Best Crib Mattresses of 2022
During the first few months of life, your baby will spend more time asleep than awake. (Although it won’t always seem that way!)
Part of getting your little one to sleep soundly is creating a good sleeping environment, and a safe, comfortable crib mattress is a great place to start.
In this article:
- What Kind of Crib Mattress Is Best for Baby?
- How to Choose a Crib Mattress
- Crib Mattress Safety Guidelines
- Babylist’s Best Crib Mattress Picks
What Kind of Crib Mattress Is Best for Baby?
Figuring out what kind of crib mattress is best for baby can lead to a lot of decision fatigue, as even a quick search reveals seemingly endless options. Let’s start with the basic types of crib mattresses.
Innerspring mattresses: This traditional mattress type has steel coils inside, which makes it resilient and sturdy. Above the coils, innerspring mattresses have layers of different cushioning materials, such as polyester, cotton or foam.
You’ll see innersprings described by their coil count (that’s the number of steel coils in the mattress; the more coils, the more supportive) and steel gauge (the thickness of the coil; the lower numbers are thicker). Some models also have metal border rods that provide stability around the edges.
Innerspring mattresses can be pricey, especially if you’re looking into a higher coil count. These mattresses also tend to weigh more (something to consider when you have to change crib sheets frequently).
Foam mattresses: These are typically made from polyurethane, a foam resin. Foam mattresses can be a great choice because they’re lightweight and durable, and are also usually the least-expensive mattress option.
When choosing a foam crib mattress, you want to make sure it’s resilient. Test this by pressing your hand on the mattress and seeing how long the surface takes to regain its shape (the faster, the better).
Also, look for a mattress that has a higher density, which makes it firmer. You can test this by how heavy it is (denser mattresses are typically heavier) or by squeezing the sides of the mattress (you won’t be able to press that hard on denser models).
A few other things to consider when looking at different types of crib mattresses:
- Many crib mattresses are double-sided. These mattresses have a firmer infant side and a softer side that is more appropriate for toddlers who still use a crib or convertible toddler bed. Keep in mind though, these models might be more expensive than some infant crib mattresses. And, you’ll have to remember to place the correct side of the mattress facing up when you’re changing the crib sheets.
- A new category of crib mattresses has emerged over the last few years: “air core.” These mattresses use a type of food-grade polymer to create a woven mattress core that’s made mostly of air. Pros: these mattresses are 100% breathable, offering incredible peace of mind. They’re also super lightweight and easy to clean. Con: they tend to be pretty pricy.
How to Choose a Crib Mattress
There are a few things to consider when you’re choosing the best crib mattress for your baby.
- Firmness: Crib mattresses are firmer than adult mattresses in order to keep babies safe and to support growing bones while they sleep. Frim mattresses also help reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Fit: Per the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a full-size crib mattress must measure 27 1/4 inches wide and 51 1/4 inches long. The mattress should fit snugly against the frame of your crib. You shouldn’t be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib. If you choose a mini crib or bassinet, you can find the fit regulations here.
- Waterproof: Crib mattresses should either have a vinyl or polyethylene surface to make them waterproof and resist mold or, if you choose a fabric option, you should always add a waterproof cover.
- Materials: Some parents prefer mattresses made from natural and organic materials to avoid chemicals used in standard mattress production. (Note no health effects have been evaluated yet).
Crib Mattress Safety Guidelines
Your baby’s safety is a top priority. Here are a few safety basics to keep in mind when choosing a crib mattress:
- Avoid second-hand if possible: Because of the dangers associated with mold and bacteria, as well as general wear and tear, it’s best to avoid a used mattress, especially if you don’t know the history of the product. Reusing a crib mattress from another one of your children? Make sure there aren’t any openings in the waterproof cover where mold could’ve taken root and be sure the mattress is still firm and supportive without any sag.
- Keep the crib empty: Although they look nice, pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals and blankets should never be in baby’s crib. That’s because they can wind up covering your baby’s face and be a suffocation hazard. Keep it to a fitted sheet only and check the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep policies for more information.
- Place baby on their back: The safest sleeping position for your baby is on their back. It reduces the risk of SIDS, which is the leading cause of death in the first year of life.
- Check before you flip the mattress: If you have a double-sided mattress, check with your pediatrician to see if the time is right to flip it over to the toddler side. Most parents make the switch when their children are about 12 months old.
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How We Chose Our Best Crib Mattresses
We asked thousands of real Babylist families about the products they love the most. We took the top products they shared with us and added our own research and insight to tell you about the best crib mattresses.
Best Organic Crib Mattress
What Our Experts Say
Sweet dreams are made of…luxurious organic cotton. This two-sided mattress is certified organic and made with an organic cotton filling and cover. Instead of innersprings or foam, the core is made from something called wavesupport technology, using food-grade polyethylene to provide support. When things get messy (which they will), there’s a waterproof (but breathable) cover to protect from messes.
What’s Worth Considering
Although not the lightest crib mattress, it’s not the heaviest, either, thanks to the innerspring-free design. Also interesting to note: Naturepedic is a family-owned business and their mattresses are handmade in Ohio by Amish craftspeople.
What Babylist Parents Say
“I thought it would be hard to get excited about a mattress purchase, but boy was I wrong. This thing is excellent in build quality, the comfort and support it provides are far superior to the foam mattresses we have used previously. I strongly recommend and have already repurchased as a gift.” -Matt
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 52” x 27 ¼” x 6” |
| Weight | 14 lbs |
Avocado Eco Organic Crib Mattress
What Our Experts Say
DTC brand Avocado’s Eco Organic crib mattress is a favorite among parents looking for a more affordable organic crib mattress option. Crafted in Los Angeles from certified organic cotton, hemp and wool with a coconut husk pad, this crib mattress is GREENGAURD Gold certified and non-toxic. The natural thermoregulation properties of wool mean it will keep your little one cool in the summer and warm in the winter. We also love how transparent and sustainable the Avocado brand is.
What’s Worth Considering
This isn’t a dual-sided crib mattress. It’s also quite heavy, weighing in at 22 pounds.
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 10 pounds |
| Weight | 52” x 28” x 5” |
Best Budget Crib Mattress
What Our Experts Say
Crib mattresses can get expensive—but they don’t have to. This mattress-in-a-box from trusted brand Graco costs under a hundred bucks and has tens of thousands of five-star reviews. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it a convenient choice if you’ll be lugging it up your stairs or storing it before baby arrives (before you expand it, of course). It features a water-resistant, removable cover, mid-range firmness and is designed to fit any standard full-size crib. It’s even GREENGUARD Gold certified.
What’s Worth Considering
Graco recommends unrolling the mattress and allowing it to expand immediately after delivery to allow the maximum amount of time for full expansion in a room temperature setting.
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 52” x 27.5” x 5” |
| Weight | 10.7 lbs |
Best Breathable Crib Mattress
What Our Experts Say
For the absolute ultimate in crib mattress breathability, the innovative Newton is the clear winner. Every inch of this mattress is designed with your baby’s health and safety in mind. The Newton’s core is made from 90% free air (yup, you read that right), so your little one can literally breathe right through it. The wraparound fabric that encases the mattress is also completely breathable, and it unzips for easy washing. (There’s also a waterproof version if you’d prefer that.) The mattress is also comfy, temperature-controlled and the cover is made from material that prevents bacterial growth.
What’s Worth Considering
We also love this mattress for what it doesn’t have in it—no polyurethane foam, no adhesives or glue, and no metal springs. It’s non-toxic, hypoallergenic, recyclable, GREENGUARD Gold certified and verified by a Consumer Product Safety Commission accredited lab to reduce the risk of suffocation and CO2 rebreathing.
You’ll pay for all of this, however; it’s one of the pricier crib mattresses out there. For a slightly more affordable air-core option, check out the Halo Dreamweave.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Such a cool mattress! Not only is it perfectly firm for a newborn but it is made in such an innovative way that I wonder how no one else came up with this sooner! Love the mattress and think it’s a must-buy for any new parent. Worth the money!” -Seema
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 52” x 28” x 5.5” |
| Weight | 11 lbs |
Best Two-Stage Crib Mattress
What Our Experts Say
Babies need a super-firm mattress for sleep safety. But toddlers are more focused on their comfort (and asking you no fewer than 100 questions to put off bedtime). This two-sided non-toxic mattress is made from high-density infant foam on one side and softer foam on the other that’s better suited for toddlers. It’s packed with other great features like a waterproof, stain- and odor-resistant knit fabric cover, seams that are bed bug and dust mite resistant and a smooth mattress surface so you’ll be able to easily pull the sheet taught. And it weighs only 11 pounds, making it a lot lighter than many other dual-sided mattresses on the market.
What’s Worth Considering
Moonlight Slumber mattresses are handmade in the US. The Little Dreamer is also low-VOC.
What Babylist Parents Say
“This mattress worked so well for our first child that we bought another for our second! Great quality and love that it changes firmness depending on which side it’s on. Would definitely recommend!” -Jillian
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 52” x 27.5” x 5.5” |
| Weight | 11 lbs |
Best Lightweight Crib Mattress
What Our Experts Say
Changing sheets on your own bed is no fun, and we’re sorry to report that changing your little one’s crib sheets may be worse. That’s because you have to lift the entire mattress out of the crib each time—which is why lots of parents opt for a lightweight mattress option. This one weighs only seven pounds but doesn’t sacrifice comfort or quality. The WaveSupport core provides extra support for babies, and the mattress is waterproof with a wipe-clean surface and made from recyclable and food-safe materials.
What’s Worth Considering
This mattress scores well on chemical safety tests. It meets all flammability regulations and is free of anything you may not want in your baby’s crib mattress like vinyl, PVC, phthalates, PFCs and known allergens. It’s not, however, organic, so keep that in mind. (Naturepedic’s Lightweight Organic Cotton Classic Crib Mattress is a good option for an organic, lightweight crib mattress.)
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 52” x 27.5” x 6” |
| Weight | 7 lbs |
Best Mini Crib Mattress
What Our Experts Say
A mini crib is a great option if you’re tight on space or simply want a crib with a smaller footprint. This one is perfectly sized for a mini crib, yet still offers many of the same benefits as a full-size crib mattress would. The outer layer is made from soft cotton so it’s comfy for baby’s face. It’s also free of many things you probably don’t want in your mattress like polyurethane foam, vinyl, PVC, chemical flame retardants, dyes, allergens, phthalates, synthetic latex and off-gassing materials.
What’s Worth Considering
Looking for a breathable organic mattress option for your mini crib? Check out the Newton Baby Breathable Mini Crib Mattress.
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 37.5” x 23.5” x 3” |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
Best Innerspring Crib Mattress
What Our Experts Say
If you’re looking for a sturdy, high-quality innerspring mattress that will take you from the baby days through the toddler years, look no further. This crib mattress is an exclusive collab between Lullaby Earth x Babylist and can only be found here. It’s a non-toxic, dual-sided 150 coil innerspring mattress that’s also GREENGUARD Gold certified and contains zero harmful chemicals. We also love that the non-toxic food-grade surface is waterproof for easy cleaning.
What’s Worth Considering
Because this is an innerspring mattress, it weighs in on the heavier side at about 19 pounds.
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 51 ⅝” x 27 ¼” x 6” | | Weight | 19 lbs |
Best Eco-Friendly Crib Mattress
What Our Experts Say
Looking for a greener mattress option? The core of Bundle of Dreams mattresses is made from something called “bundle fiber,” which is a safer, healthier alternative to foam. This protects your little one from harmful toxic emissions, and also won’t cause any off-gassing. (That’s the chemical smell that happens when you open a mattress made with foam.) We also appreciate the organic cotton sleep surface and ample support.
What’s Worth Considering
This mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified, recyclable and completely hypoallergenic.
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 52” x 28” x 5” |
| Weight | 10 lbs |
Best Foam Crib Mattress
What Our Experts Say
Made from a thermo-bonded fiber foam core, there’s a lot to love about this crib mattress. It’s supportive and firm while also lightweight, thanks to the foam core, making crib sheet changes easier. It features a waterproof vinyl cover and square corners for a snug fit. It’s also dual-stage and GREENGUARD Gold certified. All for under $70!
What’s Worth Considering
Lots of parents comment about how firm this mattress is. But remember—what’s uncomfortable for an adult is exactly the firmness you want in a baby and toddler crib mattress for safety reasons.
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 52” x 27.5” x 6” |
| Weight | 10 lbs |
Best Cooling Crib Mattress
What Our Experts Say
With so many comfort and performance features, we’re pretty sure even we could get a stellar night’s sleep on this crib mattress. This two-stage mattress has a cover that’s moisture-wicking and temperature neutral, so it helps your baby stay cool, making it an ideal choice if you live in a warm or even variable climate. We also love the breathability factor. The inner layer is made from a patented technology with 3D-structured fabric that’s designed to maximize airflow.
What’s Worth Considering
Both layers of this crib (the inner air-cushion layer and the moisture-wicking top cover) are removable and machine washable.
Additional Specs
| Dimensions | 52” x 28” x 6” |
| Weight | 16 lbs |
Other Crib Mattresses on Our Radar
You might also want to check out crib mattresses by these brands that are on our radar:
- Babyletto Pure Core Mattress ($199): An eco-friendly option that’s a fully recyclable polyester mattress.
- IKEA Crib Mattresses ($40-$100): This budget brand has four different mattresses, from thinner foam to fluffier spring-loaded ones all for reasonable prices (as you would expect).
- Moonlight’s Little Dreamer Deluxe Kids Mattress ($389-448): A dual-sided, non-toxic option that covers the toddler-to-teenager transition and comes in a twin or full size.
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