What To Look for When Purchasing a Crib Mattress

Babies spend up to 18 hours a day sleeping, so one of the most important investments for your baby is a mattress!¹ Shopping for the perfect crib mattress for you and your family is not easy. So, don’t worry if you’ve spent hours, days, or weeks researching and looking for the best crib mattress — it’s worth it. And we’re here to help!

What To Look for in a Crib Mattress

Safety is the first thing to consider when buying a bassinet or crib mattress. Here are our tips on what to look for:

1. You Want the Crib Mattress To Be Firm

Don’t be turned away by how firm a mattress is. A baby’s mattress needs to be extra firm to prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and allow their bones to develop while sleeping.^2,3 You wouldn’t want your baby rolling onto their face on a soft cushion. Making sure a mattress is firm and flat should be the first thing to look for, regardless of whether your baby is a back or tummy sleeper.^2,3

How do you make sure it’s firm enough? Check that you’re buying a mattress for an infant, not a toddler. However, if you find a double-sided mattress with one firm side intended for infants and one slightly softer side designed for toddlers, you’ve saved yourself some money in the long run!

2. Check That It’s Mold-Resistant

Safety also means assuring that the mattress materials won’t allow mold growth. Mold grows in wet areas, so you may want to buy a waterproof mattress or cover to prevent this.⁴ If you’re purchasing a cover, make sure it’s the correct fit for the crib mattress. Buying the same brand usually makes this a simpler task. Most waterproof crib mattresses have a vinyl or polyethylene surface. If these chemical surfaces do bother you, there are organic materials, such as wool, that are naturally resistant to mold.^5,6

3. Avoid Flame Retardants

That brings us to safe materials! Although many states have legislation over baby sleep products and their flammability, flame retardants can be highly toxic.⁷ These toxic flame retardants are in couches, mattresses, pajamas, and many other products that our skin then absorbs.^7,8,9 The choice is entirely yours on whether you’re aiming for flame retardant or organic materials that, in turn, are highly flammable.

4. Consider Splurging for a New Crib Mattress

Think twice before using a used crib mattress for your baby! You want to know its history so you’re not introducing mold, mildew, or dust mites to your baby’s room.

5. Make Sure the Crib Mattress Is the Correct Size

While most crib mattresses are a standard size for a standard crib, there are so many mini-cribs and bassinets on the market that may better suit your family, so make sure the crib mattress size is correct. The mattress should be a snug fit where you shouldn’t be able to squeeze more than two fingers between the crib and the mattress.

6. No Bumpers or Accessories Are Necessary

The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) suggests that you don’t use crib bumpers, blankets, or any loose materials or toys that may be a suffocation or strangulation hazard.² Note: This does not include a pacifier, which is suggested to be used and may prevent SIDS.¹²

Types of Crib Mattresses

Here are two types of crib mattresses to consider for your baby:

1. Foam Mattress

Foam mattresses are typically made of polyurethane (which is light and flame retardant) and are among the cheapest mattresses.¹⁰ But many parents opt for foam crib mattresses made of organic materials. These materials may include soy, organic cotton, bamboo, and natural latex. The choice is yours!

2. Spring Mattress

Innerspring mattresses consist of steel coils and any of the previously mentioned materials.¹¹ These highly structured mattresses are typically more expensive and heavier, something to consider when changing those sheets!

Remember that crib mattresses often come double-sided, with a firm infant and softer toddler side. While the price may be slightly higher for a double-sided mattress, it will save you money in the long run.

9 Top-Rated Crib Mattresses

Now that you’ve learned about safe use, materials, and types of mattresses, here’s a list of some mom-approved brands:

1. Naturepedic Organic Breathable Ultra Baby Crib Mattress (2-Stage)

Naturepedic mattresses are designed by pediatricians, chemists, engineers, and orthopedic specialists. The Naturepedic Organic Breathable Ultra Baby Crib Mattress is a favorite of ours. It’s made from organic cotton, has a wipeable, waterproof surface to protect your baby from mold and mildew, and has a two-stage design! It costs about $459.00.

2. Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Infant/Toddler Crib Mattress

Here’s an organic foam mattress made from United States-grown soybeans. It doesn’t include any toxic flame retardants and costs a little over $100. This double-sided mattress was a win-win for our family!

3. Kiwi Sleep Baby Crib Mattress

This mattress is breathable and made to reduce harmful pressure on baby’s head. It has a washable removable cover and is made in the U.S. with safe and healthy materials. And it’s a two-stage design, with one side for infants and another side for toddlers!

4. Graco Premium Foam Crib Mattress

From Graco, this mattress is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and free of formaldehyde, fiberglass, and chemical flame retardants, so you can feel good about protecting baby from harmful substances. It’s also waterproof and has a machine-washable cover, making it easy to keep clean. Plus, this foam mattress fits both cribs and toddler beds, so you can use it longer!

5. Newton Baby Crib Mattress

The Newton Baby crib mattress has breathe-thru technology that makes it 100% breathable. We also love that the cover and core are completely washable! This mattress will grow with your baby and give them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.

6. Lullaby Earth Crib Mattress

Here’s an organic mattress that has a breathable mattress protector. It has two-stage firmness, which is firmer on one side for infants and medium-firm on the opposite side for toddlers. It’s lightweight and fits most standard-size cribs.

7. Avocado Organic Crib Mattress

This GOTS-certified organic mattress doesn’t have toxic chemicals, off-gassing, chemical flame retardants, fiberglass, or polyurethane foams. It’s made with organic cotton, wool, and a coconut husk pad to deliver breathable and safe comfort for your little one. It’s also made in the U.S.

8. Moonlight Baby Crib Mattress

This dual-sided mattress has a high-density foam on one side to support infants and a plush foam on the other for toddlers. It’s waterproof and durable and can last for as long as you need it to! The reinforced seams help to protect your mattress.

9. Serta SertaPedic Moongaze Crib Mattress

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can’t beat the price for this one! It’s firm yet lightweight, and we love that it’s GREENGUARD Gold certified and not made with fire retardants. This crib and toddler mattress has a waterproof vinyl cover and square edges, allowing it to fit securely in baby’s crib.

Also, check out Dream On Me, which carries innerspring and foam mattresses of many sizes to fit your bassinet, crib, or toddler bed.

Now you know what to consider when looking for baby mattresses, the different types, and the top-rated crib mattresses. I hope this article gives you peace of mind when buying your baby’s first important investment. Best wishes!