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The best crib mattresses for your little one's sweet dreams

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed review of the best crib mattresses, helping you make an informed decision for your baby's comfort and safety.

Published Jan 16, 2024
4 min. reading time
picture of a baby sleeping and crib in two different shapes
Photo: Unsplash / Dakota Corbin

Choosing the right crib mattress is crucial for your baby's comfort and safety. 

Getting your baby to sleep through the night is a feat for every parent, and buying the right mattress is one step towards that. 

We’ll delve into the specifications, pros and cons of each product, providing you with a comprehensive understanding to help you make the best choice for your little one. 

Let's dive in and explore the world of crib mattresses.

Read more: The top 8 diapers for every baby in 2024

Our favorite crib mattresses

naturepedic crib mattress in nursery
Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress
$269 at Naturepedic
Sealy Butterfly 2-Stage Waterproof Ultra Firm Crib and Toddler Mattress
Sealy Butterfly 2-Stage Waterproof Ultra-Firm Crib And Toddler Mattress
$93.94 at Amazon
snuggles crib mattress
Snuggles Crib Mattress
saatva crib mattress in nursery
Saatva Crib Mattress
$355 at Saatva

Specifications:

  • Material: Cotton

  • Water resistant: Yes

  • Certified organic: Yes

This Snuggles chemical-free crib mattress is an excellent choice for parents who prioritize a chemical-free sleeping environment for their little ones. 

In addition to peace of mind from its chemical-free nature, the Snuggles crib mattress brings several fantastic qualities to the table — the mattress's virgin wool component is a game changer in terms of comfort as it aids in regulating your baby's body temperature and wicks away moisture, promoting a more comfortable and uninterrupted sleeping experience for your child.

Moreover, the moisture-reducing capability of the wool also prevents the growth of bacteria or dust mites.

Specifications:

  • Material: Soybean memory foam

  • Water-resistant: Yes

  • Certified organic: No

Seeking a mattress that grows with your child, providing optimal support and comfort at every stage? If so, look no further than the Sealy Butterfly 2-stage Waterproof Ultra Firm Crib and Toddler mattress. 

This USA-made mattress-in-a-box is designed with a dual side feature, offering a firmer high-density foam side for an infant, and a softer, more comforting soybean memory foam side for a toddler. This unique design ensures your child gets the right firmness and support as they grow.

What sets this mattress apart is its waterproof zippered cover. Whether it's a diaper mishap or a spilled bottle, this feature makes clean-up a breeze, ensuring your child's sleeping environment remains hygienic and fresh.

snuggles crib mattress
Photo: The Futon Shop

Snuggles Crib Mattress

You save $206.49 (35%)
$383.47$589.96

Specifications:

  • Material: Virgin wool

  • Water-resistant: Yes

  • Certified organic: Yes

This Snuggles chemical-free crib mattress is an excellent choice for parents who prioritize a chemical-free sleeping environment for their little ones. 

In addition to peace of mind from its chemical-free nature, the Snuggles crib mattress brings several fantastic qualities to the table — the mattress's virgin wool component is a game changer in terms of comfort as it aids in regulating your baby's body temperature and wicks away moisture, promoting a more comfortable and uninterrupted sleeping experience for your child.

Moreover, the moisture-reducing capability of the wool also prevents the growth of bacteria or dust mites.

Specifications:

  • Material: Cotton

  • Water-resistant: Yes

  • Certified organic: Yes

Recognizing the distinct sleep needs of babies and toddlers, this mattress has been designed with a dual-sided feature, offering an adaptable sleep solution that grows with your child.

This crib mattress is a standout choice for those who prioritize safety and health. Its natural and non-toxic materials align perfectly with a parent’s desire to create a safe and clean environment for their baby. The dual-sided design is a practical feature that extends the product's lifespan, making it a smart investment in the long run.

The Saatva crib mattress guarantees a soothing, cradle-like comfort that assures your baby a good night's sleep, while keeping their safety and wellbeing at the heart of its design.

original crib mattress from Newton Baby in white
Photo: Newton Baby

Newton Baby Crib Mattress

You save $50 (20%)
$199.99$249.99

Specifications:

  • Material: Food-grade polymer

  • Water-resistant: No

  • Certified organic: No

This Newton Baby crib mattress is made from 100% breathable fabric, which promotes airflow and helps regulate your baby's body temperature — no more sweaty backs. 

It provides the right amount of firmness for your baby while also being soft enough for a comfortable (and hopefully night-long) sleep. This mattress isn’t waterproof, but it is machine washable, meaning you’ll still easily be able to clean any baby-related messes. 

The mattress's cover is not just soft and quilted for extra coziness, but it's also removable and washable, making cleaning a breeze.

Perfect for those on a tighter budget, this mattress boasts American-made steel coils that are not only strong and durable but also ensure that it can withstand years of use as your newborn blossoms into a toddler.

Besides its robust construction, the mattress is enveloped in protective cushioning, which provides excellent comfort for your child. This means they can enjoy peaceful, uninterrupted sleep, which is crucial for both their growth and development.

The waterproof mattress cover ensures it remains clean and fresh, protecting your child from allergens and ensuring they sleep in a healthy environment.

baby nursery with a crib, armchair and pouffe
Photo: Unsplash / Sidekix Media

What type of mattress is best for a crib?

The best type of mattress for a crib is one that is firm, fits the crib snugly and doesn't have any gaps around the edges. 

We also think it’s preferable to be waterproof or have a waterproof cover to protect it from diaper leaks or spills. Organic or hypoallergenic materials are a plus, especially for babies with allergies or sensitive skin.

How firm should a crib mattress be?

A crib mattress should be firm enough to stay flat under your baby's weight. 

Soft mattresses can conform to the shape of your baby's head or face, increasing the risk of suffocation or other infant-related mishaps. As your child grows into a toddler, you can consider a mattress with a softer side.

Which crib mattresses get our stamp of approval?

We’ve found some great crib mattresses that are sure to give your precious little one a good night’s sleep, but if you need it narrowed down a little more, our top three are:

  • Organic Cotton Classic Baby Crib Mattress: With its organic cotton material and patented waterproof surface, this mattress ensures a healthy and hygienic sleep environment — a winner for many parents. 

  • Snuggles Crib Mattress: This is perfect if you want nothing but the best for your little angel.  It’s chemical-free, keeping your baby safe and the moisture-wicking properties will ensure a cooler and more comfortable night’s sleep. 

  • Sealy Butterfly 2-Stage Waterproof Ultra-Firm Crib And Toddler Mattress: A two-stage mattress is essential if you’re looking for a seamless transition from baby to toddler — the firmer side is perfect for your new baby, then simply flip it over for the softer side when they’re more grown up!


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Prices updated on 01/16/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

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Written by
Phoebe Davenport

A book aficionado, you will always be able to rely on Phoebe Davenport for the best book recommendations. On the weekend, you’ll probably find Phoebe at a bottomless brunch in London, at a museum, or chilling at home with her two cats.