The first year with baby can feel exhausting, but did you know newborns actually sleep for up to 16 hours (or more) per day? As your little one spends such a large portion of their early life asleep in a crib, it’s important to find a comfortable crib mattress that’s reliably safe. Of course, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to buying a crib mattress: Is it made without allergens and harsh chemicals? Is it comfortable? Will it last? And, most importantly, how firm should it be? Here, we answer all of those questions and more—before listing the best crib mattresses for every need.

Crib Mattress Safety Guidelines

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a crib mattress should have a hard, flat surface that doesn’t indent when baby is lying on it. The sleep area should be free from loose bedding and only contain the mattress with a fitted sheet designed for that particular model. It’s important to follow these sleep safety guidelines in order to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

There are many types of crib mattresses, the option you choose depends on your particular needs and budget. While it’s okay to buy some baby gear second hand, it’s best to buy a new crib mattress for hygiene reasons. Here are the main types to consider:

  • Innerspring crib mattress. Like a traditional full-size mattress, this type features sturdy metal coils surrounded by layers of soft padding. This type of crib mattress is durable and holds its shape well. If you opt for an innerspring mattress, check the coil count—this specification refers to the amount of springs inside. Mattresses with a high coil count tend to be more supportive, but they often come with a high price tag.

  • Foam crib mattress. Crib mattresses made from polyurethane foam are another great option. This type tends to be affordable, lightweight and easy to clean. The best options are made with a high-density foam, as this creates a firm and supportive sleep surface.

  • Double-sided crib mattress. A double-sided mattress offers the best of both worlds. Typically made from foam, this type features a high-density, firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers that crave a little extra comfort. They tend to be slightly more expensive than a regular crib mattress, but you’ll be able to use them for longer, which may justify the cost. One thing to note is that you’ll need to be careful about placing the correct side of the mattress facing upwards, after changing the crib sheet.

  • Breathable crib mattress. A breathable crib mattress (also known as an air-core mattress) is the newest type to hit the market. These mattresses boast a breathable cover and a core made from food grade polymer, a material that allows air to circulate freely.

Natural fiber crib mattress. Crib mattresses made from natural fibers—like organic cotton, coconut coir, sugargane and wool—are a good choice if you dislike synthetic materials. However, they tend to be expensive and the options may be limited.

What to Look For in a Crib Mattress

Now that you’re familiar with the different types of crib mattresses, here are a few shopping tips to keep in mind as you do your research:

  • Firmness. It’s important to check how firm a crib mattress is before making a purchase. For safety reasons, infants should sleep on a firm surface that doesn’t indent or contour to the shape of their head when they lie on it. A simple way to test the firmness of a mattress is to press your hand into the center, upon release the mattress should quickly snap back into its original shape. If you can still see an indentation, it’s not firm enough for baby.

  • Density. If you opt for a foam mattress, density is another factor to consider. This unit of measurement refers to the weight of the foam. High density foam mattresses tend to be better quality and more long-lasting. To test the density of a mattress, press the sides to see how pliable it is (denser foam is harder to squeeze).

  • Size and fit. Check your measurements to ensure that the mattress will fit snugly inside baby’s crib. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC) sleep safety guidelines, a gap larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress can pose a safety risk.

  • High-quality materials. Crib mattresses are strictly regulated. But it’s still important to choose products made from top-grade materials. Our advice? Check the product certifications to ensure the mattress is up to par. Greenguard Gold certified items have passed rigorous testing for harmful chemicals. Another certification to look out for is the CertiPUR-US seal, which indicates the polyurethane foam used meets the highest standards for content, emissions and durability.

Best Crib Mattresses for Every Need

Not sure where to begin? Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the research and gathered the best crib mattresses on the market, so there’s one less thing to keep you up at night.

Best overall crib mattress

Newton Baby Crib Mattress

Image: Newton Baby

Parents rave about the material of this breathable crib mattress, which keeps baby cool all night long and offers peace of mind to parents of tummy-sleeping babies. The patented mattress core is made from 90 percent air to deliver superior airflow. The cherry on top though, is that this hypoallergenic mattress doesn’t contain any foam, latex, springs or glue, making it completely recyclable. Oh, and it’s Greenguard Gold certified of course. Plus, the Newton is 100 percent washable—simply unzip the cover and pop it in the wash then soak the core in the tub. Thanks to all these impressive features, the Newton was named the best crib mattress in multiple Best of Baby awards cycles. Bonus: Get $35 off Newton mattresses over $249 with code BUMP35.

  • Fully washable
  • Firm and supportive
  • Breath-Thru Technology

Best infant and toddler crib mattress

Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress

Image: Target

With an extra-firm foam side for babies and a softer, plush side for toddlers, this convertible crib mattress gives you plenty of bang for your buck. Better yet, the high density foam doesn’t contain any vinyl, polyethylene or PVC. It’s also water-resistant, stain-resistant and odor-resistant, making messes (trust us, there will be messes) easier to deal with.

  • Water- and stain-resistant cover
  • Suitable for infants and toddlers
  • Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified
  • Spare sheets sold separately

Best organic crib mattress

Naturepedic Organic Breathable Baby Crib Mattress

Image: Naturepedic

As with the rest of Naturepedic’s products, this pick earned a spot on our list of the best crib mattresses because of its organic, hypoallergenic materials. It’s equipped with a firm mattress core, made from non-GMO sugarcane, for proper infant support. The soft, cotton cover increases airflow and even has a wipe-clean, waterproof backing. Plus, the double sided design means that this mattress will support your child from infancy to toddlerhood. And this model is Greenguard Gold certified to boot.

  • Made from GOTS certified organic cotton and sugarcane
  • Waterproof core and washable cover
  • Firm support

Best affordable crib mattress

Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress in a Box

Image: Walmart

Searching for a tried and tested crib mattress that won’t break the bank? Look no further than the Graco Premium Foam Mattress. It’s Greenguard Gold certified, has a CertiPUR-US foam core and was given the JPMA seal of approval. The high-quality, breathable foam core maximizes air flow and comes with a removable, water-resistant cover. And, with a price tag well under $100, it’s an affordable option to boot.

  • Affordable price point
  • Machine-washable waterproof cover
  • Mattress must be taken out of the box and left to expand before first use

Best crib mattress for healthy development

SleepOvation Baby crib Mattress

Image: SleepOvation

Next up on our list of the best crib mattresses, is an innovative product designed to combat plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). The patented design reduces pressure on the head while keeping the spine correctly aligned. It comes with a removable and washable cover, and the interior mattress core has knitted-in air channels to increase breathability. Although this pick is a little pricey, it’s designed to grow with your child, offering an extra-firm side for proper infant support and a softer side for toddlers.

  • Designed to support healthy spine and skull development
  • Certipur-US foam and Greenguard Gold certified adhesives
  • Suitable for infants and toddlers
  • High price point
  • Limited reviews

Best mini crib mattress

Nook Sleep Pure Mini Crib Mattress

Image: Nordstrom

A mini crib is a good option for small spaces, but remember that you’ll have to buy a mini crib mattress to match. The Nook Pebble Air fits perfectly inside a small crib, and has a coconut coir and wool core that’s naturally breathable and hypoallergenic. It’s designed for baby to sleep right on top of—no crib sheet necessary. And it’s featherlight, weighing in at a mere 7 lbs. The best part? This extra-firm crib mattress is stain-resistant and machine-washable.

  • No crib sheet necessary
  • Organic materials
  • Limited reviews
  • Designed to fit a mini crib

Best eco-friendly crib mattress

Kalon Dream No.1 Crib Mattress

Image: Modern Nursery

Last up on our list of the best crib mattresses is this eco-friendly option by Kalon. The dual-sided mattress is made from 100 percent natural, sustainably sourced materials. The firm infant side is made from palm coir, which is breathable, water-resistant and antimicrobial. The reverse is made from organic latex with built-in pressure points for optimal airflow and cushy, spinal support. Granted it’s expensive, but it’s a small price to pay for a peaceful night’s sleep.

  • Made from organic, biodegradable materials
  • Double-sided design is suitable for infants and toddlers

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.





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