5 Best Crib Mattress for Baby

As you’re setting up your baby’s nursery with your favorite furniture and decor, don’t forget about the crib mattress! With so many options on the market, picking the right mattress for your baby’s bed may be a more difficult decision than you think.

We’ve already done some of the work for you. We’ll help you determine which factors are most important when choosing a mattress and give you our top picks for the best crib mattresses of 2024.

We know you want your baby to be secure and supported whenever they lie down in their crib. With health, comfort, and safety features in mind, we’ve created a list of a few crib mattresses you and your baby will love.

Here’s our recommendation of the top five best crib mattresses for you to choose from.

Made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton that allows for 360 degrees of airflow. This Naturepedic crib mattress has a vegan waterproof layer and passes flame standards without the use of harmful chemicals.

This mattress is made of non-toxic materials and features a removable cover that’s waterproof and machine washable. The Lullaby Earth Breathe Safe provides support for your child from newborn days through toddler years.

A combination of natural fibers and coil support creates a Greenguard Gold-certified mattress with an extra firm side for infants that can be flipped to a softer side for toddlers. The mattress cover is made of organic cotton and wool for a naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial barrier.

This 5-inch, dual-sided mattress offers proper support for young children with an infant side and toddler side. The Moonlight mattress is award-winning and made with CertiPUR-US-certified foam.

5. Newton Baby Crib Mattress

The Newton Baby mattress is made with Breathe-Thru technology for easy breathing no matter what position your baby sleeps in. It’s the only 100% washable crib mattress ensuring clean, comfortable sleep for your baby.

You can protect your investment by protecting your crib mattress with a pad or fitted cover. Naturepedic offers an organic crib mattress cover made of breathable cotton and an ultra-thin waterproof mattress pad , both essential for quick bedding clean-ups any time of the day or night.

When looking for a crib mattress for your baby’s bed, you may feel overwhelmed when comparing lists of features between brands. Consider these factors when choosing a crib mattress to help narrow your search.

For the best fit in your baby’s crib, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends a standard size for mattress measurements . A full-size crib mattress should be 27.25 inches wide by 51.25 inches long with a thickness of less than 6 inches for a safe fit. A mini crib, bassinet, or play yard will require a mattress of its unique size.

The longevity of your crib mattress will depend greatly on the quality of the materials it’s made from. A foam coreor coil springs can both create a durable mattress. Whether you choose an innerspring or memory foam crib mattress, using a waterproof cover will protect it from wear and tear.

A mattress that’s easy to clean is a must for parents of babies and toddlers. Messes happen, so a mattress that’s waterproof and can be quickly wiped down will ensure that your little one always has a clean space to sleep. A machine-washable cover makes for easy clean-ups after diaper blowouts and spit-up messes.

Researching product reviews will give you the honest perspective of real buyers. Reading feedback and seeing home photos from other parents like you can give insight into the good and bad of any baby crib mattress. Remember to check the dates of the reviews as some old issues may have been remedied to provide a better product available to you today.

In the United States, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Greenguard Gold Certification are seals of approval you’ll want to look for.

• GOTS certification ensures eco-friendly manufacturing of high-quality, organic fabrics.

• Greenguard Gold certifies a product was tested for volatile organic compounds (VOC) and is considered low-emission for cleaner indoor air.

Baby crib mattresses may be made of foam, innerspring, or a hybrid of both. Each can make a safe bed for your baby but may have differences in weight and durability. Choose what works best for your family.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babies always lie on their backs on a firm, flatsleep surface to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Crib mattresses should only be covered by a fitted sheet or mattress cover. A mattress that’s too soft could cause suffocation or entrapment if the baby’s airway is blocked or they become stuck between the mattress and crib rails.

There’s a wide range of prices for crib mattresses currently on the market. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500. The average price falls around $200 for a quality baby mattress. Although it’s an important purchase, keep your overall budget for nursery furniture in mind when picking a crib mattress.

Think long-term when choosing a new mattress. If you’ve chosen a convertible crib for your little one to use as they grow, you can expect to keep this mattress once he or she is ready for a toddler bed. Taking care of your crib mattress with a mattress protector will help it last many years.

The manufacturing process of baby products can sometimes leave traces of chemicals that could negatively impact your family’s health. Choosing a mattress free ofpolyurethane foamandflame retardants creates a healthy sleep environment for your child.

The proper usage of any mattress will keep your baby safe. Keep these things in mind before your little one sleeps on their new crib mattress.

The way your crib mattress fits in the crib is crucial to your baby’s sleep safety. The mattress should fit snugly against the crib rails and not easily slide or lift out of place. Gaps between the mattress and sides of the crib pose a risk of your baby becoming stuck in a harmful position.

Most cribs allow for two or three different height levels to set the mattress support frame. The thickness of the mattress at less than 6 inches contributes to a snug fit and proper height to keep your baby from falling out of the crib. Around six months old, or when your baby has learned to push up and roll over, you should lower the crib mattress to maintain a greater distance from the top of the mattress to the top of the crib.

Your baby’s crib should be bare for every nap and bedtime. The crib mattress should only be covered by a fitted sheet . Keep the sleep environment free of loose blankets, pillows, and plush toys that could cling to or wrap around your baby’s face or neck.

When you put your baby down to sleep in their crib, always lay them down on their back. The AAP emphasizes the importance of babies sleeping on their backs to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant death, along with other careful considerations including sleeping alone, but in the same room as their parents for the first six months of life.

Safety is every parent’s highest priority when it comes to selecting a crib for their baby. Look for a crib that adheres to the safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and follow the CPSC crib safety tips when choosing and assembling your baby’s crib.

The Cribs from Nurture& exceed ASTM standards to give your baby a safe and durable bed. You’ll sleep well at night knowing your Nurture& crib is constructed from non-toxic materials and rigorously tested to ensure your baby is in a secure and healthy sleep space. Our Crib Buying Guide can help you choose the best crib for your family.

Babies will sleep safely while laying flat on a firm mattress that fits snugly within their crib. A plush or inclined mattress is discouraged to prevent obstructed breathing or entrapment.

A foam mattress may create a more consistent level of support across the sleep surface. Foam is generally more lightweight so parents can easily maneuver the mattress when making crib adjustments and changing the crib sheets. Both a foam core and innerspring mattress can serve as a safe place for your baby to sleep.

A breathable crib mattress gives most parents peace of mind, but it’s ultimately a personal preference. The increased airflow is appealing to parents concerned with their children rolling onto their bellies at night. Proper airflow can also help babies maintain their body temperature and not become sweaty while they sleep.

While breathable crib mattresses do increase the airflow around your baby, it alone does not reduce the risk of SIDS. Following safe sleep practices plays a crucial role in preventing SIDS and sleep-related injuries.

Setting the mattress at the highest support level the crib offers is helpful when lifting and lowering your newborn, changing the crib sheets, and cleaning the mattress. As your baby gets older and hits developmental milestones it’s important to lower the crib mattress to keep them from falling out.

Yes! Convertible cribs are popular for this very reason. Not only does the crib become a toddler bed with just a few adjustments, but you don’t have to buy a new mattress. A standard toddler bed will accommodate a full-size crib mattress.

Find the perfect crib mattress and other nursery furniture to complete your baby’s room in  Nurture&’s online store . From the moment you find out you’re expecting through the ups and downs of parenthood, we have tips to share with you in Our Journal .​​