12 Best Crib Mattresses to Help Lull Kids to Sleep
Baby-centric shopping lists seemingly never end—there are so many things to buy!—but finding the best crib mattress can be one of the more stressful tasks. It’s not only a question of preference, but it’s a decision that requires research into safety. Not to mention you’re doing all of this for a human who can’t yet voice their own opinions or pain points.
This is a long-winded way of saying, “we get it and we want to help.” To help take some of the research off your plate, we dug into scientific studies that break down the most important factors for crib mattresses. In particular, we spoke with Dr. Wendy Hunter, a pediatrician and the host of The Pediatrician Next Door podcast for her tips and recommendations.
Things to Consider Before Buying
There are a few things that can add peace of mind when it comes to safe baby sleep for your little one. Buying a crib mattress is not just deciding what type of mattress you want. “The two most important factors in choosing a crib mattress are that it’s waterproof and provides a firm, flat surface,” Dr. Hunter says. “A mattress that is too soft or borrowing an old mattress that has started to sag can be unsafe for a baby.” We looked for expert opinions on how to pick the right mattress size, material, and firmness to help you find the best baby crib mattress.
Size
Babies are constantly growing, and it can be easy to assume buying bigger will save you money in the long run. And there are mattresses out there that offer a bit of versatility when it comes to fitting your growing kid. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission requires all full-size crib mattress dimensions to measure at least 27 1/4 inches wide by 51 1/4 inches long, and the thickness should not exceed six inches. It might be tempting to add a mattress cover for extra cushion, but make sure and follow the six-inch rule to avoid the added risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or suffocation. Mattresses of this size fit most standard-size cribs.
One other factor? Convenience. “Lightweight mattresses will be easier to pull out of the crib and clean, so check the weight of any mattress you are considering,” Dr. Hunter says. “I’d recommend buying one as close to 10 pounds as possible.”
Material
Crib mattress materials vary just as much as any other mattress. “The other thing to consider is that there is emerging research that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in synthetic foam mattresses are released from crib mattresses and can cause airway irritation in babies,” Dr. Hunter explains. “It’s not proven, but there is some evidence or concern that this may be one of the causes of SIDS or crib deaths. These chemicals increase in the environment when the mattress gets warmer while the child is sleeping on it.”
In 2020, the Ecology Center teamed up with the “Getting Ready for Baby” campaign to highlight the many materials crib mattresses are made of. Titled “The Mattress Still Matters,” the study surveyed 190 models of crib mattresses spanning 28 manufacturers to analyze what they’re made of—and how willing the manufacturers were to disclose such information.
The study found two mattresses from Sealy made without any concerning chemicals—like flame retardants and polyvinyl chloride, among others: the EverLiteTM 2-Stage crib mattress and Premier PostureTM 2-Stage crib mattress (you can find more information on each below). For information on the chemicals often used in crib mattresses, check out the full study here. And keep in mind that some mattresses may need a day or two for off-gassing—if you want to skip this, opt for a mattress made of natural materials like organic cotton. The picks we’ve outlined below are all made of nontoxic elements.
Firm vs. Soft
While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep on a firm mattress, it’s hard to know exactly what that means. Soft mattresses that allow someone to sink into them pose a higher risk of strangulation. In a 2021 study published in the Injury Epidemiology journal titled “A firm recommendation: measuring the softness of infant sleep surfaces,” scientists tested 17 sleep surfaces to quantify average softness in an effort to create a more definitive recommendation for parents. These surfaces ranged from hospital mattresses, fleece blankets, soft pillows, and more. Researchers found that some of them were as soft as adult mattresses. But all in all, the softness ranged from 7.4 to 36.9 milimeters, which is a pretty large range. It’s best to shy on the firmer side, for your baby’s safety.
Many crib mattresses are double-sided—one is firm and better for newborns while a softer second side is great for toddlers or children using a convertible bed.
Ed Note: This information and the following product recommendations do not replace your doctor’s advice. It’s best to speak with a professional before picking the best mattress type for your child. From hypoallergenic options to organic designs, there are a variety of ways to approach creating a safe bed space.
Dr. Hunter’s Pick: Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress
- Size: 52" x 27.5" x 5"
- Material: Memory foam
- Firmness level: Firm and medium-firm (reversible)
“I recommend the Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer dual-sided crib mattress because it has the best balance of cost and safety—and it’s lightweight,” Dr. Hunter says. “You don’t need to put anything on the mattress other than a thin cotton sheet; mattress pad covers can be too thick for a baby to breathe through and may also contain extra chemicals.” Handmade in the United States, many of Moonlight Slumber’s mattresses are dual-sided, offering a firmer infant side and a slightly softer toddler side, as is the case with this option. The nontoxic mattress is made of high-density foam that is CertiPUR-US certified. It also has a waterproof, odor- and stain-resistant fabric cover. The seams are bed bug- and dust-mite-resistant—and the entire mattress weighs a mere 11 pounds.
Organic Options
- Size: 52 3/8" x 28 5/8" x 3 ½"
- Material: Organic latex, organic wool, organic cotton
- Firmness level: Extra-firm
Made of all organic materials, this crib mattress is chemical-free and handmade at the company’s workshop in Seattle. Each one is made with extra-firm latex, which provides comfortable—and extra-firm—support minus the chemical fire retardants. These mattresses are best used in a slatted crib.
- Size: Fits all standard North American crib frames
- Material: Organic latex, coconut husks, cotton, wool
- Firmness level: Extra-firm
Free of synthetic materials, this crib mattress is focused on providing an all-natural base for your baby’s nursery. What that means: no off-gassing, no vinyl waterproofing materials, and no chemical flame retardants. The mattress cover is made of wool, a great natural solution for wicking away moisture that is also easy to spot-clean. Internally, there are two 2-inch layers: One is an extra-firm rubber layer, and the second is made of rubberized coconut fiber, coming together to create an extra-firm base. Plus, it comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
© Provided by Architectural Digest
Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress - 2-Stage
$399.00, Amazon
- Size: 52" x 27.5" x 6"
- Material: Organic cotton, memory foam
- Firmness level: Firm and medium-firm (reversible)
This is a firmer breathable crib mattress option for infants that also has a softer side that will last well into the toddler years. A 3D mesh surface offers safe sleep and allows babies to breathe while positioned face-down, which also helps reduce heat. Plus, this surface can be removed for easy cleaning, and the WaveSupport mattress core can be used on its own in the crib until the mesh cover is re-added. And you can rest easy knowing it’s made of GOTS-certified materials.
- Size: 54” x 28” x 0.5”
- Material: Cotton
- Firmness level: Firm
Designed slightly larger than the typical crib dimensions, this cotton mattress fills in any gaps along the edges to keep your baby safe and comfortable—the brand can also accommodate custom sizing, which isn’t a common offer. Admittedly, it is a heavier option, at 20 pounds. White Lotus Home also offers vegan mattresses that don’t use wool as the natural fire retardant, making it a great option if you’re working around allergies. The only catch: You’ll need a doctor’s prescription before this special order can be completed.
Nonorganic Options
- Size: 53” x 28” width x 7”
- Material: Hypoallergenic lightweight polyfoam core, cotton cover
- Firmness level: Extra-firm, medium-firm (reversible)
As mentioned above, this high-quality mattress is made without any harmful chemicals and is made to fit into standard crib sizes. Hypoallergenic (great for kids who suffer from any kind of allergens!) and highly breathable, it’s also designed with a waterproof cover for easy cleanup. The cotton cover is a soft touch, adding a bit of cushion for your sleepy kid. Plus, it’s lightweight—great for making the act of changing fitted sheets a total breeze.
- Size: 51.6" x 27.3" x 5.5"
- Material: Cotton cover, inner coil spring system
- Firmness level: Firm and medium-firm (reversible)
If you’re looking for a coil-style mattress that offers better weight distribution and improved edge support, this Greenguard Gold-certified option from Sealy is free of harsh chemicals and designed with secure edges and corners for added safety. The cushion is hypoallergenic, and an airflow pocket adds extra breathability to this waterproof mattress.
- Size: 52" x 27" x 5"
- Material: High-density foam
- Firmness level: Firm
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly crib mattress on a budget, this foam model from Graco is a great option. Made of 100% cotton, it has Greenguard Gold certification, meaning it has been screened for more than 10,000 chemicals and VOCs that are known to contribute to air pollutant emissions. Machine washable, the mattress is designed with a water-resistant cover.
- Size: 52" x 27.5" x 6"
- Material: Memory foam
- Firmness level: Firm
Weighing in at less than seven pounds, this option is lighter than most options on the market. The waterproof crib mattress is made of memory foam and has seamless edges, making cleanup simple. Plus, this mattress is free of flame-retardant chemicals.
© Provided by Architectural Digest
Lullaby Earth x Babylist "Healthy Support" Innerspring Baby Crib & Toddler 2-Stage Mattress
$219.00, Babylist
- Size: 51 5/8” x 27 1/4” x 6”
- Material: Inner coil spring system, food-grade polyethylene, polyester
- Firmness level: Firm and cushion firm (reversible)
An exclusive collaboration between manufacturer Lullaby Earth and registry site Babylist, this mattress is nontoxic and reversible. The design features 150 steel coils and is Greenguard Gold certified. The mattress surface is food-grade and waterproof, helpful when cleaning up any messes.
© Provided by Architectural Digest
Serta SertaPedic Moongaze Crib and Toddler Mattress
$65.00, Target
- Size: 52" x 27.5"x 6"
- Material: Polyester fiber core, vinyl
- Firmness level: Firm
Firm and made of thermo-bonded polyester, this mattress works hard thanks to a waterproof vinyl cover. The thing that caught our eye was the square corners, which make it easier to put on crib sheets.
- Size: 52" x 28" x 4.5"
- Material: Cotton
- Firmness level: Firm
This breathable option has a quilted machine washable cover—if you’re looking to wash the actual mattress core, you can try a quick rinse in the shower. Made without foam, glue, or latex, this mattress is completely hypoallergenic and features a double-sided design that will prove handy as your child grows into toddlerhood.
