8 Best Crib Mattress Options 2023

According to Carolyne J. Harvey, a sleep consultant and founder of Dream Baby Sleep, the top concern for any parent should be firmness. “Babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface to help prevent SIDS,” she says. Next up, consider crib size (mini or standard) and make sure the mattress you purchase will fit snugly in the crib you have.

It’s a good idea to check your crib’s label for the exact dimensions to be certain the mattress you have your eye on will work well, without leaving any gaps. From there, features are based on parent preference, notes Harvey.

“Many crib mattresses are dual-sided, so there's one firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers, which saves you purchasing a second mattress if you transition to a toddler bed. It's up to you if that's a worthwhile feature, as well as whether you prefer a foam or innerspring mattress for your baby.”

In general, Harvey says innerspring mattresses are more durable and tend to last longer, but they're heavier—which is something to consider when lifting and changing sheets—and usually more expensive. “Foam mattresses are lightweight and generally less expensive, but they wear out more quickly and are subject to health hazards like mold if they get wet.”

Other things to think about when shopping for the best baby mattresses are breathability, materials (organic/natural) and whether it’s waterproof and GREENGUARD-certified for low chemical emissions.

Last but not least, Harvey definitely recommends buying a separate waterproof cover! “It will protect your mattress from diaper leaks and spit up, as well as make the mattress a bit more comfortable for baby, while still being completely safe.”

Best crib mattress picks 2023

• Best overall: Saatva Dual-Sided Crib Mattress
• Best affordable: Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress
• Best organic: Naturepedic Organic Lightweight Classic Crib Mattress
• Best rated: Newton Baby Crib Mattress
• Best Amazon: Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress
• Best mini crib mattress: Babyletto Pure Core Mini Crib Mattress
• Best breathable: SleepOvation Baby Crib Mattress
• Best toddler crib mattress: HALO DreamWeave Baby Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed

Best overall

Saatva Dual-Sided Crib Mattress

This Saatva model is dreamiest, breathable baby crib mattress option on the market. It's a top-rated, dual-sided baby bed that is absolutely worth the splurge. The convenient, flippable design—with an extra firm side for newborns and a nice and cozy firm side for toddlers—basically makes it two beds for the price of one.

It's handcrafted with natural, non-toxic and eco-friendly materials and is GREENGUARD Gold-certified. That means there are no harmful emissions, formaldehyde or off-gassing from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to keep you up at night. Baby sleeps snug as a bug on the organic and accident-proof, water-resistant cover that's easy to throw in the wash with your favorite laundry detergent to clean in case of a diaper blowout or the inevitable spit-up.

The toddler side features a 100% GOTS-certified organic New Zealand wool layer, designed to naturally regulate body temperature and wick away moisture for little ones who run hot. Both sides offer double-edge support and center-zone technology as well, to keep kiddos safely snoozing in the middle of the mattress. It's also hypoallergenic for even the most sensitive babes.

Pros

• Dual-sided so it can be used from birth up to six years
• Made with non-toxic, eco-friendly and organic materials
• GREENGUARD Gold-certified so you know babe is breathing clean air
• Breathable, washable and water-repellant cover
• Hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating toddler side
• Double-edge support to prevent sagging and gaps from forming

Cons

• Pricier than some other options on our list, but worth every penny

Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress

For families on a budget, you can't beat this coveted crib mattress that has over 43,000 (yep!) positive reviews on Amazon and an average 4.8 out of 5 stars rating. As one reviewer describes it, "it's like a giant firm foam pillow" and tons of parents report it's the mattress that finally got their little ones happily sleeping through the night, so if that isn't motivation enough to purchase, we don't know what is.

For parents concerned about off-gassing (AKA all of us), the Graco is GREENGUARD Gold certified so you don't have to worry about harmful chemicals and babe breathing in toxic VOCs. It's made of some of the best memory foam that the best kids' mattress brands use, making it both supportive and easy to sleep on.

This mattress fits all standard full-size crib and toddler beds and comes with a machine-washable, water-resistant outer cover that's oh so cozy for little ones to snooze on—and, more importantly, a breeze for parents to clean when accidents happen.

Pros

• Excellent budget-friendly price point
• Over 43,000 rave ratingss from real parents whose babies are sleeping better thanks to this mattress
• Fits all standard full-sized cribs and toddler beds
• The cover is soft, removable, water-resistant and can be thrown in the wash on delicate for quick and easy cleaning
• GREENGUARD Gold certified for safe sleep
• Perforated foam core to allow for maximum airflow and reducing the risk of SIDS
• Only 10.7 pounds, making it easy to lift and change sheets

Cons

• Takes up to 72 hours to expand fully so you'll want to take that into consideration when timing your purchase

Naturepedic Organic Lightweight Classic Crib Mattress

Only the best crib mattress for baby, am I right? For parents who want the extra peace of mind that comes with purchasing a made-in-the-USA organic crib mattress, you really can't go wrong with the Naturepedic, which is 100% GOTS-certified organic and GREENGUARD certified for low chemical emissions. It's a major health-minded upgrade from typical polyurethane foam beds.

It has a lot more going for it too, such as a two-sided breathable design (firm for babies and a medium-firm side for toddlers), as well as a patented waterproof coating to clean up messes quick with just a wipe. Plus, it's super lightweight at just 11 pounds so changing dirty sheets isn't such a heavy lift.

Strong, reinforced edges keep baby from getting stuck along the sides and ensure your mattress maintains its shape—even when your toddler suddenly starts jumping (out)!

Pros

• Entire mattress (not just the cover) is certified organic
• GREENGUARD Certified and free of harmful chemicals
• Two-sided design that'll last them all the way through toddlerhood
• Patented waterproof coating makes cleaning up messes easy
• Strong reinforced edges to keep kiddos safe
• Only weighs 11 pounds so changing sheets is fuss-free
• Fits snug in most standard-sized cribs

Cons

• Definitely a splurge but you get what you pay for: a high-quality and highly-rated, certified organic mattress

Newton Baby Crib Mattress

With over 2,000 reviews and a nearly-perfect 4.9-average star rating on Amazon, the Newton is one of the best baby crib mattresses for a whole slew of reasons. It's 100% breathable and proven to significantly reduce suffocation risk so you can Netflix and chill while your little one naps instead of constantly checking the monitor to see if they've moved (hey, we've all been there!).

It's also 100% recyclable and can be washed from cover to core—with gentle soap and cool water—so you can really get it clean, which is nice if you'll be using it for the long haul. The standard size also fits just about every gorgeous fitted sheet for cribs your heart could desire.

There's also no need to flip the mattress over when your baby becomes a toddler, as it comes with a plush, dual-layer quilted cloud cover that has a waterproof toddler side to extra protect against nighttime pee accidents.

Pros

• Innovative Breathe-Thru technology that's been proven to reduce the risk of suffocation and help regulate babe's body temperature
• GREENGUARD Gold certified, which means no yucky chemicals for little ones to inhale
• 100% recyclable and hypoallergenic
• You can wash the entire thing, including the removable cover and the core!
• Two-stage design for infants and toddlers
• 93% of reviewers on Amazon gave it a full five stars

Cons

• An investment but worth it for all the bells and whistles, including breathability and washability!

Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress

For a mid-range crib mattress that can be used from birth through the toddler years, we love the Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer—and so do hundreds of parents who gave it 5 stars on Amazon. The infant side features firm, high-density foam for safe snoozing, while the toddler side has plush foam to make bedtime even more comfortable when they're big enough. And knowing which side is which is completely fool-proof, thanks to clear arrows on the mattress tag.

Perhaps the best feature of all though is the premium, stretchy knit cover that's hypoallergenic, waterproof and designed to protect against odors and stains, which is great if you have a reflux-prone baby or are in the midst of potty training madness.

You and baby can also breathe easier knowing the Moonlight is GREENGUARD Gold certified and free of fire-retardant chemicals, PVC, phthalates and lead.

Pros

• 4.8-average star rating on Amazon with loads of rave reviews
• Dual-sided for infants and toddlers, plus clearly marked to avoid any confusion
• Made with CertiPUR-US certified foam and wrapped in a woven fire barrier that's free of spray-on FR chemicals
• GREENGUARD Gold certified
• Waterproof, hypoallergenic, odor and stain-resistant cover
• Lifetime manufacturer warranty means your mattress is completely covered for up to 8 years
• Great bang for your buck

Cons

• Not as breathable as other options on our list

Babyletto Pure Core Mini Crib Mattress

If you're looking for the best mini crib mattress, the Babyletto comes highly recommended and it won't break the bank at just $129. Features to love are the two-in-one removable, waterproof and washable cover that's soft and quilted for your little one's comfort, while the mattress remains firm for safe sleep purposes.

Concerned about off-gassing and other bad-for-baby stuff? You can rest easy knowing that this mini-mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified and free of chemical flame retardants, soy foam, polyurethane, vinyl (PVC), PFCs, synthetic latex and dyes—zomg! At only four pounds, it's also super lightweight so frequent linen changes in those early days isn't such a chore.

Pros

• Removable, washable and waterproof cover
• GREENGUARD Gold certified for a healthier, cleaner sleep environment
• Free of chemical flame retardants
• Mattress is fully recyclable
• Hypoallergenic and designed with breathable polyester layers to keep your little one cool and comfy

Cons

• Some reviewers report the mattress is too firm, but most little ones find it comfortable

SleepOvation Baby Crib Mattress

Once babies learn how to roll from their back to belly, it's game over in terms of actually keeping them on their back to sleep to avoid sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SleepOvation's innovative crib mattress allows little ones to safely sleep and breathe—even when they're completely face down—to bring anxious parents (hi, it's me!) added comfort.

The FDA-listed mattress (the only one of its kind!) features special air channels for breathability, enhancing overall airflow and protecting your babe from overheating. It's also the only mattress that ensures proper spine alignment for both babies and toddlers.

And as if that weren't enough, this mattress is made to relieve harmful pressure on your infant's head so you don't have to stress about turning their head every 20 minutes. It's ideal for infants for flat spots on their skulls (or parents just worried about these common problems forming).

Other things to love are the dual-sided design, as well as the removable and washable cover that's water-resistant on the infant side and completely waterproof for accident-prone toddlers. You can purchase it in mini or standard size so you've got options.

Pros

• The only FDA listed crib mattress
• Engineered with knitted in air-channels for enhanced breathability and to keep baby comfy and cool all night
• Dual-sided design for infants and toddlers
• Removable, machine-washable cover that's water-resistant for infants and waterproof for big kids
• Cover is OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified so you know for sure there's no harmful chemicals
• Supports proper spine alignment
• reduces excessive skull pressure in babies
• Free of chemical flame retardants

Cons

• The most expensive option on our list, however, the technology and benefits are unmatched

HALO DreamWeave Baby Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed

From leaky sippy cups to urine-soaked floral crib sheets, accidents are bound to happen when you have a toddler so a mattress that's easy to clean is a must. The HALO DreameWeave performs beautifully in this department, thanks to its completely machine-washable cover and a core that can be rinsed off in the shower or tub for when things get really messy.

The toddler side features comfy, quilted 3-D mesh with a waterproof lining for extra protection, and it's GREENGUARD Gold-certified, creating a clean and healthy sleep environment for your mini-me. Parents praise it as a great and slightly more affordable alternative to the Newton.

Pros

• Dual-sided design so can be used for infants or toddlers
• Removable, machine-washable cover
• The entire mattress can be washed in shower or tub
• GREENGUARD Gold-certified
• More affordable than similar high-end options
• Toddler side has waterproof lining
• Made with multiple soft layers of quilted mesh for extra comfort

Cons

• Weighs 19 pounds, making it one of the heavier options on our list
• Somewhat thinner than other models

FAQs

What is the best crib mattress for infants?

According to Harvey, any firm, flat mattress is going to be great for an infant to sleep on. "It may not seem comfortable to you, but it's perfect for your baby! So go with whatever appeals most to you as a parent— whether that's inner coil or foam, organic or not, convertible to toddler mattress or just for cribs."

What is the best crib mattress for newborns?

Newborns may do best in a bassinet at first, notes Harvey, "but once they're ready to transition to a crib, you really can't go wrong with any firm, flat mattress you choose."