Best Crib Mattresses for Babies and Toddlers (2023)

For peace of mind during the night, we recommend the Newton Baby Crib Mattress as our best overall pick. It boasts innovative, breath-through technology that reduces the risk of suffocation and rebreathing carbon dioxide. This feature also ensures your baby stays cool and comfortable throughout the night.

Also, the entire mattress is washable, from the removable cover to the mattress. Constructed without foam, glue, latex, or springs, parents won't have to worry about allergens when their baby sleeps either. Made from recycled materials and GreenGuard Certified, which guarantees this product has low chemical emissions, Newton Baby proves to be an eco-conscious company that consumers can feel good buying from.

Satisfied parents love the breathability and cooling features of this mattress, so they don't have to worry about their baby overheating during the night. In terms of safety, parents feel confident letting their child sleep on their stomach on this pick. While expensive, the Newton Baby mattress easily grows with your child from an infant to toddler.

One thing to note, some users reported a strong smell of plastic upon opening. Luckily, this seems to go away after the first wash.

_{Dimensions:‎52 x 28 x 5.5 inches |Materials:Recyclable food-grade polymer |Thickness:5.5 inches |Cover?:Yes |Warranty:Lifetime |Certifications:GreenGuard Gold}

For those on a tight budget, the Graco Premium Foam Mattress provides a comfortable and safe space for your baby to sleep at an affordable price. Screened for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs known to pollute indoor air, this mattress features a flexible and water-resistant,machine-washable coverin case of spills or accidents.

The memory foam material boasts breathability but also firmness suitable for infants. Compact in a box for easy shipping, this mattress will need to expand for a few hours when taken out of the box. Afterward, you have a dependable and cozy mattress to use for years to come.

_{Dimensions:‎52 x 27 x 5 inch |Materials:Foam |Thickness:5 inches |Cover?:Yes |Warranty:6 years |Certifications:GreenGuard Gold, CertiPUR-US}

Naturepedic products ensure all of the materials used in your baby's crib mattress are organic and nontoxic. Without traditional springs, this option proves to be lightweight yet sturdy. The breathability materials follow federal regulations for flammability as well as sustainable requirements for farming and chemical emissions.

The firm base and reinforced edges ensure your baby stays safe all night without dipping to one side. The waterproof seams prevent liquids from seeping into the sides while keeping bugs and dust mites out. Simply wipe off your mattress in case of spills or accidents without worrying about stains.

_{Dimensions:‎52 x 27.5 x 6 inch |Materials:Cotton |Thickness:6 inches |Cover?:No |Warranty:8 years |Certifications:GOTS, GreenGuard, UL}

Ensure there are no harmful chemicals or toxins in your child's mattress by picking an organic option, like this one from Avocado. Its blend of latex, wool, and cotton ensures your baby has a soft and comfortable sleeping place while being breathable and soothing.

We love that they use GOLS organic-certified latex and GOTS organic-certified wool. These materials last longer and feel sturdier than competitor options, but they feel heavier, resulting in a 28-pound mattress. Still, the organic materials and dual sides for babies and toddlers make this pick worth the heavy weight and price tag.

_{Dimensions:‎52 x 28 x 6 inch |Materials:GOLS organic certified Dunlop latex, GOTS organic certified cotton and wool |Thickness:6 inches |Cover?:Yes |Warranty:25 years |Certifications:GreenGuard Gold, OEKO-TEX®: Class 1}

As babies get older, they transition to a softer crib mattress that keeps them comfortable while sleeping. Instead of buying two mattresses, consider one with two sides designed for two stages of your child's life, like this one from Moonlight Slumber. One side contains extra-firm plant-based foam ideal for infants. The other boasts soft and plush foam that toddlers can melt into.

The medical-grade stretch knit fabric holds up well over time while resisting water, odors, bed bugs, and dust mites. Parents can feel good about this PVC-free, phthalate- and lead-free, non-toxic, antimony-free, and vinyl-free mattress that won't irritate your baby's skin or allergies while sleeping. It also comes with a waterproof cover, which proves helpful in case of accidents.

_{Dimensions:‎52 x 27.5 x 5 inch |Materials:Medical-grade foam |Thickness:5 inches |Cover?:Yes |Warranty:8 years |Certifications:None}

Finding a breathable crib mattress makes sure that if your baby flips onto their stomach during the night, they will still be able to breathe. The certified safe, high-quality foam in this pick ensures that your baby does not suffocate and will not be breathing in any harmful allergens or toxins.

The dual-sided option features a built-in waterproof backing so no liquids can seep into the mattress and cause stains. As the name suggests, Colgate's Eco Classic Mattress includes "eco-foam" infused with plant oils for an environmentally-friendly purchase. The firm yet lightweight and nontoxic compositions make this a must-buy.

_{Dimensions:‎52 x 27.75 x 6 inch |Materials:Cotton |Thickness:6 inches |Cover?:Yes |Warranty:Lifetime |Certifications:CertiPUR-US, GreenGuard Gold}

Mini cribs require a special smaller mattress that still must have all of the safety considerations of that of a traditional size. Delta Children's Serta SleepTrue Mini Crib Mattress checks all our boxes, including a nontoxic construction, waterproof cover, and 10-year warranty.

The firm fiber core is made from recycled bottles and reaches four inches thick for optimal comfort for your baby. The dual-side ensures you will have this mattress for years or at least until your child outgrows it. At just 4 pounds, this is also a great choice for taking on the go.

_{Dimensions:‎‎38 x 24 x 4 inches |Materials:Fiber core, vinyl cover |Thickness:4 inches |Cover?:Yes |Warranty:10 years |Certifications:GreenGuard Gold}

Finding a waterproof crib mattress or cover is pivotal for keeping a clean sleeping space for your baby. It makes it much easier to wash and clean up spills or accidents without fear of staining or damage. We love this pick from Sealy, which features an antimicrobial and odor-resistant waterproof cover with lock-stitched binding, so nothing can seep through.

The heat-tempered interlocking steel coils in this innerspring option ensure your babystays cooland content throughout the night. Additionally, the all-around secure edge heavy gauge steel border rods keep them from sinking into one side or getting stuck anywhere on their bed. The cover can make some noise throughout the night, but the cleanliness it provides makes it worth the risk.

_{Dimensions:‎‎51.63 x 27.75 x 5 inches |Materials:Polyester |Thickness:5 inches |Cover?:Non-removable |Warranty:10 years |Certifications:GreenGuard Gold}

Innerspring mattresses feature internal coils that make for extremely firm, sturdy, and long-lasting products. For infants, the coils prevent them from sinking or falling to one side. Toddlers appreciate the springiness that moves with their bodies, making for optimal comfort.

This Kolcraft mattress comes with a waterproof and stain-resistant non-removable cover that wipes down easily with a damp cloth. Although you cannot remove the cover, it is made from hypoallergenic and breathable materials that remain safe and comfortable for your baby or toddler.

_{Dimensions:‎‎51.63 x 27.25 x 5 inches |Materials:Foam |Thickness:5 inches |Cover?:Non-removable |Warranty:10 years |Certifications:GreenGuard Gold}

Final Verdict

For a breathable, firm, and cooling option, we love the Newton Baby Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed Best. All of the components are machine-washable for great sleep for your baby and an easy clean-up process for you. For a more budget-friendly pick, we recommend the Graco Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress. This comfortable foam option includes a waterproof outer cover, free from chemicals and allergens.

FAQ

• How do you clean a crib mattress?

  Most crib mattresses are made with cleanliness in mind. Many options on this list include a mattress and a cover that can easily be thrown in the washing machine weekly or immediately after spills or accidents. Others include waterproof covers that easily wipe down to avoid stains and liquid seeping through. Look into the care instructions before taking the plunge to prepare for inevitable messes.

• Do crib mattresses make a difference in a child's sleep?

  Medina and Nevares agree that the crib and mattress do not have the biggest impact on your child's sleep. Still, creating a safe, comfortable space for your baby is a great way to start. "The single most important thing you can do to get your child sleeping well is teaching how to fall asleep independently, without the assistance of any sleep associations or sleep props," says Medina. Ensuring that your child feels good in their crib and all of the safety precautions are taken only aids in this process.

  Nevares adds, "Sleep and development go hand in hand. Once they're getting great-quality sleep, then their development skyrockets." Thus, anything a parent can do to improve a baby's sleep, including finding the perfect mattress, contributes to your baby's development.

• What do babies need to sleep?

  In a crib, babies need a good flat mattress and a fitted sheet. This sheet should be as tight on the mattress as possible to prevent the baby from suffocating if they roll over on their stomach. "The mattress with the fitted sheet are the only two items that should be in your baby's crib...no mobiles, blankets, stuffed animals, toys, bumpers, etc., for safest sleep," says Medina. Because an infant requires so few products to sleep, it becomes important to ensure these few products are as high-quality and safe as possible.