The Best Crib Mattresses

Buying Guide for Crib Mattresses

Why buy a crib mattress?

Buying a crib mattress is important for your baby’s safety and comfort. A proper crib mattress provides a safe and supportive sleeping surface tailored to your baby’s needs. Infants spend most of their time sleeping, so investing in a high-quality crib mattress is essential for their growth and development. A good crib mattress will offer the right level of firmness to support your baby’s fragile bones and muscles, reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and promote safe sleeping positions. Additionally, a well-made crib mattress can last several years, providing your baby with a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface as they grow and develop.

What should you consider in a crib mattress?

• Fit: Above almost everything else, ensure the crib mattress fits perfectly inside the crib. Gaps around the edges can be hazardous for your baby if they roll into them and can’t breathe freely.
• Firmness: Having a soft mattress might be an excellent idea, but it’s unsafe for your baby to sleep on a too-soft surface since that could be another suffocation hazard. Make sure the mattress is firm but not too rock-hard solid to the point it’s uncomfortable.
• Waterproof: If your mattress is not waterproof or water-resistant, it may not hold up to diaper leaks or spit-up. Some crib mattresses may come with a cover sheet that protects the mattress from bacteria and allergens buildup.

How do you know if a crib mattress is safe?

You should consider several factors to ensure your baby’s crib mattress is safe—first, the size. Ensure the mattress fits snugly in the crib with no gaps between the mattress and the crib, since this could be a hazard for your baby. Next is breathability—the mattress should be breathable to allow for proper air circulation and prevent overheating. You’ll also want to consider the materials it’s made of. Look for mattresses made with nontoxic, hypoallergenic, and organic materials to reduce the risk of allergies and chemical exposure. Then, you can also check for certifications such as Greenguard Gold or CertiPUR-US, which indicate that the mattress has been tested for safety and harmful chemicals. Lastly, ensure the mattress is appropriate for your baby’s age, as some mattresses have different firmness levels for infants and toddlers.

Our Picks for the Best Crib Mattresses

Pros: Graco is a reliable brand that produces well-made products.It comes with a water-resistant cover that’s removable and washable, so the baby’s bed is always clean and ready to go. It does not make noise while the baby sleeps, which is necessary for sleep-deprived parents. Additionally, this mattress is designed to be the ideal firmness for infant safety and development. It is made of high-quality breathable foam to keep the baby cool and comfortable with plenty of airflow. It will fit any standard full-size crib or toddler bed and is both CertiPur-US and JPMA certified for your peace of mind.

Cons: There are reported issues with the mattress expanding fully or evenly, with some experiencing sagging in the middle of the mattress. This mattress may be too thin and soft for infants.

Bottom Line: Overall, the Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress remains a popular and affordable option for many parents. Those looking for a comfortable, durable, and easy-to-clean mattress for their baby may want to consider this product.

 

Pros:  The cooling gel in the memory foam layer helps keep your baby comfortable and cool while they sleep. The two-sided design means you can use it for newborns and toddlers, providing the ideal support for every stage of development. The firmness and stability of the infant side offer the necessary support for your fragile newborn, while the soft, moldable memory foam gel of the toddler side contours your growing child’s body. The washable, waterproof cover is made of organic cotton, which is eco-friendly and hypoallergenic. This mattress is easily transferred from a crib to a toddler bed, and the reinforced edges help maintain its shape.

Cons: The zipper may break or be difficult to use. Additionally, some found the cover to be of low quality, making it difficult to clean. The mattress may not fit snugly in some cribs, leaving a gap that could be unsafe for the baby.

Bottom line: This mattress offers a comfortable and safe sleep option for infants and toddlers. If you are looking for a cost-effective option that can be used for all stages, this is the choice for you.

 

Pros: If you’re looking for an easy-to-clean and comfortable mattress for your baby, the Newton mattress is a great option. It is extremely easy to clean, making it a lifesaver for messy newborns and toddlers. It’s also breathable, which gives peace of mind when your baby starts sleeping on their stomach. In addition to its practical features, the mattress is also very comfortable, allowing babies to sleep through the night without disruption. This mattress holds up well and is a trusted choice for many parents.

Cons: A potential drawback is that the cover is quite large and may not fit snugly, which could pose a safety risk for young infants.

Bottom Line: Overall, the Newton mattress has many appealing features that make it an excellent option for parents looking for a comfortable and easy-to-clean mattress for their baby. Its breathability and durability offer peace of mind, while the comfortable design allows babies to sleep soundly through the night.

 

Pros: This mattress combines durability, comfort, support, and luxury for the night’s sleep your baby deserves. With a firmer foam base and top-quality memory foam, your baby can sleep soundly for hours. The mattress is CertiPur certified to be low VOC and free of heavy metals, and it meets or exceeds all U.S. standards for crib mattresses. The mattress has a convenient and waterproof removable machine washable ultra-soft cover for added softness.

Cons: The mattress may begin to sag after a short period of use, which can be uncomfortable and potentially unsafe for your baby. The cover may rip easily, compromising the waterproofing and making the mattress more difficult to clean.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a comfortable, durable, and safe crib mattress, this product is an excellent choice. It combines top-quality memory foam and convenient features like a removable, waterproof cover and meets or exceeds all U.S. standards for crib mattresses.

 

Pros: The extra firm foam construction supports babies, helping them sleep soundly and comfortably. This mattress is also designed for portable cribs, featuring dimensions of 38 by 24 by 5 inches and a square corner design for a snug fit in portable cribs. It is also easy to clean and maintain, with a waterproof vinyl cover that wipes clean with soap and water. The mattress is also lightweight, making it easy to move around and change the bedding. Additionally, this mattress is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a safe and allergy-free sleep environment for their babies.

Cons: Some have found this mattress hard and uncomfortable for their babies to sleep on. Additionally, the vinyl cover is noisy and may crackle when your baby moves on it, potentially disrupting their sleep.

Bottom Line: The Dream On Me Extra Portable Crib Mattress is a great option for parents who need a comfortable and safe sleeping surface for their little ones while on the go. Its lightweight design, easy-to-clean surface, and affordable price make it a practical choice for families who frequently travel or need an extra mattress for their portable crib.

Final Thoughts

Safety and quality should be the top priorities when buying a crib mattress. Choosing a mattress that meets or exceeds safety standards, is durable and comfortable, and fits your specific crib is essential. It’s important to measure your crib carefully to ensure a snug fit. With these factors in mind, you’ll be able to find a crib mattress that will provide your baby with a safe and comfortable place to sleep.