With your infant spending up to 14-17 hours a day sleeping, it’s important to find a safe and cozy option (1). But buying a crib mattress is different from purchasing an adult-size one. You need to ensure that it provides strong support for your baby’s growing bones while also reducing the risk of suffocation. And, of course, you’ll want one that’s easy to clean in case of spills.
To help you make the right choice, we’ve researched and compared the top waterproof and eco-friendly crib mattresses on the market. We’ve considered the size, material, and firmness of each one to help you find the perfect fit for your child.
We understand that you want a mattress that will last from infancy through toddlerhood, which is why we’ve only included the best of the best. Rest assured that your little one will have a comfortable and safe night’s sleep with one of these top-rated crib mattresses.
You may also be interested in some of the best convertible cribs from our list, so check them out.
Our Top Picks
- Best Crib Mattress Under $100: Graco Premium Foam
- Best Waterproof Crib Mattress: Moonlight Slumber Dual Sided
- Best Portable Crib Mattress: Dream On Me Holly 3” Fiber
- Best Crib Mattress For Toddler: Newton Baby Crib Mattress
- Best Two-Stage Crib Mattress: Serta Tranquility Eco Firm
- Best Lightweight Crib Mattress: Lullaby Earth Non-Toxic Crib Mattress
- Best Organic Crib Mattress: Naturepedic Organic
- Best Breathable Crib Mattress: Colgate Mattress EcoClassica III
- Best Mini Crib Mattress: Babyletto Pure Core Mini
- Most Quiet Crib Mattress: Babyletto Pure Core
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Crib Mattresses Picks
Graco Premium Foam – Best Crib Mattress Under $100
- Includes a waterproof cover
- Fits all standard cribs & crib bedding
- Comfy memory foam
- Stays somewhat cool with airflow ventilating
- Does not dry quickly when Lil ones make spills
The Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress features a soft, removable, and water-resistant cover that can be easily machine washed. This mattress is certified by Greenguard Gold, CertiPUR-US, and JPMA, ensuring that it meets the highest safety standards for your child. It has also undergone expert testing to ensure that it complies with all relevant flammability and safety regulations set by the federal government.
To ensure the best possible expansion of the mattress in a temperature-controlled environment, it is recommended that you allow it to expand as soon as it arrives. The mattress is designed to fit any full-size standard crib or toddler bed.
- Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US, JPMA
- Dimensions: 52 x 27.62 x 5 inches
Moonlight Slumber Dual Sided – Best Waterproof Crib Mattress
- Extremely easy to wipe clean
- Has a waterproof coating that is not crunchy
- Firmness is just right for newborns and soft for toddler
- The mattress is side stitched
- A bit pricey
This 5″ dual-sided mattress provides support for both newborns and toddlers. High-density foam is used on one side for newborns, while soft foam is used on the other side for toddlers. When your child is ready, simply flip the mattress according to the instructions on the tag.
This hypoallergenic medical-grade crib mattress is designed to enhance your baby’s comfort every day. Its water-resistant construction, sturdy stretch knit fabric, and extra-tight sewn seams ensure it will last for many peaceful nights.
All Moonlight baby mattresses use CertiPUR-US-approved foam and are further protected by reinforced, safe-sewn seams and a woven fire barrier that doesn’t require spray-on FR chemicals.
- Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US
- Dimensions: 52 x 27.5 x 5 inches
Dream On Me Holly 3” Fiber – Best Portable Crib Mattress
- Firm but also soft and comfortable
- Nice comfy padding
- The mattress can just be wiped down when it gets dirty
- Great value for the affordable price
- The quilted pattern holds “dirt” but does clean easily
This portable crib mattress offers a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface for your baby. The core is made of extra-firm Eco-fiber, and the mattress is protected from moisture by a waterproof cover. Cleaning is easy with mild soap and warm water. This mattress is manufactured in the USA with high-quality materials and labor.
It passes the Federal Standard Flammability Standard 16 CFR 1633, as well as being tested for lead and phthalates. Designed to fit a typical 24″ x 38″ portable or mini-crib, this mattress is perfect for small apartments and homes where space-saving furnishings are preferred.
- Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold, JPMA
- Dimensions: 38 x 24 x 3 inches
Newton Baby Crib Mattress – Best Crib Mattress For Toddler
- You can actually breathe through this mattress
- Made with quality materials
- Washable
- The actual mattress part is a giant entanglement of biodegradable, safe plastic
- Not cheap at all but you get what you pay for
This crib mattress is unlike any other as it is completely washable, free of springs, adhesive, latex, or foam, and 100% recyclable. The Thru Technology allows your baby to breathe easily, lowering the risk of asphyxia and CO2 rebreathing.
Your little one will sleep soundly on the Newton crib mattress, which provides the ideal level of comfort, support, and airflow. It is designed to support children and toddlers in two stages, ensuring that it will be useful as your child grows. The Newton is Greenguard Gold Certified and Pediatrician Recommended, making it the perfect choice for your baby’s health, safety, and development.
- Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold
- Dimensions: 52 x 28 x 5.5 inches
Serta Tranquility Eco Firm – Best Two-Stage Crib Mattress
- Fits snugly in the crib with no gaps
- You can feel slight grooves if you run your hand over the mattress
- No chemical smell out of the box
- Having two sides (one very firm, the other a little less so) works very well
- It’s a bit bulky and heavy
The Serta Tranquility Eco Firm Crib and Toddler Mattress are designed with your growing child in mind, providing a safe and secure sleeping surface that is firm and supportive. With 120 heavy-duty innerspring coils and air vents to keep it fresh, this mattress is built to last for many years. It features two-sided construction, allowing you to flip it over when your child gets older, so it can continue to provide a comfortable sleeping surface as your child grows.
One side of the mattress is designed for newborns, with just the right amount of firmness, while the other side features a layer of natural cotton for toddlers. Serta’s commitment to safety is also evident in its Greenguard Gold Certification, which ensures low chemical emissions for improved indoor air quality.
- Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US
- Dimensions: 52 x 27.5 x 6 inches
Lullaby Earth Non-Toxic Crib Mattress – Best Lightweight Crib Mattress
- It is super lightweight
- The mattress fits a standard crib perfectly
- Made with natural materials and is biodegradable
- No chemical smells
- Not made with organic cotton
Lullaby Earth crib mattresses were created with the collaboration of parents, grandparents, and engineers to develop the safest crib mattress possible. The team focused on safety and affordability during years of research. Lullaby Earth crib mattresses offer parents the convenience of easy washing and bedding changes, as well as all the essential safety features expected in a crib mattress.
The waterproofing and WaveSupport core of these mattresses are protected by patents, and the seamless edge design reduces buildup and maintains a fresh and clean interior for your baby. Plus, the firm, level surface and strengthened edge support provide a comfortable and secure sleep for infants and toddlers.
- Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold
- Dimensions: 52 x 27.5 x 6 inches
Naturepedic Organic – Best Organic Crib Mattress
- Each side of the mattress provides different levels of firmness
- The mattress is nearly seamless allowing for easy wipe down and keeping moisture out
- The material is waterproof
- The breathable cover is worth the extra cost
- The price point is a little high compared to other mattresses
This organic crib mattress features a 2-stage firmness to cater to newborns and toddlers. It meets the firmness recommendations of CPSC and pediatricians for a secure fit and support. Moreover, its sturdy reinforced edges can withstand toddler playtime and prevent infants from getting trapped.
With heat-sealed waterproof seams, this mattress is resistant to bed bugs, dust mites, and liquid. Plus, cleaning the edges is a breeze. Weighing only 10-12 pounds, this lightweight mattress is easy to move and change sheets.
- Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold
- Dimensions: 51 x 5 x 4 inches
Colgate Mattress EcoClassica III – Best Breathable Crib Mattress
- No funky smell and it fits the crib so well
- The cover is made of certified organic cotton
- Baby sleeps very comfortably on the mattress
- It’s nice that it’s two-sided so the firm can be used for babies and as they get older
- Has a urethane core
The Colgate EcoClassica III is an orthopedic-style foam crib mattress designed for infants and toddlers and is part of the Colgate Cradletyme Naturals line of more environmentally friendly crib bedding, padding, and accessories. It is a premium, lightweight mattress (weighing only 9.6 lbs) that provides dual firmness for the two stages of development.
The newborn side is firmer, while the toddler side is slightly softer but still firm enough to provide support. The mattress fits most standard-size cribs and toddler beds and is 6″ thick overall, requiring fitted sheets.
The cover is made of certified organic cotton and has a waterproof backing to protect against spills and accidents and the seams are inverted.
- Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US
- Dimensions: 51.6 x 27.25 x 6 inches
Babyletto Pure Core Mini – Best Mini Crib Mattress
- Easy to clean with the cover
- Firm enough to not worry about baby
- Lightweight
- Absolutely no smell
- The protective plastic lining and the soft quilted cover are all one piece
Babyletto’s PURE crib mattress bundles are crafted from the purest materials to promote a peaceful night’s rest. They also promote cleaner indoor air, creating a healthier sleeping, playing, and developmental environment for your little one. With rigorous testing for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs, this mattress offers unparalleled safety.
The versatile cover features a soft quilted cotton front and a PVC-free waterproof backing to safeguard the mattress from accidents. A zipper closure and square corner design ensure a snug sheet fit. Additionally, the 100% recyclable polyester core is free from chemical flame retardants, polyurethane, soy foam, vinyl (PVC), PFCs, synthetic latex, or dyes, and it meets all government flammability regulations.
- Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold
- Dimensions: 37.5 x 23.5 x 3 inches
Babyletto Pure Core – Most Quiet Crib Mattress
- Has a great dual-layer waterproof cover
- The mattress isn’t very crinkly
- The mattress has a more firm and less firm sides
- Cleans up easily
- The cover needs to be machine washed rather than wiped
This mattress comes with a unique two-in-one solution that combines two covers into one. The non-vinyl waterproof backing protects the mattress against spills, while the soft cotton face provides optimal comfort for your little one.
The Pure Core Crib Mattress has undergone extensive scientific testing for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs, ensuring that it’s safe for your child to sleep on. With a quilted cotton front and a waterproof backing that’s free of PVC, this mattress provides all-around protection from messes. Its square corner design and zipper closure make it easy to fit seamlessly with your sheets.
But that’s not all – the Pure Core Crib Mattress also features two sides, each with a different level of firmness. The baby side provides firm and supportive sleep for your newborn, while the toddler side is softer and more comfortable for your growing child.
- Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold
- Dimensions: 61 x 32 x 6.3 inches
How To Choose The Best Crib Mattress?
- Fit: To determine whether or not your mattress is a safe fit, the CPSC advises using your emails as a reference. Your infant shouldn’t be in the space if it is broader than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame. The danger of damage and asphyxia is increased by wide gaps (2).
- Firmness: Although adults have preferences for mattress firmness, newborns can only use mattresses that are quite firm. This is because plush bedding may mold to their little heads on soft surfaces, increasing the risk of SIDS. Additionally, it’s crucial to remember that infants shouldn’t have anything in their cribs other than a snug fitted sheet and should always sleep on their backs rather than their stomachs or sides.
- Breathability: You might notice that certain crib mattress manufacturers promote their breathable materials like mesh, which might imply that they don’t retain as much heat, reducing the danger of significant infant sweating. But keep in mind that the baby still has to be placed on her back to sleep, even with a breathable mattress.
- Certifications: Numerous infant mattresses possess the GreenGuard Gold Certification, but what does it entail? This mark guarantees that the product has undergone toxic testing and has been found to emit little or no chemicals. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which confirms that the product includes at least 70% organic fibers, is another certification. The CertiPUR-US label, last but not least, signifies that the product comprises flexible polyurethane foam that has been examined and tested for safety (3).
How Much Should You Spend On a Crib Mattress?
Prices for crib mattresses vary widely, from less than $100 to as much as $500 or more. Although more costly mattresses often use better materials, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a high-end crib mattress if it isn’t in your budget. Most mid to low-priced mattresses are secure, cozy, and long-lasting, and they typically cost between $100 and $300. It is possible to spend less than that, but many parents say that really cheap mattresses sometimes sag fast, rip, or don’t protect from leaks or spills, so they aren’t advised.
What Is The Best Material For a Crib Mattress?
Wool is a wonderful choice for a crib mattress because it is rather firm and won’t compress and mold to a baby’s body and pose a safety problem as a softer mattress may. It is also antibacterial, flame-resistant, and naturally wicks moisture away from the skin, making it the perfect material for a baby mattress.
Wool repels water, but it is not water-resistant, so keep that in mind. As a result, you should still purchase a mattress with a food-grade polyethylene waterproof cover, or cover a crib mattress with one while using an additional wool puddle pad as protection. Additionally, you could also purchase a crib mattress protector separately to further protect your mattress.
How Thick Should a Crib Mattress Be For a Newborn?
The Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends that a normal (or conventional) crib mattress be no thicker than 6 inches and that it should be at least 27 1/4 inches wide and 51 1/4 inches long. These mattresses are restricted in terms of size. The permitted size of a crib does, however, allow for some flexibility. A typical crib might differ by 5/8 of an inch in size from the prescribed 28 by 52 3/8 rectangle.
Should a Baby Sleep On a Firm Or Soft Mattress?
A firm, level surface is what the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends for a baby mattress. Additionally, the mattress needs to be fitted tightly and positioned correctly to eliminate any possibility of your child becoming wedged between the mattress and the crib. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a crib mattress be sufficiently firm so that it does not mold to the curve of your child’s head.
On the mattress firmness scale, the mattress should fall anywhere between an eight and a ten. Because babies lack motor control in the early stages of development, a crib mattress has to be firm to prevent suffocation.
Why Do Babies Need a Firm Mattress?
A newborn requires a firm, level, even surface when sleeping in order to enhance growth. This is crucial as the baby starts moving about in the crib more. As babies start to push up, turn and finally stand in the crib, they require a solid surface to offer resistance.
What Mattress Is Best For Baby Foam Or Spring?
Memory foam mattresses are a superior option for newborns because they are softer and comfier. They also offer the same support as an adult mattress, which is crucial for newborns who are still unable to move independently. Your child will be able to sleep through the night on a memory foam crib mattress without having to get up to eat or adjust their position.
When To Lower Crib Mattress?
You should lower the crib mattress once your baby starts sitting up or pulling themselves up to stand. This usually happens around 6 months of age. Once your baby can stand, they could potentially climb out of the crib, which is why it’s important to lower the mattress to ensure their safety (4).
