Best Crib Mattresses
What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
- Best Overall Crib Mattress : Colgate Eco Classica III Dual Firmness Eco-Friendlier Crib Mattress
- Best Long-Lasting Crib Mattress : Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress
- Best Crib Mattress to Fight Allergies : Sealy Baby Posturepedic Crown Jewel Luxury Firm Crib and Toddler Mattress
- Best Affordable Eco-Friendly Crib Mattress : Serta Perfect Start Crib and Toddler Mattress
- Best Crib Mattress to Stay Cool : Newton Waterproof Crib Mattress
- Best Organic Cotton Crib Mattress : Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress
- Best Waterproof Crib Mattress : Lullaby Earth Breeze 2-Stage Crib Mattress
- Best Crib Mattress Made With Renewable Materials : Sealy Soybean Serenity Foam Core Mattress
- Most Quiet Crib Mattress : Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic Mattress With Hybrid Waterproof Cover
Ever pressed down on a crib mattress to test out the comfort factor? If so, your first thought might have been, It's so hard — is my baby actually going to be able to sleep on this?
Yes, she will. More than that, though, it’s essential that your baby's crib mattress be anything but plush.
Although the following statistic can be tough to think about, there are approximately 3,500 sleep-related deaths among babies in the United States each year. While the causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) aren't exactly known, research shows that safe sleep practices can limit the risk of SIDs and other sleep-related deaths.
In addition to following safe sleep practices such as placing baby on her back during all sleep times and keeping soft bedding like blankets, pillows and crib bumpers out of the crib, having a well-designed and firm crib mattress is important to prevent SIDS.
What to look for in a crib mattress
Most importantly, “crib mattresses should be firm, which means hard,” says Rachel Y. Moon, M.D., an investigator with the Child Health Research Center at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. “A hard mattress will not mold to the shape of the baby. Just because you would prefer a softer mattress does not mean that your baby would."
You’ll also want to make sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib frame, adds Dr. Moon, as gaps between the rails and mattress can also pose a safety hazard. In addition to essential safety features, there are a few other details you might consider when shopping for a crib mattress.
- Dual-sided: Some crib mattresses are dual-sided, meaning they are designed to be firm on one side for infant sleeping and then can be turned over for a slightly softer sleep surface once your little one is a toddler. This certainly gives you more mileage from the mattress, but note that many toddlers remain content sleeping on firm mattresses for years.
- Breathable materials: You may find that some crib mattress brands advertise their “breathable” materials (like mesh), which can mean they don’t trap as much heat, lessening the risk of major baby sweat. Remember, though, that even with a “breathable” mattress, baby still needs to be put down on her back to go to sleep.
- Greenguard Gold certification: For some parents, it's important that their baby's crib mattress has Greenguard Gold certification, which is used to identify products made from materials that give off low or no emissions of potentially harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Greenguard certification is given to products that meet industry standards for low emissions, but the Gold certification goes one step further and recognizes products that emit even lower levels and have a minimal amount of formaldehyde emissions.
- CertiPUR-US certification: is awarded to mattresses based on the quality of the foam used in them. These foams are made without heavy metals, formaldehyde, pthalates and more.
- Mess-proofing: Mattresses are usually made with a few different layers, including a core (often foam) topped with a barrier layer (to prevent liquids from seeping in) and a top cover (e.g. cotton, polyester or a blend) that may be water- or allergy-proof for added peace of mind (and cleanliness). What you choose depends on your baby’s needs and what qualities you deem most important.
This can seem like a lot to think about, but don’t worry: you can — and will — find the right crib mattress for baby.
How we made our picks for the best crib mattresses
Several factors went into our choices for the best crib mattresses. We checked for potential recalls, certifications (including Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US) and ensured that these were safe options for your little one. The What to Expect editorial team also conducted research on popularity, innovation, design, quality, value and ease of use of crib mattresses, and sought feedback from pediatricians and other relevant experts. What to Expect staff and contributors also tested crib mattresses at home with our own families. Finally, we turned to the parents in the What to Expect community for their insights on the crib mattresses they know and trust.
Here, the best baby crib mattresses for your little one.
Best Overall Crib Mattress
Colgate Eco Classica III Dual Firmness Eco-Friendlier Crib Mattress
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This mattress is one of the best crib mattresses out there. One side is very firm for infants, and it can be flipped over for a softer surface for toddlers. It’s also Greenguard Gold- and CertiPUR-US certified and lightweight — so you don’t have to wrestle with it when changing baby's sheets. Due to its high quality and middle-of-the-road price, you'll often find this one described as a favorite and must-have among parents in the What to Expect community and beyond.
Weight: 13 pounds
Dimensions: 51.6 x 27.25 x 6 inches
"It has been great and my now 20 month old has done perfect on it."
Best Long-Lasting Crib Mattress
Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress
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Any baby item you can get more mileage out of is a winner. This dual-sided baby and toddler mattress is made with two different types of CertiPUR-US certified foam to provide varying levels of support as your child grows. The infant side is extra firm, and you can flip it over for a somewhat softer surface once she reaches the toddler stage. Should your little one pee through her diaper — and at some point, she will — the cover removes easily so you can toss it in the washing machine. It also has an eight-year warranty, so you know you're safe with this purchase.
Weight: 8.2 pounds
Dimensions: 52 x 27.5 x 5 inches
"We are using that mattress for our 15 mo son. He sleeps 10-12 hours a night now so I’m assuming it’s comfortable. I did switch it to the toddler side around 8 mo. It seems to be holding up well, no noticeable sag or anything."
Best Crib Mattress to Fight Allergies
Sealy Baby Posturepedic Crown Jewel Luxury Firm Crib and Toddler Mattress
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This spring mattress has a waterproof cover to protect against bacterial growth over time and also wipes clean easily. Ultimately, that means you don’t have to worry about sweat, snot and urine seeping into the mattress. It also boasts different layers to insulate the mattress from dust and mildew for little ones with allergies. Plus, the mattress stays supportive, thanks to a steel border (to keep the corners from sagging) and a smart coil system that supports your baby as she moves and grooves while dreaming.
Weight: 17.63 pounds
Dimensions: 51.63 x 27.25 x 5.75 inches
“Updated mattress when our son went from crib to big boy bed. It’s great now that we are potty training and accidents tend to happen.”
Best Affordable Eco-Friendly Crib Mattress
Serta Perfect Start Crib and Toddler Mattress
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This mattress is Greenguard Gold certified, which means it's made with environmentally-friendly materials. It also has a waterproof vinyl cover, making it easy to wipe down after an unfortunate middle-of-the-night blowout. Also good: It's designed to fit snugly inside any standard crib and is appropriately firm for baby’s safety.
Weight: 15 pounds
Dimensions: 52 x 27.5 x 6 inches
“My infant immediately started to sleep better as soon as we purchased this mattress. We had a different one at the start and did not sleep well on it. As soon as we received this mattress and put it in the crib it was a night and day difference. I didn't have to worry about it being too soft and it fits perfectly into the crib so we don't have to worry about gaps between the mattress and crib rails.”
Best Crib Mattress to Stay Cool
Newton Waterproof Crib Mattress
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If there’s one thing you'll learn from hours of baby snuggles, it’s that babies and toddlers sleep hot. We’re talking sweaty all the time, something that may wake your little one up at night. This unique mattress is designed without springs or foam; instead, it’s made of 90 percent air and 10 percent breathable, recyclable food-grade polymer that keeps baby from overheating at night by increasing air flow beneath her. Plus, not only can the cover be unzipped and go in the washer, but you can clean the core by using cool water and soap in the shower.
Weight: 14 pounds
Dimensions: 52 x 28 x 5.5 inches
"I highly recommend the Newton mattress. We have the waterproof one for our 18 month old and it’s been great."
"I have it and it gave me peace of mind. I watched their website for sales and I think I saved 20%."
Best Organic Cotton Crib Mattress
Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress
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This cotton mattress is a great pick for parents who want to know exactly what kind of materials are used in their baby's bed. The two-sided, Greenguard Gold certified mattress is made with certified organic cotton that's grown in the U.S. (Keep in mind that while the toddler side and filling are made of organic cotton, the mattress also contains metal spring coils and a waterproof polyethylene coating on the infant side of the mattress.)
Weight: 19 pounds
Dimensions: 51.63 x 27.25 x 6 inches
"We love ours! Baby sleeps well and I sleep better knowing there's not a ton of chemicals he's breathing in, especially helpful now that he's 7 months old and sleeps on his stomach."
Best Waterproof Crib Mattress
Lullaby Earth Breeze 2-Stage Crib Mattress
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This breathable mattress is another great choice for parents looking to invest in a mattress that will hold up through the toddler years. It's waterproof, thanks to the patented food grade PE waterproofing treatment and waterproof and washable cover. You’ll also appreciate that the mattress cover is made with a breathable material that allows air to freely flow, keeping your little one cool.
Weight: 7 pounds
Dimensions: 27.25 x 51.63 x 6 inches
"We have the [Lullaby Earth] and love it, I’ll probably buy it again for baby 2."
Best Crib Mattress Made With Renewable Materials
Sealy Soybean Serenity Foam Core Mattress
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The core of this mattress is CertiPUR-US certified foam enhanced with soybeans. How cool is that? The mattress is appropriately firm, designed with squared-off corners to fit like a glove in standard-size cribs, and — bonus! — the surface can be easily wiped and is stain-resistant.
Weight: 9.73 pounds
Dimensions: 51.63 x 27.25 x 5 inches
"Fast shipping. Perfect fit to the crib. Lightweight. Very good deal."
Most Quiet Crib Mattress
Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic Mattress With Hybrid Waterproof Cover
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This mattress is vinyl-free, and also boasts other bells and whistles: it’s two-sided for both infant and toddler sleep, the corners are square for a safe fit and the zippered closure means sheets will be perfectly snug. Babyletto sells their own cribs, but this one will fit other brands, as well (though always check measurements before ordering).
Weight: 11 pounds
Dimensions: 52 x 27.75 x 5 inches
"Great mattress with a great price tag! Daughter loves it. Would buy again"
- WhatToExpect.com, What You Should Know About Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), June 2020.
- WhatToExpect.com, Safe Sleep Tips for Babies, February 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Parents and Caregivers: Creating a Safe Sleep Area for Babies, September 2020.
- Certipur.us, About the Seal, 2021.
- UL.com, UL GREENGUARD Certification Program, 2021.
- UL.com, What Does "GREENGUARD Certified" Mean?, 2021.
- Rachel Y. Moon, M.D., Pediatrician, Charlottesville, VA.
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