As any soon-to-be parent knows, babies sleep a lot. Whether you decide to sleep with your baby in your room or in his or her own nursery, your new little one should have a safe mattress to sleep on. It can be difficult to choose which type of crib mattress to get, since there are so many options available!
We looked at dozens of crib mattresses so we could make our very best recommendations for your baby. We looked at safety, whether the mattresses had special features (such as being organic or breatheable), what size they were, whether they were dual-sided, and how well Amazon shoppers who used the crib mattresses liked them.
Our favorite crib mattress overall is the Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress. It is a breathable mattress made of high-quality foam that is the optimal firmness for a baby. It has good airflow, which can help keep your baby safer, and it’s non-toxic, having been Greenguard Gold certified as free of lead, mercury, and other prohibited substances. It will fit standard cribs as well as toddler beds.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Crib Mattresses
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Crib Mattress Overall | Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress | 4.6 |
| Best Mini-Crib Mattress | Moonlight Slumber Mini Crib Mattress | 4.8 |
| Best Budget Buy | Dream On Me 2-in-1 Breathable Twilight Mattress | 4.6 |
| Best Organic Crib Mattress | Organic Dream Crib Mattress | 4.6 |
| Best 2-Stage Crib Mattress | Sealy Baby Posture Perfect 2-Stage | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon and might change over time.
Best Crib Mattress Overall: Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress
The Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress came in at the top of our list of the best crib mattresses. This is a safe and breathable foam mattress that is shipped to you in a lightweight box. Simply take it out of the box within two weeks of purchase to allow it to come to its shape at room temperature. The mattress itself is foam, and the water-resistant cover is 100 percent polyester. You can take it off to machine or hand wash it (do not put it in the dryer; hang-dry it instead), so your baby will always have a clean and fresh sleep surface. The cover is water-resistant.
This mattress will fit any standard crib or toddler bed, and standard crib sheets will fit it. It measures 52 x 27.6 inches and is 5 inches deep. It weighs seven lbs. It is Greenguard Gold certified. This is a certification that assures you that it has been tested for low chemical emissions for greater safety. It is also lead- and mercury-free.
Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress Key Features:
- Shipped in a box
- Made of polyurethane foam
- Water-resistant, machine-washable cover included
- Firm sleep surface safe for a baby
- Will fit any standard crib or toddler bed
- Greenguard Gold certified
Best Mini Crib Mattress: Moonlight Slumber Mini Crib Mattress
Our favorite mini crib mattress is the Moonlight Slumber Mini Crib Mattress. It is dual-sided, so you can use the firmer density foam for your baby to keep him or her safe, then flip it to the cooling memory gel foam side after your child turns one year old. It will fit most portable cribs and mini-cribs, measuring 38 x 24 inches. This is a great choice for a baby who sleeps over at a grandparent’s house or naps in a mini-crib regularly, as it will stand up to regular use and will be as comfortable as a regular crib mattress.
This mattress comes with an antimicrobial, removable cover made of cotton. It will unzip so you can wash it easily. The cover is flexible and comfortable. You can also use the mattress without the cover if your baby needs to nap while it is in the wash. A mini-crib sheet will fit nicely.
If you are in the market for a mini-crib, you can check out our list of the best mini-cribs.
Moonlight Slumber Mini Crib Mattress Key Features:
- Dual-sided
- Firm for infants, softer for toddlers
- Fits standard-sized portable cribs, mini-cribs, and mini-toddler beds
- Sturdy and comfortable
- Comes with a washable cover
- Can be used without the cover
Best Budget Crib Mattress: Dream On Me 2-in-1 Breathable Twilight Mattress
If you are looking for a crib mattress on a budget, our top pick is the Dream On Me 2-in-1 Breathable Twilight Mattress. This is a simple mattress with a reversible design. It is breathable and has two hypoallergenic layers, making it appropriate for both infants and toddlers. The company recommends using the breathe-flow side for young babies and the waterproof side for toddlers. It will fit a standard crib or toddler bed, measuring 51.5 x 27.5 inches. It is 5 inches deep.
This is a spring coil mattress with good airflow. It’s Greenguard Gold certified, which means you can rest assured that there are no harmful chemicals that will not be safe for your little one. It is firm, which is the recommend sleep surface for babies under one year of age.
Dream On Me 2-in-1 breathable Twilight Mattress Key Features:
- Reversible design
- One breathable side, one waterproof side
- Fits standard crib or toddler bed
- Spring coil mattress
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Firm sleep surface
Best Organic Crib Mattress: Organic Dream Crib Mattress
The Organic Dream Crib Mattress is our first choice among organic crib mattresses. This one has 100 percent certified organic sleep surface materials, including organic cotton and water-resistant materials. The cover is easy to remove and can be machine-washed. The cover is also completely breathable, which can reduce the incidence of suffocation, a factor in sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.
This mattress will fit your standard-sized crib or toddler bed, and it measures 52 x 28 inches. It is 6 inches thick, which will provide a comfortable and supportive sleep surface for your little one. The core of the mattress is made of food-grade polymer, and the entire mattress is Greenguard Gold certified for safety.
Organic Dream Crib Mattress Key Features:
- 100% organic cotton
- Water-resistant
- Machine-washable cover
- Breathable; can prevent suffocation
- Fits standard crib or toddler bed
- Greenguard Gold certified
Best 2-Stage Crib Mattress: Sealy Baby Posture Perfect 2-Stage
The Sealy Baby Posture Perfect 2-Stage Mattress made our top pick for dual-sided crib mattresses. It features a firmer side that provides a safe sleep surface for infants as well as a softer side for toddlers who are no longer at risk for suffocation or SIDS. Place your small baby on the side supported by inner springs, and once he or she is over a year old, you can flip the mattress to the memory foam side.
This mattress is waterproof, so there’s no need for a separate cover. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean it if it gets wet. This mattress will fit snugly in a standard crib or in a toddler bed; it measures 51.63 x 27.25 inches and is 5.5 inches thick. It is Greenguard Gold certified and you can be sure of its quality because it is a Sealy, which is one of the most popular brands for crib mattresses as well as standard sized mattresses.
Sealy Baby Posture Perfect 2-Stage Mattress Key Features:
- Dual-sided crib mattress
- Firm side for babies, memory foam side for toddlers
- Waterproof
- Fits standard cribs and toddler beds
- Greenguard Gold certified
Who Should Buy a Crib Mattress
If you are expecting a baby, a crib mattress will likely be near the top of your list of things to buy. Even if this is not your first child, chances are good that you either have a baby or a toddler already using the crib mattress you have. Also, crib mattresses last up to five years, so if yours is older than that, you will probably want to purchase a new one.
You also might be in the market for a crib mattress if you are a grandparent or another family member who sometimes has a baby or toddler over to sleep at your house (overnight or for naps). It’s safest for babies to sleep on a firm surface like a crib mattress; you should not put a baby on an adult bed unattended.
Some crib mattresses are made for mini-cribs or portable cribs. These also require a mattress. If you are buying a portable or mini-crib, look to see whether it already comes with a mattress. If not, look for a mini crib mattress that will fit properly without gaps.
Important Features to Consider
All crib mattresses should have some important features, and you might want additional features, too. Here’s what to look for as you shop for a mattress for your baby.
- Firm sleep surface. Babies under one year of age should sleep on a firm surface. Most crib mattresses are firm, but you’ll want to avoid any that aren’t, particularly if your little one is under a year old. Some cribs are dual-sided, with a firm surface on one side and a softer surface on the other side for when your baby becomes a toddler.
- Water-resistance. Most babies and toddlers will have an occasional diaper leak, so you will definitely want to look for a mattress that is water-resistant or waterproof. Some come with a water-resistant cover that can be washed, while others can be wiped down if they get wet.
- Breathable material. Young babies can be at risk of suffocation, which can lead to sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. A breathable mattress material might be safer.
- Correct fit. One of the biggest safety concerns is whether the mattress fits the crib or toddler bed properly. Measure your crib and then take note of the measurements of the crib mattress. You don’t want there to be space where an arm or, worse, a head could get stuck.
- Materials. Look for a crib that is Greenguard Gold certified, as this means that it has been checked to be sure it’s non-toxic and safe. If you want an organic crib mattress, you will want to be sure that it is certified organic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all crib mattresses fit all cribs?
A standard sized crib mattress should fit a standard-sized crib, but there might be small differences. Also, a standard crib mattress will be too big for a mini crib. It will help if you measure your crib or toddler bed and then compare that measurement to the crib mattress you are considering.
Are a crib mattress and a toddler mattress the same size?
Standard crib mattresses are all approximately the same size, but not exactly. Mini crib mattresses have different dimensions. The most important thing is to measure your crib or toddler bed so you know what size mattress to get. And if you are still looking for the perfect toddler bed for your little one, you won’t want to miss our list of the best toddler beds.
How do I know if my crib mattress is firm enough?
You can press on the edges and the center of the mattress to be sure that it springs back into place. If your hand leaves a lasting indentation, the crib mattress is not firm enough for an infant, but it might be okay for an older toddler.
Are foam crib mattresses safe?
A foam crib mattress is safe as long as it passes the firmness test described above. An infant should not sleep on a memory foam mattress or another foam mattress that is soft and does not spring back into shape.
Other Crib Mattresses We Reviewed
These next 20 crib mattresses didn’t quite make our top five list, but they are still excellent options worth considering. They’re divided into categories and you will find the information you need to compare them with each listing.
Organic Crib Mattresses
Colgate Eco Classica III Dual Firmness Crib Mattress
This is an eco-friendly dual firmness mattress with an organic cover. It’s designed to last through the infant and toddler years, providing great support along the way.
Key Features:
- Dual-sided (firmer for babies, softer for toddlers)
- Organic cover
- Made to last for years
Cost: $210
This is a hand-crafted crib mattress made of wool and organic cotton. The support is firm thanks to 150 coil inner springs, and it’s Greenguard Gold Certified.
Key Features:
- Inner spring mattress
- Foam-free
- Greenguard Gold Certified
Cost: $280
LA Baby Natural Triple Zone 2 in 1 Soy Foam Crib Mattress
This is a dual-sided crib mattress that is made of soy foam that also comes with an organic cotton cover. This cover is both waterproof and breathable.
Key Features:
- Sustainable 2-in-1 mattress
- Soy foam core for good support
- Blended organic cotton cover
Cost: $145
Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Oval Crib Mattress
This is an oval mattress; it will not fit a standard crib, only an oval specialty crib. The mattress is made of organic cotton and contains an air core for support.
Key Features:
- Oval mattress for oval cribs
- Contains air core for support
- Waterproof surface
Cost: $220
Sustainable Organic Wool Mothers Wisdom Coil Spring Core Crib Mattress
This eco-friendly coil spring mattress is made of organic and natural materials. The infant side is covered in organic cotton; the toddler side is covered in organic cotton and wool.
Key Features:
- Coil spring mattress
- Dual-sided cover
- Environmentally friendly
Mini Crib Mattresses
Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic Mini Crib Mattress
This is a lightweight, non-toxic mini crib mattress that includes a soft, waterproof cover. It is hypoallergenic and dust mite and allergen resistant.
Key Features:
- Measures 37.625 x 23.5 inches
- Organic cotton cover
- Cover is waterproof
Cost: $100
Bundle of Dreams Flagship Mini Crib Mattress
This mini crib mattress is made with a firmer side for infants and a softer side that’s more comfortable for toddlers. Includes a washable cover.
Key Features:
- Measures 24 x 38 inches
- Hypoallergenic
- Antibacterial
Cost: $130
DaVinci Deluxe Coil Waterproof MINI Crib Mattress
This small mattress has 50 coils for good support and includes a waterproof mattress cover to keep the core protected from wetness.
Key Features:
- Measures 37 x 24 inches
- Hypoallergenic
- Includes waterproof mattress cover
Cost: $70
Dream On Me Mini / Portable Crib Mattress
This mini-mattress comes with a hypoallergenic, waterproof cover that is also anti-bacterial. The support comes from steel coils.
Key Features:
- Measures 38 x 24 inches
- Includes cover
- Steel coil support
Cost: $45
Simmons Kids SlumberTime Naturally
This Simmons mattress has a fiber core and non-toxic construction for your baby’s support and safety. It comes with a waterproof cover.
Key Features:
- Measures 38 x 24 inches
- Greenguard Gold certified
- Waterproof
Dual Sided Crib Mattresses
Breeze Breathable Crib Mattress
This dual-sided crib mattress offers two different support options. It comes with a breathable cover; the mattress is waterproof underneath the cover.
Key Features:
- Breathable surface
- Removable cover
- Greenguard Gold Certified
Cost: $260
This dual-sided mattress has a cooling effect to keep your baby nice and cool while he or she sleeps. The cover is machine washable.
Key Features:
- Airflow foam for baby
- Memory foam for toddler
- Transported in a box
Cost: $100
NapYou Dual Comfort Crib Mattress
This is a 100 percent organic mattress with a firm side for babies and a soft side for toddlers. The cover is both waterproof and breathable.
Key Features:
- Organic mattress
- Waterproof and breathable cover
- Certified CertiPUR-US foam
Cost: $120
Sealy Nature Couture Cotton Bliss
With over 200 inner spring coils, your baby will have plenty of support now and in his or her toddler years. Integrated waterproof barrier.
Key Features:
- Soft and firm sides for older and younger babies
- Inner spring coil support
- Waterproof
Cost: $130
This soft mattress has firmer and softer sides for infants and toddlers. It is also waterproof, so you don’t need to purchase a separate cover.
Key Features:
- Firm surface for babies
- Soy foam surface for toddlers
- Waterproof
Other Crib Mattresses
This non-toxic, Greenguard Gold certified crib mattress from Newton is not only fully breathable, but it is also provides the support and firmness your baby needs for peaceful sleeps.
Key Features:
- 100% breathable
- Washable
- Recyclable
Cost: $299
Kolcraft Pure Sleep Therapeutic Crib Mattress
150 coils support your baby or toddler safely and comfortably. This crib mattress is waterproof; just wipe it down to keep it clean.
Key Features:
- Firm sleep surface
- Non-allergenic
- Greenguard Gold certified
Cost: $65
Milliard Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress
This is a firm, yet comfortable mattress that is appropriate for newborns, babies, and toddlers. It comes with a waterproof cover.
Key Features:
- Hypoallergenic
- Firm sleep surface
- High density foam
Cost: $65
Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress
This crib mattress is lightweight and durable. It is covered in vinyl, which is completely waterproof; just wipe it down if it gets soiled.
Key Features:
- Firm sleep surface
- Vinyl cover
- Lightweight
Cost: $55
Sealy Baby Firm Rest Crib Mattress
The integrated cover of this mattress is both breathable and waterproof. In fact, it’s hospital-grade and antibacterial to keep your baby safe and healthy.
Key Features:
- Steel coils for support
- Breathable
- Waterproof
Cost: $90
