Best Crib Mattress in 2023 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Nothing can offer your baby a comfortable sleep than a carefully chosen best crib mattress. A good sleeping environment is going to be the very First Need or Demand of your newborn, make sure to fulfill this need by making the right choice.

Rockabye baby on the treetop…

…Or maybe on the mattress inside the crib instead.

Lullabies in the olden days were so much more creative – kids just had a better variety of bedrooms, so to speak. In today’s day and age, you are likely to have your kids sleep in the same room as you or in their own nursery. And whether they actually doze off in your arms or in their top baby bouncer or all-time favorite baby swing, they are likely going to be sleeping in the top-notch baby crib you bought for them. And so, you will need the best crib mattress you can get your hands on.

A crib is one of the places your baby is going to spend a lot of their time. Even as they grow up and become a toddler, they will always find themselves wandering back to their crib for a quick nap or even a full night’s sleep. So you definitely cannot compromise on the quality of the crib mattress you buy for them.

There are many things you need to consider here, the most important of which is your baby’s comfort and safety. Let’s go through some of the things you should look out for when making the purchase.

What Are the Types of Crib Mattresses?

Just like any other baby product, a variety of crib mattress is mind-shaking. While you are exploring different types of mattresses, make sure your main selection point is quality. Let’s dig into common types of crib mattresses you can find in the market. 

Innerspring mattresses: The most prominent feature of this crib mattress is its inner springs or steel coil, which is sandwiched between diverse cushion materials.  The most common material used for a mattress is polyester, cotton, or foam. The presence of Inner coils makes this mattress study and resilient. 

When you go shopping for innerspring mattress then you might get confused to hear terms like coil count and steel gauge. Both refer to describe the quality of the inner sprint. Coil Count is nothing but the number of steel coils in the mattress.

As a matter of fact, the more coils inside means you can expect more support. Steel gauge is another term that defines coil thickness. You should know that lower numbers of coils are thicker. Some brands design a baby mattress with metal border rods. The purpose of those rods is to boost up stability factor around the edges.

The innerspring mattress is expensive, especially when you want to get one with a higher coil count. Top brands sell them at a price range of $80 to $300. The weight of this type of crib mattress is usually more than others. Its high weight is an important point to consider because you’ll have to change the sheets from time to time.

Foam Mattresses: If you are looking for an affordable and lightweight type of crib mattress then you will be happy to read about foam mattresses. They are popular among parents due to their easy handling and lower price. A foam mattress is made of these from polyurethane. The resin foam material makes this mattress a durable option.

Before you buy a foam mattress, make sure you check its resilience. Perform a test in which you are going to press your fingers against the form surface and then see when foam come backs to its surface. Make sure it regains its shape quickly, else look around.

Another thing to consider is the high density that reflects firmness. Test its density by squeezing sides of the mattress. The denser model of mattress won’t let you press hard. Another test is to check the weight, the heavier is the better. 

Double-sided Mattresses:  Want to get a mattress that grow with your baby? I know you want that, so go for 2 for 1 design. This type of crib mattress is designed with two different sides. One side is firmer and meant only for infants while another side is softer and suitable for toddlers. You can flip the mattress and get a side your baby wants.  

Since a double-sided mattress facilitates you better than other types, therefore you need to pay extra cash for this facility. But it’s totally worth it, given the fact you are going to use it for quite some time. 

If you got this type, then you need to be a little careful. Always face up the correct side of the mattress while you are changing the sheets.

Features to Consider When Buying the Best Infant Crib Mattress:

• Dimensions:

Before we get to all the safety and comfort considerations among many other things, you need to make sure the baby crib mattress size is perfect – that the mattress you are buying actually fits into the crib well. And we don’t just mean fit into it like have a little gap at the side or require force to get it into place – it should fit PERFECTLY. So make sure you know the exact dimensions of the crib and get a baby crib mattress that fits snugly.

• Weight:

While you won’t be moving the mattress around all that much, you may often need to remove it from the crib to clean or give it a wash among other things. That shouldn’t become an ordeal for you every single time. This is why it is better for you to go for a lightweight mattress that doesn’t compromise on quality but does let you move it around with ease when needed.

• Firmness:

The firmness of the mattress is very important for the safety and the comfort of the baby, whether you go for a foam mattress, coil, or organic variant. When your child is an infant, you shouldn’t go for a mattress that is too soft – that increases the suffocation risk to a great extent. While a firmer mattress may seem uncomfortable to you at first, it will work perfectly for your child. On top of that, quality has a major role to play when it comes to the firmness of the mattress – you don’t want to go for one that starts to sag before any substantial use.

• Air Flow:

You want the mattress to have adequate air flow because that will contribute greatly to how comfortable the baby is. Firstly, it will ensure that the mattress is aired out constantly so that it remains fresh and safe from the threat of mould, mildew, bacteria, and other similar issues. On top of that, it will also control the temperature of the mattress so that your baby is at their most comfortable when it is nap time.

• Mode of Cleaning:

A crib is where your child will spend a large part of their day. It needs to be absolutely clean at all times. And so you need a mattress that is easy to clean. Whether you go for one that has a waterproof cover that can be wiped down, a removable one that can be taken off and washed, or a mattress that can be washed itself, make sure you have the cleanliness element covered according to your own preferences.  

• Free from Toxic Elements:

When it comes to things that are going to come into direct contact with your baby or are even going to be near them, you have to make sure that they contain little or no toxic elements that can be hazardous to the little one’s health. In the case of mattresses, you need to stay away from things like lead, phthalates, flame retardants, and other chemicals that can potentially be dangerous for your child.

A lot of mattresses you will come across will be made of polyurethane foam and while they will have passed all the safety tests they are required to pass, there is still a chance that they are dangerous for your child. So you should do some proper research and weigh all the pros and cons before you make a final decision about the mattress to buy. It is always better to go for the best non-toxic crib mattress that you can get your hands on.

• Price:

The price, of course, always has a role to play in the purchase decisions you make. Usually, when the price of a product is higher than other variants in the market, it is because you are being offered something that the others lack. What’s important is for you to recognize whether or not you can do without that particular something. Make your decision accordingly.

Crib Mattress Safety Guidelines:

A top priority of every parent is the baby’s safety. So, I’m going to highlight some safety guidelines that you can consider while selecting any crib mattress.

Say Never to Second-Hand Mattress: I know parenthood is an era that brings lots of expenses but doesn’t think of cutting your cost by picking a second-hand mattress. You can’t look into the history of that product. Used mattresses bring dangers of mold and bacteria. Planning to reuse your one baby’s mattress for another? You can go for it but perform a safety check and look for any opening in the waterproof cover. If you find any opening, it could be a room for mold.

Don’t Over Crown a Crib: We all want to decorate our baby’s crib with colorful pillows, entertaining stuffed animals, lofty blankets and similar things. All those things might look lovely but they might become a reason for suffocation hazard. Make sure you keep your baby’s crib empty, though a clean-soft sheet won’t do any harm.

Keep a Check on Baby’s Sleeping Position: Listen to recommendations of The American Academy of Pediatrics who say that healthy infants should be placed on their back in a crib. Reasons? Because it’s the safest sleeping position for your baby. 

This position also diminishes risks of sudden infant death syndrome SIDS – a major cause of death in the very first year of a baby’s life. Make sure you keep a full check on your baby’s sleeping position.

Ask before you Flip the mattress: In case you have a double-side mattress then don’t flip aside until you are sure that it’s okay to do it. The best thing to do is to ask your pediatrician whether to flip a side and start using the toddler side or not. Typically, parents make this switch once their babies are one year old.

Now that we’re done with the feature and guidelines to look out for, let’s dive in because this best crib mattress review will get you right back on track with your purchase decision.

10 Best Crib Mattress in 2021 – Quick Comparison:

10 Best Crib Mattress in 2021 – Detail Reviews:

Now that you have an idea about the specifications of the mattresses we are going to discuss in this blog post, let’s go into more details about each one so you can make an informed decision.

1. Newton Baby – Best Non-Toxic Crib Mattress:

A completely breathable mattress, it is made with a patented Wovenaire core which is basically 90% air and 10% food-grade polymer. This allows air to pass through easily for comfort, as well as for temperature control.

The cover is made of two sheets of spacer fabric that have been quilted together for ultimate comfort.

This mattress is hypoallergenic and perfect for your baby’s sensitive skin.

It is completely washable which is a must when it comes to the place where the baby sleeps. The cover can be machine washed with ease while the mattress can be soaked and washed in a tub of water. You do need to keep it away from heat, however, so that it does not shrink.

The mattress is built for ongoing use – you don’t have to throw it out after just a few years of use – it is perfect for when your child grows into a toddler too. And you may think we’re pushing it a little but you can actually use it for another child too.

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This product is made without the use of polyurethane foam, latex, springs, glue, and allergens among other dangerous substances.

The mattress has been found to have a very low suffocation risk and carbon-dioxide breathability, as verified by a CPSC accredited lab, which is an absolute must if you are to be at peace.

It is GREENGUARD Gold certified which is further proof of the fact that it is safe for your little one.

The mattress is pediatrician recommended, which is always a sign of reliability.

The product is 100% recyclable so you know you’re doing the environment some good – it is the best eco-friendly crib mattress.

Final Verdict:

Free from all sorts of toxic materials and 100% breathable, this organic mattress is a godsend. But that is not all – it has an extremely low suffocation risk and CO2 breathability, meaning your child is always safe. And made with material that maintains the optimum temperature while also being able to be washed inside out, there really is not much this mattress lacks. It is the best crib mattress (non-toxic and hypoallergenic) that will last you many years.

2. Moonlight Slumber Dreamer – Best Lightweight Crib Mattress:

This is a dual-sided mattress, something that also makes it great for ongoing use. 1 side is perfect for infants as it is made of firm, plant-based foam while the other side is a soft foam side for when you have a toddler to take care of.

The foam used in the mattress is environment-friendly and medical grade, ensuring quality while also being good for the environment.

The stretch knit fabric used is also medical grade and is guaranteed to be durable, water- and odour-resistant, and antimicrobial.

The ‘Safe sewn’ seams prevent bed bugs and mite from inhabiting the bed.

The cover of the mattress is hypoallergenic, which means that you can clean it with utmost ease using a damp cloth or sponge.

This product is hypoallergenic and perfect for your young child.

The foam is free from PVC, phthalates, lead, antimony, vinyl, and other toxic elements.

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It has a woven-fire barrier – no fire-resistant chemicals have been used.

The foam and other materials of the crib mattress have been tested for quality and safety.

The mattress has been made in the USA.

Final Verdict:

If you are looking for a mattress that becomes home to your child when they’re an infant and remains the same as they grow into a toddler, this is the mattress you should go for. It is dual-sided which means that when your child grows older, you can just flip it over.

3. Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams – Best Affordable Crib Mattress:

This mattress is hypoallergenic and so perfect for your little one.

It sports a high-density thermo-bonded fibre core which is made from polyester and provides support to your little one’s body as they sleep.

The mattress is lightweight which makes it easy to move around or remove for a washing among other things.

The mattress has a cover made of vinyl which makes it waterproof. While this is a blessing when it comes to clean-up time as it can just be wiped down with a wet cloth, it is important to note that vinyl contains phthalates and it isn’t the best idea for your baby to be in contact with toxic materials.

The outer cover is not removable, but it is waterproof which means you do not need to worry about a spilled drink or a leaked diaper – you can wipe the mess clean, and it will be as good as new.

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The mattress is free from flame retardant chemicals and BPA among other things.

A Greenguard Gold Certification for meeting low-chemical emission standards proves that the brand puts the safety of your little one above all else.

Final Verdict:

Lightweight, hypoallergenic, and cheap, this is pretty much the best mattress for a baby’s crib you can find on a budget. However, you may want to note that the cover is made of vinyl and while that does make the mattress waterproof (always a plus), it does contain phthalates which are known to be toxic in nature. On the other hand, it is Greenguard Gold Certified so it may just be safer than it seems.

4. Milliard Memory Foam – Best Top Rated Crib Mattress:

The construction of this baby crib mattress consists of a firm foam base that has a layer of memory foam on top which offers ultimate support.

The product is highly durable and passes the test of time – you can use it for years to come.

It is made from hypoallergenic Certi-Pur which keeps your baby safe from mould, bacteria, allergens, mites, and so on.

A soft bamboo cover on the mattress is perfect for your child’s comfort and lets them sleep soundly without any trouble at all.

The cover is waterproof so you don’t have to worry about the inside of the mattress getting dirty.

The cover can also be removed and washed in the machine so cleanliness is never a concern.

The mattress allows for air flow which plays a major role in temperature control and allows your little one to sleep in total bliss.

Weight distribution technology ensures that your child is always comfortable.

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The mattress uses non-toxic materials to ensure the safety and health of your child.

A natural fibre glass lining is present inside the mattress that meets all fire safety standards.

Final Verdict:

Made with non-toxic materials and featuring a construction that does not allow it to wear down easily, this is a best-rated crib mattress that is safe and durable – the perfect combination. On top of that, the high-quality foam + memory foam construction provides your baby’s little body with comfort and support. More suitable in terms of firmness for the older child, it really is the best toddler mattress you can find.

5. Dream on Me Portable – Best Portable Crib Mattress:

This is a portable mattress, meaning it only fits portable cribs – it is a lot smaller than your standard mattress (for exact dimensions, check out the table at the beginning of the blog post).

This mattress takes lightweight to a whole new level – it only weighs 1.9lb, which ensures that it is super easy for you to carry and move around.

It is waterproof, which means you do not have to spend your time worrying about how you are going to clean a potential and inevitable mess from the mattress – you can just wipe it down and it will be as good as new.

The cover of the mattress is hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial so your baby can sleep soundly, as can you, knowing that you don’t have to worry about mould, mildew, and bacteria among other things.

The mattress promotes healthy air flow which ensures that your child never has to experience any discomfort.

This mattress is free from phthalates and lead, ensuring the safety of your little one.

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The product meets Federal Flammability Standards as well as ASTM Standards.

When you buy this mattress, you get a 10-year limited warranty.

Final Verdict:

Small, light as a feather and extremely easy to move around and carry, this is probably the best portable mattress you can find that fits a mini crib. It is hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial, and it also meets all standard safety requirements, ensuring your baby remains comfortable, but not at the cost of their health. And all this at a great price.

6. Sealy Baby Firm Rest – Best Waterproof Crib Mattress:

This baby mattress is the first coil mattress of the list – it contains 204 heat-tempered interwoven steel coils that give the mattress its firm structure that supports the baby’s posture in the best way possible.

An anti-sag system ensures the weight is evenly distributed across the mattress and it doesn’t sag in spots where the baby likes to sleep more.

Border rods make sure the mattress maintains its shape at all costs.

The hospital-grade antibacterial cover makes sure you don’t have to compromise on your baby’s health.

The mattress is durable and long-lasting, perfect for ongoing use. 

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The waterproof cover ensures that it can easily be wiped clean in case of a mess.

Because it is hypoallergenic, the mattress ensures that your baby remains happy and healthy.

Air flow pockets in the mattress ensure freshness.

The mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified for indoor air quality and is free from toxic elements.

It meets all flammability, lead, phthalate, and CPSIA testing standards.

It is made in the US and comes with a 20-year warranty for workmanship and materials.

Final Verdict:

The first coil mattress in the list, this one does not disappoint. With its sophisticated structure, waterproof cover, and many other features that ensure the comfort of your child, it is worth a shot. Because of all the measures the manufacturer has taken to ensure that the mattress is safe for the baby in all ways, whether it is the firm structure, hospital-grade waterproof cover or the lack of toxic materials, it is the best crib mattress for babies, preemies, and toddlers.

7. Graco Premium Foam – Best Crib Mattress for Infants:

The mattress has the ideal firmness which is essential for the healthy growth and development of your child – it fully supports their bone structure and posture, making it the best crib mattress for infants.

The mattress has four main layers: the embossed quilted polyester cover that has a moisture barrier, a separation barrier, a fire barrier, and a polyurethane foam core.

The foam core has air flow technology that helps in the regulation of the perfect temperature for your child and allows them to remain comfortable.

The outer cover is waterproof so you don’t have to worry about getting it clean – you can just wipe it down with a damp cloth.

The mattress is free from phthalates, lead, and mercury, among other things.

It complies with all the federal flammability standards.

The cover is also removable so you can take it off when it gets dirty and wash it (it is not machine-washable).

The mattress is lightweight so you don’t have a lot of trouble when it comes to moving it around or carrying it when the need arises.

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It is Greenguard Certification for low chemical emissions.

The mattress comes with a 6-year limited warranty.

Final Verdict:

With the features that it offers including top-notch air flow capability for breathability and comfort, Greenguard Certification for low chemical emissions, a good, firm structure and much more, this is probably the best affordable crib mattress with all these specifications that you can go for. It is made from polyurethane foam which can be dangerous for your baby, although it does have the Greenguard certification which means it has been tested and found to be safe.

8. Dream on Me Coil – Best Baby Crib Mattress for Newborns:

This product has been constructed with 96 interwoven, heat-tempered coils that ensure that your baby’s little body is supported well.

The mattress cover is hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial, meaning you have to make no compromises on the health of your child.

The cover is also waterproof, ensuring you can clean it up by simply wiping it down with a damp cloth.

The material of the mattress keeps it safe from stains and odours so that you and your baby always feel fresh.

The second coil spring mattress in our list, this one is more affordable than the first.

The foam on either side of the spring is polyurethane foam.

It is free from lead and phthalates which are toxic components harmful for your child.

The mattress is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for a healthy indoor environment which is a must when it comes to the little love of your life.

It also meets the Federal Flammability Standards and ASTM Standards.

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The mattress comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

It has been manufactured in the USA.

Final Verdict:

This mattress ticks off in a lot of areas. For starters, it is made up of a dense structure of springs covered by foam on both sides so that your baby’s body is supported at all costs. The cover is also hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, and waterproof. Keeping all these things in mind among others, this is probably the best newborn baby mattress for your little one’s crib. Do keep in mind that while it passes all the required tests for safety, it does contain polyurethane foam, a material that can be dangerous.

9. Naturepedic Organic Baby Crib Natural Mattress – Best Safest Crib Mattress:

This mattress is made from GOTS certified organic cotton which means that it is all natural and you do not need to worry about your baby constantly being in contact with harmful components.

The 150-coil innerspring ensures that the mattress has a firm structure.

The mattress is firm and comfortable at the same time, ensuring your child’s body is supported as they sleep soundly.

This is further emphasised by the fact that the cover, which is quilted, is made from 100% natural eco-wool.

This mattress does not contain any polyurethane foam, which means you can be extra sure of your baby’s safety and good health.

The organic coconut pad is also organic.

The mattress is the same on both sides. This means that when one side starts to feel like it has worn down, you can just flip it over and make use of the other one. This allows you to use the mattress for a long period of time.

This product has been tested and found to be free of lead.   

The mattress has a natural flame retardant in the form of the eco-wool, which means your baby won’t be exposed to chemicals unnecessarily.

It passes the flammability tests.

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The mattress is Greenguard-certified for low chemical emissions.

A 10-year warranty against defects makes sure you can return the product if it shows signs of defective manufacturing and material usage.

This product had been made in the USA.

Final Verdict:

This really is the best baby crib mattress made from organic cotton and a coil spring structure. Because it is made by all natural materials, inside and out, it is guaranteed that there are no toxic elements that can harm your baby, including lead, polyurethane foam, flame retardants, and so on. On top of that, the dense composition and top-notch surface allow for firmness that supports the baby’s body while also providing them with comfort. All in all, it is probably the safest crib mattress you can go for.

10. My First Crib Mattress – Best Baby Crib Mattress:

This mattress is made from CertiPUR-US certified flexible polyurethane foam – it provides a great level of support to your baby’s body.

It is hypoallergenic and anti-microbial, as well as being mite-proof. Because of this, you don’t have to worry about hygiene being an issue.

This is a memory foam mattress.

The velour cover of the mattress is soft and comfortable, meaning your baby sleeps soundly every single time.

On top of that, the cover (which is also PVC-free) is also removable so that you can give it a wash when it gets dirty. Just take it off and toss it in the machine for a quick spin and it will be as good as new.

The cover is also waterproof, allowing you to simply wipe it clean whenever the need arises.

The product is free from lead, mercury, flame retardants, formaldehyde, phthalates, and ozone depleters among other things.

There are low VOC omissions so the indoor air quality remains high.

It meets federal flammability and CPSC standards so you know that your baby is safe.

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The product comes with a 10-year warranty.

Final Verdict:

If you can get past the fact that this mattress is made from polyurethane foam, it has some of the best features that are available in the market today. Firm and soft at the same time, it provides your little one with comfort and safety so they can sleep snugly and stay healthy. It is also free from most toxic elements so you don’t have to worry about your child being in contact with them. All in all, the best baby crib mattress that you can find at a great price so you get some of the top features without putting a hole in your wallet – just make sure it fits your crib well.

And now comes the time for us to decide which is the best crib mattress for your child. And while this decision is somewhat dependent on your unique needs and priorities, we have a winner! Curious? Read on and find out!

Best Crib Mattress – Our Top Pick:

We just went through the top-rated crib mattresses that are available in the market today. But which of these is our favorite and why?

Well, we choose the Newton Baby Crib Mattress! We know what you’re thinking – this is the most expensive mattress on the list. But hear us out – the price is there for a reason. This is a 100% organic mattress that is made from all-natural materials. This means that there is the lowest possible amount of chemicals and toxic elements in this mattress. When you’re talking about a product that your baby is going to be in contact with for hours on any given day, this is a must.

On top of that, the entire mattress is washable, which means it remains clean, hygienic, and safe for the little love of your life at all times. It is also firm, which supports your baby’s body and reduces the risk of SIDS. The airflow technology also allows for breathability and temperature control which are absolute essentials. All in all, this the best crib mattress you can go for, a one-time investment that pays off!