The 5 Best Crib Mattresses

Of some of the more important, essential items on your baby registry, a high quality crib mattress is one of the more important items that you'll be asking for...afterall, it is where your sweet little one will likely be sleeping during the first couple years of their life. There are countless options out there when it comes to crib mattresses, however, so how do you know which one is the right one for you? first, you'll want to make sure that it meets or exceeds all criteria for safety ((Typically stated...). Next, you'll need it to be firm. Too soft, and the mattress isn't safe to use for infants that can suffocate on softer surfaces. You'll want one that is free from taxi materials, hypoallergenic and breathable, and it doesn't hurt if it's waterproof, either. So, where to start? As with all baby items, there are a surprising number of crib mattresses on the market. This list will help to narrow down your choice. These are the 5 best crib mattresses.

Graco Premium Foam Crib Mattress

GREENGUARD Gold Certified Mattress by Graco

This premium crib mattress by Graco hits all of the essential must-haves on your checklist.

Best Overall

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Coming in at number one on this list, Graco’s Premium Foam Crib Mattress holds this spot for a few solid reasons: first and foremost is that the firmness is on point. For newborns and babies, a firm mattress is essential. This mattress features a core made of breathable foam that both holds its shape and allows for maximum air flow, keeping Baby safe from over-heating and safe from suffocation (a danger if the mattress is not firm enough). Sized at 52 inches by 27.6 inches with a height of 5 inches, this 7 pound mattress will fit all standard full-size cribs and toddler beds. The foam also holds up remarkably well over time, meaning it often can be used beyond just one child.

Pros:

GREENGUARD Gold Certified (free of phthalates, lead, and mercury, and also meets or exceeds all ASTM International and CPSC safety standards, as well as federal flammability standards.)
6-year limited warranty

Cons:

Mattress comes in a box. You’ll need to wait for it to fully expand prior to using.

Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib Mattress

Water-resistant and Hypoallergenic Crib Mattress

A close runner-up, this crib mattress by Safety 1st also hits all the must-haves.

Runner-Up

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Safety 1st holds the Women’s Choice Award for being America’s Most Recommended brand for Baby Crib & Toddler Mattress, so it’s no surprise that this crib mattress is number a runner-up on this list. This lightweight thermo-bonded fiber core is a solid option for Baby’s crib or toddler bed. With GREENGUARD Gold certification, you’re getting a high-quality, more environmentally-friendly crib mattress that’s firm, fits standard-size cribs, and will hold its shape over time.

Pros:

10-year limited warranty.
Water resistant 100% Vinyl cover (super easy to clean!)
Comes in three colors.

Cons:

Weight limit of 50 pounds.

Delta Children Twinkle Stars Crib Mattress

Safe, Durable, and Comfortable

Delta Children's Twinkle Stars crib mattress is a winner.

Budget-Friendly

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This GREENGUARD Gold Certified Delta Children mattress is another excellent choice a high quality crib mattress that hits all the must-haves: it has a fiber core, is waterproof, and hits all the safety certifications. While there are many positives to this mattress, there are some notable downfalls. The fit for standard cribs, perhaps due to the square corners of the mattress, make this a secure fit but perhaps a bit too tight. This leads to sheets that can become rumpled, which is not ideal for newborns and small babies. The other notable trade-off to this crib mattress is that it doesn’t retain its firmness over time. The biggest positive, however, is that it comes in at a budget-friendly price, making this non-toxic, firm crib mattress still a contender for the top. Because of the pros and cons on this one, it’s a great option for a second mattress–perhaps one to keep at the grandparents.

Pros:

Lightweight, yet firm mattress.
Made in the USA
Price is wallet-friendly.

Cons:

Arrives extremely firm, but after a few months this mattress softens a bit. Most costumers preferred it for a toddler rather than an infant.

Dream On Me Playard Mattress

Portable Crib Mattress

If you're looking for a quality playard crib mattress, this one by Dream On Me is an excellent choice.

Best Portable

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While typical playards come with their own mattresses, if you’ve seen them, you know…they aren’t really mattresses. They’re more like stiff, foldable boards with a cushion on top; not exactly the most comfortable surface to lay Baby on. Dream on Me’s Playard Mattress is the perfect answer to that. With a waterproof cover, and a binding that’s both antibacterial and waterproof, the mattress stays free of mold and mildew. Made of 90% foam (and 10% vinyl), this mattress isn’t meant to be used for daily use in a crib. However, it passes all safety tests, and is an excellent option to use as a portable crib mattress with your playard.

Pros:

Made in the USA
Measures 37.5 inches long by 25.5 inches wide and is 3 inches high, fitting Graco playards and most other standard size playards as well.

Cons:

Only for use from 6 months and older.

Milliard Memory Foam Crib Mattress

Dual-Side Crib Mattress

This memory foam crib mattress by Milliard is a high-quality, Memory Foam mattress option.

Best Memory Foam

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If you like the idea of a firm mattress for your infant, but a softer mattress for your toddler, this mattress is the one for you. Made with a firm base but with a memory foam mattress, Milliard has created a crib mattress that offers the best of both worlds: support and comfort. Although there are some rather poor quality memory foam options out there, this crib mattress is far superior to other memory foam crib mattresses on the market: the foam itself is CertiPur certified for low VOC and is absolutely free of harmful heavy metals.With a breathable cover, included, your baby won’t sweat from the memory foam, either.

Pros:

Comes with a removable machine-washable bamboo cover.
3 pound construction for retainment of shape and durability.

Cons:

Typically arrives with a strong odor. You might want to air out this mattress prior to using.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can you use a crib mattress?

If you purchase a quality mattress, such as any of the above reviewed ones, you’ll find that your mattress will last as long as your child is in their crib…and often, beyond. Many mattresses, provided they are properly cared for, will work to use on younger siblings as well. You’ll want to do a double check (is the mattress still firm? Are any springs or holes present?), but most crib mattresses hold up quite well.

How firm should a baby mattress be?

You’ve likely noticed that crib mattresses are listed as firm. This is because, in order to be safe, crib mattresses should be firm. Still, how firm is firm? If you press on the center of the mattress as well as at its edges, the mattress should bounce back without the imprint of your hand being left behind. You’ll want to feel a bit of resistance to your hand as you press on it.