The Best Crib Mattress (2024 Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)

Newborn babies need between 14 and 17 hours of sleep each day. So it’s of the utmost importance to find the best crib mattress that will help your child get the rest they need to develop healthily.

We’ve researched and tested many brands to establish our top five list and assist you in purchasing the best-rated baby crib mattress on the market.

So, without further ado, let’s get down to business.

Five Best Crib Mattresses of 2022 (Expert Choice)

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Avocado Green Luxury Organic Crib Mattress Review

Best Crib Mattress of 2022

  • Best mattress for a baby crib
  • Dual-sided (suitable for infants and toddlers)
  • Breathable cotton surface
  • 100% GOTS certified organic wool

Naturepedic Organic Baby Crib Mattress Breathable Ultra Review

Best Organic Crib Mattress

  • Best organic mattress for a crib
  • 100% GOTS certified
  • Two-stage support
  • Natural waterproof surface

My Green Mattress Emily Organic Crib Mattress Review

Best Crib Mattress for Newborn Babies

  • One of the best crib mattresses for infants
  • GOTS and GOLS certified organic
  • Double-sided
  • Breathable, dust-mite, mold-, and mildew-resistant

The Futon Shop Snuggles Crib Mattress Review

Best Non Toxic Crib Mattress

  • Chemical-free mattress
  • Extra-firm, great for newborns
  • Antimicrobial and dust mite-resistant
  • GOTS-certified organic materials

Newton Baby Essential Mini Crib Mattress Review

Best Mini Crib Mattress

  • Top-rated mini crib mattress
  • Greenguard Gold certified product
  • Fully breathable, recyclable, and washable
  • Made of patented material Wovenaire polymer

Top-Rated Crib Mattress Reviews

Now that you’ve seen our top five list, let’s take a more detailed look at each product. We’ve made sure to cover the most important features, including the mattress type, dimensions, warranty, trial period, special features, and shipping fees.

Plus, we’ve included the pros and cons of each crib to help you purchase the perfect mattress so that you and your newborn child can rest easy knowing you made the right choice.

Avocado Green Luxury Organic Crib Mattress Review

star 10

Best Crib Mattress of 2022

  • Materials: 100% GOLS certified organic latex, 100% GOTS certified organic cotton
  • Dimensions: 28” x 52” x 6”
  • Trial Period: 100 nights
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Shipping: Free
  • Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Formaldehyde Free Certified, GOTS Organic Certification, MADE SAFE® Certified

Avocado Green is a well-known company that creates everything your child needs for quality sleep — mattresses, pillows, and toppers. It also makes the best baby crib mattress on the market.

One of the first things we noticed was that it didn’t come rolled up, which means you won’t have to wait for it to take shape — you can use it right away.

It’s also dual-sided and, therefore, can be used by both infants and toddlers. The infant side is intended for newborns and one-year-old babies. It’s firmer than the toddler side, which is a bit more plush and suitable for one- to four-year-old babies.

Both sides of this top-rated crib mattress feature a layer made of 100% GOLS-certified organic latex and a quilted pattern from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. Plus, materials like organic coconut husk keep the mattress from getting too hot during the warmer months.

Avocado Green received our best baby mattress of 2022 title because it’s handmade with certified organic materials without chemical adhesives. Plus, it’s produced by a carbon-negative company and covered with a 25-year warranty.

We’re fully aware that this product is quite expensive compared to other top-rated crib mattresses. However, if you’re cautiously interested, you can take advantage of the company’s 100-night trial period to decide whether it’s worth the investment.


Pros

  • + Best mattress for a baby crib
  • + Dual-sided (suitable for infants and toddlers)
  • + Breathable cotton surface
  • + 100% GOTS certified organic wool

Cons

  • Expensive

Naturepedic Organic Baby Crib Mattress Breathable Ultra Review

star 9.9

Best Organic Crib Mattress

  • Materials: Organic cotton, food-grade polyethylene cover
  • Dimensions: 27 1/4" x 51 5/8" x 6"
  • Trial Period: 100 nights
  • Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
  • Shipping: Free
  • Certifications: GOTS-certified, MADE SAFE Certified, UL/GREENGUARD Certified

Most top-rated baby crib mattresses are breathable. However, Naturepedic goes a step further by making its product not only 100% breathable but also 100% waterproof and 100% organic. Yet, these are not the only features that impressed us.

The Naturepedic has two sides, one firmer for infants and the other medium-firm for toddlers. It also has reinforced edges in case your toddler gets a little restless or likes to jump around.

Naturepedic is a superb choice if you prefer organic, eco-friendly materials. We liked that the mattress doesn’t contain flame retardants, polyurethane foam, chemicals, or GMOs. The company has the certification to prove this and holds many product and environmental awards.

Besides creating one of the best organic crib mattresses, Naturepedic is also one of the safest waterproof brands. It uses a specially formulated food-grade polyethylene coating (a non-toxic type of recyclable bioplastic made from sugarcane).

On top of that, the cover is made with a 3-dimensional fabric for maximum air circulation. It’s also stain-resistant and easy to clean. So when an accident occurs, just remove it to be machine washed and dried at your convenience.

This top-rated organic crib mattress comes with a 100-night money-back guarantee and an impressive lifetime limited warranty.


Pros

  • + Best organic mattress for a crib
  • + 100% GOTS certified
  • + Two-stage support
  • + Natural waterproof surface

Cons

  • A bit too firm on the toddler side

My Green Mattress Emily Organic Crib Mattress Review

star 9.7

Best Crib Mattress for Newborn Babies

  • Materials: Organic coconut fibers, organic latex, organic cotton, GOTS certified organic wool
  • Dimensions: 27 1/4″ x 52″ x 6″
  • Trial Period: 120 nights
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Shipping: Free
  • Certifications: GOTS-certified Organic, GOLS-certified Organic, GREENGUARD Gold Certified, OEKO-TEX Certified

This family-owned business creates top-rated innerspring crib mattresses from its own eco-conscious factory in La Grange, Illinois. So, if you’re looking for an organic mattress for newborns, the My Green Emily could be the one for you.

Due to this mattress’s 150-coil innerspring, supportive coconut fiber pad, and organic cotton and wool covering, we believe it’s the best firm crib mattress for newborns.  As you know, an infant’s bed needs to be firm as their bones are still developing and to reduce the risk of suffocation.

Moreover, it’s upholstered on both sides. The company recommends that you flip it once a month for the first three months to break it in evenly. After that, you should rotate and flip the mattress at least once per season to avoid indentations.

My Green Mattresses are made with GOLS certified organic coconut coir, GOTS certified organic cotton, and GOTS certified organic wool, making them both naturally antibacterial and flame retardant.

Crib mattress reviews often highlight the importance of breathability. So what can you expect from the Emily? We have good news, not only is this mattress highly breathable, but it’s also dust-mite, mold-, and mildew-resistant.

Another thing we should mention is the mattress’s smell. Since it’s made of natural wool, you’ll have to air it out before using it. Thankfully, you’ll get 120 nights to try it out — no strings attached.


Pros

  • + One of the best crib mattresses for infants
  • + GOTS and GOLS certified organic
  • + Double-sided
  • + Breathable, dust-mite, mold-, and mildew-resistant

Cons

  • It emits a robust earthy odor for a week or two

The Futon Shop Snuggles Crib Mattress Review

star 9.5

Best Non Toxic Crib Mattress

  • Materials: Natural coconut coir, virgin wool, natural chemical-free latex
  • Dimensions: 28" x 52" x 6"
  • Trial Period: 30 nights
  • Warranty: Limited warranty
  • Shipping: Calculated at checkout, free in-store pickup
  • Certifications: GOTS-certified Organic Cotton Fabric, OEKO-TEX 100 Certified

The Futon Shop Snuggles is a firm mattress ideal for newborn babies. It’s made of a four-inch thick layer of all-natural coconut coir encompassed by layers of wool. In other words, its structure has everything needed to provide your baby with a comfortable and healthy sleep.

In our humble opinion, this is the best eco-friendly crib mattress as it’s non-toxic and made from 100% chemical-free latex, wool, and coconut fibre. In addition, we liked that the virgin wool is moisture-reducing and can naturally regulate your child’s body temperature all year round.

Furthermore, this crib mattress is antimicrobial and dust mite-resistant. Each is made by hand from when the order is placed and shipped directly from the California warehouse. Plus, every Snuggles mattress cover is hand-stitched, which gives it a more luxurious look.

As a bonus, you can purchase organic cotton baby blankets and crib sheets that perfectly complement this top-rated organic crib mattress from the Futon Shop.

One thing that we didn’t like was the short trial period of only 30 days. We’re not sure if this is enough time to make such an important decision, especially since other brands on our list offer substantially more.

It’s also important to mention that this is not a waterproof mattress. So if this is a crucial feature for you in your search for the best crib mattress, you might want to consider trying another product.


Pros

  • + Chemical-free mattress
  • + Extra-firm, great for newborns
  • + Antimicrobial and dust mite-resistant
  • + GOTS-certified organic materials

Cons

  • It’s not waterproof

Newton Baby Essential Mini Crib Mattress Review

star 9.5

Best Mini Crib Mattress

  • Materials: Wovenaire® polymer, the cover is 100% polyester
  • Dimensions: 37.75" x 23.75" x 3"
  • Trial Period: 100 nights
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
  • Shipping: Free
  • Certifications: GREENGUARD Gold Certified

While Newton Baby offers three crib mattress options, we believe that the company’s Essential Mini provides the best value for your money. We added it to our best-rated crib mattress list because we were impressed by the quality of its construction and the materials used.

Newton Baby created its own patented material called Wovenaire polymer. It contains 90% air and 10% food-grade polymers making it 100% breathable. This material is also free of biocides, is hypoallergenic, and is fully washable.

These mini crib mattresses have a unique 2-stage design that gives them the needed firmness for a newborn and the softness suitable for a growing child. Moreover, it doesn’t contain any potentially toxic foam, latex, or glue, making it quite possibly the best crib mattress for both infants and toddlers.

It’s also worth mentioning that this mattress is 100% recyclable. As a matter of fact, if you want to recycle it, Newton Baby will even help you with the process by contacting a recycling facility near you.

Furthermore, the cover for the Essential Mini is easily washable. It’s worth mentioning that though water-resistant, the mattress is not waterproof. However, if you’re willing to spend a little more money, you can purchase the company’s waterproof version.


Pros

  • + Top-rated mini crib mattress
  • + Greenguard Gold certified product
  • + Fully breathable, recyclable, and washable
  • + Made of patented material Wovenaire polymer

Cons

  • Have to pay extra for waterproofing

How to Choose the Best Crib Mattress: A Buyer’s Guide

With so many brands and options to consider, buying your first baby crib mattress or even purchasing one for soon-to-be parents for a baby shower is difficult. So, what is the best baby mattress to get? Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer, as it depends on the child’s specific needs and the parent’s expectations.

We’ll do our best to help sift through the best crib mattresses on the market. It all starts with reading our guide below and learning what mattress characteristics you should pay attention to.

Mattress Thickness

As new parents, one of the most important things to know is that your newborn must always sleep on a firm mattress. For example, the best crib mattress for an infant must be between 8 and 10 on the firmness scale.

Why is this important? Since infants are still growing, their spines and bones need all the support they can get.

Moreover, infants don’t have any motor skills, and they may sink into a soft bed and suffocate. To ensure your baby’s safety, you must also check that there’s no space between the mattress and the crib.

What about toddlers? The best crib mattress for a toddler should be a bit softer, as they’re more comfortable since they conform to the body’s shape. This is why some parents choose to invest in the two-sided variety.

Two-sided (flippable) mattresses are designed for both infants and toddlers. While the infant’s side is firm, the toddler’s is slightly softer.

Mattress Materials and Types

Crib mattresses can be made of foam or innerspring coil. So you might be asking yourself, are foam crib mattresses safe?

This question is under some debate due to the breathability and firmness of the foam varieties. Therefore, if you decide to search for the best foam crib mattress, make sure that it’s extra firm, has reinforced edges, and is breathable.

As a matter of fact, many parents choose foam over coil mattresses because they are less expensive, lightweight, and offer more organic varieties.

So then, what do the best innerspring crib mattresses have to offer? Although more expensive, they often provide better support and usually last a lot longer than foam mattresses.

So, is a foam or a coil mattress better for your baby? We are tempted to say the innerspring (coil) type. However, considering all the things we mentioned above, we believe that choosing which crib mattress is best depends on personal preference, expectations, and budget.

Organic

Parents always want the best products for their children, from organic diapers like the Hello Bello to high-quality organic mattresses. Both foam and innerspring mattresses can be made out of organic materials. Parents prefer to use them since they are made without harmful chemicals. Quite often, this also means that they are environmentally friendly.

According to various organic crib mattress reviews, mattresses might have the following labels:

  • Oeko-Tex label means that the product has been tested for chemicals.
  • GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standards) label shows that the textiles are made from organic fibres.
  • The GREENGUARD Certification Program label means that a third party has tested the product.

Most top-rated organic crib mattresses are made with cotton, wool, coconut fibres, food-grade polymers, and natural latex.

Breathability

If you’ve read breathable crib mattress reviews, you’ve probably noticed that they all point out the same thing — they can prevent suffocation. But is this true?

Scientifically speaking, sleeping on a firm and flat surface can reduce the risk of a baby suffocating.

However, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Academy of Pediatrics, mattresses are rarely the culprit in child suffocation. In fact, most cases are linked to soft bedding, loose blankets, and plush toys.

Even so, we recommend you purchase a top-rated breathable crib mattress. Although it won’t guarantee your baby’s safety, it can still help reduce overheating and sweating.

Water Resistance

Another crucial feature to look for in the best breathable crib mattress is that it’s waterproof.  Because if it isn’t, your baby could breathe in potentially harmful things (i.e., spilled milk, urine vapour, sweat, saliva).

We all know that babies are prone to accidents. Therefore it’s essential to find a waterproof mattress or a mattress with a water-resistant cover.

Most waterproof mattresses have a surface made of polyethylene, vinyl/PVC, and PEVA/EVA. However, you should avoid vinyl/PVC since it’s a carcinogen. PEVA/EVA is less toxic than PVC but can still contain certain chemicals.

Polyurethane is the safest option. But buy only waterproof mattress protectors made of plastic, not polyurethane foam.

Keep in mind that some of the best-rated crib mattresses come with a waterproof cover that can be easily removed and cleaned. The main goal of these covers is to keep diaper leaks, spit-up, or other fluids from getting onto the bed’s surface or interior, potentially ruining it.

Size

The standard size of many crib mattresses in North America is between 51 to 53 inches in length and 27 to 28 inches in width. Regarding thickness, it can range from 4 to 6 inches.

To check if the mattress is the right size, see if you can squeeze more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib. If you can, the bed is too small.

How high should a crib mattress be for a newborn? The distance between the crib mattress and the top of the crib rail should be a minimum of 26 inches.

Trial Period

How will you know if the mattress you bought is the right fit for your baby if your baby doesn’t try it out? That’s why many companies offer a trial period of 30, 100, or 120 nights. This way, if the mattress doesn’t fit your baby’s needs, you can return it and get a full refund.

When looking for the best crib mattress, opt for companies that offer trial periods of at least 100 nights since it could take time for your baby to adapt to it. Moreover, some could have a specific smell and need to be aired out before using, so having extra time is a very welcome bonus.

Warranties

A warranty can be defined as a manufacturer’s guarantee to replace or repair products with defects or faulty parts free of charge.

Warranties can range between one year and 25 years. Some of the best crib mattress brands even offer a limited lifetime warranty (like Naturepedic).

This means that the company will offer a free-of-charge repair for specific items, such as broken coils or atypical bunching in certain areas.

Remember that the warranty doesn’t cover lumpiness caused by long-term use or discoloration caused by a machine or hand washing.

Durability

Even the best-selling crib mattress won’t last very long if you don’t care for it properly. To extend the mattress’s longevity, you need to do the following:

  • Clean it as soon as the accidents occur,
  • Use a protective/waterproof cover,
  • Use antibacterial sprays,
  • Vacuum your mattress every month,
  • Flip it regularly,
  • Make sure the mattress is always dry before putting any sheets over it.

On average, the best crib mattress for a baby lasts for three to five years, depending on its type, construction, and materials used. However, if you follow the previously mentioned instructions, you can make your mattress last much longer.

Price

The prices of the products on our top-five list range from around $200 to over $1,000. So, is it possible to find one of the best crib mattresses for under $100? Technically, you can, but don’t expect it to be very good.

While the mattress itself might cost you less than $100, you’ll probably have to buy extra things like mattress pads or waterproof covers, making the total sum over $100.

Finding the best affordable crib mattress can be difficult if you haven’t done your research. As mentioned before, while foam mattresses are less expensive, innerspring mattresses last much longer.

Lower-priced mattresses are often too soft, made of less expensive materials, and some even have minor flaws. On the other hand, the more costly varieties are usually made of organic cotton and natural latex, which are much safer for your little bundle of joy.

Also, if even the best cheap crib mattress is not in your price range, you might want to consider buying a used one. But is this a safe option?

Well, it depends. Like with all other things, the devil’s in the details. So, if your choice of the best budget crib mattress is a second-hand mattress, pay attention to the following:

  • Make sure it’s still firm. The surface of older mattresses can become soft and uneven over time.
  • Do the “two-finger” test to make sure the size is right.
  • Check if the mattress rattles when you move it. If it does, don’t buy it, as this is a sign that some of its springs might be broken.
  • Since you don’t know how much liquid the mattress will be soaked in, make sure to buy a water-resistant cover.

When to Lower a Crib Mattress?

You may wonder when to lower your baby’s crib mattress as they begin to sit up, crawl, and pull up to a standing position. After all, a baby who can climb out of their crib is dangerously close to being injured. The good news is that your baby will show signs that they are ready to sleep on a lower mattress.

If they can pull themselves up to standing without assistance or try to climb over the side of their crib, it’s time to switch to a lower mattress. If your baby appears uncomfortable sleeping on its back or stomach or frequently wakes up during the night, you can lower the mattress.

In the end, the decision to lower a crib mattress should be made in consultation with your child’s pediatrician. They will be able to evaluate your child’s development and advise you on the next steps.

Crib Safety: Tips for Creating a Safe Sleep Environment for Babies

One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to provide a safe sleeping environment for your child. You can help to ensure that your baby sleeps soundly and without incident by taking a few simple precautions. Here are some suggestions for making your baby’s sleeping environment safe:

  • Ensure the crib or bassinet is in good condition and meets all safety standards.
  • Put the crib or bassinet in a safe location, away from windows, cords, or other potential hazards.
  • Put on light, comfortable clothing for your baby. To reduce the risk of suffocation, use a firm mattress and keep blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals out of the crib.
  • Never leave your baby unattended in the crib or bassinet. Always put them to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  • Create a calm and relaxing environment in the nursery, free from noise and bright lights. This will help your baby to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep throughout the night.

If you are unsure, there are many resources online that can assist you in selecting the appropriate crib and mattress that adheres to crib safety standards in Canada. You can create a safe and tranquil sleep environment for your baby by following these tips, which will promote healthy development and peaceful slumbers.

Best Crib Mattress — The Final Take

As you can see, there are many options available for expectant parents when purchasing a top-rated baby crib mattress. Therefore, finding a safe and supportive mattress your baby will enjoy sleeping on can be challenging.

After reading our reviews and buyer’s guide, we hope you have gained the necessary knowledge and insight to find the best crib mattress for your child. Please remember that, especially for newborns, it should be extra firm and breathable.


FAQ

Can babies sleep on a memory foam mattress?

Yes, babies can sleep on a memory foam mattress, but it’s not advisable if they’re under four years old. Even the best memory foam crib mattress is usually quite soft and can conform to the body, which is not ideal as infants need to sleep on a firm surface.

Moreover, firm mattresses are better for an infant’s spine and can better support their developing bones. Most importantly, since newborns don’t have any motor control skills, they are in danger of sinking into the foam mattress or rolling onto their stomachs and suffocating.

Is it safe to use two mattresses in a crib?

No, this is not safe for the baby. Cribs are not designed to be used with more than one mattress. That said, most cribs have height adjustment settings, so there’s no need to add any extra layers.

Regarding the adjustment, the distance between the crib mattress and the top of the crib rail needs to be at least 26 inches.

How do I choose a crib mattress for a newborn?

First of all, make sure that it’s firm. We can’t emphasize this enough! To test the firmness, press your hand on the center and the edges of the mattress.

If the mattress snaps back, it’s firm enough. If it conforms to the shape of your hand, it’s too soft, and you shouldn’t use it.

Also, make sure it’s a breathable mattress. These reduce overheating and sweating. Lastly, we recommend using an innerspring mattress, which will offer better support and durability.

Marina Avramovic

Marina is a content writer and a filmmaker who spends most of her time in front of the computer, writing articles and blog posts on various subjects, learning fictional languages, or editing avant-garde movies. This penchant for learning new ways of dreaming and writing became her dream job. When she's not obsessing about work she tries to cook, read dystopian novels and go on adventures with her dog.

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