8 Best Crib Mattresses for a Night of Sweet Dreams

Crib mattresses need to be comfy, for sure, but they also need to be safe. Here are eight that fit the bill.

ByNatalie Escobar

Updated
July 22, 2021

Parents near their baby in its crib in the nursery.

Image: Getty Images

8 slides

We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.

Your little one will (hopefully!) be spending many hours slumbering away in their crib, so there’s lots to consider before buying a crib mattress: Is it made without allergens and harsh chemicals? Is it comfortable? Will it last? And, most importantly, is it firm enough?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a crib mattress should have a hard surface that doesn’t indent when baby is lying on it. The sleep area should be free from loose bedding and only contain the mattress with a fitted sheet designed for that particular model. It’s important to follow these sleep safety guidelines in order to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

There are many types of crib mattresses, from traditional innerspring and foam models to dual-sided products designed for infants and toddlers. The type you choose depends on your particular needs and budget. Not sure where to begin? Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the research and gathered the best crib mattresses on the market, so there’s one less thing to keep you up at night.

Image: Courtesy Newton

Newton Baby Crib Mattress

Parents rave about the material of this breathable crib mattress, which keeps baby cool all night long and offers peace of mind to parents of tummy-sleeping babies. The patented mattress core is made from 90 percent air to deliver superior airflow. The cherry on top though, is that this hypoallergenic mattress doesn’t contain any foam, latex, springs or glue, making it completely recyclable. Plus, the Newton is 100 percent washable—simply unzip the cover and pop it in the wash and soak the core in the tub. Thanks to all these impressive features, the Newton was named the best crib mattress in The Bump Best of Baby 2019 awards.

Buy it: $300, buybuyBABY.com

Image: Courtesy Graco

Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress

The best baby crib mattresses are comfy and, most importantly, safe—meaning they don’t contain any harmful chemicals. This infant and toddler mattress from Graco is GREENGUARD Gold certified, so it’s been tested for and cleared of any toxic chemicals such as prohibited phthalates, lead and mercury. It’s made of high-quality, breathable foam to maximize air flow and comes with a removable, water-resistant cover. (Note, though, that it’s hand-wash only.) And, with a price tag under $100, it’s an affordable option to boot.

Buy it: $90, Graco.com

Image: Courtesy Moonlight Slumber

Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress

With an extra-firm foam side for babies and a softer, plush side for toddlers, this convertible crib mattress gives you plenty of bang for your buck. Named best crib mattress by The Bump Best of Baby 2018 awards, its high density foam also doesn’t contain any vinyl, polyethylene or PVC. Plus, it’s water-resistant, stain-resistant and odor-resistant, making messes (trust us, there will be messes) easier to deal with.

Buy it: $200, buybuyBABY.com

Image: Courtesy Naturepedic

Naturepedic Organic Breathable 2-Stage Baby Crib Mattress

As with the rest of Naturepedic’s products, this pick earned a spot on our list of the best crib mattresses because of its organic, hypoallergenic materials. It’s equipped with a firm mattress core, made from non-GMO sugarcane, for proper infant support. The soft, cotton cover increases airflow and even has a wipe-clean, waterproof backing. Plus, the two-in-one design means that this mattress will support your child from infancy to toddlerhood. Bonus: This model is GREENGUARD Gold certified.

Buy it: $349, Naturepedic.com

Image: Courtesy Nook Sleep Systems

Nook Sleep Systems Cloud Pebble Air 2-Stage Standard Crib Mattress

The Pebble Air uses a special CertiPur foam with built-in air channels to keep things breathable and comfortable for baby at bedtime—plus, it’s made of non-toxic materials. It’s designed for baby to sleep right on top of—no crib sheet necessary. And it’s featherlight, weighing in at a mere 7 lbs. The best part? This extra-firm crib mattress is stain-resistant and machine-washable.

Buy it: $199, Wayfair.com

Image: Courtesy Babyletto

Babyletto Pure Core 2-Stage Crib & Toddler Mattress with Dry Waterproof Cover

Not only is this crib mattress double-sided and waterproof, it’s also made from non-toxic, GREENGUARD Gold certified materials. Its firm side is perfect for infants while the softer side supports toddlers’ sleep needs. The waterproof cover is easy to take on and off, which is sure to come in handy if you find yourself grappling with a late-night diaper blowout.

Buy it: $180, buybuyBABY.com

Image: Courtesy My First Mattress

My First Mattress Crib Mattress

Pegged as the best crib mattress by Amazon, this next pick is crafted from a high-density memory foam that maximises air flow for a cool and comfortable night’s sleep. In case of accidents, the soft, velour cover is water-resistant, easily removable and machine-washable. This standard size mattress fits most cribs and toddler beds and is hypoallergenic, mite-proof and anti-microbial. One thing to note is that this product is packaged in a box and may take up to 72 hours to expand to a standard crib size.

Buy it: $120, Amazon.com

Image: Courtesy SleepOvation

SleepOvation Baby Mattress

Last up on our list of the best crib mattresses, is an innovative product designed to combat plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). The patented design reduces pressure on the head while keeping the spine correctly aligned. It comes with a removable and washable cover, and the interior mattress core has knitted-in air channels to increase breathability. Although this pick is a little pricey, it’s designed to grow with your child, offering an extra-firm side for proper infant support and a softer side for toddlers.

Buy it: $475, SleepOvationBaby.com

Plus, more from The Bump:

Best Baby Cribs

The Cutest and Comfiest Crib Sheets Around

Ways You Can Make Sure Baby Is Sleeping Safely