used to make up crib mattresses. Foam is the most common, due to its versatility. Foam can be cut into a variety of thicknesses, so you can get the one you need for your specific crib and child. It is also lightweight, making it easier to flip the mattress or lift it when adding sheets. You can also get the firmness you need, depending on your little one’s age.
Innerspring or coil mattresses are also an option, like those in the Dream On Me 2-in-1 Mini Crib Coil Mattress. These usually also add in some type of padding or foam for comfort, while the coils offer the support.
There are also organic materials used in crib mattress cores, like the Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress. These use organic or all-natural materials, such as cotton, food-grade polymers, plant-based foam, or other safe materials. These options are usually a bit pricier, though the lack of manufactured materials and potentially harmful chemicals may be worth the extra expense.
The cover is quite important since it is the piece that is closest to your baby. It needs to be soft and comfortable against their skin, especially if you aren’t going to be using any sheets with it. A cover should also be easy to clean. Many crib mattresses have removable covers that can be hand or machine washed. This makes it easy to clean the entire cover all at once, especially if there are larger accidents. When looking at crib mattresses with removable covers, be sure the zipper is a high-quality one, so it won’t break the first time you take the cover off.
If the cover isn’t removable, it should at least be easy to spot clean. Some models, like the Dream On Me Nap Nest Crib Mattress, use a vinyl cover, which can be wiped down easily, plus adds to the waterproofing capability. Cloth covers usually include some sort of water-resistant backing, though they may be harder to clean on the outside and take longer to dry.
When it comes to crib mattresses, the firmness is one of the first things you should look for. This is because there is a different firmness recommended for different ages. Until a baby reaches 12 months of age, they should be sleeping on a mattress that is quite firm.
One reason for this is that their spines are still developing, so the firm mattress gives them the support they need for the proper alignment. Firm mattresses also keep an infant from sinking in, especially when sleeping on their tummies. If your baby can roll over onto their front but not reverse onto their back, you need a mattress that keeps their head up, preventing suffocation.
After a baby reaches 12 months, they can usually move quite freely in their bed, rolling around as they like. They also don’t need as much support, so a softer mattress gives them some extra comfort. Instead of buying two separate mattresses, you can choose a dual-sided one, like the Serta Perfect Sleeper Comfort Deluxe 2-Stage Crib and Toddler Mattress, using the firm side for an infant and then flipping it when they reach a year old.
There are two main certifications used when dealing with crib mattresses. First is the CertiPUR-US certification. Products with this certification are free of mercury, lead, flame retardants, and other harmful materials that could affect your baby negatively. CertiPUR-US products are also tested for their durability, to ensure they are built to last.
Greenguard Gold certification tests for harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOC), which are organic chemicals with a high vapor pressure when at regular room temperature.
There are also other certifications used, such as Flammability Standards, all of which are designed to guarantee that the crib mattress you buy is safe for your little one to sleep on, so any type of certification you find on your crib mattress is a good one.
The warranty of any product protects you in the event of damage to the product that you didn’t cause. Some examples for crib mattresses can include tears in the fabric, faulty zippers, or mattresses that don’t expand as they are supposed to when pulled out of the box and rolled out. Since some of these issues don’t necessarily show up right away, the longer the warranty, the more protection you have.
Breathability is something you should always look for in a crib mattress. Not only does this keep your little one from sweating on a warm night, it also reduces the chances that they won’t be able to breathe if they roll over onto their stomach.
The packaging of the crib mattress you buy should also be well-done. The mattress should be protected in its packaging, yet still easy to remove when it gets to your house. It should also expand properly when you roll it out and leave it for a few hours.
Waterproofing is also a must in a crib mattress since diapers can only hold so much liquid. Accidents and spit-ups are common, especially with infants, and the less of those that soak into the mattress the better. This keeps the core material cleaner and free of odors, bacteria, and even mold.
Caring for your mattress ensures that your baby has a safe and comfortable piece to sleep on every night. The following tips can help with that:
When you have a baby, you want to give them the best of everything, to help them grow and develop properly. The best crib mattress is one of the most important pieces they need. With so many on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one, so here are our top three choices for you to check out.
The Dourxi Dual-Sided Crib and Toddler Mattress pairs gel-infused memory foam and perforated open-cell foam with a breathable knitted cover that is hypoallergenic and machine washable. This mattress is dual-sided, with a firm side for infants and a slightly softer side for toddlers. It is also extra-safe, with certification from CertiPUR-US, and it has a 10-year warranty.
Another good option is the Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress, which is certified organic cotton on both the mattress and waterproof cover. It is extremely lightweight at only twelve pounds, uses patented WaveSupport Technology, has dual-firmness, and includes multiple certifications.
Our Budget Pick is the DeerFable Pack and Play Mattress, which is compact and portable, plus fits in many playard and portable crib models. It is made of dual-sided foam with a waterproof, machine-washable cover that is easy to clean, plus it keeps the moisture away from the mattress. Its foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the fabric carries the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label.
