Have you bought a crib for your baby but don’t know which mattress to buy? The choices are overwhelming, and let’s face it, a crib mattress is not the most exciting item to purchase. However, it is one of the most important baby items.
We’ve spent a lot of time evaluating crib mattress sizes, materials, and weights, as these differences can determine your baby’s safety in their sleep space.
We’ve reviewed the best crib mattresses on the market. We’ll highlight their top features and describe any weak points, to help you make the safest crib mattress choice for your baby.
- Hypoallergenic technology
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Temperature regulation features
- Lightweight
- Water resistant
- Trusted brand
- Easy to clean
- Removable cover
- For crib-to-bed transitioning
- Antibacterial cover
- Extremely affordable
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Ultra firm for premature babies
- Tested for flame retardants
- Lightweight
- Fits any full-size crib
- Water-resistant lining
- Breathable foam
- Waterproof and prevents bedbugs
- Made in the USA
- Conducive to more airflow
- Greenguard Gold certified organic cotton
- Best quality
- Follows pediatrician recommended foam firmness
- Waterproof vinyl cover
- Durable two-sided design
- Long-lasting firmness
- Comfortable for baby
- Waterproof, washable cover
- CertiPUR certified
The Best Crib Mattresses of 2023
Here are 10 great crib mattresses to consider.
Newton Baby Crib Mattress
Best Hypoallergenic Crib Mattress
This specialized mattress is made with a technology that encourages air to move more freely. Made from 90% air (yes, you read correctly) and 10% food-grade polymer, this mattress limits the potential for allergen buildup while allowing for more airflow.
The mattress is also designed to regulate temperature. Regulating temperature reduces the potential for your baby to heat up at night, which can cause them to wake up when you really need them to sleep. It’s also Greenguard Gold certified and 100% recyclable.
At 11 pounds, this mattress is heavier than some others. However, it weighs less than most coil mattresses.
Pros
- 100% recyclable (eco-friendly).
- Hypoallergenic technology.
- Greenguard Gold certified.
- Temperature regulation features.
Cons
- More expensive than other mattresses.
Our Ratings
Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib Mattress
Best Newborn Crib Mattress
This BPA-free mattress has a little bit of everything for your newborn. It’s affordable but also incorporates a few features of the more costly mattresses.
This foam mattress is Greenguard Gold certified, so parents can feel comfortable knowing it contains reduced chemical levels. It’s covered in 100% vinyl, which means it’s water resistant and super easy to clean.
At 7.5 pounds, this mattress is as lightweight as they come. It won’t take a team of people to help you lift it from the crib. In 2017, Safety 1st won the Women’s Choice award for Most Recommended Brand for Crib & Toddler Mattress.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Lightweight.
- Water resistant and hypoallergenic.
- Trusted brand.
Cons
- Not organic.
Our Ratings
Milliard Memory Foam Crib Mattress
Best Toddler Crib Mattress
This crib mattress is best for toddlers still in the crib but can also be used for toddlers transitioning to a “big kid” bed. The mattress is made from ultra-firm foam. However, it’s also topped with a memory foam layer, making it softer and more comfortable for kids old enough to sleep securely on it.
The foam is hypoallergenic and CertiPUR certified, but the mattress also comes with a removable bamboo cover. This is great for kids still working on nighttime potty training.
The mattress weighs 11 pounds, which is heavy for a foam mattress. However, it’s still lighter than many coil mattresses.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable.
- Affordable.
- Easy to clean.
- Removable cover.
- Good size for crib-to-bed transitioning.
Cons
- Not organic.
- Heavier than most foam mattresses.
Our Ratings
Dream on Me Portable Crib Mattress
Best Portable Crib Mattress
This Dream on Me mattress fits most standard portable cribs while offering many of the same benefits as a traditional crib mattress. It comes with a hypoallergenic, antibacterial cover that makes it easy to clean. This is especially important for portable cribs that may see a variety of environments.
It’s lightweight and Greenguard Gold certified. For all of these benefits, the mattress is extremely affordable. It’s no surprise that it has rave reviews online.
At only 3 pounds, this is the lightest mattress on our list. When looking for a portable crib mattress, you want something easy to carry and move, and this mattress allows for that.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic, antibacterial cover.
- Extremely lightweight.
- Greenguard Gold certified.
- Budget-friendly option.
Cons
- Not organic.
Our Ratings
Sealy Baby Firm Rest Crib Mattress
Best Preemie Crib Mattress
This coil mattress is reinforced for extra support. It has an awesome anti-sag system that evenly distributes your baby’s weight. This helps with posture for the developing skeletal system and ensures that a premature baby won’t get too entrenched in the mattress.
The mattress comes with a hospital-grade antibacterial cover that makes it easy to keep clean. It’s also hypoallergenic, which is critical for premature babies. At 13 pounds, it is lighter than many coil mattresses but still provides the extra firmness needed for a preemie.
Pros
- Ultra-firm mattress is good for premature babies.
- Easy to clean.
- Tested for flame retardants and other chemicals.
- Lightweight for a coil mattress.
Cons
- The stiff waterproof layer is louder than some other options.
Our Ratings
Graco Premium Foam Crib Mattress
Best Affordable Crib Mattress
This mattress is made of breathable foam to help with airflow. It comes with a water-resistant lining to keep your baby dry and protect against diaper leaks or accidents.
Because it will fit any full-size crib, you can also use it into the toddler years as your child transitions to a big kid bed. Its foam material ensures that it’s lightweight, which is a bonus for parents who don’t want to throw their back out trying to clean or change the sheets.
The mattress weighs 10 pounds, which is slightly more than other foam mattresses but still manageable for one person. The extra weight is most likely from additional layers of breathable foam, which add ventilation for your baby, so it’s worth it.
Pros
- Quite affordable.
- Water-resistant lining.
- Great for toddlers or infants.
Cons
- Not organic or certified for reduced chemicals.
Our Ratings
Dream on Me Two-Sided Mini Crib Mattress
Best Two-Sided Crib Mattress
This is one of the more expensive mini crib mattresses, but it’s a good option for parents intending to use a mini crib as their baby’s primary bed.
One side of the mattress is sturdy and firm — great for infants. As with any mattress, you may want to check it out in person to test how you feel when picking it up to change the sheets. The opposite side of the mattress reveals a soft foam layer — perfect for the post-infancy stage. Safety-minded parents will appreciate that this mattress is also Greenguard Gold certified.
It weighs around 5 pounds, which is extremely light for a mattress. This will make changing sheets and cleaning easier.
Pros
- Waterproof and prevents bedbugs.
- Greenguard Gold certified.
- Conducive to more airflow.
- Made in the USA.
Cons
- Some may not like that one side feels a bit stiff.
- More costly within its class.
Our Ratings
Colgate Mattress Eco Classica III Organic Crib Mattress
Best Organic Crib Mattress
Colgate’s patented wave support technology ensures that this mattress provides firm support while maintaining portability. It meets all Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US standards. This certification assures parents that most of the material is organic.
The outer layer is made of organic cotton fabric, which adds an extra level of water protection. Unlike other cribs that use hazardous vinyl or water-repellent treatments, Naturepedic’s waterproof materials are environment-friendly.
At 9.6 pounds, this mattress won’t break your back, which is definitely a plus when you need to clean it. However, the mattress is more expensive than most other mattresses due to its organic status.
Pros
- Made with Greenguard Gold certified organic cotton.
- Follows pediatrician recommended foam firmness.
- Natural waterproofing coat.
- Very lightweight.
Cons
- Pricier than many other mattresses.
Our Ratings
Serta Tranquility Eco Firm Crib Mattress
Best Waterproof Crib Mattress
This coil mattress has a waterproof vinyl cover to protect against spills and stains. But in many cases, waterproofing can mean added chemicals. This mattress, however, is Greenguard Gold certified, so you can rest assured your baby won’t be breathing in any hazardous chemicals while they sleep.
Coil mattresses tend to be heavier than foam mattresses. This mattress is about average, at 16 pounds. However, the coil layer ensures that the mattress remains firm enough for your baby over time.
Finally, this crib mattress has two sides — one for infants and one for toddlers. That means, if cared for properly, it can grow with your child for several years. This mattress prices out in the middle of the range, but you still get some advantages you’d get with a more expensive mattress.
Pros
- Waterproof vinyl cover included.
- Lightweight construction.
- Greenguard Gold certified.
Cons
- Not organic.
- Heavier than foam mattresses.
Our Ratings
My First Mattress Crib Mattress
Best Foam Crib Mattress
This is a CertiPUR-certified foam mattress, which ensures it has minimal chemicals in the foam. It’s also hypoallergenic to help protect your baby from allergens and mites.
The mattress has a soft, washable, waterproof cover to make cleanup easy. The cover’s material has led many parents to mention how quiet the mattress is compared with plastic or vinyl covers.
It’s more expensive than others in the “foam” class. However, it’s cheaper than most coil crib mattresses. At around 12 pounds, the weight of this mattress is mid-range.
Pros
- Comfortable for baby.
- Waterproof, washable cover.
- CertiPUR certified.
Cons
- Not organic.
- More expensive within its class.
Our Ratings
Bare and Back Are Best
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has done tons of work to promote safe sleeping habits for infants, also focusing on crib mattresses. As a result, infant deaths related to sleep have dropped dramatically since the 1990s (1).
While these practices don’t remove all risks, there are conscious choices you can make to protect your baby while they sleep. You can even use this helpful alliteration: Bare and back are best.
But what does it mean?
- Bare mattress: Your baby’s crib should have nothing in it except your baby, a tightly-fitted sheet, and the mattress. The CDC recommends removing blankets, toys, crib bumpers, and other items from the area. It might look lonely in there, but it’s the safest way for your baby to sleep.
- Back to bed: Babies should always sleep on their backs.
The CDC also recommends keeping your baby’s crib or bassinet in your room for at least six months (2). This lets you know quickly if something is wrong and minimizes the reaction time to address it. It’s also great for bonding and breastfeeding.
How to Choose a Crib Mattress
When you first begin searching for a crib mattress, the number of things to consider can seem endless. As is the case for many baby items, it’s important to be realistic about your family’s lifestyle. A mattress that works for someone else won’t always work for you.
Size
Different cribs call for different mattress sizes. If your crib mattress doesn’t fit properly, it can leave gaps on the sides that may endanger your child.
Luckily, crib sizes have been standardized by law since 2011 to ensure mattress and crib safety. Most crib packaging will state the crib size and recommend a mattress size that fits perfectly.
Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website for periodic recalls and new standards (3).
Today, a standard, full-size crib has a width of approximately 28 inches and a length of around 52 inches (4).
A standard, non-full-size crib has a length greater than 55 inches or shorter than 49 inches, with a width greater than 30 inches or smaller than 25 inches (5). These cribs include foldable models and other variations.
Density and Resilience
If you’re like me, you love a mattress you can sink into. And, for adults, that may be fine. However, babies need something firmer.
Firm mattresses provide support for growing bodies and protect against suffocation. As your baby begins to roll over, softer mattresses can trap them on their stomach and make it more difficult to return to their back.
When you are at the store to buy your mattress, push down with your hands and watch what happens. Did the mattress conform to your hand? If so, it’s probably best to find something firmer.
Weight
I never once thought about the weight of my baby’s mattress until it was too late. After the pediatrician gave us the go-ahead to move her to her own bed in her own room, I asked my husband to get it ready for her.
When I changed her sheets for the first time, I was shocked. Changing sheets on a baby crib is essentially picking up dead weight from the worst possible angle. It’s not great for the back.
Mattress weights can vary greatly, and its material makeup will be a huge factor. I highly recommend picking it up in the store and pretending to change a sheet. New moms may look at you like you’re crazy, but veteran moms will get it.
Foam or Coil?
Mattresses can be made of many different materials. The material used can affect the mattress weight and cleaning protocol. Our crib mattress recommendations below include a variety of foam and coil mattresses, and both types have pros and cons.
Here are some general differences between foam and coil mattresses to help you decide which kind is best for you:
- Foam mattress: These are generally the lighter, cheaper option. They also offer more ventilation. They have a variety of firmness levels, so they’re not the same across the board.
- Coil mattress: These mattresses usually cost more and are heavier to lift. However, they’re likely to last longer and are more resilient to the potential damage that comes with babies and toddlers.
Organic, Eco-Friendly, or Conventional
Like many other retail goods, the crib mattress market has a growing organic and eco-friendly niche. Many brands will use the terms “natural” or “organic” for their mattresses, but it’s not as black and white as it seems.
Organic mattresses are made of materials that have reduced levels of chemicals, such as flame retardants. In 2017, the CPSC recommended manufacturers stop using organohalogen flame retardants in mattresses due to potential health effects (6).
Eco-friendly mattresses may be organic, or the manufacturer might just prioritize using a more sustainable supply chain. They may also use materials that make the mattress easier to break down after reaching the end of its useful life.
One Thing Is Certain
There are a variety of standards in use to help consumers verify products. These are a few of those standards:
- GOTS and GOLS: These standards certify that at least 95% of the mattress materials are certified organic. They also prohibit the use of chemical flame retardants (7) (8).
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100: Sets limits on emissions of formaldehyde and other chemicals.
- CertiPUR-US: Requires testing of certain chemicals, and prohibits the use of others, in foam mattresses.
New or Used
Do you have a mattress left over from your oldest child that you would like to reuse? Maybe your best friend has a child a few years older and wants to pass theirs down. Buying a brand new mattress for each child can seem wasteful, but are used mattresses safe?
It depends. Buying a used crib mattress from someone else, even your BFF, can be risky. You never know how it was cared for, and mattresses can easily mold if accidents and diaper leaks aren’t cleaned up properly.
If the mattress was yours, then you know if you took all the proper precautions in maintaining and storing it. If the mattress stayed somewhere dry, continues to meet current standards, and is not warped or worn, you can consider using it again.
Bottom Line
How to Clean Your Crib Mattress
Crib mattresses go through a lot. Babies have diaper blowouts, spit up, and get sick. All of these things mean liquids, germs, and other allergens are getting into your baby’s mattress.
Knowing this, it’s super important to keep your mattress clean. There are a couple of ways to do this, depending on how much gear you want to buy and your baby’s sensitivity to different materials.
Waterproof Mattress Pads
The easiest way to keep your mattress clean is to buy a waterproof mattress pad. Pads add an extra layer of protection between liquids and your mattress, and there are other benefits as well.
If you notice quite a bit of spit-up after a nighttime feeding, you can quickly take off the sheets and the mattress pad and throw them in the laundry. All you need to do is put on your replacement pad and a new pair of sheets, and your baby can be back to bed in less than 10 minutes.
Mattress pads, especially zippered pads, can also protect against bedbugs, mites, or other irritants. My baby was especially sensitive to dust, and changing to a zippered pad worked wonders. Many pads now come in cotton so they won’t make noise when your baby moves.
Detergents and Cleansers
If you would rather not buy a mattress pad, or the spill was so bad that it breached the pad, don’t worry. There are still options to keep the mattress clean.
For most spills, mixing a bit of baby-safe laundry detergent with water will do the trick. Make sure to soak up any liquid from the accident with a rag or paper towel before wiping clean. This will keep you from pushing liquids further into the mattress.
If you’re worried about bacteria, you can use rubbing alcohol on the spot after you wipe it clean with detergent. This will kill anything that’s still lingering from that naptime diaper blowout.
Keeping Dry
Ensuring your mattress is dry before putting it back in the crib is critical to avoid mold growth. For smaller spills, a few dabs with a dry paper towel after cleaning may be enough. For larger spills, you may want to find a sunny, well-ventilated area of your home to air dry it for a few hours.
