5 Best Crib Mattresses (Review) In 2021
Last Updated: January 14, 2021There's a lot of pressure on new parents when it comes to furnishing their baby's room. Where do you put the crib? How big should it be? What about the mattress? All questions you ask yourself while you browse the leading parenting advice forums. While these questions are essential to ask, it's important to simplify and ask one at a time. We aim to help you answer the question about your baby's crib mattress. There are plenty of crib mattresses on the market, and we have chosen a small handful that might be able to help you soothe your concerns. Whether you are searching for something that's easy to clean and features a vinyl cover or prefer an organic cotton cover, in our toddler mattress review today, we have selected a varying range of organic mattress and toddler bed mattress products for your evaluation.
When you purchase a crib, you should also buy a crib mattress, and there are several safety concerns to consider when doing so. You'll see it repeated that the mattress should 'hug' the edges of the crib, and this is for safety reasons. If there's even a centimeter of a gap between the crib and the mattress, it could lead to several preventable safety issues. Additionally, you should need to ensure that your baby will be comfortable as well as supported. Should you go for something with a firm side, a foam core or that's double-sided? There are so many considerations. Mattress cores such as memory foam will hold their shape and provide more support, but an innerspring mattress is padded for additional comfort. You also need to ensure that the mattress complies with federal safety standards, although we will cover this in due time. We also recommend you look for products that are green guard gold certified if you are searching for an organic mattress.
To give you an idea of what to look for in a crib mattress, we have put together a list of factors to consider, as well as some frequently asked questions. If you're a new parent, shopping for baby furniture can seem like the most daunting thing in the world, especially when there's so much on the market. We hope that our list and guidance can help you make this decision and give you some peace of mind. Purchasing a new crib and toddler bed is likely to be one of the most important early decisions that you make. So go ahead and read our crib and toddler mattress review today and pick something out for the little love in your life.
The Best Crib Mattress
1. Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Mattress for Baby and Toddlers - Best Choice
HIGHLIGHTS:
Lightweight
Durable
Greenguard gold-certified
Fits standard cribs
Water resistant
1.
Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Mattress for Baby and Toddlers - Best Choice
When it comes to your little one's safety and subsequent quality of sleep, you want something that will provide support while also being comfortable. The Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Mattress for Baby and Toddlers is a lightweight, durable mattress made with a high-density thermo-bonded fiber core. Altogether, this means a mattress that walks that line between soft and firm, so your infant is not only supported but cradled in their sleep. This also means your infant will sleep soundly, with no risk of overheating thanks to the core. We understand that this can be a concern for parents, and the thermo-bonded center makes this one of the best crib mattresses on the market.
We also understand that accidents are bound to happen, so the Safety 1st mattress comes included a 100% Vinyl outer cover that is water-resistant. The outer surface wipes down easily when the time comes to clean it, although we do not advise machine washing, which could compromise its efficacy. This crib mattress will fit most standard cribs with internal measurements of 28⅝ in. X 53 in. To get the most use out of this mattress and ensure your child's continued comfort, make sure to rotate it every 2-3 months. This will prolong the life of the mattress as well as keep it fresh and comfortable. If you are searching for an easy to clean greenguard old certified crib mattress then this is an excellent choice.
Learn more about Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Mattress for Baby and Toddlers
2. Beautyrest Beginnings Sleepy Whispers 2-in-1 Crib Mattress - Premium Pick
HIGHLIGHTS:
Non-toxic
Dual-sided
Waterproof
Greenguard gold-certified
Balanced support for infants
2.
Beautyrest Beginnings Sleepy Whispers 2-in-1 Crib Mattress - Premium Pick
Another concern you might have as a parent is the materials your crib and toddler mattress has been made from. Companies such as Beautyrest have gone all out to ensure your child's safety as they sleep, in addition to their comfort. The Beginnings Sleepy Whispers 2-in-1 Crib Mattress has been constructed entirely from non-toxic materials, meaning it's free from harmful chemicals. You might want to consider this mattress if your child has been diagnosed with breathing problems such as asthma, as the non-toxic materials keep the air your child breathes as they sleep that little bit cleaner.
The Beginnings mattress is also one of the few models to include 231 pocketed coils to deliver balanced support. A bold move on the design front, this ensures that the mattress can be used well into toddlerhood. An innerspring mattress has higher longevity than a foam core mattress, making them worth their cost in the long run. All you need to do to make the best use of this mattress's dual-sided nature is to flip it to the appropriate side. Not only will this save you some money as your child grows up, but the two sides also act as an additional layer in durability as your infant grows from newborn to toddler. Two-sided infant and toddler mattresses make a lot of sense.
Regardless of their age, the woven top layer is waterproof, with reinforced border protection which creates a comfortable sleep surface while at the same time the water-resistant nature gives parents peace of mind too. Accidents happen at any age, so this mattress is a great way to prepare for all the calamities to come. The mattress remains stable and waterproof. The beginnings crib mattress will fit most standard-sized cribs and is a wonderful choice for any infant and toddler.
Learn more about Beautyrest Beginnings Sleepy Whispers 2-in-1 Crib Mattress
3. Dream On Me Twilight Coil Inner Spring Crib Mattress - Budget Pick
HIGHLIGHTS:
Made from high-quality materials
Fits all standard crib sizes
Hypoallergenic
Includes and insulating layer
Lock-stitched waterproof binding
3.
Dream On Me Twilight Coil Inner Spring Crib Mattress - Budget Pick
Not merely the gentle moment as day shifts into night, this heavenly mattress is suitable for all standard-sized cribs and toddler beds. It meets all necessary federal safety standards and can be used from infant to toddler.
Your toddler or baby will be gently lulled to sleep, and steadily supported throughout the night on this mattress, which has been contrasted entirely from high-quality materials and meets all relevant federal safety standards. Overall, your child's indoor environment can be made much healthier with the right mattress, and the Twilight Coil Inner Spring Crib Mattress by Dream On Me is definitely a product we recommend in making this so. User reviews call it comfortable, and one even mentions that their toddler sleeps through the night on this.
Since this mattress is made so well and to be so long-lasting, you could use it all the way through your child's toddler years before needing to upgrade to something age-appropriate. Additionally, each side features a polyurethane foam wrap to deliver a plush sleeping surface. It's like sleeping on a small, plush cloud. This is ideal for most infants, particularly when their immunity is still developing. This crib mattress is hypoallergenic, has a polyurethane foam insulating layer to prevent overheating, and a lock-stitched waterproof binging to guard against night-time accidents. It's an excellent toddler bed mattress with that lovely plus softer side for toddlers.
Learn more about Dream On Me Twilight Coil Inner Spring Crib Mattress
4. Milliard Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress - Best Value
HIGHLIGHTS:
Comfortable
Waterproof
Made from high-quality materials
Meets federal safety requirements
Ideal for toddlers
4.
Milliard Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress - Best Value
Genuine comfort and safety are among the most important things to consider when buying a new mattress to go with your child's crib. With regards to safety, you might have a child who struggles with asthma from an early age. In this case, you want a hypoallergenic mattress that will keep their sleeping air clean as well as repel dust mites or any other allergens. This crib mattress by Milliard is definitely worth your consideration if any of this applies to you. This two sided option features a firm surface and a softer side so it effectively has both an infant side and a toddler side which makes it a great investment.
Ideally, you want it to couple firmness and softness, so your child is supported as well as comforted. Milliards' Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress is one of the best mattresses to grant your consideration when looking for comfort and support for your infant. This is due in part to the CENTRIPUR certified memory foam layer, which is the part that offers support. Most mattresses tend to have a simple foam core, which will break down after a year or two of extended use, whereas CENTRIPUR certified high-density foam will reduce the risk of wear and tear.
When it comes to comfort, that can be a lot of things depending on the user. For example, Milliard has included a waterproof cover to protect the mattress. For some users, the peace of mind from such waterproofing can help them sleep much better at night. In addition to being hypoallergenic, and therefore suitable for most infants, it also passes all necessary federal requirements and fits almost all standard-sized cribs.
Learn more about Milliard Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress
5. Sealy Soybean-Foam Hypoallergenic Waterproof Crib Mattress - Eco-Friendly
HIGHLIGHTS:
Fits most standard size cribs
Greenguard gold-certified
Waterproof surface and binding
Soybean foam core for improved stability
Made from high-quality materials
5.
Sealy Soybean-Foam Hypoallergenic Waterproof Crib Mattress - Eco-Friendly
And now, we would like to introduce a mattress that is ideal for users who want something more environmentally friendly. There are plenty of organic mattresses on the market. Some are made of coconut fiber. Others, such as this mattress by Sealy Baby, are made with soybean and is greenguard gold certified. A soybean core uses less carbon and is more comfortable than other foam cores.
The Sealy Soybean-Foam Hypoallergenic Waterproof Crib Mattress has a foam core made entirely of soybean fiber. This results in less use of crude oils and makes for a much more durable crib mattress for your little one. However, this doesn't exempt it from all the best features to look for in toddler and crib mattresses. Sealy Baby included a waterproof surface and a reinforced lock-stitch binding to keep liquids from seeping into the mattress. This is a foam core mattress, not an innerspring, so it will hold its shape for years to come until your child outgrows it. Until then, it's comfortable and firm, providing your child with the support they need to sleep soundly and remain comfortable. It's one of the best foam mattresses around and certified organic.
Additionally, this mattress wipes clean very easily and does not need to be machine washed. You can think of every aspect - whether it's firmness, fitting, durability, or anything else - this mattress has passed every test for it, including a Greenguard Gold certification for indoor air quality. This helps create a healthier sleeping environment for your child and support and comfort them as they sleep. If you are looking for an environmentally friendly way to keep your child happy and healthy while they sleep, Sealy Baby's soybean crib mattress is the way to go plus it's easy to clean too.
Learn more about Sealy Soybean-Foam Hypoallergenic Waterproof Crib Mattress
Features To Consider With Crib Mattresses
Mattress Size
When searching for your next crib mattress, it is crucial to consider the internal dimensions of the crib. For safety reasons, it is vital that the mattress's edges 'hug' the interior of the mattress. Fortunately, these measurements tend to be standardized, which means crib mattresses also have standardized measurements. This being said, some mattresses might be a little too big or not fit as snugly into the crib as they should. Therefore, you should always check the box the crib comes in or the assembly instructions. Either of these will have a list of compatible mattresses.
Materials
Just like adult mattresses, crib mattresses can be made from a wide variety of materials. The most common material you will see a mattress made from is foam, and a mix of polyester and cotton, as these can be cheaper. On the other hand, you might also find organic materials such as coconut fiber or soybean. These are great if your infant has breathing issues, or you just want to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. The material doesn't necessarily matter. It can really come down to the parent's personal preference. However, if your baby has breathing problems or an underlying issue, you might want to consider an organic material for your baby's crib.
Soft vs. Firm
While a soft mattress can be more comfortable, they are not as durable as firm mattresses. A soft mattress will be like sleeping on a cloud to your infant, but if that sag too much too soon, they can get uncomfortable very quickly. Firm mattresses provide more support and hold their shape better. However, soft mattresses tend to be more breathable due to their lightweight nature.
Waterproof
Accidents happen. Mattresses will be peed on, and you are likely going to spill milk and formula on them at some point, if not all the time. Crib mattresses come with a variety of waterproofing options. To keep your crib mattress clean and healthy for your little one for as long as possible, a waterproof mattress is a solid investment. Most mattresses will have a reinforced border to prevent leakage and staining. In contrast, others come with a vinyl covering, or a cover of similar material, to protect the mattress.
In the interest of keeping your mattress clean, we advise looking for a mattress that has a machine washable cover. This will make clean-up much easier in the long run!
Compliance Standards
As a parent, whether you're new or seasoned, safety is the first thing to consider when choosing your child's mattress. All mattresses have to comply with federal regulations and receive certification that they are safe for use. This means your mattress should be flame-retardant, the materials should be non-toxic, metal springs (if the mattress is an innerspring mattress) should be appropriately padded.
Types Of Crib Mattresses
Foam
One of the two main types of crib mattresses (the second being innerspring), foam mattresses' firmness is measured in density. They are incredibly popular, especially with new parents, because they tend to be lighter than innerspring mattresses. Some brands of foam mattresses also tend to be cheaper. However, in order to find the best possible mattress for your infant, the mattress should feel heavy for its size. This is an indicator of firmness as well as quality. One of the benefits of foam mattresses is that they do not need to be thick to be supportive, but they should be firm.
Innerspring
As you might expect, innerspring crib mattresses have metal coils or springs forming their core instead of foam. In order to provide further comfort to this support, layers of padding (most often foam, sometimes polyester) are added. While innerspring mattresses generally cost more, they tend to pay for themselves in terms of comfort, longevity, and durability. This being said, the cheaper an innerspring mattress, the less comfortable and durable it tends to be. Due to the nature of their core, they can be much heavier than their foam counterparts.
Organic
Organic mattresses are made to be free of potentially harmful materials. With it in mind, your baby should be able to sleep as safely as possible. These are an excellent choice if you are concerned about your child sleeping on synthetic materials such as PVC, and they reduce the risk of your child breathing in potentially harmful vapors while they sleep. Organic mattresses, particularly those made out of soybean or coconut fiber, hold their shapes well and are the firmest mattresses on the market. One of the downsides to purchasing these is they can take up a large chunk of your budget when furnishing the nursery, as they are more expensive than non-organic mattresses.
Crib Mattress FAQ
Q: What is the standard size of a baby crib mattress?
'Standard size' can mean anything, depending on the make and manufacturer of the mattress. Fortunately, the CPSC has a standardized measurement of W28" x H52⅜", with the remaining ⅝ being a 'wiggle room' factor. Because of this, you should check the 'recommended mattress' section on the crib's box or the assembly instructions. There is currently a trend of new parents opting for a minimalistic approach to their child's nursery, including smaller dimensions for their crib and other baby furniture. Once you have an idea of the space, you plan to put your child in. You need to consider the crib's internal and external dimensions.
The external dimensions only matter if you have a tight space to work with, so make sure you 'measure twice and cut once' when selecting your crib. What matters most when it comes to a crib mattress is the internal dimension of the crib.
Q: How thick should be a mattress for a newborn?
Any mattress you choose should conform to Federal safety standards and certifications. At a minimum, your baby's mattress should be no thinner than 8cm but no thicker than 10cm deep.
Also, you should make sure that the mattress is firm instead of soft, fits the cot snugly and does not have any gaps, and does not have any signs of wear and tear. A thinner mattress can easily pick up more wear and tear than a thicker mattress, although more dirt can be found on a thick mattress.
Q: What safety considerations should I keep in mind when choosing a crib mattress?
Many crib mattresses on the market will have a vinyl covering to supplement other waterproofing features. However, vinyl coverings might contain plasticizers (such as PVC, a commonplace plastic made from a mix of 43% carbon and 57% chlorine), which can be breathed in or absorbed through a newborn's sensitive skin.
However, another consideration you need to make in line with this is moisture. A wet or overly moist mattress is a breeding ground for mold, fungus, and bacteria, which could be even more harmful to your baby's health. With this in mind, you might want to consider a mattress with alternative waterproofing features, such as a reinforced border.
Additionally, you need to consider how easy the mattress is to clean. As previously mentioned, mattresses can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful pathogens. Keeping your baby's bed space as clean as possible is the best way to ensure a healthy sleep cycle for your little one.
Vinyl can be mostly harmless, so if you are looking at a vinyl covering for your crib mattress, make sure you check that there is appropriate health and safety advice attached.
Q: Can I reuse my crib mattress?
Well, it depends. There are a variety of factors that might make you consider reusing a crib mattress. You may want to save some money. You might not have space for a new crib and a new mattress. The mattress you used for your first child might not fit in a new crib. The possibilities are endless. You might have a helpful cousin who has given you their infant's old mattress. While this is a kind gesture, the fact remains that you don't know where the mattress has been, or its history.
Raising one child is expensive enough on its own, so if you can find places to keep costs down, such as reusing a crib or a blanket, then the cost of your second child can be cut by half, especially in the early years. A cursory glance of parenting forums has a mix of answers, and so does a quick glance at expert advice. However, the general consensus seems to be that the best, safest, and healthiest option for your infant is that you should buy a new mattress.
Like with adult-sized mattresses, crib mattresses can wear out over time. Most tend to be made with a foam core, which can wear down by the time you're getting ready for your next child. In addition, crib mattresses get peed on, vomited on, and if you spill milk or any other liquid, you risk mold growth. You can never be completely 100% certain that a crib mattress is clean and sterile.
Following this, we mentioned above that crib mattresses can get very dirty and contain a lot of bacteria or pathogens. This is why keeping your child's mattress clean is so imperative to keeping them healthy and safe. If you are going to reuse your first child's mattress, you will have to make sure it's not only clean but also sterile to prevent cross-contamination.