The Best Crib Mattress in 2024 (Reviewed and Compared)

Your Baby's Sleep Is Our Priority

November 26, 2020

Looking for the best crib mattress isn’t an easy task! That’s why we’re here to help you out!

Check out our top 11 list of crib mattresses!

We tested 37 crib mattresses and carefully analyzed their features. To be as objective as possible, our team of experts developed a thorough methodology for this purpose.

You can also take a look at our detailed buyer’s guide to see all the things you need to consider when shopping for a new mattress for your baby’s crib.

The Top 11 Best Crib Mattresses

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Company
Features
Overall Score
Best Crib Mattress - Naturepedic logo
Editor's Pick
Naturepedic
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    Organic mattress

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    Waterproof coating

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    Excellent support

Best Crib Mattress - My Green Mattress
Best Organic Mattress
My Green Mattress
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    Certified organic cotton cover

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    GOTS certified organic wool as a natural flame retardant

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    Certified organic coconut coir pad

Best Crib Mattress - Newton logo
Most Breathable Mattress
Newton
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    Exceptionally breathable

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    Dual-sided

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    Washable mattress

Best Crib Mattress - Avocado
Best Latex Mattress
Avocado
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    Organic and natural materials

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    Dual-sided design

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    Handmade in the USA

Best Crib Mattress - Sealy logo
Best Foam Mattress
Sealy
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    Waterproof cover

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    Square corners

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    Lightweight

Best Crib Mattress - Serta logo
Best Innerspring Mattress
Serta
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    Waterproof cover

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    Dual-sided

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    Square corners

Best Crib Mattress - Colgate logo
Best Dual-Sided Mattress
Colgate
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    Dual-sided

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    Waterproof organic cotton cover

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    Square corners

Best Crib Mattress - Simmons logo
Best Mattress with Waterproof Cover
Simmons
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    Dual-sided

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    Waterproof cover

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    Natural cotton fire-protection layer

Best Crib Mattress - Safety 1st logo
Best Budget-Friendly Mattress
Safety 1st
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    Waterproof cover

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    Lightweight

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    Excellent support

Best Crib Mattress - Lullaby Earth logo
Most Lightweight Mattress
Lullaby Earth
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    Dual-sided mattress

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    Lightweight

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    Waterproof cover

Best Crib Mattress - Moonlight logo
Best Mini Crib Mattress
Moonlight
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    Waterproof cover

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    Dual firmness

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    Lightweight

The 11 Top Rated Crib Mattresses

Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Baby Crib Mattress Review

Best Crib Mattress - Naturepedic
  • Editor's Pick

  • Type: Innerspring mattress

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Price: $279.00

PROS :
  • Organic mattress

  • Waterproof coating

  • Excellent support

CONS :
  • A pricier mattress

The Naturepedic Classic Baby Crib Mattress is one of our top picks for several reasons. First, it’s one of the best organic crib mattresses. Its cover is made of organic cotton, as is its filling.

Second, the mattress’s cover features a waterproof coating, which is made of non-GMO sugarcane. Therefore, you can easily wipe off any spills or diaper leaks.

Since the mattress is constructed of natural materials and doesn’t contain polyfoam or flame retardants, it’s free of any harmful chemicals. It also holds GOTS and Greenguard certificates, which prove that it’s safe for your kid and their environment.

If you would prefer the best rated organic crib mattress without coils, you should know that Naturepedic also offers a lightweight option. Its construction is made of a WaveSupport core instead of coils. Plus, for an additional charge, you can opt for a dual-sided model, which features a firm side for babies and a medium-firm side for toddlers.

Emily Crib Mattress Review

Best Crib Mattress - Emily Crib Mattress
  • Best Organic Mattress

  • Type: innerspring

  • Free shipping

  • 120-night trial

  • 10-year warranty

  • Price: $289.00

Rating 9.9

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Certified organic cotton cover

  • GOTS certified organic wool as a natural flame retardant

  • Certified organic coconut coir pad

CONS :
  • The same firmness level on both sides

My Green Mattress is a mattress-in-a-box brand well-known for its certified organic mattresses. There’s no need to emphasize that every parent’s priority is their kids’ health and safety. With the Emily crib mattress, you’ll know that your baby’s sleep environment is exactly that—healthy and safe.

Starting from the best crib mattress cover materials (organic cotton and wool) to its comfort layer made of coconut coir, this innerspring mattress is made of all-natural organic materials. Therefore, it doesn’t contain any toxic substances, which can harm your child’s health or environment.

The Emily provides a firm but comfy sleep surface on both sides of the mattress. In fact, it’s recommended to flip it from time to time in order to make it last longer. Since it comes in a standard crib size (27.25” x 52” x 6”), it should fit most cribs.

Newton Original Crib Mattress Review

Best Crib Mattress - Newton
  • Most Breathable Mattress

  • Type: Wovenaire core

  • 100-night home trial

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Price: $299.99

Rating 9.7

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Exceptionally breathable

  • Dual-sided

  • Washable mattress

CONS :
  • A higher price tag

Looking for the best breathable crib mattress? Newton Crib Mattresses have a unique construction. Below a soft quilted cover, there’s a Wovenaire core, which consists of 90% air and 10% food-grade polymer. Thanks to this innovative design, this is an exceptionally breathable crib mattress.

Another great thing about this mattress is that it’s dual-sided. So you can just flip it to a softer side once your tot reaches toddler age.

Unlike most other models, this mattress is completely washable. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about mold and bacteria. Almost every baby crib mattress review points out that this is a huge plus for a kid’s mattress. And for an additional $50, you can opt for a waterproof version of this mattress.

Finally, you can be sure that all the materials are safe for your kid’s health since the mattress is Greenguard Gold certified.

Avocado Organic Crib Mattress Review

Best Crib Mattress - Avocado Organic Crib Mattress
  • Best Latex Mattress

  • Type: Latex mattress

  • Free shipping

  • 30-night trial

  • 25-year warranty

  • Price: $279.00

Rating 9.8

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Organic and natural materials

  • Dual-sided design

  • Handmade in the USA

CONS :
  • A bit pricier

Looking for the best non-toxic crib mattress? You need to check out the Organic Crib Mattress by Avocado. It’s made of natural materials without any polyurethane foams, chemical adhesives, or any toxic chemicals. Instead, it’s constructed with GOLS organic certified latex, GOTS organic wool and cotton, and coconut husk fiber. Therefore, it’s perfectly safe for your kid’s health.

Another great advantage of this crib mattress is its dual-sided design. Namely, one side offers firm support to infants, while the other provides a bit softer feel for toddlers. Thanks to this practical design, your child can comfortably sleep on it in the years to come. 

In order to protect it from stains, you can also opt for an organic cotton protector pad. This is the best crib mattress pad if you look for organic materials. However, keep in mind that it isn’t waterproof.

Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Crib & Toddler Mattress Review

Best Crib Mattress - Sealy
  • Best Foam Mattress

  • Type: Foam mattress

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Price: $129.99

Rating 9.6

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Waterproof cover

  • Square corners

  • Lightweight

CONS :
  • Not great temperature regulation

The Sealy Soybean mattress is often reviewed as the best foam crib mattress since it offers firm support while using renewable resources. It’s a great plus that this mattress’s core is made of natural material: soybean.

Since it’s a foam mattress, it’s quite lightweight, which means you can quickly change the sheets whenever needed. Another advantage of this model is its waterproof cover. Therefore, spills and stains won’t ruin your mattress, and its cleaning will be very simple. Plus, you won’t have to shop separately for the best waterproof crib mattress cover.

This mattress by Sealy features square corners, so it snugly fits a crib. There won’t be any gaps where your little cutie can lose its dummy.

Considering the importance of kids’ health, it’s good to know that the mattress is Greenguard and CertiPUR-US certified.

Serta Tranquility Super Firm Crib and Toddler Mattress Review

Best Crib Mattress - Serta
  • Best Innerspring Mattress

  • Type: Innerspring mattress

  • 25-year warranty

  • Price: $139.99

Rating 9.5

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Waterproof cover

  • Dual-sided

  • Square corners

CONS :
  • Some customers complained about indents

Serta offers one of the top rated innerspring crib mattresses for your baby. It’s a dual-sided bed, so it will offer great comfort to your toddler as well. On the firm side, the coils are topped with a layer of foam to provide adequate firm support for infants. On the softer side, there’s an additional layer made of blended cotton, which makes it very comfy for toddlers.

The cover is made of waterproof vinyl. Therefore, you can easily wipe off the mattress in case of any spills. Also, you can be sure that the mattress will perfectly fit the crib thanks to its square-shaped corners. In many baby crib mattress reviews, you can notice that customers prefer square over rounded corners.

Last but not least, this mattress is Greenguard gold and CertiPUR-US certified. So it doesn’t contain any harmful substances, and it’s perfectly safe for your kids.

Colgate Eco Classica III Eco-Friendlier Crib Mattress Review

Best Crib Mattress - Colgate
  • Best Dual-Sided Crib Mattress

  • Type: Foam mattress

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Price: $219.99

Rating 9.7

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Dual-sided

  • Waterproof organic cotton cover

  • Square corners

CONS :
  • The cover isn’t removable

Colgate is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of crib mattresses. The Eco Classica III Eco-Friendlier crib mattress is one of the best mattresses for kids if you’re looking for a foam mattress. It’s made with plant oils, and it doesn’t contain any toxic substances, such as flame retardants or phthalates. This is backed by the Greenguard Gold certificate and CertiPUR-US certificate.

It’s great that its cover is made of organic cotton, which is very soft and breathable. Plus, it features a waterproof backing, meaning that the mattress is protected from stains and spills.

The corners are square-shaped, so the mattress will snuggly fit any standard crib, which is confirmed in many foam crib mattress reviews.

In addition, the mattress is dual-sided, which means there’s a firm side designed for infants and a somewhat softer side for toddlers.

Simmons SlumberTime Naturally Crib and Toddler Mattress Review

Best Crib Mattress - Simmons
  • Best Mattress with Waterproof Cover

  • Type: Foam mattress

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Price: $109.99

Rating 9.9

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Dual-sided

  • Waterproof cover

  • Natural cotton fire-protection layer

CONS :
  • Soy might have a slightly unpleasant odor

The Simmons SlumberTime crib mattress offers excellent firm support for growing bodies. Its foam core is soy enhanced, and it doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals. For your peace of mind, the mattress holds the Greenguard Gold certificate and CertiPUR-US certificate.

Also, you won’t have to look for the best crib mattress protector, since the mattress’s cover is made of a cotton blend, and it has a waterproof backing. Therefore, it’s soft to the touch while at the same time it protects the mattress from any spills or stains.

It’s also a plus that the mattress is dual-sided. Therefore, once your kid comes to toddler age, you can flip it to the softer side, which provides more comfort to toddlers.

Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress Review

Best Crib Mattress - Safety 1st
  • Best Budget-Friendly Crib Mattress

  • Type: Foam mattress

  • 10-year warranty

  • Price: $55.92

Rating 9.5

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Waterproof cover

  • Lightweight

  • Excellent support

CONS :
  • Noisy vinyl cover

Are you looking for the best crib mattresses on a budget? The Heavenly Dreams crib mattress by Safety 1st is an amazing budget-friendly option. Its construction consists of a high-density thermo-bonded fiber core, which provides excellent support.

The cover is made of 100% vinyl, so it’s waterproof and can easily be wiped with a cloth. In addition, the mattress is very lightweight, which makes changing the sheets a piece of cake. And being light is one of the most important features for the best crib mattress according to many reviews.

Being Greenguard Gold certified, you can be sure the mattress meets strict standards regarding VOC emissions and the content of toxic chemicals. As the brand’s name suggests, safety first!

Lullaby Earth Healthy Support Crib Mattress Review

Best Crib Mattress - Lullaby
  • Best Lightweight Mattress

  • Type: WaveSupport core

  • Free shipping

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Price: $199.00

Rating 9.9

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Dual-sided mattress

  • Lightweight

  • Waterproof cover

CONS :
  • Some customers complain about indentations

Lullaby Earth is one of the best crib mattress brands. Its dual-sided mattress offers firm support to infants and a softer side to toddlers. Its construction features a WaveSupport core, so it’s quite lightweight. This is one of its advantages since it allows you to change sheets without much effort.

To prevent sagging, the mattress has reinforced edges. Plus, it perfectly fits standard cribs thanks to its square corners.

The mattress’s cover is waterproof, meaning it will protect the bed from any spills or diaper leakage. In addition, you can easily wipe it clean. Therefore, no need for the best rated crib mattress protector.

It’s also good to know that the mattress is Greenguard Gold certified, so it isn’t made with any harmful substances.

Moonlight Little Dreamer Mini Crib Mattress Review

Best Crib Mattress - Moonlight
  • Best Mini Crib Mattress

  • Type: Foam

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Price: $129.99

Rating 9.8

Get the Best Deal
PROS :
  • Waterproof cover

  • Dual firmness

  • Lightweight

CONS :
  • Not very breathable

The Moonlight Little Dreamer mattress has somewhat smaller dimensions than mattresses for a standard crib. It measures 24″ by 38″, so it’s one of the top options for anyone looking for the best mini crib mattress.

The mattress features two layers—one made of high-density foam and the other made of plush foam. Thanks to this simple dual firmness design, it provides great support to both infants and toddlers.

The waterproof cover will keep any stains and liquid damage at bay, which isn’t a small thing when it comes to a baby mattress.

Also, the mattress is made of safe materials, and it holds the Greenguard Gold certificate and CertiPUR-US certificate. This is crucial for any of the top rated crib mattresses according to numerous reviews.

How We Chose the Best Crib Mattress for 2020

– Our Ranking Methodology –

Obviously, we can’t test mattresses designed for babies the same way we test other types of beds. Also, we can’t ask infants if they had a good night’s sleep. Still, there are a few criteria that can help us make a sound decision if a mattress is a good pick. So we focussed on the following:

Quality Materials

Quality has definitely been one of our primary concerns. First, the best mattress for kids should be made of high-quality materials in order to offer a high level of comfort for your cute bundle of joy. Therefore, in the case of innerspring mattresses, we looked for those with thicker coils (lower gauge). And in the case of foam beds, we picked the ones constructed with a foam of higher density.

Besides ensuring great comfort, quality materials promise longevity. Considering that kids typically sleep in the crib till the age of three, you don’t want a cheap mattress that will show signs of wear and tear after only one year of use. Instead, the best baby crib mattress should provide exceptional support as long as your kid is sleeping in a crib.

Certificates

Another key factor for choosing a mattress for a baby’s crib is its material composition. More precisely, it’s essential that they meet strict standards regarding their content of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), heavy metals, and other harmful substances. That’s why we looked for the following certificates, which prove that a mattress isn’t harmful to your baby’s health or environment. And no crib mattress, not just the best rated crib mattress, should have adverse effects on a kid’s health.

  • The CertiPUR-US certificate proves that the polyurethane foams used in the mattress don’t contain heavy metals (such as lead and mercury), harmful flame retardants, phthalates, or other substances that can have adverse effects on our health. Additionally, these materials have low VOC emissions.
  • The Greenguard Gold certificate also shows that the materials used have low VOC emissions.
  • STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is an international label proving that the textiles are safe for human health.
  • The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifies that a mattress is made of a minimum of 70% organic fibers. So if you’re shopping for the best organic crib mattress, you should look for this label.

Warranty

It’s always better when a product comes with a warranty. It gives you peace of mind that a mattress is made of high-quality materials and that it will be durable. In addition, it shows that the manufacturer is confident about its products and that it will cover any damage. However, it’s not enough that a warranty covers a long period—you need to carefully check the terms and conditions, which customers have emphasized in many crib mattress reviews.

Price

A higher price typically means better quality, but this doesn’t mean you should spend a fortune on a mattress. In general, you can get a good crib mattress for $90 to $200, and most mattresses on our list fall into this price range.

Our goal was to only present you with models that offer good value for the money.

How to Pick the Best Crib Mattress for Your Baby

– Buyer’s Guide –

According to the National Sleep Foundation, newborns need between 14 and 17 hours of sleep a day. Infants sleep only a couple of hours less, and toddlers still need at least 11 hours of sleep to grow and develop healthily.

Therefore, it’s crucial that their sleeping surface provides them with adequate support and great comfort. With this in mind, here are a few important considerations you need to take into account when choosing the best mattress for the baby crib.

Types of Crib Mattresses

Generally, baby mattresses either have a foam or an innerspring construction. As long as they’re made of high-quality materials, both types can be a solid pick for your kid.

Foam Crib Mattresses

Mattresses made of polyfoam are typically more affordable than innerspring models. Another advantage of foam beds is that they’re lightweight, so you can easily change sheets.

If you decide to get a foam baby bed, choose resilient models that quickly come back to their original form after being pressed. The top rated crib mattress shouldn’t closely conform to a baby’s body since this might pose a safety risk.

Also, you should look for foam of a higher density because it provides a firmer sleeping surface, which is recommended for infants. Besides offering ample support, a firm mattress is also safer than a soft option.

Innerspring Crib Mattresses

An innerspring construction consists of a coil system, which is topped with several layers of cushioning materials. The comfort layer might be made of cotton, foam, or polyester.

When shopping for the best innerspring crib mattress, you need to pay attention to the coil count and gauge. The number of coils affects the mattress’s level of support, so it’s usually better to look for models with a higher number of coils. The gauge represents the thickness of the coils—the lower the gauge, the thicker the coil. Generally, thicker coils provide better support and make the mattress firmer.

However, innerspring mattresses might be heavy. Also, they’re usually pricier than foam models.

Organic

Organic models are made of natural materials, such as cotton, wool, and latex. Nowadays, many parents are looking for the top rated organic crib mattresses since they don’t contain any harmful substances. Plus, they owe their popularity to the fact that they’re generally hypoallergenic.

However, if you don’t get an organic crib mattress, keep your baby’s health in mind. Just be sure you check it complies with safety standards regarding the content of harmful substances. This is something that applies to all mattresses, not just the top rated baby crib mattresses.

Firmness Level

Regardless of the type of mattress you decide to buy, it’s crucial to look for a firm bed. Even though babies are soft and delicate creatures, they don’t need a cushiony sleeping surface like some adults.

Instead, a firm mattress will provide them with adequate support for their growing bodies. What’s even more important, it will create a safe sleeping environment. Indeed, the best infant crib mattress should offer a firm sleeping surface, while toddlers can sleep on a slightly softer bed.

To reduce the risk of SIDS, newborns and infants shouldn’t sleep on soft beds, which offer body contouring. According to expert recommendations, when you apply pressure to a crib mattress, it should quickly bounce back to its original shape.

Dual Firmness

Some manufacturers offer crib mattresses with dual firmness—the firm side is designed for infants and the softer side is meant for toddlers. Therefore, you can use the infant side during the first year of your baby’s life and then simply flip it once your child needs a more comfortable bed.

However, if you’d like the best cheap crib mattress, this kind of crib mattress might not be the greatest pick since it’s often more expensive than standard options with one firmness level.

Also, don’t forget to check with a pediatrician if your tot is ready for a softer bed before you flip the mattress.

Crib Mattress Size

The mattress needs to perfectly fit the crib. Therefore, the crib mattress dimensions should depend on your crib size. It’s important that there are no gaps between the mattress so your little one’s arms and legs don’t get trapped. The best crib mattresses in 2020 usually also have square-shaped corners in order to snugly fit the crib.

You can easily check if a mattress is the right fit by tucking your fingers between the mattress and the crib. If the gap is wider than two fingers, then you’ll need a bigger mattress.

Keep in mind that there are also federal government regulations, which prescribe that a mattress for a standard crib has to be at least 27 ¼” x 51 ⅝”. Plus, a mattress shouldn’t be more than 6″ thick.

Cover

Many of the best baby crib mattresses are made with a cotton cover. While this soft material is very breathable, it won’t protect the mattress from leaks. Therefore, you might also consider getting a mattress with a waterproof cover. Alternatively, you can use a waterproof mattress protector.

In case you opt for a polyurethane cover, check if the mattress features ventilation holes, which increase its breathability and prevent it from keeping unpleasant odors.

A Brand New or Second-Hand Mattress

If not properly cleaned or maintained, even the best rated crib mattresses might become a perfect spot for bacteria or mold growth. Therefore, used mattresses may pose a threat to your infant’s health. That’s why buying a new bed is always the best option.

If you plan to use this mattress for your next child, you need to clean it before storing it. Also, make sure you keep it in a dry place.

Safety First!

Picking the best crib mattress for your baby is more than thinking about your kid’s comfort and the nursery’s interior design. In the first place, it has to be about safety.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death in babies younger than 12 months. Even though its cause is unknown, and it can’t be prevented, you can considerably reduce the risk by following some simple guidelines:

  • Get a mattress that snugly fits the crib.
  • Choose the best firm crib mattress.
  • The crib should be empty: You should only use a fitted sheet and keep all the pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and other soft objects out of the crib. That’s because they increase the risk of suffocation.
  • A baby should sleep on its back. This is considered the safest sleeping position since it lowers the risk of SIDS.

Wrapping Up

Considering that infants need 12 to 15 hours of sleep a day and toddlers need between 11 and 14 hours, it’s crucial to get the best crib mattress for your little tot. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of high-quality options, and we’re here to help you narrow down the choice and make a well-informed decision.

FAQs

Which crib mattress is the best?

Our top three picks are Naturopedic, Newton, and Sealy. However, there are other great brands that offer high-quality crib mattresses, so we recommend you check out our top list above.

Whatever choice you make, it’s vital to look for a firm mattress that snugly fits your crib. Plus, it has to be made of safe materials that don’t contain any harmful substances.

What is the best type of mattress for a newborn?

Most crib mattresses on the market are either innerspring or foam models. Both types are equally good for newborns as long as they’re firm enough. Also, the mattress should be resilient, and it shouldn’t closely conform to a baby’s body.

What is the safest baby mattress?

To be safe, a baby mattress should be firm, and it should quickly bounce back to its original shape after being pressed. Such a mattress reduces the risk of SIDS. It’s also essential that it’s made of safe materials that don’t contain any toxic substances.

Are foam crib mattresses safe?

Yes, foam crib mattresses are perfectly safe if they’re made of high-quality materials that meet the standards regarding the content of harmful substances. Also, look for those made of high-density foam because they’re firmer and don’t provide body contouring.

How do I know if my crib mattress is firm enough?

If a mattress quickly regains its original shape and it doesn’t conform to your hand when you press it on its edges or in the center, it’s firm enough for your baby. Also, don’t worry if a mattress seems too firm for you. Babies need a firm sleeping surface since it provides the best support for their growing bodies.

How high should a crib mattress be for a newborn?

According to US regulations, crib mattresses can be 6 inches thick at most. During the first months of your baby’s life, you can keep the mattress at the highest position. However, when your baby starts sitting, you’ll have to switch the mattress to the lower setting.

Can babies sleep on a memory foam mattress?

No, babies shouldn’t ever sleep on a memory foam mattress because this material conforms to a sleeper’s body, and it might increase the risk of SIDS.