Not to be the bearers of bad news, but the rumors you’ve heard are true — your baby’s arrival also heralds the end of sleep as you know it. While your forty winks are likely to take a dramatic nosedive, your best bet for getting some shut-eye may lie in your baby’s crib mattress. Keep in mind, though, that all mattresses are different. The best crib mattress is soft yet firm enough to support those sweet little growing bones and one that fits snugly into the crib’s frame. If waterproof isn’t at the top of your list, washable covers should be.
We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best baby mattresses for your consideration.
Top 10 crib mattresses
- Best overall: Graco Premium Foam Crib Mattress
- Best organic: Naturepedic Classic Organic Baby Crib Mattress
- Best budget: Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams
- Best splurge: Avocado Luxury Organic Crib Mattress
- Best mini: Moonlight Slumber Baby Bluebird Mini
- Best innerspring: Sealy FlexCool 2-Stage Crib and Toddler Mattress
- Best washable: Newton Baby Crib Mattress
- Best waterproof: Babyletto Pure Core Standard Dry
- Best mattress in a box: Sealy Butterfly Breathable Knit Crib and Toddler Mattress
- Best breathable: Halo DreamWeave Breathable Crib Mattress
How we chose
To curate our list of the best crib mattresses, we combed through product offerings from a host of manufacturers, researched product descriptions and safety standards, and compared the features and benefits of many. Once we narrowed down our top 10, we took a closer look at the details that matter for you and your baby, including materials, firmness, breathability, and waterproofness. And finally, we sifted through ratings and reviews to find the benefits and drawbacks of each and to determine how the mattresses performed in real-world settings.
You’ll notice each of our picks lists safety certifications. If you’re unfamiliar with the certifications and what they mean, we’ve broken down each at the end of the article.
Best overall: Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight
- Washable cover
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Mattress itself isn't washable
When you compare the features of Graco’s Premium foam crib mattress with its $90 price tag, you’ll understand why we chose it as the best crib mattress overall. This award-winning mattress made from polyurethane foam is breathable and firm, yet soft enough to cradle your little one as they slumber. The Graco Premium foam crib mattress comes with a removable cover that, while not waterproof, is water-resistant and machine-washable. Parents will find that this mattress fits most standard-size cribs, and as a little bonus, it works for toddler beds, too. So, the price tag will be a good long-term investment.
Like some adult mattresses, this crib mattress ships in a box, so parents should plan on giving it about 72 hours to inflate fully. On that note, it’s worth mentioning that some reviewers indicated that the mattress emits an off-gassing smell as it expands, but plenty of reviewers said there was little to no chemical smell. For those who don’t know, off-gassing is an odor that’s typically emitted from new mattresses due to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained within. This is quite common with mattresses in a box, as these products are often vacuum-sealed shortly after production.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 52 x 27.6 x 5 in.
Weight: 7 lbs.
Materials: Polyurethane foam
Certifications: Greenguard Gold, Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA)
Best organic: Naturepedic Classic Organic Baby Crib Mattress
Pros
- Organic
- Waterproof
- Innerspring or Wavesupport options
Cons
- Pricey
If sustainability tops your list of must-haves in the products you choose for your home and family, you might consider going organic when shopping for your baby’s crib mattress. In that case, Naturepedics Classic Organic Baby Crib Mattress will check many boxes for you.
For starters, this mattress features a wipe-clean waterproof surface made from sugarcane and layers of organic cotton — both of which are GOTS-certified, meaning it’s made from ethically sourced materials and adheres to strict guidelines from the manufacturing process right down to the last stitch. The mattress is composed of nontoxic, lab-tested materials, and it’s Greenguard Gold-certified, so you can rest easy knowing that it meets industry standards for low emissions.
As far as daily life with your baby is concerned, Naturepedic’s organic mattress provides extra firm support for the little ones. Even better, parents can choose between an innerspring mattress for traditional support or the brand’s patented Wavesupport technology. This features a lightweight core that provides the strength and durability of an innerspring but without the added weight.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 51.6 x 27.25 x 6 in.
Weight: 10 to 19 lbs.
Materials: Sugarcane, GOTS-certified organic cotton
Certifications: Greenguard Gold, GOTS-certified
Best budget: Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams
From
$60.99
to $71.99
from
Pros
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Trusted brand
Cons
- Cover isn't removable
Safety 1st is one of the most well-known names in baby gear, and for a good reason: The company offers quality products at budget-friendly prices, so it shouldn’t be a stretch to see why the Heavenly Dreams mattress makes our list as the best budget crib mattress.
Made with a high-density thermo-bonded polyester fiber core that provides ultra-firm support for your baby, this highly-rated mattress is still lightweight and durable. It also features a 100% vinyl outer cover that wipes clean when you find yourself in a situation, shall we say. Plus it’s waterproof and stain resistant — check and check.
In keeping with the brand name, this mattress is Greenguard Gold-certified, so there’s no need to worry about VOC emissions around your baby.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 52 x 27.5 x 5 in.
Weight: 7.5 lbs.
Materials: Polyester, vinyl
Certifications: Greenguard Gold
Best splurge: Avocado Luxury Organic Crib Mattress
$1379
from
Avacado Green Mattress
Pros
- Dual-sided
- Good for toddlers up to 4 years old
- Organic
Cons
- Expensive (even for a splurge)
- Not waterproof
- Heavy
Like every other bit of your baby’s gear, crib mattresses come in budget options, splurge options, and everything in between. And at nearly $1,400, Avocado’s Luxury Organic Crib Mattress certainly qualifies as a splurge. And while this may seem incredibly spendy, rest assured this mattress offers a lot right out of the box.
First, it’s made with GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool, and it carries multiple certifications, including Greenguard Gold and MADE SAFE — ultimately equating to safe sleep for your baby and peace of mind for you.
Slicing the mattress down and middle, we find 170 organic cotton-wrapped coils arranged and cut by hand. The entire mattress is then wrapped in organic wool, which acts as a natural flame retardant (no chemicals), before being hand-finished with organic cotton ticking. The result is a firm yet plush mattress that expertly cradles your baby while they sleep.
Parents contemplating the investment might be interested to know that Avocado’s Luxury mattress is designed for use from year one up to year four. Babies start on the firm infant side, and parents can flip to the plush toddler side when the time is right — and in case you were wondering, each side is clearly labeled.
While this mattress has a lot to offer, it’s surprisingly not waterproof, which might be disappointing considering the high price tag.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 52 x 28 x 6 in.
Weight: 36 lbs.
Materials: Dunlop latex, 100% organic GOTS-certified wool/cotton
Certifications: Greenguard Gold, Formaldehyde-Free, GOTS Organic Certification, MADE SAFE
Best mini: Moonlight Slumber Baby Bluebird Mini
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Dual-sided
Cons
- Polyurethane filling may not be optimal for some
A mini crib is probably your best bet if your baby’s nursery is short on real estate. A mini crib needs a mini mattress, of course, and according to our research, the Moonlight Slumber Baby Bluebird Mini comes out on top.
This lightweight, dual-sided crib mattress stays with your baby through toddlerhood. The firmer foam side is ideal for infants, and parents can switch to the temperature-controlling cool gel memory foam side in toddlerhood. The Baby Bluebird Mini crib mattress is water, stain, and odor-resistant and features a removable plush cotton cover.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 38 x 24 x 5 in.
Weight: 9.08 lbs.
Materials: Memory foam, cotton
Certifications: Greenguard Gold, CertiPUR-US
Best innerspring: Sealy FlexCool 2-Stage Crib and Toddler Mattress
Pros
- Firm support
- Waterproof lining
- Dual-sided
Cons
- Some reviews cited "bouncines"
For parents who prefer an innerspring mattress, Sealy’s FlexCool 2-Stage Crib and Toddler Mattress features a firmer infant side with durable steel coils and a softer toddler side with a lightweight, airy cushion that contours to your baby’s body. This mattress also features an EverEdge corner and side protector with heavy gauge steel border rods that offer plenty of edge support. That means that when you need to sit for tuck-ins and bedtime stories, you’re supported too.
On the outside, a waterproof barrier lining helps prevent liquids from seeping into the mattress (which can ultimately cause mold, mildew, and odor). Last but not least, the Sealy FlexCool features a breathable soft cotton cover that will feel comfy against your baby’s skin.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 51.63 x 27.25 x 5.75 in.
Weight: 14.9 lbs.
Materials: 100% polyester fiberfill, cotton
Certifications: Greenguard Gold
Best washable: Newton Baby Crib Mattress
Pros
- Fully washable
- Breathable
- Convertible from infant through toddler
Cons
- Expensive
The Newton Baby Crib Mattress is the only one on our list that’s washable from cover to core. Made of the brand’s specialty Wovenaire Core, no foam, glue, latex, or springs are present to get in the way. The 2-stage infant through toddler mattress provides just the right firmness for babies and comfort for toddlers, and unlike other brands, there’s no need to flip the mattress as your baby grows.
The soft quilted cover is made with the brand’s innovative Breathe-Thru technology that allows your baby to breathe right through, reducing the risk of suffocation. The only drawback is that these innovations pad a bit to the final price.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 52 x 28 x 5.5 in.
Weight: 14 lbs.
Materials: Food-grade polymer, polyester
Certifications: Greenguard Gold
Best waterproof: Babyletto Pure Core Standard Dry
Pros
- Waterproof cover
- 10-year warranty
- 2-stage, dual sided
Cons
- Reviewers noted some issues with quality
If there’s one thing that should top every list of nonnegotiables for crib mattresses, it’s waterproofing. Babies can be messy, and when life happens, you don’t want the mess soaking into the mattress your child is sleeping on. To that end, Babyletto’s Pure Core Standard Dry makes our list as the best waterproof crib mattress.
It features a soft, breathable cover with a waterproof backing that protects the mattress against accidents. So, not only does it effectively keep moisture out, but it’s also easy enough to wipe down when necessary.
Babyletto’s Pure Core crib mattress is a 2-stage dual-sided mattress with a firm, supportive side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Parents concerned with the safety of their child’s sleeping environment will be happy to know that this mattress is Greenguard Gold-certified. Moreover, it's made with a 100% recyclable polyester core and is free of chemical flame retardants, allergens, polyurethane, vinyl (PVC), PFCs, synthetic latex, and dyes.
It’s worth noting that a few reviewers had issues with quality. They indicated that the mattress didn’t hold up as well as they hoped.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 52 x 27.88 x 5.5 in.
Weight: 14 lbs.
Materials: 100% polyester fiber, polyester, cotton
Certifications: Greenguard Gold
Best mattress in a box: Sealy Butterfly Breathable Knit Crib and Toddler Mattress
Pros
- Firm sleeping surface
- Waterproof
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Takes up to 2 days to expand
If you’ve purchased a mattress recently, then you know that mattress-in-a-box is a common phenomenon. While that means that your baby’s mattress is compressed, rolled, and put into a box, most likely to sidestep the logistical shipping nightmare that it could be, you’ll be happy to know that quality doesn’t get lost in translation. And once the mattress makes it to your door, all you need to do is unroll it and give it enough time to expand to its full size before using it.
Aside from arriving in a box, Sealy’s Butterfly mattress is equipped with all of the things you’d want in a crib mattress. The CERTIPUR-US-certified foam provides a safe and nontoxic sleeping surface for your little one. In addition, a waterproof barrier keeps leaky messes from seeping into the mattress (which can lead to mold, mildew, odors, and bacteria), and the soft knit cover is removable and machine-washable.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 52 x 28 x 4.5 in.
Weight: 7 lbs.
Materials: High-density foam, polyester
Cerifications: Greenguard Gold, CERTIPUR-US
Best breathable: Halo DreamWeave Breathable Crib Mattress
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Breathable
- 100% recyclable
Cons
- Pricey
Breathability is incredibly important for crib mattresses, and the Halo DreamWeave got the award for it. Not only does this crib mattress help your baby sleep cool at night, but it can also help prevent suffocation once they start rolling over on their own.
Made with the brand’s breathable DreamWeave core and a cover made from multiple layers of breathable quilted 3D mesh, Halo’s crib mattress promotes continuous airflow to keep your baby cool and comfortable all night.
Intended for children 0 to 4 years old, this dual-sided crib mattress features an infant side that’s firm and safe enough for babies and a waterproof toddler side. It’s a little on the pricier side, but parents will be pleased to know that this breathable crib mattress is 100% washable and 100% recyclable.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 52 x 28 x 4.5 in.
Weight: 18.71 lbs.
Materials: Food-grade polymer
Certifications: Greenguard Gold
How to choose the best crib mattress for you
Firmness
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies should sleep on a firm flat surface — the firmer, the better. Not only does a firm mattress provide enough support for growing bones, but it can also help reduce the risk of SIDS.
Size
When shopping for a crib mattress, parents should ensure the mattress is a perfect fit for the crib. Mattresses that are too small for cribs have been known to create a suffocation hazard for babies. The best crib mattress will fit snugly into the crib with a maximum of two finger spaces between the two. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a full-size crib mattress must measure 27.25 inches wide and 51.25 inches long.
Waterproof
Babies and messes go hand in hand. Whether it’s spilled formula or a leaking diaper, managing the mess is crucial. To that end, you might want to ensure that your baby’s crib mattress is waterproof.
Materials
Like adult mattresses, baby crib mattresses come in various fabrications. So when you’re building your shortlist, you’ll need to decide what type of construction you prefer for your baby. Innerspring coils, foam core mattresses, and organic materials are all important considerations.
Cost
Crib mattresses also come in a wide range of price points. While you can find mattresses that cost around $1,000, you can just as easily find mattresses that cost closer to $50. Deciding how much to spend is a personal choice; ultimately, you’ll have to determine what’s right for your family and your budget.
Crib mattress certifications
You may have noticed that many of our product picks have some type of certification. These certifications are common (but not limited) to the mattress industry. Understandably, the sheer volume of acronyms can be confusing and overwhelming when you’re shopping for a crib mattress. So, to help you clear things up, here’s a crib sheet on crib mattress certifications.
A GOTS certification indicates that a finished textile product is made from organic materials and certified to be an entirely organic product.
To eliminate substandard foams that may be harmful to your baby’s health, a CertiPUR-US certification indicates that the crib mattress meets established standards for content, emissions, and durability. Moreover, the materials are analyzed by independent, accredited laboratories. A CertiPUR-US certification means that your baby’s mattress is free of:
- Ozone depleters
- PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP, “Tris” hazardous flame retardants
- Mercury, lead, and other heavy metals
- Formaldehyde
- Phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission
- High VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
The MADE SAFE® nontoxic seal ensures that the products you use every day (from baby gear to personal care and household items) are made with safe ingredients not known or suspected to harm human health.
A GreenGuard Gold certification promise that your baby’s crib mattress is tested for over 10,000 chemicals and VOC emissions. This certification meets some of the strict standards for low emission levels, ultimately reducing indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure for you and your family.
A JPMA certification ensures that your baby’s mattress meets or exceeds current ASTM standards, as well as Federal and state laws.
Recently revised safety testing and design requirements include:
- Corner measurement testing
- Fitted sheet testing
- Firmness testing
- Impact testing
- Coil compression tests
New literature to help educate parents include:
- New warning labels
- New care labels
- Product registration cards affixed to the mattress
- Addition of instructional literature to each unit sold
- Retail visibility of law tags
The best crib mattresses make life easier
The truth is crib mattresses are incredibly important for you and your baby. A firm yet breathable mattress gives your baby a safe place to rest their head at night, and while the right mattress can offer you some peace of mind, it's also your ticket to getting some much-needed shut-eye.
FAQs
What’s the best type of crib mattress to buy?
The best type of crib mattress is the one that checks off all your boxes. Some parents prefer foam, while some prefer an innerspring. For others, only organic will do. While fabrication preferences may vary, the only thing that should be nonnegotiable is the size. Your baby’s crib mattress should fit snugly in the frame with no dangerous gaps.
What’s the best thickness for a crib mattress?
According to the CPSC, crib mattresses should be no thicker than 6 inches. Once your child becomes active and able to pull themselves up, a thicker (aka higher) mattress can raise them too high and encourage falls.
How firm should a crib mattress be?
Crib mattresses should be on the firm side. A supportive mattress that your baby sleeps on top of — rather than sinks into — would be ideal.
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