Every baby needs to have their crib mattress, and picking the best baby crib mattress for your new child is an important purchase. Your child will sleep on their mattress for several years because it can be used in a toddler bed as well. The world of mattress shopping isn’t as fun as shopping for those tiny teeny baby clothes.
Even though it isn’t fun to shop for a crib mattress, it is one of the most important purchases you will make for your new bundle of joy. Infants can spend over 12 hours per day asleep in their crib each day. You want to ensure your child is safe and comfortable during all of those hours of glorious sleep.
The problem is that not all mattresses are safe. They are not all made equal, so parents need to do their diligent research. Some information can be misleading and incorrect as well. The best baby crib mattress for your child will help them grow into healthy toddlers.
Types of Baby Crib Mattresses
In your search for a crib mattress, there are two general types of mattresses you will encounter. One is not better than the other; it is purely based on preference. Picking the best quality mattress you can find is what will make the largest difference.
- Innerspring Crib Mattress: These are called coil crib mattress, and there are a few details you need to look at for in the innerspring mattresses. There are several layers of materials with metal coils in the center. There is an outer covering as well. Vinyl covers are one of the most common covers for mattresses because they are easy to clean.
One of the features to look for in an innerspring is how many layers there are in the mattress. To find a good bed, you need to find a bed with multiple layers and better quality layers. Also, you will notice in border rod lines around the top and bottom perimeter of the mattress. You do not want to purchase an innerspring mattress without border rods because the mattress will sag and droop.
More springs don’t automatically mean a higher quality mattress. The number of springs is called the coil count. Instead of focusing on the coil count, look at the amount of steel or the gauge, or thickness, of steel in the coils. Ideally, you want a coil count of 135 to 150 with a gauge of 15.5 or below. - Foam Mattress: Instead of having coils inside of the mattress, the entire mattress is made from polyurethane, which is a common form of foam. They are very comfortable, and they also have an outer cover. The two things to look at in a foam mattress are the foam density and the foam firmness. To determine the density, you have to look at the weight of the foam. A good mattress will have dense foam, and it will be heavier than normal mattresses.
Checking the firmness of a mattress is easy. Press down on the mattress with your hand. If you can remove your hand and still see the shape of your hand, the mattress you have selected is not firm. If it doesn’t hold the shape of your hand or holds it for less time, it is a firmer mattress.
Another type of baby crib mattress is organic mattresses. These mattresses are made from all-natural or organic materials, such as wool, cotton, coconut fibers, plant-based foam and natural latex. You may find organic foam mattresses or organic innerspring coil mattresses. Organic mattresses are more expensive, but some people are very concerned about the chemicals in the materials around their children. The price may be worth the peace of mind for you.
Features to Consider When Buying the Best Baby Crib Mattress
It’s not a good idea to purchase a used baby crib mattress. You don’t know the specific details and history of the mattress. Some studies show that the risk of SIDS can increase with the use of old crib mattress.
When you are shopping for a new crib mattress, there are many features you need to look for to determine the best baby crib mattress for your new child. Budget is going to play a factor for all parents. Prices can range from $40 all the way up to $400. Don’t feel despair; you can find a mattress in your price range that will be safe and comfortable for your child.
- The Cover: One of the most important features is the cover of the mattress. Babies are messy, and you are going to encounter accidents on a frequent basis. The cover could be made from fabric or vinyl. Fabric can breathe better, but it can be ripped and damaged much easier than plastic covers. Vinyl covers usually have ventilation holes, but they hold up for longer periods of time. You would prefer a three-ply design because it provides durability and strengthens to the outer shell.
- Converting: Purchasing a mattress for just the crib makes little sense. The best baby crib mattress can convert into a toddler bed. One of the best options is a dual firmness because one side is extra firm for infants and the other side is cushioned for toddlers.
- Airflow Pockets: Most parents look for an entirely waterproof crib mattress, but that won’t allow the mattress to breathe. Waterproofing is important because it helps deal with spills and accidents. However, if airflow is important to you, you can find beds with airflow pockets to circulate air. Also, vent holes help let odors escape. Diapers leak and babies will puke, causing smells to build up. You need a way for those odors to leave.
- Waterproof Outer: A crib mattress needs some waterproof cover that will protect the mattress from stains. It also makes it easier to clean. Babies tend to spit up on mattresses, and later they will spill food and drinks on it. The cover wraps around the mattress and goes under the bedding sheet.
- Antimicrobial Cover: The last place you want mold and bacteria to grow is on your baby’s mattress. Mattresses with an antimicrobial cover will lessen some bacteria on the mattress. Of course, parents still need to clean the bed with soap and water to keep it clean.
- Size: You should purchase your crib first and the mattress second. The mattress should fit snugly without space between the mattress and frame. Any open space can lead to suffocation or entrapment. Even though mattresses and crib have standard sizes, you will notice slight variations.
- Firmness Recommendations: It is recommended that crib mattresses be firm. Even though adults may prefer softer beds, they are not recommended for infants due to safety concerns. Babies find it harder to turn on soft beds, increasing the risks of SIDS or suffocation. Therefore, pediatricians recommend purchasing a flat and firm surface to keep your baby safe.
- Compliance: Mattress manufacturers have to comply with certain standards. You want to make sure the mattress you select complies with 16 CFR 1632 and the 1633 federal flammability standards. For foam mattresses, you want to ensure it is CertiPUR-US certified. Also, you will notice throughout the reviews GreenGuard certification. When you purchase mattresses, certifications can let you know it is safe, durable and comfortable for your baby.
The Best Baby Crib Mattress Options for Your Baby
Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams White Crib Mattress
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Product Highlights:
- Budget friendly
- GreenGuard Gold Certified
- BPA Free, No Lead, and No Phthalates
- Hypoallergenic
- Vinyl Covering with Removable Cover
- Polyurethane Foam Mattress
The first mattress up on our list for the best baby crib mattress is the highly rated Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib Mattress. It is GreenGuard Gold certified which means it meets standards for low chemical emissions, giving your baby a very safe sleeping environment. Also, the mattress is BPA free, as well as containing no lead and no phthalates. It also is hypoallergenic.
Your baby will have a comfortable, but sturdy mattress with the Safety 1st bed. It is a firm mattress with a vinyl covering. Parents want to have a mattress that can resist the multiple chances of stains and smells. The mattress has a waterproof cover with a zipper on the side. You can remove the waterproof cover, allowing parents to wash it or completely change the cover.
The Safety 1st Heavenly Crib Mattress is a foam crib mattress that will keep its shape for years to come. You can use it for a toddler bed as well. It is the standard size for all cribs, measuring 52.5 x 27.5 x 5.5 inches. Something to consider is that it is full of the usual polyurethane foam inside, which some parents may not like due to chemicals.
Overall, the Safety 1st mattress is one of the most highly rated mattresses. It is a budget bed, coming under $75. If you have little funds available, you don’t have to worry about providing your child with a low-quality mattress. The Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Mattress gives your baby a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Colgate Eco Classica III Dual Firmness Eco-Friendlier Crib Mattress
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Product Highlights:
- Made in the USA
- Dual-Sided – Meant for Infants and Toddlers
- Lightweight
- Eco-Friendly Materials
- Breathable
- GreenGuard Gold Certified
- Lifetime Warranty
The Eco Classica III is a mattress handcrafted in the USA and is Colgate’s top selling crib mattress. It has some superb features, making it one of the best sleep surfaces for your child. First, it is a dual-sided mattress, meaning that one side is firmer than the other. Once your child transitions into a toddler bed, the mattress can be flipped over for a softer sleeping surface. The sides are marked, so there is a chance of confusion!
The Eco Classica III mattress weighs around 10 pounds, which is light for a foam mattress. Dual and foam mattresses tend to weigh a bit more, but you will be able to move and flip this one with ease. Parents will have no trouble changing sheets. The mattress is six inches thick, with the ideal amount of firmness to support a growing and developing baby.
If you are looking for an eco-friendly mattress, you will like some of the details about the Eco Classica. The cover is 100% certified organic cotton. The inner part is made of plant based foam. Unlike some mattresses made with chemicals, there isn’t an odd smell to this mattress. Plus, it has excellent breathability, so all of those smells from accidents will disappear.
GreenGuard certified the Eco Classica III with their Gold certification meaning it has no harmful emissions. The eco-friendly foam is infused with plant oils and made with certified safe foam.
Colgate offers a lifetime warranty with their mattresses. One of the best features is the dual-sided mattress. You will get years out of this mattress, making it well worth the high price tag. If you want a safe, comfortable, high-quality bed, Colgate has the solution for you.
Kolcraft Pure Sleep Therapeutic 150 Crib Mattress
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Product Highlights:
- Budget Friendly Mattress
- Innerspring Crib Mattress
- 150 Coil Count
- Reinforced Waterproof Cover
- Hypoallergenic
- Natural Airflow Pockets
- GreenGuard Certified
- No Toxic Fire Retardants
- 10 Year Warranty
Babies need a safe and durable mattress, and Kolcraft is a company that parents have trusted for decades. Kolcraft offers the Pure Sleep Therapeutic 80 and 150 crib mattresses, but the 150 has some top of the line features, making it one of the best baby crib mattress options.
Kolcraft increased the coil count in the Pure Sleep 150. Now, the coil count is 150, which is the ideal range for innerspring crib mattresses. The increased amount of coils gives your baby a firmer foundation. The coils are heavy gauged that are interwoven to provide your child with support.
There is a reinforced waterproof cover that is hypoallergenic. The cover and lock-stitched binding are designed to be cleaned with soap and water. You don’t have to worry about stains and mildew developing on the mattress. Kolcraft added natural air flow pockets to keep beds fresh; it will allow any odors to leave the bed. There are no metal vents in the mattress.
Kolcraft Pure Sleep Therapeutic 150 Crib Mattress meets all of the market tests for flammability, lead and phthalate testing. It receives a GreenGuard certification, guaranteeing low chemical emissions for a safe sleeping environment. There are no toxic fire retardants in the mattress. It comes with a ten years manufacturer warranty on the materials.
Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual Firmness All Foam Crib Mattress
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Product Highlights:
- Dual-Sided – Meant for Infants and Toddlers
- Extra Firm with High-Density Foam
- CertiPUR Foam for Toddlers
- No Toxic Chemicals: Free of Vinyl, Polyethylene, PVC and Phthalates
- No Fire Retardants
- Waterproof Cover
- Antimicrobial Protection
- Made in the USA
- GreenGuard Gold Certification
For parents that want a firm dual-sided foam mattress, the Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress is one of the best baby crib mattresses you could buy. Because it is dual-sided, you can use it in cribs and toddler beds. One side of the mattress is extra firm with high-density foam, perfect for infants. The opposite side has firm, high-density foam with CertiPur certification, giving a softer side for infants.
Moonlight Slumber made a mattress that stands out from the rest because of its lack of chemicals. They were able to make an awesome foam mattress without any vinyl, polyethylene, PVC and phthalates. The bed is made from CentiPUR certified, so it has no dangerous, toxic chemicals that are common in most foam mattress. Moonlight Slumber uses no flame retardant chemicals on their Little Dreamer crib mattress.
The Little Dreamer mattress is waterproof, allowing parents to wipe the outside of the mattress with soap and water. One different feature of this mattress is the stitching. Typically, the stitching goes around the top and bottom of the mattress, allowing crumbs and spills to gather in those areas. Moonlight Slumber placed their stitching around the side, making it less likely for mold or bacteria to grow.
Moonlight Slumber treats their mattresses with antimicrobial protection. Made in the U.S.A., Moonlight Slumber is top of the line and receives the GreenGuard Gold certification, meaning there is little to no toxic emissions coming from the mattress. These are wonderfully made beds and will create an elegant and comfortable nursery.
Sealy Soybean Foam Core Crib Mattress
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Product Highlights:
- American Made Crib Mattress
- Meets All ASTM Crib Mattress Standards
- GreenGuard Gold Certification
- Soy Enhanced Foam
- Hypoallergenic
- CertiPUR High-Density Foam
- Waterproof Cover
- Airflow Pocket
- Lifetime Warranty
Sealy is one of the leading brands of all mattresses. There is a great chance you have used a Sealy mattress at one point in time. They are high quality and made with comfortable and safety in mind for everyone. Their Soybean Foam-Core Crib Mattress is an award winning, American made crib mattress.
The Soybean Foam-Core Crib Mattress meets all of the ASTM crib mattress standards. It also has a gold certification from GreenGuard, offering your baby a healthy, toxin free, sleeping environment. This bed also uses a soy-enhanced foam inside of their mattress. Soybean foam is hypoallergenic and provides a lasting firmness to the mattress that other materials lack. The bed is also made with CertiPUR-US certified high-density foam that guarantees durability. Then, Sealy wrapped the mattress with cotton for comfort.
You don’t have to worry about stains or leaks because Sealy added a pearl embossed, waterproof cover. Parents can quickly wipe the mattress clean with water and soap or a baby wipe. The binding is waterproof as well, which will stop any liquids from seeping into the mattress. Even though it is waterproof, Sealy added an airflow pocket without using metal vents. The pockets allow for air circulation that is crucial for an odor free mattress.
Sealy is confident that their workmanship and materials are top of the line. They offer a lifetime warranty on their Soybean Foam-Core Crib Mattress. Parents will love this mattress that lasts from the newborn stage up to 60 pounds. It fits most standard cribs and toddler beds; it measures 51.63 x 27/25 x 5 inches. Overall, the Sealy Soybean Foam Crib Mattress is one of the best baby crib mattresses you can buy for your infant.
Newton Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed Mattress
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Product Highlights:
- Breathable
- Chemical Free
- Machine Washable Cover
- Firm
- Lightweight
- 2015 JPMA Innovation Award
For parents that are searching for a breathable, safe, chemical free and comfortable crib mattress, you have found your answer with the Newton Crib Mattress. It is one of the best-rated infant mattress on the market today. The only downside is the price range hits higher than most other mattresses on the market, yet you get the best quality for your money.
Breathability is a desired feature in crib mattresses because some studies suggest it can reduce the risk of SIDS. Infants can breathe through the materials, even if their faces are pressed against the bed. It is no wonder, so many parents want to find a breathable mattress; it gives an added layer of safety and security.
The Newton Crib Mattress is made with a quilted material over the top with extra layers underneath, providing more space for airflow. The fabric is machine washable and dryable. The breathability also helps to reduce odors that can build up from diaper leaks.
The mattress is firm but also comfortable at the same time. The core of the mattress is made from 90% free air and 10% food grade polymer. Then, Newton wrapped the center with breathable fabric that can unzip for cleaning. There is no foam, latex, springs, glue or allergens. Also, the entire mattress is 100% recyclable.
It is easy to see why this is one of the best baby crib mattress. The bed is lightweight and easy to flip or move for sheet changing. The Newton Crib Mattress won the 2015 JPMA Innovation Award. Despite the high price tag, parents rave around this crib mattress, and, if they could talk, the babies would as well!
Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Ultra 252 Seamless Dual Firmness Crib Mattress
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Product Highlights:
- Made From 100% Organic Cotton
- GOTS Certified Best Organic Mattress in 2016
- Made in the USA
- Dual-Sided – Meant for Infants and Toddlers
- 252 Coil Count
- Waterproof Cover
- Hypoallergenic
Naturepedic No Compromise Crib Mattress is the GOTS certified best organic mattress in 2016. Made in the USA, the Naturepedic mattress is a 2 stage, a dual-sided firm mattress designed to grow with your child over the years. It offers a firm side for the infant stage and a softer side for your growing toddler
The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Mattress offers some of the best support for your growing child throughout their early development and great sleep. It offers 252 coils and edge support. Naturepedic added a waterproof cover that parents can wipe clean. The surface is free of any toxins and meets food contact standards. Also, it has water resistant edges, making it mold and mildew free.
The mattress is made from 100% organic cotton. The cotton is certified organic. It is a lovely soft but extra durable material. The organic material is the top reason why parents purchase this mattress. There are absolutely no harmful chemicals that could damage your baby’s health. Also, because of the lack of chemicals, the mattress is hypoallergenic.
There is only two negatives to the Naturepedic mattress: the price and the square corners. You will need to find different crib sheets because most mattresses don’t have square corners. It will still fit into your crib fine. Also, the price is higher than most, but parents believe the price is a fair trade for a toxic free sleeping environment for their baby.
My First Mattress Premium Memory Foam Infant Crib Mattress
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Product Highlights:
- Budget Friendly
- Foam Mattress
- CertiPUR-US Approved
- Free of Toxic Chemicals
- Extra Firm High-Density Foam
- Hypoallergenic
- Anti-Microbial Protection
- Removable Waterproof Cover that is Washable
The budget for your best baby crib mattress is an important factor for most families, but they often worry their children will end up sleeping on a low-quality mattress. No one wants to sleep on a rock! My First Mattress Premium Memory Foam Mattress offers some lovely features and superb quality for under $100, which is perfect for families who need to save money.
The foam used is CertiPUR-US Approved, which lets parents know their products are tested for safety and environmental stewardship. CertiPUR-US foam is made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP flame retardants. There is no mercury, lead, and heavy metals in the foam. Parents never have to worry about formaldehyde or phthalates. Any CertiPUR-US foam mattress has low emissions, providing an extra safe sleeping environment for your baby.
My First Memory Foam Crib Mattress is made with extra firm high-density foam that is supportive for an infant’s growing body. The mattress is hypoallergenic and has anti-microbial protection, which stops the infestation of mites and other pests. It measures 51.5/8 x 24.25 x 5 inches, which will fit perfectly into most cribs.
If you want to start your baby off with a foam mattress, the My First Mattress is one of the best available on the markets. It is free of many toxic chemicals and offers a removable cover, so you can be sure your child is sleeping in a clean and safe environment. Since it is a budget friendly choice, any parent can offer these benefits to their baby.
The mattress cover is waterproof and removable. You can wash the cover in the machine, eliminating any odors or stains. There is no need to worry about spills or diaper leaks. The mattress surface is soft; your baby will feel comfortable, despite the thinness of the material.
Simmons Kids Beauty Rest Beginnings Sleepy Whispers Ultra Deluxe 2-in-1 Crib and Toddler Mattress
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Product Highlights:
- Innerspring Crib Mattress
- Dual-Sided – Meant for Infants and Toddlers
- 231 Coil Count
- Natural Cotton Fire Protection Wrap
- GreenGuard Gold Certified
- CertiPUR-US Approved
- Medical Grade, Waterproof, Stain Resistant Cover
Some parents prefer to start their baby’s in an innerspring crib mattress, and the Simmons Kids is one of the best baby crib mattresses on the market today. The Beauty Rest Mattress is designed as a 2-in-1 bed. One side has the ideal firmness for a newborn and their developing bodies. When you flip over the mattress, the next side has a layer of convoluted comfort for toddlers who can sleep in a plusher environment.
The Simmons Kids Beauty Rest Mattress has 231 pocketed coil springs for incredible support. They also added reinforced border protection as well as Innofoam corner protectors that give stability to the mattress.
One of the nice features of the Simmons Kids mattress is the natural cotton fire protection wrap around the mattress. There are no chemicals used. The entire mattress is non-toxic, receiving the GreenGuard Gold Certification as well as being CertiPUR-US Approved. The mattress exceeds all federal flammability standards.
The cover is woven to be water and stain resistant. A unique feature is the cover has a medical grade waterproof barrier that prevents bacteria and mold growth. You can rest assured that your child is sleeping in the medically safe environment.
The Simmons Kid Beauty Rest Mattress is made in the USA and comes with a limited, lifetime manufacturer warranty. The price range for this mattress is in the middle. It cost more than $100, but it is far below our highest priced mattress. One other downside is the weight of the mattress. It weighs around 20 pounds, making it a bit harder to lift or change sheets.
Mittagong 3D Breathable Washable Baby Rest Crib Mattress
Product Highlights:
- World’s Only Washable Mattress
- Breathable
- Cotton Fiber
- Supports Human Development, Circulation, and Cardiovascular Systems
The Mittagong 3D is the world’s only washable mattress, which is perfect for infants. In particular, if your baby has acid reflux and spits up frequently, a washable mattress would be fantastic for all of those accidents. The Mittagong 3D Breathable Crib Mattress is one of the unique on the market; you won’t find it in any local stores.
Besides the washable material, the mattress is breathable. It has a six surface, breathable hollow three-dimensional structure. It is made from the cotton fiber with high hydroscopicity which is prone to mildew and odd odors. Mittagong created the mattress with a hollow, ventilating hexahedron structure that lets water go through it and remove all of the dirt and bacteria.
The material can dry quickly. You will be surprised at how fast it dries, leaving no risk of bacteria and acrid. It is easy to worry that the mattress will provide no support for your baby because it is only 2 inches thick. However, it has 8 million points and is designed to help the human body. The double side holes create independent support. The design promotes blood circulation and supports the human cardiovascular system.
Overall, the Mittagong 3D Breathable Baby Crib Mattress is a unique baby crib mattress options. If you want a crib mattress that great for accidents and hygiene, you can’t go wrong with the Mittagong. The price point is in the middle. It isn’t a budget crib, but it is far from the most expensive mattress listed!
What is the Best Baby Crib Mattress?
We have ten excellent options for the best baby crib mattress. So, to help you narrow your choices, we are going to let you know what we think are the best of the best. However, before you look at our thoughts, it is a good idea to figure out what features you think are the most important. For example, you may not think organic materials are essential, or you may not mind chemicals used in the material. These are parent desires, but they are not for everyone. It is important to remember all of the above-listed mattresses comply with the standards set and are safe for your child.
First, if you need a budget mattress, our favorite option is the Kolcraft Pure Sleep Therapeutic 150. Your baby is going to get a great night’s sleep because of the 150 coils interwoven spring system. The waterproof cover and hypoallergenic design are child-friendly. Plus, it has a great combination of firm and comfort.
Next, if you have money to spend and want a splurge mattress, we recommend the Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Crib Mattress. The bed is made with eco-friendly materials with a large interior. It is the GOTS selection for the best organic mattress in 2016. Also, it is dual-sided so you can use it for years to come.
Last, our favorite innerspring crib mattress is the Simmons Kids mattress, with 231 coil count. It comes with the GreenGuard Gold Certification and CertiPUR-US Approved foam. The mattress is wrapped in a natural, cotton fire protectant wrap to keep your baby safe. Plus, the medical cover keeps your child safe from germs and bacteria growth.
These three are awesome and are sure to please! However, any of these ten mattresses would be an excellent choice. We would love to hear your experiences with crib mattresses.
As we conclude this discussion on the best baby crib mattresses, remember that there’s a wide array of options available to suit every family’s unique needs. Parenthood is a journey filled with discovery, and by embracing the diversity of options, you can find the perfect fit for you and your little one, and in this case you can consider exploring the comprehensive list below for additional recommendations. Happy parenting!
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