I’m not going to lie—when it came to prepping the nursery for my firstborn, my husband and I were 100% prepared with our nursery furniture and crib…but we totally forgot about a crib mattress! Don’t overlook this essential element or put it off until the last minute. Your newborn will be sleeping on this, up to 16 hours a day, so it’s so important that the crib mattress be comfortable, safe and an integrated part of your baby nursery.
What Safety Concerns Are There Relating to Crib Mattresses?
When it comes to safety, you will want to make sure that your crib mattress leans more toward firm than soft, as firmer mattresses have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS in babies. This article from Parents.com breaks down the basics of how to prevent SIDS, including avoiding co-sleeping, keeping all blankets, soft toys and bumpers out of cribs, etc.
What Should I Look for in a Crib Mattress?
When it comes to crib mattresses, there are two main types of mattress that you will encounter in your research and shopping: foam and innerspring mattresses. Both are perfectly acceptable as safe and comfy options for babies, but there are some factors you may want to keep in mind. In general foam mattresses tend to be more inexpensive and lighter weight, while innerspring tend to be heavier and more expensive. Foam mattresses are made from foam, and average at around nine pounds, while innerspring mattresses are filled with small springs that give the mattress its bounce, and they tend to average at about 25 pounds. You may want to factor in the weight when it comes to changing sheets—if you think you’ll be changing the sheets often, it may make more sense to snag a lighter foam mattress. Finally, innerspring mattresses are a lot springier than foam, which may or may not be something you desire for your baby in a mattress.
A must-have for us—because, let’s face it, diaper leaks are unavoidable—was a crib mattress liner. These heavy-duty products do the job of keeping leaks and blowouts from ruining your crib mattress. Just strip the fitted sheet and liner off and toss in the wash. Voila! Good as new. And while you’re outfitting your nursery, be sure to check out our top 10 best changing tables with drawers, as well as our top 10 best nursery hampers.
Check out the top 10 best crib mattresses below. Each one is highly rated and safe for newborns to sleep on. (Just make sure you put your baby down on her back and avoid putting anything in the crib other than a fitted sheet on top of the mattress.)
And if you still feel like you need a little more help, check out the below video for some tips on selecting a crib mattress.
1. Best Waterproof Crib Mattress: Davinci Twilight Hypoallergenic Universal Fit Waterproof 6-Inch Ultra Firm Deluxe Crib Mattress
(DaVinci)
The Davinci Twilight Hypoallergenic Universal Fit Waterproof 6-Inch Ultra Firm Deluxe Crib Mattress is a super affordable crib mattress, at just $50. It has a triple-laminated waterproof cover and is free of adhesives, lead, TRIS, phthalates and toxic flame retardants, so you can rest assured that your baby is not breathing in or absorbing those harmful chemicals. It is a hypoallergenic mattress as well.
Some consumers have noted that although this mattress is made by Davinci, it does not fit snugly in some Davinci cribs; instead, it leaves a gap between the mattress and crib. Many consumers have noted that the crib loses its firmness and starts to sag after a few months of use, meaning it may not be a great mattress to last into the toddler years or for multiple kids. Additionally, some consumers complain the mattress is not firm enough, even though it is marketed as ultra firm.
Price: $50.88 (27 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Davinci Twilight Hypoallergenic Universal Fit Waterproof 6-Inch Ultra Firm Deluxe Crib Mattress here.
Pros:
- Triple-laminated waterproof cover
- Free of adhesives, lead, TRIS, phthalates and toxic flame retardants
- Hypoallergenic
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Starts to wear down and lose its firmness over time
- Not transitional for toddlers
- Gap between mattress and crib
- Some consumers complain it is too soft
Find more Davinci Twilight Hypoallergenic Universal Fit Waterproof 6-Inch Ultra Firm Deluxe Crib Mattress information and reviews here.
2. Best Crib Mattress with Greenguard Certification: Safety 1st Transitions Baby and Toddler Mattress
(Safety 1st)
The Safety 1st Transitions Baby and Toddler Mattress is another affordable foam crib mattress that is very lightweight and firm. This one is cool because it transitions into a toddler mattress with a second side that is slightly less firm than the infant side. (Remember, you want an infant mattress to be very firm in order to reduce the risk of SIDS.) This mattress is designed to be durable so that it will last from the infant through the toddler years, and possibly through multiple children. This crib mattress has received Greenguard [Gold] Certification. It is water resistant and the surface wipes clean easily (see the water resistance test in the video below!).
Consumers have noted that the mattress is a little big for some crib sheets; the sheets tend to make the edges of the mattress buckle in a bit. Many consumers have noted that the mattress is too firm, and that they cannot tell the difference between the infant and toddler sides. This mattress is affordable at under $80. It is not organic, hypoallergenic or antimicrobial.
Price: $78.22
Buy the Safety 1st Transitions Baby and Toddler Mattress here.
Pros:
- Dual firmness levels to transition as child grows into toddler
- Lightweight and durable to last a long time
- Product has achieved Greenguard [Gold] Certification, which meets standards for low chemical emissions
- Water-resistant surface that wipes clean easily
Cons:
- Mattress a little too big for some crib sheets
- Some consumers note that they cannot tell the difference between the infant and toddler sides
- Some consumers complain mattress is too firm
- Not hypoallergenic or antimicrobial
Find more Safety 1st Transitions Baby and Toddler Mattress information and reviews here.
3. Best Hypoallergenic Crib Mattress: Milliard Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress or Toddler Bed Mattress With Waterproof Encasement
(Milliard)
The Milliard Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress or Toddler Bed Mattress with Waterproof Encasement is a highly affordable foam crib mattress, at just $61. The mattress has an inner fiberglass lining that is free of chemicals and toxins. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and resistant to mold, bacteria and dust mites. Consumers are happy with the quality and firmness of the mattress. This crib mattress comes with a reinforced mattress encasement that is advertised as waterproof while allowing air and heat to ventilate on the bottom, creating a comfier sleep experience for baby.
Despite the manufactur’s claims, some consumers are not satisfied with the mattress cover, claiming that it is not 100% waterproof, it is a rough canvas material that is uncomfortable for baby, as well as that it is noisy during use. The manufacturer warns that this mattress may arrive with a chemical odor; they emphasize that the odor is not harmful but can bother some people with sensitive noses. They recommend airing the mattress out for a couple of days to dispel the odor. This product is not currently eligible for Prime shipping.
Price: $48.99 (39 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Milliard Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress or Toddler Bed Mattress With Waterproof Encasement here.
Pros:
- Reinforced mattress encasement is waterproof on the top and sides, but allows air and heat to ventilate on the bottom
- Meets all fire safety regulations by using an inner fiberglass lining that is free of chemicals and toxins
- Naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and resistant to allergens, mold, bacteria and dust mites
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Not eligible for Prime shipping
- Needs to air out for a couple of days after receiving
- Waterproof cover does let some liquid in and is not soft
- Some consumers complain mattress is noisy
Find more Milliard Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress or Toddler Bed Mattress With Waterproof Encasement information and reviews here.
4. Best Crib Mattress with 10-Year Warranty: My First Premium Memory Foam Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress with Plush Removable Waterproof Cover
(My First Mattress)
The My First Premium Memory Foam Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress with Plush Removable Waterproof Cover is another foam mattress that you can pick up for just over $80. The mattress is hypoallergenic and mite-proof, anti-microbial and free of phthalates and lead. This mattress is constructed of premium CertiPUR-US certified flexible polyurethane foam. This mattress comes with a 10-year warranty, so it is designed to hold up for a long time. The manufacturer notes that this mattress should be unrolled upon receiving it and will take a few days to decompress and plump up to its full size of five inches thick.
Some consumers have complained that the mattress does not plump up as much as expected—some even complain that the mattress is too small, leaving a dangerous gap between crib and mattress. The mattress includes a removable crib mattress cover that is plush and soft, washable and waterproof. Some consumers have complained that the cover is not 100% waterproof, allowing some liquid to seep through, and they recommend purchasing a separate waterproof mattress cover.
Price: from $90.49
Buy the My First Premium Memory Foam Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress with Plush Removable Waterproof Cover here.
Pros:
- Removable crib mattress cover is soft, washable and waterproof
- Hypoallergenic crib mattress is mite-proof, anti-microbial, and phthalate & lead free
- Comes with a 10-year warranty
- Constructed of premium CertiPUR-US certified flexible polyurethane foam
Cons:
- Takes a few days to decompress and plump up to full size
- Some consumers complain of a gap between mattress and crib
- Some consumers note that cover is not 100% waterproof
- Some consumers complain mattress is too firm
Find more My First Premium Memory Foam Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress with Plush Removable Waterproof Cover information and reviews here.
5. Best 100% Breathable Crib Mattress: Newton Crib Mattress
(Newton)
The Newton Crib Mattress is a unique, organic baby and toddler mattress designed to be 100% breathable, reducing the risk of suffocation and overheating. Although pediatricians recommend laying babies to sleep on their backs to avoid SIDS, if you have a stomach-sleeper, a breathable mattress such as this one may give you the extra peace of mind you need. This mattress is pricey at $300, but it has unique features that other mattresses on the market really don’t have. The mattress and cover are completely washable and hypoallergenic. It contains no foam, latex, springs, glue or allergens. This mattress is designed to be durable and last you from the infant stage through the toddler years.
Although the mattress is washable, the core must be air-dried after washing, so keep in mind you may need to have a back-up plan for infant sleep if it’s still drying at nap time. The manufacturer recommends skipping the sheets and using the mattress cover as a sheet, as using a regular non-breathable sheet can defeat the purpose of the breathable mattress. However, the cover is a little rough, and some babies have sensitivities to it.
Some consumers recommend purchasing the Aden + Anais Crib Sheets to use because they are made of muslin and completely breathable as well.
Price: $299.99 (14 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Newton Crib Mattress here.
Pros:
- Babies can breathe right through the mattress, reducing the risk of suffocation and overheating
- Completely washable and hypoallergenic; contains no foam, latex, springs, glue or allergens
- Designed to transition from infant to toddler stage and very durable
- Organic
Cons:
- Expensive
- If you use regular crib mattress sheets, it defeats the purpose of the breathable mattress
- Cover and core are washable, but core must be air-dried after washing
- Some consumers complain of babies having sensitivities to mattress cover
Find more Newton Crib Mattress information and reviews here.
6. Best Budget Crib Mattress: Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib Mattress
(Safety 1st)
The Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib Mattress is a super lightweight foam mattress with a high density thermo-bonded core that provides firm support for baby to reduce the risk of SIDS. It comes with a vinyl cover that is waterproof and durable, designed to resist wear and tear. Some consumers have noted that the waterproof cover tends to crinkle and make noise during use. This mattress has achieved Greenguard Gold Certification, which meets standards for low chemical emissions.
The mattress is very inexpensive, at just $55 for the pink and blue versions; however, the white version is currently listed at $70.94, so you will pay a little more if you must have the white version. Additionally, consumers note that the price of this mattress tends to fluctuate a lot, sometimes going up to over $100. Finally, some consumers note that this mattress and cover tend to wear out after around two years—the mattress may start to sag and the vinyl cover may begin to tear.
Price: $54.99 (21 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib Mattress here.
Pros:
- High density thermo-bonded core provides firm support to prevent SIDS
- Vinyl cover is waterproof and durable to resist wear and tear
- Product has achieved Greenguard [Gold] Certification, which meets standards for low chemical emissions
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- White mattress is more expensive than pink or blue
- Mattress makes a lot of noise
- Price tends to fluctuate
- Tends to wear out after around two years
Find more Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib Mattress information and reviews here.
7. Best Convertible Infant-to-Toddler Crib Mattress: Simmons Kids Beautyrest Beginnings Sleepy Whispers Ultra Deluxe 2 n 1 Crib & Toddler Mattress
(Simmons Kids)
The Simmons Kids Beautyrest Beginnings Sleepy Whispers Ultra Deluxe 2 in 1 Crib & Toddler Bed is an innerspring mattress, in contrast to the foam mattresses that seem to be more popular. It has 231 luxury pocketed coil springs to give even support. Because it is a spring mattress, it is much heavier than foam mattresses (weighing around 25 pounds), and some consumers complain about its weight, saying that it is difficult to change the sheets. This mattress has reinforced border protection and Innofoam corner protectors to provide stability to the mattress. It also comes with a woven fabric cover that has a medical grade waterproof barrier—this waterproof cover is much softer than other waterproof mattress covers. Another innovation of this mattress is the dual sides: one side provides an extra firm support for newborns, while the other features an extra layer of comfort for toddlers. Get some extra use out of the mattress, as it should extend into toddlerhood.
Some consumers complain that the mattress is too firm. Consumers also report that the side slits have a tendency to tear, as well as that some mattresses have a strange chemical odor.
Price: $120.64
Buy the Simmons Kids Beautyrest Beginnings Sleepy Whispers Ultra Deluxe 2 n 1 Crib & Toddler Mattress here.
Pros:
- 231 luxury pocketed coil springs for even support
- Reinforced border protection and Innofoam corner protectors provide stability
- Superior woven fabric cover features a medical grade waterproof barrier
- One side provides ideal firmness for newborns, and the other side offers an extra layer of comfort for toddlers
Cons:
- Heavier than foam mattresses
- Side slits have a tendency to tear
- Some consumers complain mattress is too firm
- Some consumers report a strange chemical odor
Find more Simmons Kids Beautyrest Beginnings Sleepy Whispers Ultra Deluxe 2 n 1 Crib & Toddler Mattress information and reviews here.
8. Best Crib Mattress for Allergy Prevention: Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Infant/Toddler Crib Mattress
(Sealy)
The Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Infant/Toddler Crib Mattress is a lightweight foam mattress made using renewable soybeans that creates a safe, firm mattress for infants and toddlers. The foam used is CertiPur-US Certified foam that is made in the USA. The mattress is backed with a lifetime warranty on all workmanship and materials. The mattress comes with a reinforced embossed waterproof and stain-resistant cover (made of vinyl) with lock-stitched binding to help keep liquids from seeping inside. The cover also keeps household allergens such as dust and dander from seeping into the mattress—instead, they should wipe away from the surface with ease. This mattress is recommended for infants and toddlers weighing from five to 65 pounds.
The major complaints seem to be with the mattress’s ability to hold up over time—consumers complain that the foam tends to leave an indentation where the child’s head rests, that the mattress begins to sag in the middle over time and that the outer layer can sometimes rip after months or years of use.
Price: $104.89
Buy the Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Infant/Toddler Crib Mattress here.
Pros:
- Uses renewable soybeans to help create a firm foam for infants and toddlers
- Foam used throughout is CertiPur-US Certified foam made in the USA and backed with a lifetime warranty
- Reinforced embossed waterproof and stain-resistant cover with lock-stitched binding to help keep liquids from seeping inside
- Household allergens like dust and dander will wipe away instead of clinging to the mattress surface
Cons:
- Maxes out at 65 pounds
- Tends to form an indentation where child’s head rests
- Some consumers complain that it begins to sag in the middle over time
- Some consumers complain of outer layer ripping over time
Find more Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Infant/Toddler Crib Mattress information and reviews here.
9. Best Eco-Friendly Crib Mattress: Colgate Eco Classica III Dual Firmness Eco-Friendlier Crib Mattress
(Colgate)
The Colgate EcoClassica III Dual Firmness Eco-Friendlier Crib Mattress is from the Colgate Cradletyme Naturals collection. The EcoClssica III is a lightweight (9.6 pounds), orthopedic-style dual firmness infant-to-toddler foam crib mattress. The firmer supportive infant side is very firm (some consumers have stated it is too firm), while the less firm, more comfortable toddler side is also firm enough to support toddler bodies. This mattress meets the toughest GREENGUARD standard, Children & Schools Certified, which means it passes all standards for indoor air quality. The certified organic cotton cover with a waterproof backing puts organic cloth closest to baby, and the manufacturer claims the waterproof backing lets nothing into the mattress.
Some consumers have noted that the cover is not 100% waterproof and another liner should be used if you are trying to prevent liquid getting into the mattress. All foam in this mattress is CertiPUR-US certified to be safe; their foams are also eco-friendlier because they are made with (non-food) plant oils instead of petroleum based oils. At over $200, this mattress is more expensive than the average foam crib mattress, but many parents prefer it for its rigorous eco-friendly and safety standards. Note that there has been some confusion over the labeling of the mattress cover—although the product description clearly states it is made from 100% organic cotton, the label sometimes does not match this description.
Price: $179.99 (18 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Colgate Eco Classica III Dual Firmness Eco-Friendlier Crib Mattress here.
Pros:
- Dual firmness for infants and toddlers
- Meets the toughest GREENGUARD standard (Children & Schools Certified), which means it passes all standards for indoor air quality
- Certified organic cotton cover closest to baby’s skin has a waterproof backing
- Eco-foam infused with plant oils for an eco-friendlier product
Cons:
- More expensive
- Some confusion with label saying “100% polyester” when it is supposed to be organic cotton
- Some consumers note that the cover is not actually waterproof and allows leaks
- Some complaints of mattress arriving damaged
Find more Colgate Eco Classica III Dual Firmness Eco-Friendlier Crib Mattress information and reviews here.
10. Easiest Crib Mattress to Clean: Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual Firmness Crib Mattress
(Moonlight Slumber)
The Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual Firmness Crib Mattress is another dual-firmness infant-to-toddler foam mattress that is lightweight for easy moving and sheet-changing. This mattress is treated with ultra fresh for antimicrobial protection, and it is easily wiped clean with a damp sponge. This product is made in the USA and meets Greenguard [Gold] Certification standards. The Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer comes with a nontoxic waterproof, durable nylon cover.
Some consumers have stated that the cover seems cheap and that it is not very soft. Several consumers have complained that the mattress is just too firm (though a firm mattress is recommended for prevention of SIDS). Finally, some consumers have complained that the mattress begins to sag after only a few months, and that it just does not seem high enough quality to justify the cost, especially as compared to other mattresses.
Price: $196.90
Buy the Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual Firmness Crib Mattress here.
Pros:
- Dual firmness foam mattress to transition from infant to toddler sleep
- Treated with ultra fresh for antimicrobial protection, and easily cleaned with damp sponge
- Made in USA and GREENGUARD [Gold] Certified
- Nontoxic waterproof, durable nylon cover
Cons:
- More expensive
- Nylon cover not very soft
- Some consumers complain that mattress is too firm
- Some complaints that mattress begins to sag after a few months
Find more Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual Firmness Crib Mattress information and reviews here.
