Best Crib Mattress – Top 5 Picks For 2023

Important Things to Consider Before Buying (Buyer’s Guide)

Mattress Size

There is no right or wrong size. However, there are some regulations. The minimum size proposed by the government are in a range between 27 5/8″ to 28 5/8″ of width and 51 3/4″ to 53″ in length. The minimum size should be 27 1/4” x 51 5/8” and the bedding shouldn’t be thicker than 6 inches. The main rule is to have it fit the crib snug or moderately snug. The depth differs between 5 to 6 inches for coil crib type and 4 to 6 inches for foam-based products. Generally, if the gap is more than two fingers, the mattress is too small.

Choose the Material Wisely

A well-designed mattress should not only make your baby’s sleep more comfortable but should also give support for healthy spine development. The material is one of the most important aspects you should consider. Try to find a long-term, comfortable bed since your child will probably sleep in a crib until the age of three. A mutual opinion on whether a foam or innerspring type is better for the baby doesn’t exist so you should carefully research before you buy.
Make sure to read our complete overview of memory foam mattresses of and how it works.

Soft vs. Firm

Most of the experts are of the opinion that it’s better to have a firm crib mattress over a soft mattress. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the main death cause for infants in the United States of America is the SIDS – Sudden infant death syndrome.
This syndrome is caused by suffocation hazards which are a consequence of a soft sleeping surface. The bedding should snap back when you press it on the center and the thresholds. It shouldn’t conform to the baby’s head shape. The bed should be resilient enough to regain its shape quickly after applying hand pressure on it.
There are however various types which have two level of firmness foam. One soft for the toddlers and a firm one for infants. As far as infants are concerned, it’s safer to go with the firm rather than soft.

Is It Waterproof?

It might be a good idea to buy a waterproof mattress. A good indicator that it’s water resistant is a double or triple ticking bolstered with nylon. This kind of content will also show high resistance to being teared up or soaking other solids or liquids.
Most of the products have covers made out of cotton and you might want to buy waterproof covers instead. You should also take notice of the airflow in and out. It should have venting holes which will release the odor from leaking diapers.

Compliance Standards

Crib mattresses must pass certain standard requirements in order to be sold on the market in the United States. First of all, there are safety standards which are defined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society for Testing and Materials. The US Federal government has regulations for cot bed standard sizes under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA).
As far as the eco-friendly beds are concerned, there are many manufacturers who claim that their products are indeed friendly and safe for the environment. However, you should check if they have a certification called Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This is a globally accepted certification geared towards product safety with chemicals and other stipulations.

Price Range

When it comes to buying a good baby cot mattress, you might not want to try bargain shopping, but you should also know that buying an overpriced one won’t do you any good. The price is normally a good indicator of quality, but there are other important aspects you should look into.
According to numerous customers, a high-quality product will probably cost you between $90 and $350. Speaking of organic, they have a price tag somewhere between $80 and $400.
 

Types of Crib Mattresses

Foam

Foam based products are the most lightweight of all. There are various types in terms of thickness, in the range between 3 and 6 inches. You should consider the firm because soft ones have proven to be a safety risk. A good thing about this type is that it’s easy to check how it conforms to child’s head or if it will stay firm as it should be. Apply pressure in the center and on the edges and if it regains its position quickly, it’s good.
Another characteristic you should look for is the foam density. You can assess it by seeing the weight difference between the models or by trying to put your palms together while having the mattress between your hands. If it has good density, you won’t be able to squeeze it and touch your palms.

Innerspring

Innerspring type is the most popular among parents because of their firmness and reliability. Generally, a customer’s logic is based on the fact that most of them are sleeping on innerspring mattresses as well. These mattresses provide support with coils which are placed in a specific pattern scheme. The price of these are usually higher than for the foam ones, but the cost varies depending on the model.
They contain an insulator pad which is, among other parts, a crucial component to protect the baby from coils. It also weighs more because of their content, but they are more durable in the middle where the child usually sleeps. However, there are some flaws. They have a vinyl covering which tends to crack or tear over time.

Organic

This type of mattresses can be made of cotton, wool, natural latex, etc. This kind is considered to be the safest because they don’t contain flame retardants, vinyl or polyurethane foam. Studies show that these chemicals release toxic gases which may harm your newborn. Other users suggest that non-organic latex may be a cause for allergies.
“Breathable” and organic beddings are formed of materials which allow your baby to breathe even when your infant has her or his face pressed against the sleep surface. However, this matter hasn’t been investigated thoroughly enough.

FAQ and Concerns about Crib Mattresses

Which organic crib mattress is best?

First of all, you must define the term organic because you’ll find a lot of incorrect labeling.
You must make sure that it doesn’t have materials such as vinyl covering, which is not within this label. Among other things you should look for in an organic bed is the an organic certification label. Many mattresses have polyurethane foam in them, so they will not get that label. However, many poly beds can obtain a CertiPUR-US certification for chemicals.
For the product to be called organic, all fibers used for making it must be natural. Read all the labels thoroughly and ensure that everything is genuine because the manufacturer’s instructions can be very deceiving and confusing.

If you’d like to learn more we recommend reading our full organic crib guide.

Are crib and toddler mattress the same size?

The short answer to this question is yes. Infant mattresses usually have dual firmness. One side for a newborn and one for a toddler, depending on the firmness.

When to move cot mattress down?

This question doesn’t have an immediate answer. The general opinion is that it should be done when the baby is from six to nine months old. Some parents drop the bedding when the kid learns to stand up by himself. Others rely on their feeling and move the cot mattress when they feel their kid has grown enough for it.

What is a baby bed mattress pad cover?

A base pad, topper or an underpad is a material, mostly made from foam, which is meant to be placed on top of the bedding. Its purpose is to provide comfort and a warm feeling. This may be useful if you don’t have money for a new product but it’s not generally a worthwhile solution.
Another use for these pads is a ‘safety waterproof layer’ between your mattress and leaking diapers. They have 100% waterproof absorbency in order to keep your baby safe and dry. These covers often have a venting system to enable airflow. Some of the best types of pads are viscoelastic foam toppers, memory foam toppers, and electric pads.

How thick should be a mattress for a newborn?

The thickness or the depth of standard cribs are regulated by US laws. It shouldn’t be thicker than 6 inches top to bottom when it’s laid out flat.