Everyone wants the very best for their new bundle of joy. That’s why so many people spend the months leading up to birth creating the perfect nursery for their new child. You’ve picked out the perfect crib, but there’s one more thing you need.
A crib mattress.
Babies and toddlers need different things from their mattress than you need as an adult. It’s not just about the size and weight of the mattress, or how closely it fits your crib. This guide will point you to some of the best mattresses, across multiple price points and mattress styles.
We’ll also provide a short buying guide so you can better understand which crib mattress is best for you and your child.
| Bargain |
|---|
 |
| Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams White Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress for Baby & Toddler |
| 4.5/5.0 |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Beautyrest Beginnings Sleepy Whispers Ultra Deluxe 2-in-1 Innerspring Crib |
| 4.4/5.0 |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress Non-Toxic Baby and Toddler Bed |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Check Amazon |
Mattress Comparison
If you’ve already researched what kind of mattress you’d like, this table is for you. If you know what you’re looking for, this table should give you the information you need to pick the best option for your family.
If you’d like to learn a little more about each mattress, and how to decide between them, read on.
| Make and Model | Mattress Style | Mattress Size | Organic or Eco Friendly? |
Waterproof? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress Non-Toxic Baby and Toddler Bed | Lightweight cotton cover and filling | 52″ x 28″ | Certified Organic, Certified by GOTS & GREENGUARD | 360-degree waterproofing | Check the Price |
| Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams White Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress for Baby & Toddler | High-density core material with a vinyl outer cover | 52″ x 27.5″x 5″ | Green Guard Gold Certified | Water-resistant | Check the Price |
| Newton Baby Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed | Breathable Wovenaire core | 52″ X 28″ X 5.5″ | Green Guard Gold Certified, Hypoallergenic | Waterproof | Check the Price |
| Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual Sleep Surface Crib Mattress | Foam Mattress | 27.5 x 5 x 52 | GreenGuard and CertiPUR Certified | Waterproof | Check the Price |
| Moonlight Slumber Starlight Supreme Mattress | Plant-infused foam mattress | 27.5 x 6 x 52 | Green Guard Gold Certified | Waterproof | Check the Price |
| Lullaby Earth Non-Toxic Crib Mattress | Organic Cotton Batting with reinforced edges | 28 x 52 | GREENGUARD Certified for green healthy sleep | 2-stage waterproofing | Check the Price |
| Beautyrest Beginnings Sleepy Whispers Ultra Deluxe 2-in-1 Innerspring Crib | Inner Spring mattress | 27.5 x 6 x 52 | GREENGUARD Gold Certified | Water-Resistant | Check the Price |
The Mattresses
1. Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress Non-Toxic Baby and Toddler Bed – Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.8
This mattress, like all the mattresses on our list, is designed to fit snuggly into all standard sized nursery furniture. It features a lightweight design that makes sheet changes and general maintenance much easier.
The waterproof seams are one of the most important features that comes along with this mattress. Waterproofing makes it easier to keep this mattress clean and prevent it from developing a scent. The seams also being waterproof means there’s an even lower risk of moisture and other contaminants getting into the filling.
It’s also a dual-sided mattress. One side is firm enough for your newborn. Just flip it over when baby is ready, and you’ll have a slightly softer and more comfortable bed for your growing toddler.
This mattress gets our top pick rating for a few reasons. It’s a little more expensive than some competitors but less expensive than many mattresses of similar quality. It’s highly rated both by regulatory and safety agencies and by the families that use this mattress.
It’s also designed to keep the mattress cleaner, more breathable, and significantly safer for your little one, even once they start to turn over in their sleep.
| Specs |
|---|
| Organic cotton fill and cover |
| 360-degree waterproofing |
| No harmful chemicals |
| No soy |
| Made in the USA |
| Waterproof seams |
| 52 x 6 x 27.5 |
| 11 lbs |
| Pros |
|---|
| Firm and supportive for your infant |
| Organic cotton cover and filling for increased breathability |
| Lightweight and easy to maneuver |
| Fits close to the edges of the crib |
| No VOCs, pesticides, or other harmful emissions |
| Cons |
|---|
| Mattress isn’t designed to be passed down to additional children |
2. Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams White Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress for Baby & Toddler – Best Bargain
Editor’s Rating: 4.5
Just because your crib mattress is affordable doesn’t mean you need to compromise on the quality or safety of the materials used in that mattress. Infants certainly don’t need to settle for a mattress that doesn’t provide the support and protection they need.
The Safety 1 line of mattresses all get the job done, safely, and affordably, but we picked this mattress for being a higher performance option than many of the alternatives.
Like the more expensive options on our list, this mattress meets Greenguard Gold standards for releasing the fewest possible emissions, neatly avoiding the VOC and other emissions problems older crib mattress designs were often prone to.
It also features a 10-year limited warranty. That means you can potentially pass this mattress down through several of your children, and maybe even give it to a friend or family member later.
While the decision whether or not you want a used mattress for your child is a deeply personal one, it does add some peace of mind to know that you have the option if you need it.
This Safety 1 mattress is a nicely firm, very supportive mattress, perfect for young babies who need that extra support at night. Suitable for your child up to 50 lbs, you’ll get a lot of use before you have to upgrade.
But, the vinyl covering, while easy to clean, is less breathable than some alternatives.
| Specs |
|---|
| Vinyl cover |
| Polyester fiber core interior |
| Water-resistant |
| Greenguard Gold certified |
| 28⅝ in. X 53 in |
| Pros |
|---|
| Highly affordable |
| Designed to last |
| Long warranty coverage |
| Works for babies up to 50 lbs |
| Certified low to no emissions |
| Cons |
|---|
| Not Double-sided |
| Vinyl doesn’t breathe |
3. Newton Baby Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed
Editor’s Rating: 4.7
The Newton Crib mattress is one of the more premium options on this list. Designed with every detail of your baby’s comfort in mind, it’s also a little more expensive than other alternatives. It offers a few improvements over a standard crib mattress.
This is a 2-stage mattress, meaning you can flip the mattress over to become a suitable bed for your toddler. It’s also a fully washable mattress, which will let you keep it all cleaner at home.
The core of the mattress is mostly air, with the firmness and support coming from a food-grade polymer arranged in a loose mesh. That means that the mattress won’t trap moisture, and dries quickly. It’s also very microbe-resistant thanks to this design.
Designed to fit all standard cribs, this mattress is GreenGuard Gold certified and includes a fully waterproof cover for the mattress.
If you’re looking for the very best for your little one, this mattress may be a good option. However, it’s quite a bit more expensive than other mattress alternatives.
| Specs |
|---|
| 24” X 38” X 5.5” |
| Pros |
|---|
| GreenGuard Certified |
| Fully Washable |
| Mostly air and polymer core |
| Waterproof cover |
| Lightweight |
| Long-lasting |
| Dual-sided infant/toddler design |
| Cons |
|---|
| Significantly more expensive than alternatives |
4. Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual Sleep Surface Crib Mattress
Editor’s Rating: 4.6
Another standard size alternative, this is a good option for parents who are concerned about looser mattress materials, but who still want a very safe and very healthy mattress for their infant and toddler.
This mattress is dust mite and insect resistant. It has gone through extensive safety and quality testing, as well as testing to ensure that it’s safe for your child in a variety of situations.
The mattress is also 100% waterproof. The seam design ensures that neither water nor dust and other contaminants can make it to the interior of the mattress.
Most importantly, it’s designed to provide a secure fit inside of standard cribs. The little dreamer mattress is dual-sided, with a very firm side for infants, and a softer but still supportive side for growing toddlers.
It also saves you some work. The mattress is easy to clean, hypoallergenic, and proven to have low if any impact on indoor air quality.
| Specs |
|---|
| 100% waterproof |
| Hypoallergenic |
| 27.5 x 5 x 52 |
| 10.4 lbs |
| GreenGuard and CertiPUR Certified |
| Pros |
|---|
| Designed for both infants and toddlers |
| Hypoallergenic and low VOC |
| Dust, bug, and contaminant resistant seams |
| Fully waterproof and easy to clean |
| Tested for durability, safety, and other performance concerns |
| Cons |
|---|
| Some users report this mattress being too firm |
5. Moonlight Slumber Starlight Supreme Mattress
Editor’s Rating: 4.7
This is an upgraded version of the previous mattress on this list. Like the other mattress, it’s completely waterproof, hypoallergenic, and very firm. This version has an upgraded medical grade cover, which is also stain and odor resistant.
All those features combine to give you a highly durable product. This mattress will see your new child through ups and downs, messy nights, and peaceful ones.
It’s constructed completely free of the main problematic components so that the mattress produces no VOCs and other harmful chemicals.
Like the previous mattress, it is also bug and dust mite resistant. The mattress meets all fire safety regulations but without harmful chemical fire retardants.
The foam used in this mattress is also a plant-based product, making it a more environmentally safe and sustainable option. The foam allows a firm surface for infants, while also providing a plush pillowy layer for toddlers when you’re ready to flip it over.
| Specs |
|---|
| Waterproof |
| Breathable design |
| SafeSealed Seams |
| NO Fire-Resistant Chemicals Used |
| 14 lbs |
| Dual plant-based foam core |
| Pros |
|---|
| Incredibly high manufacturing standards |
| No emissions from the mattress |
| Manufactured without the use of harmful components |
| Easy to clean |
| Odor and stain resistant |
| Dual infant/toddler design |
| Cons |
|---|
| Water cover can be a little noisy |
6. Lullaby Earth Non-Toxic Crib Mattress
Editor’s Rating: 4.5
Lullaby Earth is a company that is specifically dedicated to creating high quality and incredibly safe baby mattresses. To that end, their mattresses are produced with high-quality materials, and without the potentially toxic additives that are included in many other mattresses, especially the older ones.
Because this mattress is designed for both babies and toddlers, it’s also got reinforced edges. That makes this mattress a safer option for toddlers and infants alike since the edges of the mattress will not collapse under your child if they jump in their bed, or roll over in their sleep.
This mattress is also designed to be very easy to clean. That means it’s easier to create and maintain a hygienic environment for your young one.
With pediatrician-recommended firmness, you’ll also know that you’re giving your child the support they need for proper early development.
| Specs |
|---|
| 28 x 6 x 52 |
| 12 lbs |
| Waterproof |
| Hypoallergenic |
| Reinforced edges |
| Pediatrician recommended firmness |
| Pros |
|---|
| Made of high-quality materials |
| Hypoallergenic |
| Easy to clean |
| Reinforced edges add safety |
| Firm and supportive |
| Cons |
|---|
| Can have a crunchy sound |
| Can dent in the middle slightly |
7. Beautyrest Beginnings Sleepy Whispers Ultra Deluxe 2-in-1 Innerspring Crib – Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.4
This mattress is a little different than the other mattresses we’ve featured on this list. For one thing, it’s more of a traditional design, but updated for better safety and meeting modern comfort and design standards.
This is an innerspring mattress. But with 231 picketed coils, you can count on this mattress to stay firm, and to resist damage, for a long time to come. Those coils are also designed to distribute the pressure across the mattress, leading to additional support.
While this mattress is a good deal, it’s not a short-term investment. Like many other crib mattresses, this is a dual-sided mattress, so you can flip it over for a softer version as soon as your child is ready.
It’s Greenguard and CertiPUR-US certified, made in the USA, and comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty for added peace of mind.
| Specs |
|---|
| Greenguard Gold certified |
| Waterproof |
| 24 lbs |
| 27.5 x 6 x 52 |
| CertiPUR-US certified |
| Comes with a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty |
| Pros |
|---|
| Affordable |
| Durable enough for multiple uses |
| Designed for both infants and toddlers |
| Firm enough to be suitable for infants |
| Waterproof |
| Cons |
|---|
| Design is very heavy |
Crib Mattress Buying Guide:
While we’ve already gone over some of the best options on the market for crib mattresses, this buying guide is designed to give you a better sense of what makes a good mattress for your little one. These qualifications apply to any crib mattress, not just the ones we’ve listed.
Size:
One of the first things you need to consider is the side of the mattress. It needs to fit snugly inside of your crib, without wrinkling or curving, and without leaving gaps along the sides.
That’s because your baby doesn’t have the muscle mass or body control to help themselves if they roll over onto a wrinkle or hump in the mattress. They also can’t right themselves if they get stuck in a gap along the sides.
Most mattresses and cribs are made to a standard size. But you should still buy your crib first, and measure it so that you can get a mattress that’s as close as possible to the true dimensions of your crib.
A good rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the sides of the crib on any side. If the mattress fits very close to the sides, you should also make sure it’s completely flat. Rolls, bumps, and even a slight tilt can make your baby uncomfortable, or encourage them to roll into a less safe sleeping position.
This should be one of your biggest concerns in picking a good mattress. The size and firmness should be your first two considerations, other details can be a secondary concern.
Firmness:
Babies need a significantly firmer mattress than adults. Most of us would not find a crib mattress comfortable, but that’s okay. The goal of the infant side of your crib bed isn’t really comfort. It’s safety. A baby laying on their back, without blankets or toys, will sleep more safely, and yes, more comfortably, than a baby with a mattress that’s cluttered or too soft.
Soft mattresses can make it difficult for your baby to move. They also tend to create a depression for your baby to sleep in, which might be more comfortable but is much less safe for children with developing muscles.
If you get a dual-sided bed, you can expect that the toddler side will be a little softer. But don’t be surprised if it’s still firmer than you would find comfortable. While there is less risk for toddlers while sleeping, they still need additional support. That comes with a firm mattress.
While the toddler side will usually be more comfortable for your young one, it still shouldn’t be too soft.
Materials:
There are a lot of materials available for mattresses now. The biggest things you want to look for aren’t necessarily what materials are there, it’s what materials aren’t. You should never buy a mattress that doesn’t have a no fire retardant chemicals label somewhere on the packaging.
Similarly, look for labels that say no or low VOC (volatile organic compounds), hypoallergenic, and other quality assurance labeling. Your mattress should also have several safety qualifications.
If all those things look good, now you can start to think about mattress materials. Plain cotton, and fabrics and fibers made from bamboo, are becoming more popular and more common in crib mattresses. These mattresses can be waterproof, but you should expect some stains and odor to develop over time.
Vinyl is another common waterproofing layer. It’s very effective, but may not be as comfortable for your child. Vinyl covers can lead to sweaty babies overnight. They also are prone to cracking and splitting. While that’s less of an issue with a fitted sheet, it still degrades the quality and value of the mattress over time.
Many mattresses are now including zinc and plant-based oils to add anti-microbial and insect-resistance to their materials. These additions aren’t strictly necessary, especially with interior seams and other waterproofing and safety measures.
But, if you’re more comfortable with a mattress that has a few added features, those kinds of additions are getting more common.
Dual Sided:
Dual-sided crib mattresses are about as common as the single-sided variety anymore. You’ll expect to see a higher price tag on these mattresses, but they’re also a higher value item. That’s because a mattress that dual-sided, it’ll last your child that much longer.
Look for mattresses with a reasonable difference between firmness on both sides. The toddler side should still be firm, but it can be softer or have a more pillow-like texture to it.
Even a dual-sided mattress needs to meet the other qualifications we’ve already mentioned since you’ll need those same safety qualifications for the first couple years of your child’s life.
Reinforced Edges:
Reinforced edges are a great option to look for. These edges will help the bed stand the test of time, and will keep your mattress safer from day one.
One of the biggest concerns with crib mattresses is that your child will get trapped between the mattress and the crib. That happens most often when the edge of mattress buckles as the child gets closer, creating a slope that the child can’t get back up.
This type of edging should be just as firm as the edge and in the corners as the mattress is in the center.
Reinforced edging should also be able to stand up to rougher use as your baby gets older. Even if your toddler develops a habit of jumping in their crib and on the mattress, the edges should hold up without sagging or bending.
Conclusion:
Crib mattresses are one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make. They are a critical piece of equipment for keeping your new child safe, healthy, and happy.
We’ve gone over some of the best options, but because we know that this is a decision you’ll want to make with some care and consideration, we’ve also gone over the most important features.
Crib mattresses today are getting better and better. They are safer for your child, more likely to stay pristine, even with hard use, and can maintain your air quality.
While we’re confident in all the options we’ve presented, we hope that the information we provided helps you pick the right mattress for you. Even if it isn’t on our list.
