The 10 Best Crib Mattresses of 2024

Is your baby on the way? If so, you have likely been preparing and gathering all the last important items needed for them to be using. Well, we understand that part of this process is also picking the safe, soft, and comfortable crib mattress for them to snuggle on.

Well, for most parents picking out a crib mattress is a no-brainer. However, finding the best crib mattresses for your little one can be an intimidating task. Since the best crib mattresses’ have added safety and comfort features for babies that lack adult mattresses. Well, don’t let this worry you because we have compiled for you the best crib mattresses of 2021. Well read on and don’t forget to shop!

Best Overall: Delta Children Twinkle Stars Supreme Innerspring Crib and Toddler Mattress

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The Delta Children Twinkle Stars Supreme Innerspring Crib and Toddler Mattress are made of coils that are covered with foam, padding, and fabric. This gives it an excellent firmness that is perfect for sufficient comfort. Its woven fabric cover helps keep the mattress warm and dry all night long.

Best Value: Milliard Dual-Sided Baby & Toddler Memory Foam Crib Mattress

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If you are looking for a crib mattress that will grow with your baby then the Milliard Dual-Sided Baby & Toddler Memory Foam Crib Mattress is an excellent choice for you. In addition, it’s made with CertiPur certified for low VOC. Furthermore, this mattress ensures a tight fit around the corners of your baby crib. We can all agree that gaps between the mattress and the crib are a big no. The Milliard Dual-Sided Baby & Toddler Memory Foam Crib Mattress sits well with budget-conscious parents who are looking for a safe and comfy crib mattress.

Best Pick: Eco Classica III 2-Stage Baby & Toddler Mattress by Colgate Mattress

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This mattress is designed to allow you to flip it easily as your baby transitions to the toddler stage. It has an organic cotton cloth surface that will last through the infant and toddler years. The Eco Classica III 2-Stage Baby & Toddler Mattress by Colgate Mattress is Greenguard Gold certified making it a safe mattress for a baby or toddler. Well if you are an eco-friendly parent and you are in search of an eco-friendly crib mattress this mattress makes a perfect fit for you.

Best budget-conscious crib mattress: Graco Premium Foam Baby Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress

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Graco Premium Foam Baby Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress offer great value for money. It’s a simple two-stage mattress that sits well with most standard toddlers and baby cribs. This mattress is made of firm, breathable CertiPUR certified and Greenguard Gold Certified Foam. Well, if you are looking for an affordable mattress that won’t make you break the bank this mattress is an ideal pick for you!

Best mini crib mattress: Serta SleepTrue 4-Inch Mini Crib Mattress

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The Serta SleepTrue 4-Inch Mini Crib Mattress sits well with mini and portable cribs. The dual sides of this mattress allow you to flip it over to maintain optimal comfort and freshness for the little one. This mattress can be cleaned easily in the event of spillages or accidents since it has a waterproof vinyl cover. Also, it’s stain and odor resistant too.

Best Innerspring Crib Mattress: Sealy Baby Flex Cool 2-Stage Dual-Sided Toddler & Baby Crib Mattress

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Coiled crib mattresses tend to offer more support and are often much cooler than most solid foam crib mattresses as well. If you are looking to purchase an innerspring mattress or your little one, the Sealy Baby Flex Cool 2-Stage Dual-Sided Toddler & Baby Crib Mattress is an excellent pick. This crib mattress is a premium, high coil- count mattress that has vertical steel support bars. These steel bars prevent the mattress from sagging and helps keep the infant’s weight equally distributed for maximum comfort.

Best Foam Mattress: Serta Perfect Start Deluxe Fiber Core/Foam Baby Crib and Toddler Mattress

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The Serta Perfect Start Deluxe Fiber Core/Foam Baby Crib and Toddler Mattress is a plush-sided dual crib mattress that grows with babies as they grow. Its safe and comfortable features make it a to-go choice for most parents. The extra foam of layers ensures the baby has the best support for either a nap or a peaceful night’s sleep.

Best two-stage mattress: Moonlight slumber little dreamer dual-sided crib mattress

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The Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual-Sided Crib Mattress wins major points with parents for being dust mite and bed bug resistant. This mattress is Greenguard Gold as well as CertiPUR certified. The interior foam for this mattress has one side that is extra firm for infants and on the other side, it’s plush for toddlers. If you are looking for a mattress that is both budget-friendly and long-lasting then the Little Dreamer dual-sided Crib mattress is an excellent choice.

Best Budget Crib Mattress: Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams White Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress

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Is it Greenguard Gold Certified? Yes, it is. Does it meet the federal flammability standard 16 CFR 1633 without using potentially harmful chemicals? Yes, it does. Is it budget conscious? Yes, it is. If these are awesome of the qualities you are looking for in a crib mattress then the Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib Mattress is an ideal choice for you. In addition, this mattress cover is hypoallergenic, this makes it an excellent choice for babies who may be sensitive to allergens. Well, did we mention it also can withstand wear and tear. Also, it can fit into standard cribs and toddler beds!

Best portable crib mattress: Dream On Me, Sunset 3” Extra Firm Fiber Portable Crib Mattress

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The Dream On Me, Sunset 3” Extra Firm Fiber Portable Crib Mattress is a great mattress for traveling since it has a great height and weight. In addition, it has a waterproof cover that helps to prevent mildew, mold, and odor. Furthermore, cleaning it is a no-brainer since you can clean it with warm water and mild soap.

Buying Guide – How to Shop for a Crib Mattress

For most, if not all new parents getting ready for a new baby is one of the most stressful times of their lives. From getting the nursery ready to keep up with all the necessary doctor’s appointments. All these coupled with thousands of baby books giving conflicting information on the dos and don’t. The last thing these parents want to think about is a mattress.

However, it so happens to be that where your baby sleeps and what they sleep on might be a matter of life and death. To help you pick not just the best mattress to fit your budget this guide also seeks to help you pick the perfect mattress. One that could see your baby grow up with.

Types of Crib Mattresses

Now that you have a proper understanding of what you need to look out for when shopping for a crib mattress. It is time we introduce you to the different types of mattresses. Like any other mattress, there are different manufacturers for crib mattresses. All these types have their pros and cons and it is ultimately up to you to determine which one fits your needs and wants without compromising on your baby’s wellbeing.

Spring Coiled Mattress

This is one of the most common and most popular crib mattresses. They have over the years gained notoriety and loyalty from both new parents and veterans. This is because they are not only cool but breathable and offer maximum support.

However, some parents feel like the spring coils present a problem. They believe that the spiky metal coils pose a danger of hurting their child. Others say that the coils are noisy.

The possibility of spring coiled mattresses having sunken parts is also a deterrent to some parents. These sunken areas are viewed as a breeding ground for future health impacts on the children’s lives.

Foam Core Mattress

The second most popular mattress in the market is the foam core mattress. This mattress is lightweight, breathable, and offers just enough support for your little one. Foam core mattresses come in different forms, from ultra-firm foams to memory foams just like those used in adult beds.

These mattresses are popular because they offer much-needed support for babies and children. They are also quiet making them ideal for a proper goodnight sleep.

Polymer Mattresses

Polymer Mattresses are fairly new in the market. They have gained popularity and traction since they first debuted. They are considered a favorite among new parents. They have a better build quality compared to other mattresses on the market.

These mattresses are similar to foam mattresses. The major key difference is the material used. Polymer allows for more air pockets in the mattress making it the best breathable mattresses in the market.

When it comes to supporting, polymer mattresses take top shelves. This is because they have no pressure points that may weaken as your baby grows.

This is one of the newest types of mattresses, and the best crib mattress choice, in my opinion. Polymer mattresses are similar to foam ones as they’re also made of a material with air pockets.

Shopping Considerations for Crib Mattresses

There is no doubt that mattress shopping might be something you want to cross off your list as soon as possible. Or perhaps something that you do not want to focus on so you have added it to your list of baby shower gifts. However, it is wise to note that not every mattress out there is the right one for your baby. Here are a few things you should consider before getting a crib mattress or receiving one as a gift.

Mattress Size

This is perhaps the first thing you should consider before buying a crib. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises that the right crib mattress should measure 27 ? inches in width and 51 ? inches in length. The mattress should also be no less or no more than 6 inches thick.

You are also advised that the mattress you pick should fit snugly into the crib. It should not leave any spaces nor should it be bigger than the crib. This will be visible by the extra mattress sticking out. This might lead to suffocation of the child or baby or even trapping the child or baby.

Mattress cover

The mattress cover or as it is known across other circles, the ticking. This is the outermost layer or part of the mattress. Different manufacturers use different fabrics for the cover. These fabrics include waterproof polyethylene, vinyl, cotton, fleece, cashmere, and wool. The fabric used in the making of the cover ultimately adds to the overall cost of the mattress.

These covers are fitted as either single-layer covers or multi-layer covers. This is done to prevent or at least mitigate the build-up of fluids in the case of accidents. If you are shopping for a mattress that offers zero to little build-up, then you should opt for a nylon-covered mattress.

Make sure to check the fabric on your cover. Make sure the fabric has no health side effects on your child. This is because some vinyl covers have been discovered to contain materials that pose a health risk to your young one. A good quality mattress cover should have zero traces of plasticizers and phthalates.

Support

Back in the day, Sudden Baby Death Syndrome (SIDs) was considered to be a leading factor in the number of infant mortality. However, over the years doctors and scientists have formed a couple of facts that caused this. One of these was the lack of support.

How you place a baby or child when they are sleeping paired with the support offered by the mattress matters a lot. The crib mattress you choose should not only be a good fit for the crib it should also offer support. This allows your baby to toss and turn without the risk of suffocation.

Firmness

This is one thing that most parents avoid. They do this because many consider firmness a contributing factor to discomfort. However, it is good to note that a firm mattress is the best because it offers the support your baby needs when tossing and turning.

Soft mattresses risk the baby sinking in and suffocating. You might want to consult your doctor on which firmness is right for your baby before shopping for a mattress. This is because firmness varies depending on your baby’s age.

Weight

How heavy or light a crib mattress does not affect your baby’s health in any way. It, however, affects you. When it comes to installing the mattress in the crib or removing it to clean you do not want a mattress that breaks your back.

When shopping for the best crib mattresses you will notice that most of these mattresses do not weigh more than 20 pounds. However, some weigh up to 70 pounds. The weight in this is added because of the springs fitted in these mattresses.

Edge Support

Most crib mattresses offer edge support. But some that are considered “budget-friendly”do not. Having a crib mattress that offers your baby the needed edge support is something you should be on the lookout for.

Proper edge support prevents injuries or fatalities that might be caused when your little one is standing or sitting at the edge of their crib. It also offers extra support to the overall structure and form of the mattress.

Temperature regulation and breathability

The same way you get hot when sleeping it’s the same way your baby does. However, unlike you, they are not in a position to kick off the covers if they are swaddled. To help your baby regulate their body temperature they should sleep on a mattress that helps with that.

The breathability of a mattress affects the temperature regulation of a crib mattress. This is something you can control by checking the fabric used on the mattress cover used. Nylon and vinyl offer leak protection but are not ideal for breathability.

Noise

Have you ever slept on a squeaking bed? If you have you understand the frustration. This also applies to your child. Spring-based mattresses are often noisy when your baby is tossing and turning. Foam mattresses on the other hand absorb noise making them quiet.

The cover might also contribute to how noisy or quiet the mattress is. Wool, cashmere, and cotton are quiet, while vinyl, nylon, and polythene are noisy.

Cleaning and maintenance

As a parent, one of the many things that come with the title is cleaning messes. Crib mattresses are some of the biggest victims of these messes. Whether it is a leaking diaper or a spill from a feeding bottle you have to be in a position to clean up easily.

Vinyl and nylon-based mattress covers are ideal for these. They are easy to clean because they are stain-resistant and most of them are non-absorbent.

Odor

Some people like the smell of brand-new items, but others do not. Crib mattresses like every other thing have a type of smell when it is new. After unpacking a new mattress, a smell is emitted. The process of this gas emission is called off-gassing.

This smell can last anywhere between two days to a month depending on the ventilation of the room. If it takes too long for this smell to go away it means that not only is the crib mattress not breathable but it also retains odors. This might be a problem in the future because it might lead to breathing issues and ailments such as asthma in children.

Most mattresses emit smells known as off-gassing when they are removed from their original packaging. These odors can be unpleasant, but they usually dissipate within a day or two, especially in well-ventilated rooms. Foam mattresses tend to produce more off-gassing than innerspring. However, crib mattresses are designed to emit minimal odor.

How to Safely Use a Crib Mattress

Your baby’s crib mattress should be of the best quality. But it does not help if you don’t know how to use it. Here is a brief breakdown of how to safely use a crib mattress.

Protect Your Mattress With a Breathable Cover

If your mattress does not come with a cover, you should get one. Go for breathable covers that can be stripped off for cleaning. If you are considering a waterproof mattress cover, remember, while they save you from leaks they pose a health risk to your little one.

Avoid Getting the Mattress Wet

This might seem difficult especially if you are not using a waterproof cover However, you can still manage to do it. Make sure that your baby is fitted with a nice fitting diaper that is leak-proof and avoid giving him/her drinks while they are in the crib.

Ensure You Have A Snug Fit

You do not want an ill-fitting crib mattress. The crib mattress you go for should not only fit well but should be a snug fit. Ill-fitting mattresses pose health and physical harm to your young one.

Clean Sheets, Cover, and Bedding Regularly

Mattresses provide a good breeding ground for bacteria, mold, viruses, and mildew. Over time these microorganisms find their way into the beddings. This is why you are advised to clean your baby’s beddings at least thrice a week and to clean the mattress or replace it every three months.

You can air out the mattress and crib in the sun to kill any microorganisms and pathogens that might have accumulated over time.

Don’t Put Unnecessary Bedding in the Crib

Decorating your baby’s crib with toys and pillows is okay. But when they are in the crib make sure to remove all these things. This is because your child might suffer from suffocation when they tag at a toy or pillow or even get hurt when said toy or pillow falls on them.

If you use blankets, make sure they are properly tucked in the edges and that they are not riding on the edges. This applies to mosquito nets as well. Also, avoid propping up your baby’s head or crib mattress using pillows, rolled-up towels, blankets, or clothes.

Double-Check on Product Recalls

You may have found the perfect crib mattress. It is certified and meets all the safety requirements. However, because of one reason or another, it has been recalled. Please check into these reasons. They may range from toxic materials found in the mattresses to faulty designs.

If you had already bought a mattress, then it was recalled to kindly check with your seller on the return policies they have in place for such issues.

Keep Baby Sleeping on Their Back

What is the point of having the best crib mattress if you do not know how to place your baby on it? How you place your baby in their crib can translate to matters of life and death. Sudden Baby Death Syndrome (SIDs) is caused mostly by how a baby sleeps.

Babies placed on their bellies are high-risk candidates of SIDs. Babies should always be placed on their backs regardless of what type of crib mattress you are using.

FAQS

Q: From What Age Should Start to Use a Crib Mattress?
A: As a new parent, you feel secure when your baby is close to you. This has seen parents sleep with their infants in their beds. According to health experts, this poses a high risk for Sudden Baby Death Syndrome (SIDs).

But when is the right time for your child to start using a crib mattress? Most parents are not comfortable with their children sleeping in cribs from day one. So technically it is up to you. If you choose to have your baby sleep in a bassinet you can introduce them to their crib during their naps before doing it overnight.

You can start with small portable cribs before moving to the permanent one. But if you want to do it immediately after birth then you can have them in their crib immediately. Remember to make sure that the crib has no toys or pills inside to avoid suffocation and that it is properly secure.

Q: How to Choose the Best Crib Mattress?
A: When choosing a crib mattress there are a few things you should put into consideration. These are

Always get a new crib mattress, it is a much safer option. Second-hand mattresses are used and might not offer the support needed.

Choose a mattress that fits properly. Gaps between the mattress and crib are a hazard. A crib mattress that is too big is also problematic.

Go for top-rated crib mattresses. However, this should not ultimately influence your final decision. Make sure a crib mattress ticks all the boxes before adding it to your cart.

Do not be afraid to spend. A good crib mattress is not cheap. You should have this slotted as an investment.

Before buying a crib mattress make sure it is not only certified by the company but the country’s health experts. This assures you that it is tested and that its safety is guaranteed.

Q: What firmness level should I look for in a crib mattress?
A: When purchasing a crib mattress always go for one that is firm and bare to help minimize suffocation risks. Also, parents should not place any stuffed animals or thick blankets in the crib as these items also pose suffocation hazards.

Q: What safety considerations should I keep in mind when choosing a crib mattress?
A: When choosing a crib mattress always ensure to go for one that fits in the baby’s crib perfectly, leaving no space around the edges of the crib. The crib mattress should also have strong edge support and temperature neutrality.

Parents should choose a mattress that fits snugly in their child’s crib, leaving no room for possible entrapment around the edges. They should also make sure that the mattress has strong edge support and good temperature neutrality.

Conclusion

When shopping for a crib mattress always ensure it’s safe, comfortable, and easy to clean. Since your baby will be spending most of the time on it before they grow up. with plenty of choices to choose from, have your pick of the best crib mattresses for your baby with an open mind since they all have their pros and cons. Whether you are a budget-conscious parent or the price is no object, there is a mattress for everyone on our list.