Best Crib Mattresses: 8 Options for a Safe and Sound Sleep

There are many baby products on the market that you can likely get away without buying, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget. However, a crib mattress is certainly not one of them. In fact, when I was shopping for baby gear when I was expecting, I considered the crib mattress to be one of the most important items since it’s where my baby would spend the majority of her time in those first few years.

I knew I wanted a quality mattress, but I also knew ensuring that it was safe, breathable, and non-toxic was vital for both her health and my anxiety. I wanted to feel rest assured that she wasn’t breathing in potentially harmful chemicals and that she was on a flat and firm surface which was breathable should she roll over onto her belly.

Our top picks for best crib mattresses:

What to consider when buying crib mattresses

There are many important things to consider when shopping for a crib mattress, mainly in the areas of safety, comfort, and durability. Here are some key features to keep an eye out for when shopping for a crib mattress:

Firmness

Unlike when you shop for a mattress for yourself, the level of firmness has nothing to do with comfort but rather safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep on their back on a flat, firm surface to reduce the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Most infant mattresses are firm—or have one side that’s firm and another that’s softer and meant for the toddler years.

Size

Your infant’s mattress should fit snugly inside the crib so there are no gaps around the edges, per the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). While standard crib mattresses typically measure about 28 inches by 52 inches, it's important to double check your crib’s measurements before buying a mattress to ensure a proper fit.

Material

Infant mattresses are made from all sorts of materials, but many companies go out of their way to ensure that they use only the safest, non-toxic materials free from harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, lead, and formaldehyde. Check to make sure that your infant’s mattress is third-party certified, such as GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US, and MADE SAFE, or Environmental Working Group (EWG) verified, which indicates that it meets the rigorous safety and environmental standards set out by these organizations.

Waterproof cover

Some crib mattresses come with a removable waterproof cover that can seriously come in handy should your baby have an accident or spit up while in bed (which will happen at some point). If your crib mattress does not come with this, you can purchase one separately.

Warranty

Crib mattresses often come with warranties that ensure they can withstand daily use through the years. This can be reassuring if you wind up purchasing an expensive crib mattress.

Price

Last, but certainly not least, price matters when it comes to purchasing a crib mattress. Often, the higher-quality mattresses are more expensive. However, they tend to pay off in the form of durability, safety, and generous warranties.

Selecting the right size and type

To ensure you’re purchasing a crib mattress that is the correct size, it’s a good idea to take measurements of your actual crib. Opt for a mattress that fits snugly within your baby’s crib and is designed for its dimensions. The type of mattress can vary and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Choose the crib mattress that you’re most comfortable with. (And if you happen to also be shopping for a new mattress for yourself and wondering about the right fit for you, read our mattress size and bed dimensions guide.)

Why a quality crib mattress matters

Since your baby is going to spend a significant amount of time on their crib mattress, it’s important that you select one that’s high quality. This means that it meets safety standards and regulations, is firm and flat, and is durable so that it can withstand the test of time.

What do all these certifications mean?

GREENGUARD Gold certification and CertiPUR-US indicate that a mattress has been third-party tested for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals that can off-gas from materials used in mattress construction, and that they have met the very strict standards.

According to their website, MADE SAFE certified means a product has been “screened to ensure that over 6,500 Banned/Restricted List substances have been avoided or constrained, thereby eliminating the worst hazards commonly found in products used in our homes and daily routines.”

EWG verification indicates that a product doesn’t contain any ingredients that they deem unacceptable to health and the environment. Their criteria was developed by scientists and toxicologists.

How to maintain and clean crib mattresses

To maintain a clean crib mattress, follow these key steps:

Invest in a waterproof mattress or cover

Ideally, you want to purchase a crib mattress that is waterproof, but if you do not, be sure to purchase a waterproof cover that can help prevent stains and moisture buildup.

Change the sheets regularly

For optimal cleanliness, change your baby’s crib sheets at least once a week if not more in the case of accidents or spit-ups.

Follow manufacturer guidelines

Keep the pamphlet that is provided by your crib mattress manufacturer upon opening your mattress, as this contains specific care instructions and guidelines for cleaning and maintenance.

How I tested and selected the best crib mattresses

I received several samples of crib mattresses to test and try out firsthand. I looked for key features such as firmness, breathability, size, and water resistance. Customer reviews also helped guide my recommendations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the best type of mattress for babies?

The best type of mattress for babies is one that fits in the crib perfectly and does not allow for any gaps. It should also be firm and flat and be made of non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials. If it’s made with a waterproof cover, that’s a major plus, as it makes for easier cleaning and care.

What is the safest kind of crib mattress?

The safest kind of crib mattress is one that is firm, flat, has a snug fit, and meets safety certifications such as those set out by GREENGUARD Gold or CertiPUR-US. These organizations ensure that the mattress meets rigorous standards for safety, quality, and environmental sustainability.

What is the best thickness for a crib mattress?

The most ideal thickness for a crib mattress is between four and six inches.

Is foam or spring mattress better for a baby?

While both are suitable choices, the AAP notes that spring mattresses may be the better option for a baby.