Give Your Little One a Good Night’s Sleep With the Best Crib Mattress
As new parents, you might have spent a lot of time decorating the perfect nursery for your baby. From the crib to the changing table and blankets, you've created a lovely little space that’s just right for your little one. But one thing that often gets overlooked is their mattress.
While it may not seem like much at first glance, a quality crib mattress can make all the difference when it comes to your baby's sleep and overall health. According to research conducted by the National Institute of Health, a firm and supportive mattress can help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which results from entrapment, strangulation, and suffocation. Plus, a high-quality crib mattress can provide support for your baby's head, spine, and hips while keeping them comfortable throughout the night.
To help you pick the perfect one for your little munchkin, we’ve reviewed some of the top crib mattresses of 2024. Let’s take a look!
Buying Guide: Crib Mattress
Crib mattresses are a necessary part of every child’s nursery. They come in many different materials and sizes, but finding one that meets all of your needs can be tricky. Here’s a buyer’s guide to help you find the perfect crib mattress for your little one.
What Are the Different Types of Crib Mattresses?
Innerspring mattress
An innerspring mattress is the most common type of crib mattress. These mattresses consist of rows of metal coils that provide the support and firmness needed for optimal development. Above the coiled rows, there’s often a layer of cushioning to keep your baby comfortable while sleeping on their back or stomach. Some models even feature special support bars around the perimeter that add an extra layer of safety while improving the mattress’s stability.
Foam mattress
If you want something more eco-friendly or if you have an infant who suffers from allergies, a foam crib mattress is just what you need. Featuring a soft polyurethane core, these crib mattresses offer ultimate comfort while still providing adequate support to your baby’s delicate spine and neck muscles. These crib mattresses also offer maximum airflow, which ultimately helps keep dust mites and mold spores at bay.
How To Choose a Crib Mattress
Firmness
When buying a crib mattress, most parents reach for a soft one to create a comfortable sleeping surface for their baby. But this can lead to a variety of health issues. Research conducted by the American Association of Pediatrics found that infants who slept on soft mattresses were at a greater risk of SIDS and suffocation-related deaths.
Firm mattresses don’t sink easily when pressure is applied to them or create indentations, which reduces the chances of suffocation. This makes them suitable for babies who move around a lot or roll over while sleeping. These mattresses also provide more support to babies as they grow, helping them develop proper spinal alignment. Before making a final decision, always check the density of the mattress. The higher the density count, the more firm and stiff the mattress will be.
Material
The type of material used to make a crib mattress can have a big impact on how long it lasts and how comfortable it is for your baby. Natural latex rubber is eco-friendly and hypoallergenic, while memory foam provides extra cushioning and temperature regulation. You’ll want to buy a crib mattress made from non-toxic or organic materials to prevent rashes and other allergies. Make sure it also comes with a waterproof cover. This cover will prevent liquids from seeping into the mattress, reducing the risk of mold and bacterial growth over time.
Size
The size of the crib mattress should be proportional to the size of your baby’s crib. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a crib mattress must be 27 ¼ inches wide and 51 ¼ inches long for optimal safety. It should also fit snugly into its designated space in the crib without requiring much effort. A good rule of thumb is that there should be no more than the width of two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the side rails of the crib.
Reversible design
If you plan on using the mattress for more than one stage of your child’s development, you’ll want to look for a dual-sided crib mattress. These crib mattresses have a firmer side for infants and a softer side for toddlers so you can use them from infancy through toddlerhood.
Safety certifications
For optimal safety, the mattress must meet all safety regulations set by the CPSC. Make sure that your crib mattress has been independently tested by an accredited lab like GREENGUARD Gold or CertiPUR-US. These organizations ensure that the mattress is made without any harmful chemicals like mercury, phosphates, lead, or an ozone depleter that may have adverse effects on your little one’s health.
Top Crib Mattresses Worth Considering in 2024
Graco Crib Mattress – Best Overall
If you’re looking for a comfortable and safe mattress for your little one, you can’t go wrong with the Graco Crib Mattress. Designed to fit a standard-size crib and a toddler’s bed, this crib mattress features a soft yet supportive polyurethane foam core that conforms to your baby’s body, providing the perfect support for their developing spine. Accredited by CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold, this crib mattress doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals, so you can rest assured that your baby will be safe while snoozing.
This crib mattress features a water-resistant outer cover that makes cleanup a breeze — just unzip the cover and toss it into the washer to get rid of any spills or messes. This mattress comes with a six-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, so it’s sure to last throughout all those special moments with your baby. Because of its durable material, breathable core, and easy-to-clean design, this crib mattress stands at top of our list as our best overall pick.
Pros
- Durable and plush foam core
- Premium safety certifications
- Easy to clean
- Can be used for infants and toddlers
Cons
- Not very supportive for newborns
Newton Crib Mattress – Runner Up
Help your baby drift off to dreamland with the Newton Crib Mattress. This 100% hypoallergenic crib mattress has incredible, innovative Breath-Thru technology that allows your baby to breathe comfortably throughout the night, with no risk of irritation or inflammation. The crib mattress is also washable from cover to core, with no foam, glue, latex, or springs included in the product’s development. You can throw it right in the washing machine and have it ready for your baby by the next nap time.
The mattress also is 100% recyclable, so when your child grows out of it, you can remain environmentally friendly and not wasteful by placing this in the recycling bin. This comfortable, ergonomic crib mattress will support air circulation for your child so they will sleep better and more soundly. Fit for infants and second-stage toddlers, this will work great for a few years, or even for your next little one on the way!
Pros
- Super breathable
- Not irritable on skin
- Great for smaller cribs
Cons
- A little expensive
Delta Children Crib Mattress – Most Eco-friendly
The Delta Children Crib Mattress is the perfect way to finish off your nursery! Made of sustainably sourced firm fiber core, this crib mattress features hypoallergenic material that will help keep your little one safe from allergens and other irritants while providing extra support to help them sleep well throughout the night. This product features a nontoxic cover, so you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals leaching into your baby’s skin.
Featuring square corners for a snug fit, this mattress is designed for standard cribs and toddler beds so it’ll grow with them through all those crucial stages of development. Its lightweight design makes it easy to move around, while its waterproof vinyl cover prevents spills from soaking in, so you don’t have to worry about messy cleanups or smells developing.
Pros
- Sustainable and eco-friendly construction
- Firm fiber core for optimal support
- ASTM-certified for safety
- Dual-sided design for lasting durability
Cons
- Too stiff for toddlers
Safety 1st Crib Mattress – Best Convertible Design
With the Safety 1st Crib Mattress, your baby will feel like they’re sleeping on a cloud. Made with a high-density thermo-bonded polyester fiber core, this crib mattress features an ultra-firm side that provides support for your little one’s back and head, while its other side has extra cushioning to provide ultimate comfort to toddlers. It has a waterproof and stain-resistant cover that will keep your baby safe from both accidents and spills.
This mattress fits standard cribs, so you can get the most out of your investment. With a weight limit of 50 pounds, this crib mattress will last through your little one’s early childhood without sagging or losing its shape. Most importantly, this crib mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified, making it safe for even the smallest member of your family!
Pros
- Dual firmness design for quick adjustment
- Lightweight and durable build
- Non-toxic construction
- Water-resistant cover
Cons
- Cover is a bit flimsy
Delta Children Twinkle Stars Crib Mattress – Most Comfortable
Are you looking for a crib mattress that will last throughout your baby’s childhood? The Delta Children Twinkle Stars Crib Mattress is all you need. Designed to provide optimal comfort, this crib mattress is made from a sustainably sourced fiber core which provides enough skeletal support to your little one, leading to peaceful slumber. Thanks to its non-toxic construction, you can rest easy knowing this crib mattress won’t hurt your baby.
This crib mattress is built with square corners, so it’ll fit snugly in a crib or toddler’s bed while still leaving room for changing the sheets. Unlike spring mattresses, this crib mattress is exceptionally lightweight and easy to move around. Encased in a waterproof vinyl cover, this cover prevents liquids from seeping through to the mattress, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Pros
- Made from recycled bottles
- Firm yet comfortable core
- Fits snugly in the crib
- Comes with a seven-year warranty
Cons
- Cover can be quite noisy
Milliard Crib Mattress – Best Waterproof
If you’re looking for a way to turn your little one’s crib into a dreamscape, look no further than Milliard Crib Mattress. Featuring a dual-sided design, this amazing crib mattress has a firmer side to reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation among infants, while its plush memory foam side provides maximum comfort to toddlers. It has a woven natural fire barrier that adds an extra layer of protection to your baby’s mattress, while the tight-fitting corners keep the mattress securely in place as your little one rolls over at night.
Unlike mediocre crib mattresses, this one comes with a waterproof and leakproof cotton cover that provides ultimate protection against all kinds of spills and leaks. Plus, this mattress is CertiPur-US certified, so you can rest easy knowing that it meets all the safety standards.
Pros
- High-density foam for ultimate durability
- Provides a safe, secure fit
- Meets US safety standards
Cons
- Might take two weeks to fully expand
People Also Asked
A: ou should clean your baby’s crib mattress at least once every month to prevent the spread of germs and other contaminants that can cause illness or trigger allergies. If there are any kind of spills or accidents, it’s important to clean the area immediately to prevent staining.
A: Off-gassing refers to the release of chemicals from the foam when you first take it out of the packaging. The good news is that most off-gassing happens within the first 48 hours and what remains dissipates over time. If you’re still concerned about your baby’s safety, look for a 100% organic cotton crib mattress or one that’s labeled as non-toxic.
A: No. You shouldn’t flip your baby’s crib mattress too frequently as this can cause damage to the internal structure of the product and make it less effective at protecting against SIDS.
