A good night's sleep is a top priority for new parents. Gain peace of mind by using a high quality crib mattress that's free of chemicals, yet comfortable for your baby. Discover the best baby mattresses you can trust to help your baby have a peaceful sleep.
What to Look for in a Baby Crib Mattress
Picking out the right baby crib mattress is a matter of safety and comfort. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends choosing a firm mattress. This helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
You can test the mattress firmness when you put your baby down on the mattress. According to the AAP, this means your baby shouldn't make an indent on the mattress when lying on it.
Also, be sure to pick the correct mattress size. A standard-size crib measures 28 inches wide by 52 inches in length. A standard crib mattress should fit tightly within the crib. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says a full-size crib mattress should measure at least 27 1/4 inches x 51 1/4 inches.
Additionally, check the thickness of the crib mattress. A crib mattress should be 6 inches thick or less.
If you have a mini crib or a differently shaped crib, be sure to purchase a mattress that will fit.
Many crib mattresses are manufactured with harmful chemicals. Offgassing of foam is a common hazard. Fortunately, there are many non-toxic and organic crib mattress options, including those listed below. You can avoid harmful chemicals by choosing mattresses that are GOTS or Greenguard Gold Certified.
Types of Baby Crib Mattresses
Parents can choose from two main types of baby crib mattresses: spring mattresses and foam mattresses.
A coil or innerspring mattress features steel coils surrounded by soft cushion materials. Generally firmer, these mattresses are also heavier and tend to last longer.
Foam mattresses may be made of a variety of foam materials including polyurethane foam. However, newer models are made of safer materials such as food grade polymer or natural rubber.
The Best Baby Crib Mattresses
Discover crib mattresses made with safe materials you can trust.
1. Best Breathable Crib Mattress: Newton Crib Mattress - $299
Soft, yet firm, this breathable mattress comes with a choice of mattress cover color. This crib mattress also comes in a mini crib size if you prefer.
This breathable crib mattress gives parents peace of mind, as baby can breathe easily even if they roll onto their belly.
The removable cover is machine washable, an absolute must for busy parents. You can also wash the food-grade polymer core.
If having a waterproof mattress is important to you, choose the waterproof option. This mattress cover features a waterproof toddler side, protecting the mattress and making clean-up a piece of cake.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Breathable design
- Washable
- Ideal from infancy through toddler years
2. Best Organic Crib Mattress: Avocado Organic Crib Mattress - $349
Your baby will rest peacefully on this crib mattress featuring all organic materials. Each Avocado mattress is crafted with organic cotton, wool, coconut husk, and latex. Plus, this mattress is made in a sustainable way with environmentally-friendly materials. Buy it with a clear conscience.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-Certified Organic Product
- Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and softer side for toddlers
3. Best Combination Infant and Toddler Crib Mattress: Saatva Crib Mattress - $355
This ideal infant sleeping surface includes a breathable layer of GOTS-certified organic cotton and a firm innerspring mattress. The springs help maintain a firm surface all across the mattress. Additionally, natural rubber and eucalyptus fiber ensure the mattress is comfortable.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-Certified materials
- Breathable top layer keeps your toddler cool
- Washable water-resistant cover
- Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and softer side for toddlers
4. Best Environmentally Friendly Crib Mattress: Lullaby Earth - $279
Lullaby Earth's best baby mattress has earned multiple awards and certifications. The brand uses recycled materials, creating an environmentally friendly product. Various organizations including Green America and American Sustainable Business Network recommend this mattress.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Breathable cover improves safety for infants
- Washable cover
- Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and softer side for toddlers
5. Best Organic Cotton Mattress: Naturepedic Cotton Crib Mattress - $269
Choose from a selection of mattresses including the Naturepedic organic breathable crib mattress and classic. Nataurepedic offers non-toxic crib mattress pads featuring a choice of innerspring and a lightweight core called "wavesupport."
Unlike many other mattresses, it has a waterproof cover, which is a major plus. From blow-out diapers to spit-up, a waterproof cover makes clean-up simple and straightforward.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Waterproof coating offers easy cleaning
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-Certified materials
- Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and softer side for toddlers
6. Best Award-Winning Crib Mattress: Sleep Moonlight Little Dreamer Crib Mattress - $199
If you love the feel of a foam mattress, try this environmentally-friendly, non-toxic crib mattress. The waterproof cover makes for easy clean-up, even if your baby soaks through their diaper in the middle of the night. This mattress has also won multiple awards, including Gold in the Mom's Choice Awards in 2024.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Waterproof cover
- Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and softer side for toddlers
7. Best Hypoallergenic Crib Mattress: Babyletto Pure Core - $189
Your baby will sleep well on this hypoallergenic mattress. Protected by a waterproof cover, the polyester core is recyclable. This lightweight mattress is also thinner than some, measuring 5 inches thick.
Highlights:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Waterproof cover
- Two-sided mattress with a firm side for infants and softer side for toddlers
Choosing the Best Baby Crib Mattress
The above baby crib mattresses all fit standard sized cribs and offer a non-toxic solution you can purchase with confidence. Which will you pick? Let us know your thoughts on the best baby mattress in the comments below.
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