Looking for the best crib mattresses can be overwhelming.
How do you even choose one when they all seem to have the same qualities?!
Do you go for an expensive, top-of-the-line mattress brand? Or price doesn’t really matter, as they’re basically similar to affordable ones?
In this article, I’ve mostly listed the most popular, highly recommended cribs by a lot of parents.
I usually research and list items that are popular amongst baby experts and parents. But strangely, these 2 groups have a lot of top different crib mattress recommendations.
Sure there were overlapping preferences but for the most part, the baby expert’s top 5 baby crib mattresses are so different from the parents.
And I’m guessing it’s because of the commissions but hey who knows?
I digress.
Whatever the case may be, you’ll primarily find here the best crib mattresses according to tons of parents.
But you’ll also find a few well-recommended crib mattresses from baby experts.
Let’s get started.
I hope you’ll love the products we recommend! Just a quick note: if you click on a product link below and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.
List of Contents
In a Hurry? We Recommend…
The Newborn baby crib mattress for its excellent features, and high recommendations from parents.
For a more affordable crib mattress, we recommend the Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress.
Best Crib Mattresses
Newton Waterproof Baby Crib Mattress
This is by far, the most recommended, well-regarded, best crib mattress by a lot of parents by a mile.
It’s pretty much renowned for its breathability and washability. Even if most parents know that the “breathability” factor is more of a marketing ploy. (Although some can attest to its effectiveness with stories about how their babies had no sweating issues whatsoever.)
What sold a lot of parents to Newton is the ease of washing and cleaning it.
Most said they don’t even use a waterproof liner with it as they can just easily wash and rinse the mattress in the shower!
Which can be helpful if your waterproof crib sheets aren’t well waterproof.
And especially if you have a reflux baby who spits often, or they’re suffering from baby diarrhea.
The Newton also tends to last long and doesn’t easily lose its firmness nor does it get easily lumpy with time. You can use it with multiple kids!
It’s also lightweight, making it easy to change its sheets.
The only downside that a lot of parents will agree with me is its price.
Which is ridiculously high, as you can find crib mattresses for as low as $50.
Nevertheless, it has been worth it for a lot of parents.
Pros
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Waterproof
- Long Lasting
Cons
- Super expensive
Ikea Krummelur Baby Crib Mattress
Ikea is a highly regarded, well-known brand that even if they don’t carry the Greenguard Gold certificate, everyone just trusts them.
Mainly because of their reputation, European standards, and policies.
Their crib mattresses hence, are free from harmful chemicals and are made from safe, sustainable materials.
A lot of parents opt for an Ikea for its high quality, safe, baby crib mattresses at an affordable price.
It can also last long and it doesn’t lose its firmness even if your kid uses the crib for 3 years or more!
The problem with Ikea products, if you’re living in the US, is they’re not easy to buy.
Either they have stock issues (everything seems to be sold out!) or shipping issues (delay in shipping or expensive shipping fees).
They’re not the most convenient brand but they’re worth it if you manage to grab one!
Pros
- Affordable
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Sold out most of the time
- Expensive shipping fees
Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress
This is another popular recommendation from a lot of parents and baby experts.
All Moonlight crib mattresses are made with CertiPUR-US certified foam and are GREENGUARD® GOLD-certified.
It’s hypoallergenic, and waterproof with a durable stretch knit fabric. And with a dual side – a high-density firm foam side for newborns and a plush, soft foam side for toddlers.
Most parents love this mattress for its high quality, comfortable, easy-to-wipe material.
It does have some downsides, according to a few parents.
Like it has a slight curve in it that takes months to go away, due to it being packaged while rolled up. Or that mold can form inside the mattress.
But other than that, the majority of parents find this as a great, quality mattress, that’s slightly higher priced.
Pros
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Dual-sided – infant and toddler side mattress
- Easy to wipe
Cons
- Slightly pricey
Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress
A lot of parents also like this Graco Premium mattress, mostly because of its price.
It’s Greenguard Gold certified, which is a plus for every parent who prefers non-toxic baby items.
It’s also CERTIPUR-US-certified, which means the foam in the mattress is made of non-toxic materials.
It has a machine-washable, water-resistant outer cover. Although some parents have complained that it’s not water-resistant.
It’s not the perfect crib mattress out there as there have been complaints about its quality changing.
Some parents mentioned the new Graco mattress seems to be totally different- mattress quality has degraded, is flimsy, it makes a dent, etc.
And that it doesn’t fully expand when taken out of its box.
For most parents though, they never had any problems with it.
It’s firm yet comfortable for their baby, fits their crib, and most especially their budget.
Pros
- Affordable
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Dual-sided – infant and toddler side mattress
Cons
- Mixed reviews on quality
Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress
I would have thought this would lead the pack as the best baby crib mattress, given that it’s a popular organic brand.
It’s also carrying a lot of organic and non-toxic certifications, examples of which are from GOTS, Made Safe, and Greenguard.
It also has a breathable surface that reduces overheating. This is also helpful for anxious parents with a newborn that sleeps on their face
The Naturepedic has also a waterproof mattress core with a built-in protector pad, that’s removable and washable.
For some though, they find the mattress a little too firm and too hard for their baby. A few parents also noted down that its waterproof cover has a plasticky feeling.
They might seem like minor issues but I think those are the reasons why Newton trumps Naturepedic (so far, based on my research!) as the best crib mattress.
Even if it’s as expensive as the former.
Still, a lot of parents are happy with how high-quality the Naturepedic crib mattress is, with some using it for more than 4 years for their multiple kids!
Pros
- Organic
- Dual-sided – infant and toddler side mattress
- Long Lasting
Cons
- Expensive
Simmons Kids Quiet Nights Dual Sided Baby Crib Mattress
This is a Greenguard Gold, JPMA-certified crib mattress, that’s also CPSIA and ASTM certified.
Made in the US, it’s free from added toxic fire retardants, lead, and phthalates and has a waterproof, hypoallergenic cover that’s easy to clean.
Parents most especially like that feature as you know how babies can be – they can spit, vomit, pee, or worse on the bed. And having a waterproof mattress material can ease the burden of clean-up!
This Simmons crib mattress is also dual-sided. So you can use the firm side for your infant and then flip over to use the softer side for your older baby or toddler.
Some parents though find it super hard, rock hard, for their babies.
It also apparently makes a lot of noise, but for most parents, it’s been a comfortable mattress for their little ones.
Pros
- Affordable
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Dual-sided – infant and toddler side mattress
Cons
- Has complaints of having a hard surface
Milliard Memory Foam Baby Crib Mattress
If your priority is an affordable crib mattress that’s highly popular and recommended by a lot of parents, consider the Milliard.
It’s not an organic crib mattress with a lot of non-toxic certifications. But it does use a Certipur-certified foam and it meets US safety standards and requirements.
It also has a dual side feature – it has a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers.
A lot of parents also noted how durable this mattress is, with some using it for 4 years and counting.
While some have used it as a dog bed for their 80 lbs/ 36 kg babies with no sagging or dent on it!
It does have some complaints about its waterproof cover that doesn’t really feel like it’s waterproof. And the most concerning complaint is that it has fiberglass.
Out of almost 12k reviews from Amazon (at this article’s publishing), there were 6 fiberglass complaints, with kids getting sick over it.
Milliard, of course, said their product doesn’t contain any fiberglass and the majority of parents didn’t have any fiberglass-related issues with it.
So I hope those were just a few very unfortunate incidents as it does seem like it’s a stellar, durable crib mattress with an affordable price.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Uses Certipur certified foam
Cons
- Has complaints of having fiberglass
Sealy Baby Soybean Foam-Core Crib Mattress
This is a surprising recommendation from some parents and baby experts, given its mixed reviews online.
But I get why it has gotten a lot of mixed feedback.
As first, the Sealy crib mattress holds safety certifications like GREENGUARD GOLD, ASTM, CPSIA, Certipur, and CHCC, giving parents peace of mind for buying a safe, non-toxic mattress.
It’s dual-sided – one side is supposed to be firmer for newborns and the other side is softer and more appropriate for toddlers.
It’s also supposed to have a waterproof surface barrier that’s supposed to keep liquid from seeping inside, which is helpful when your baby gets a diaper blowout or they catch a stomach and they puke all over the bed.
Price-wise, it’s also not bad, as it’s not extremely expensive like the Newton mattress.
But for some parents, the Sealy crib mattress doesn’t hold up to all those promised features.
What they ended up with is a soft mattress that sags in the middle, making it unsafe for their infants, it’s really not waterproof, and in general, is a low-quality mattress.
For a lot of parents, it’s still a great mattress for its price.
Pros
- Affordable
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Holds a lot of safety certifications
Cons
- Mixed reviews on quality
Dream On Me Twilight Baby Crib Mattress
If you want one of the cheapest crib mattresses out there that still has great quality, then you can’t go wrong with the Dream On Me Twilight crib mattress.
It’s one of those super practical, baby registry gifts that any parent will want to have.
This is a JPMA, ASTM, and Greenguard Gold certified, dual-sided crib mattress, with a waterproof cover and lock-stitched binding material, that prevents liquid from seeping inside.
It’s also super durable, as I’ve seen some feedback about how they’ve used this for their large dogs!
Still, others find it of average, even low quality.
Some say it’s too thin, it’s noisy and squeaky, it feels like there’s a lot of air inside, it’s flimsy and its infant side is too soft.
A lot of parents don’t have any issues with it though, most especially because of its very wallet-friendly price.
Pros
- Super Affordable
- Greenguard Gold certified
Cons
- Has some low-quality feedback
Buying Guide: Best Baby Crib Mattresses
Consider these several features when choosing the best crib mattress for your baby:
- Safety Certifications
Crib mattresses should have the standard and added safety certifications such as GREENGUARD GOLD, ASTM, CPSIA, or JPMA. These certifications ensure that the mattress meets stringent safety standards and has undergone rigorous testing for chemicals, emissions, and flammability.
Ideally, the best crib mattresses are made from organic or natural materials that are free from harmful chemicals, toxins, and allergens. Certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or CertiPUR-US ensure that the mattress materials meet specific standards for organic or safe materials.
- Firmness
Infants require a firm sleep surface to prevent suffocation and promote healthy development. Look for a mattress that offers proper support for newborns and young babies. Some mattresses feature a dual-sided design, providing a firmer side for infants and a softer side for toddlers, allowing the mattress to grow with your child.
- Breathability
This is technically more of a marketing angle but does consider those mattress brands that promote themselves as being “breathable”. Most of them can help regulate temperature, reducing overheating and allowing your baby to sleep comfortably. Its breathability factor might also help to prevent the buildup of allergens and mold.
- Easy to Clean
Babies are prone to accidents, spills, and messes, so look for a mattress with a waterproof cover. Or one with a waterproof barrier that protects the core from liquids and stains. A removable, machine-washable cover adds convenience and allows for easy cleaning, maintaining hygiene, and extending the mattress’s lifespan.
A washable mattress that’s easy to dry can be ideal to have too, just in case you’ve run out of mattress covers!
- Supportive Core
The core of the mattress should provide ample support for your baby’s growing body. Options like innerspring coils or high-density foam offer excellent support and durability. A sturdy core ensures that the mattress will maintain its shape and provide proper support for your baby over time.
- Size and Fit
It’s important to choose a mattress that fits snugly into the crib to prevent any gaps or entrapment hazards. Most cribs adhere to standard sizes, but it’s essential to measure the crib dimensions and select a mattress that matches precisely.
FAQ: Best Baby Crib Mattresses
What type of mattress is best for babies?
The type of mattress that’s best for babies are those that are Greenguard certified, with a firm surface and that fit cribs perfectly.
Do you really need an expensive crib mattress?
No, you don’t need an expensive crib mattress, especially if your priority is your budget and just getting a basic, firm mattress.
However, the expensive crib mattress most of the time offers a little bit more features such as being organic, having a washable mattress core, carrying more safety certifications, etc., making them more appealing and worth it to new parents.
Do breathable crib mattresses prevent SIDS?
No, breathable crib mattresses don’t prevent SIDS, as most SIDS cases have unknown causes, making it an unexplained death.
But researchers have discovered some factors that might put babies at extra risk for SIDS and how to prevent it. And one of them is ensuring that your baby sleeps on their back.
Tips on Getting and Using A Crib Mattresses
- Firm mattress with no gaps
That’s basically what you need in a crib mattress. Sure having a non-toxic one is ideal but all crib mattresses are held to federal safety standards, so all, if not most, are generally safe to use for babies.
- Get waterproof crib sheets
Not a lot of crib mattresses can be washed down and dried like the Newton so if you don’t want to get an expensive washable mattress, you can just make do with waterproof crib sheets.
Everyone needs them anyway, especially during the first few years when you’re still changing diapers and toilet-training your little ones.
- Donate to animal shelters
If you don’t have use for your crib mattress, instead of throwing it away, give it to animal shelters. They would find it useful for the large breed dogs, especially the old ones.
- Double-make the bed
Put in a mattress protector then a crib sheet, then another mattress protector then a crib sheet.
Double layer the crib to make it easy to clean it, especially when your baby does a diaper poonami.
Related Article: 27 Best Diaper Blowout Hacks Every Parent Should Know!
- No to used mattresses from strangers
If you’re handing down your older kids’ crib mattress to your future baby, that should be fine, as long as the crib mattress doesn’t have any dent, doesn’t sag, and is still in tip-top condition.
However, it’s not recommended to use a second-hand crib mattress, especially one that you bought from a stranger. As you don’t know what that crib mattress has gone through. So better just get a new one, instead of getting a second hand crib mattress.
Final Thoughts: Best Crib Mattresses
I highly recommend considering first your budget and then noting down the reviews and extra features of your chosen crib mattress.
Not everyone can afford the Newton but if your second-best choice fits your budget and has a lot of positive reviews, then it might be worth it.
I hope this best crib mattresses review list has been helpful.
If you love this article, then make sure to check out these guides on the:
- How to Choose a Crib Mattress
- Best Baby Cribs
- Best Non Toxic Cribs
- Best Cribs For Short Moms
- Mini Crib vs Bassinet
- Best Cheap Baby Cribs
- Mini Crib vs Cribs
- Babyletto Gelato vs Hudson Crib
