The best baby crib mattresses of 2023
Choosing a proper baby crib mattress is just as important as purchasing a suitable and safe crib. But with so many different crib mattresses packed with numerous, more or less needed features, it can soon become overwhelming. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best baby crib mattresses in 2023, which will help you find the best one for your little bundle of joy.
If you want, you can jump to our top-rated crib mattresses, but I want to share some helpful information first. In my opinion, knowing them will help you decide which one is the best crib mattress for your needs!
Are expensive crib mattresses better than affordable ones?
After searching for a perfect crib, feature parents sometimes run out of time for more in-depth baby crib mattress research. As a result, they often decide on a more expensive model, thinking more money means better quality and safety for their child.
But that is far from the truth! Yes, there are excellent high-budget baby crib mattresses, but the high price is not always a guarantee of quality. Also, not all cheap baby crib mattresses are bad. In fact, I’ve found some affordable models of great quality.
When choosing a suitable baby crib mattress, you must consider much more than just the price!
Best crib mattresses in 2023
I am confident that I have chosen the best baby crib mattresses you can buy! However, it is understandable if you want to investigate the crib mattress market by yourself too.
In such a case, read our crib mattress buying guide first. You can find it at the end of this article! There is everything you need to know when buying a baby crib mattress.
Few facts about models on the list:
Fact no1: If you have a new, standard-size crib, all crib mattresses on the list should fit perfectly. It’s a little more complicated with mini cribs and full-size cribs made before 2011. In such a case, I strongly recommend you read about proper crib mattress sizes first.
Fact no2: All crib mattresses on the list meet and exceed all required safety standards. Some of them had also obtained certifications, proving their certain qualities.
Fact no3: All top-rated baby crib mattresses have sufficient firmness for a newborn!
Fact no4: If a baby crib mattress is not dual-sided, that doesn’t mean it is unsuitable for toddlers! But the comfort of the second, softer side of 2-in-1 mattresses is, of course, bigger. Read about dual-sided crib mattresses in the baby crib mattress buying guide below.
Best foam crib mattresses of 2023
To help you choose the right crib mattress, I’ve added icons and certificates to the pictures. Here is the legend:
ICONS:
CERTIFICATIONS:
*You can find what particular certification means in the baby crib buying guide below.
Best dual-sided crib mattress:
Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress
| TYPE | foam |
| FITS INTO | all standard-size cribs |
| SUITABLE FOR | newborns, babies, and toddlers |
| DUAL-SIDED | YES |
| PRICE RANGE | $100 – $200 |
Best breathable baby crib mattress:
Newton Wovenaire baby crib mattress
| TYPE | a unique mattress made of Wovenaire material |
| FITS INTO | – all standard-size cribs – mini size is available |
| SUITABLE FOR | newborns, babies, and toddlers |
| DUAL-SIDED | NO |
| PRICE RANGE | $200 – $300 |
I have arranged free postage if you order a mattress directly from Newton. Just click on the provided link:
Best Eco-Friendly crib mattress:
Colgate Eco Classica III 2-in-1 crib mattress
| TYPE | foam |
| FITS INTO | all standard-size cribs |
| SUITABLE FOR | newborns, babies, and toddlers |
| DUAL-SIDED | YES |
| PRICE RANGE | $100 – $200 |
Best organic foam crib mattress:
Naturepedic Organic foam crib mattress
| TYPE | foam |
| FITS INTO | – all standard-size cribs – mini size is available |
| SUITABLE FOR | newborns, babies, and toddlers |
| DUAL-SIDED | YES |
| PRICE RANGE | $200 – $300 |
Best crib mattress in a box:
Graco Premium crib and toddler bed mattress
| TYPE | foam |
| FITS INTO | all standard-size cribs |
| SUITABLE FOR | newborns, babies, and toddlers |
| DUAL-SIDED | NO |
| PRICE RANGE | < $100 |
Best foam crib mattress under $100:
Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams crib and toddler mattress
| TYPE | foam |
| FITS INTO | all standard-size cribs |
| SUITABLE FOR | newborns, babies, and toddlers |
| DUAL-SIDED | NO |
| PRICE RANGE | < $100 |
Best innerspring crib mattresses in 2023
Best innerspring crib mattress:
Serta Tranquility Eco Firm innerspring crib and toddler bed mattress
| TYPE | innerspring |
| FITS INTO | all standard-size cribs |
| SUITABLE FOR | newborns, babies, and toddlers |
| DUAL-SIDED | YES |
| PRICE RANGE | $100 – $200 |
Best organic innerspring crib mattress:
Naturepedic Organic innerspring crib mattress
| TYPE | innerspring |
| FITS INTO | all standard-size cribs |
| SUITABLE FOR | newborns, babies, and toddlers |
| DUAL-SIDED | YES |
| PRICE RANGE | $200 – $300 |
Best innerspring crib mattress under $100:
Kolcraft Pure Sleep Therapeutic
| TYPE | innerspring |
| FITS INTO | all standard-size cribs |
| SUITABLE FOR | newborns, babies, and toddlers |
| DUAL-SIDED | NO |
| PRICE RANGE | < $100 |
Baby crib mattress buying guide
As I said, choosing the right crib mattress is as important as the crib. However, only the right combination of both and following the safe baby sleep recommendation can ensure a safe sleeping environment for your little bundle of joy.
To choose the best baby crib mattress, check the following things:
- Do you prefer foam or innerspring crib mattresses?
- Buying a new, quality crib mattress is the best decision you can make.
- Do you need a crib mattress that grows with your child?
- Firmness is one of the most important features you have to check.
- The mattress must fit snuggly into the crib.
- Check if your preferred mattress meets all safety standards.
- Deciding on an additional crib mattress cover can prolong the mattress’s durability.
- Check up on the crib mattress’s warranty.
- You can opt for an organic or eco-friendly crib mattress.
1. Decide whether you want a spring or foam baby crib mattress!
Types of crib mattresses:
- foam crib mattress
- innerspring (coil) crib mattress
Both types are suitable for your baby if you choose a good-quality model. So, it is more of a matter of personal preferences regarding which type you pick.
Both types can provide excellent support and keep their shape well. However, there are differences, especially in weight. Foam mattresses tend to be lighter, their assortment is bigger, and they are generally considered cheaper than innerspring models.
Although some so-called “experts” claim coil mattresses are more durable, I do not agree! A quality foam mattress will hold up just as innerspring mattresses!
RELATED: Foam vs. innerspring crib mattress
Unique crib mattresses:
At this point, I want to mention one more baby crib mattress, which is actually not foam or innerspring. Newton’s baby crib mattress is a revolutionary baby crib mattress made of unique Wovenaire material.
It is the only 100% washable and 100% breathable crib mattress on the market. It is also the only crib mattress where you can actually see into its core!
You can read more about this crib mattress in our review or check Newton’s site for more information. The link next to Newton’s crib mattress model, which is one of the best baby crib mattresses you can buy.
It is absolutely my choice, as I think it is the best overall. Note: Purchasing through our link provides free shipping!
2. A new or secondhand crib mattress
If it is possible, buy a new one! It’s better to buy a new cheaper baby crib mattress like Graco Premium than a used high-budget model. Of course, you have to look for the quality, but as I said, a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean low quality.
Deciding on a used crib mattress can be very risky, especially if you get it from someone you do not know. First of all, a secondhand mattress may not be as firm as it used to be. And second, it can look clean on the outside, but harbor mold, mildew, bacteria, or even fungus in its core.
Using the one from the older sibling or someone close to you is, of course, a lot better. You’ll know how it was used, cleaned, and stored, so you will have a better picture of what is going on on the inside.
3. A double-sided baby crib mattress
A convertible, or double-sided baby crib mattress, such as the Dourxi crib mattress, grows with your child. If you decide on a convertible crib, pick a mattress with a double-comfort sleeping system, which will grow with the crib! It has two sides of different firmness, a firmer side for babies, and a softer side for toddlers.
Yes, such mattresses usually cost a little more, but they provide a perfect firmness for your infant and a cozy sleeping space for the toddler. When your child is old enough, flip the mattress, and you will get a new sleeping space for him.
- Baby’s Little Place: Your child is used to a firm mattress, so don’t rush with flipping on a softer side.
- Note: Always use a firm side for a baby!
4. A firm crib mattress
Crib mattresses, particularly those meant for newborns and infants, must be frim! The firmer it is, the better! If it’s too firm for you, then it probably has the right firmness for your newborn.
A firm crib mattress is essential for the proper baby’s bone and muscle development. As it offers enough resistance to him, the baby can turn or push up, which strengthens his body. And what’s even more important, a firm crib mattress significantly reduces the risk of suffocation!
If the baby, by any chance, turns his face to the mattress, his head won’t sink into it. On the contrary, a soft sleeping foundation conforms to the shape of your baby’s face and creates a suffocation hazard. Soft baby crib mattresses increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome!
I can not say that foam or innerspring crib mattresses possess better firmness. That depends on the particular model you choose. However, those with denser foam are firmer among foam mattresses. And those with more springs and thicker crib-mattress coils are firmer among coil mattresses.
Baby’s Little Place tip: Make a home firmness test if you are not sure if your baby crib mattress is firm enough. Press on the mattress with your palm. If the mattress holds firm and springs back in place quickly, it is firm enough.
5. Fitting in the crib
The mattress must fit into the crib snuggly. There shouldn’t be any gaps between the mattress’s edge and the crib’s frame. Your baby can trap in such gaps, which is dangerous for him.
Standard size cribs:
Measurements of full-size cribs and crib mattresses are standardized by the government. So, any new standard-size crib mattress should fit into any new full-size crib.
However, it is better to be safe than sorry. Check if the mattress dimensions correspond to the inner measurements of your crib before your purchase. If you already have a crib mattress, you can also make a simple two-finger test.
Place the mattress in the crib. There shouldn’t be more than two-finger space between the mattress’s edge and crib’s frame.
Mini crib mattresses:
It is a different story with mini cribs and their mattresses. The size of the mini cribs is not standardized! Any crib that is smaller than the standard crib is classified as a mini crib.
In most cases, their inner dimensions are around 38 inches by 24 inches, and most mini crib mattresses correspond to those measurements.
RELATED: Crib mattress size
6. Crib mattress’s Safety
Safety should be your no.1 priority when buying baby equipment. Babies spend a lot of time in the crib, so picking a safe mattress is extremely important!
Crib mattresses must suppress the rigorous testing, to meet all safety standards defined by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). Manufacturers are required by law to reveal all the materials used for their mattresses. If these data are missing, do not buy such a mattress!
While tests ensure the crib firmness, they can’t guarantee a perfect fit into your crib! Why! Because that depends on the crib you have. I’ve written everything about the proper mattress’s size above, so I’m sure you got it all covered.
Further, you can also check if the crib mattress has one or more certifications.
Common crib mattress’s certifications are:
GREENGUARD Gold certification
This certification ensures that the crib mattress was independently tested and verified to meet strict emission levels of indoor pollution. A GREENGUARD Gold certified crib mattress doesn’t have toxic chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde, and phthalates.
CertiPUR-US certification
This certificate refers to the mattress’s foam. It ensures that the mattress’s foam has been made without ozone depleters, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals. It ensures that the foam doesn’t contain formaldehyde, phthalates, and chlorofluorocarbons. It also guarantees that foam passed all durability and performance tests.
If you decide on an organic crib mattress, it must have one of the following certifications!
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), which certifies fiber-based products. It assures you that a product you are buying is certified organic and non-toxic to a strict standard.
- GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), which certifies latex-based products. It ensures that the latex in crib mattresses is organic, and meets specific standards in the processing and manufacturing steps.
7. Waterproof or water-resistant crib mattress’s cover?
Of course, all mattress cores are surrounded by the cover, however, think about buying the additional one too.
While the waterproof cover prevents liquids from penetrating the mattress’s core, the water-resistant model keeps them on the surface only for a certain period.
The additional cover will protect the mattress and keep the baby’s sleeping environment clean. Choose the one that is machine-washable, so you can easily clean the sleeping surface after accidents. It is also important that you choose a tightly fitting model and always placed it under the sheet!
8. Does a crib mattress need a lifetime warranty?
Crib mattress’s warranties vary from one year to a lifetime. But usually, you have to pay extra for a lifetime warranty, which I think you don’t need at all. In my opinion, that is more of a marketing strategy than a benefit for you! A quality crib mattress should stay firm and safe for many years.
9. Organic, all-natural, eco-friendly,…
Because of today’s trends, there is a lot of baby crib mattresses labeled as natural, eco-friendly, or organic. However, there is a lot of confusion in this field, and there are no legal standards for such claims.
I won’t write about organic baby crib mattresses here, because the explanation would be too long. But you can read more here:
The best organic baby crib mattresses on our list:
I think these instructions cover everything, but you can also read our baby crib mattress buying guide.
How did we compile the list of the best baby crib mattresses in 2023?
This list is the result of a longtime work and research. It has been put together based on our experiences, knowledge, and, of course, with the help of numerous parents.
We’ve already done a lot of baby crib mattress reviews, so we have a pretty good picture of what is suitable and what’s not. Crib mattresses on our list achieved the highest results in our reviews, are safe, and are suitable for all new standard-size cribs.