Are all crib mattresses the same?

Different brands of crib mattresses can be made of a variety of materials or have slightly different designs from one another. However, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission states, “to prevent head entrapment and suffocation between the mattress and crib sides, a mattress used in a full-size crib must be at least 27 1/4 inches x 51 1/4 inches, with a thickness not exceeding 6 inches" so most (if not all) mattresses sold in the US adhere to these standards.

Do toddlers use crib mattresses?

There is no reason a toddler can’t continue to use their crib mattress up until they move into a full-size bed. “I usually advise parents to keep their children in the crib for as long as possible, especially if their child has no problem staying in there,” says Dr. DeBear. Toddler-size beds are typically sized to hold crib-size mattresses and it’s perfectly safe to simply move the mattress from the crib to the bed. In fact, Dr. DeBear points out that if you have a crib that converts into a toddler bed and you already know the mattress you have fits, so there’s no reason not to keep using it.

The 8 Best Crib Mattresses of 2023

A firm, flat mattress that snugly fits inside the crib is recommended for a safe sleep environment. Crib mattresses are available in a variety of materials and different designs. Some crib mattresses are dual-sided, meaning they can be used from infancy to toddlerhood.

You’ll need a crib mattress that is firm (but still comfortable), won’t cause the baby to overheat, and can hold up to all of the spit-up and accidents the baby will inevitably put it through. We carefully considered design, material, ease of cleaning, value, and any age recommendations when reviewing products.

We found the best crib mattresses on the market to help your little one get some shut eye.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Newton Baby Crib Mattress at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Safety 1st Crib & Toddler Mattress at Amazon

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Best Organic:

Naturepedic Organic Crib Natural Mattress at Amazon

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Best Waterproof:

Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress at Amazon

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Best with Removable Cover:

babyletto Pure Core Standard Hybrid Mattress at Amazon

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Best Mini:

Dream On Me Portable Mattress at Amazon

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Best Dual-Sided:

Sealy Infant & Toddler Crib Mattress at Amazon

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Best Luxury:

Avocado Luxury Organic Crib Mattress at Avocadogreenmattress.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Newtonbaby.com

What We Like

Combined toddler-infant design
Greenguard Gold certified
Breathable materials

What We Don't Like

Not waterproof
Can have a slight smell upon unpackaging

This crib mattress from Newton tops our list as it checks all the boxes for safety, comfort, and durability, which are important factors to consider when choosing a crib mattress to add to your baby registry. Made with the company’s Breathe-Thru technology, it helps air circulate through the mattress, both to prevent the risk of suffocation and to help regulate the temperature and keep baby as comfortable as possible. It doesn’t contain any metal springs, polyurethane foam or, glue, but rather it’s made up of 90 percent air. It’s non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and the fabric cover comes off for easy washing (extra covers are available for purchase separately).

Price at time of publication: $300

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 52 x 28 x 5.5 inches | Waterproof: No | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Removable Cover Included: Yes}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Greenguard Gold certified
Firm support

What We Don't Like

Mattress cover not removable
Can be slightly noisy due to waterproof cover

Sure, you want the best for your little one, but that doesn’t always have to mean the most expensive. This crib mattress from Safety 1st is on the low end when it comes to price, but customers give it high marks overall. Made from polyester fibers, it provides firm support for safe sleep, and a waterproof vinyl outer cover makes sure it stays clean. It fits most standard cribs and toddler beds and for a pop of color, it comes in light pink and light blue in addition to basic white.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 52 x 27.5 x 5 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Hypoallergenic: Not Listed | Removable Cover Included: No}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair

What We Like

100 percent GOTS certified
Greenguard certified
Lightweight design

What We Don't Like

Extra firm (could be uncomfortable)
Can sink over time

If you’re set on an organic option, try the No Compromise organic crib mattress from Naturepedic. It measures 28 x 52 x 6 inches, and the surface wipes clean. While some crib mattresses have organic covers but are filled with non-organic materials, this one is 100 percent organic. Made in the United States, these mattresses are independently tested to ensure there are no chemical emissions. Customers like that it’s lightweight and say it’s extremely comfortable for their little ones.

Price at time of publication: $270

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 27 1/4 x 51 5/8 x 6 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Hypoallergenic: Not Listed | Removable Cover Included: No}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Bambibaby.com

What We Like

Stain and odor resistant
Dust mite and bed bug resistant
Combination infant-toddler mattress

What We Don't Like

Toddler/infant sides aren't clearly marked

As adorable as they are, babies can be messy, so a waterproof crib mattress, like this one from Moonlight Slumber, is a must for many parents. Any messes simply wipe off the hypoallergenic cover with a damp sponge. This one is designed to grow with your baby too, as one side is firm for when they’re small, and the other is plusher for the toddler years. It measures 52 x 27.5 x 5 inches.

Price at time of publication: $200

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 27.5 x 5 x 52 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Removable Cover Included: No}

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Combination infant-toddler mattress
Greenguard Gold certified

What We Don't Like

Cover can shrink in dryer
Waterproof materials make noise when baby moves around

This mattress gets high marks all around, but one thing that makes it stand out is the fact that you can remove its cover and throw it in the washing machine for a fresh, clean sleeping experience anytime. It’s made of soft cotton on the top and has a waterproof backing to keep the mattress dry.

It’s also dual-sided with a firmer side for infants and a plusher one to use as you head into the toddler years. It’s free of polyurethane foam, phthalates, flame retardants and other potentially dangerous materials, and the core is made of recyclable polyester.

Price at time of publication: $199

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 52.5 x 28.38 x 6 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Removable Cover Included: Yes}

Amazon

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What We Like

Greenguard Gold certified
Antibacterial cover
Stain and odor resistant

What We Don't Like

Firm, but not very thick

No matter what size your crib, you want a mattress that’s as safe and comfortable as possible, and this one from Dream on Me is the perfect pick for mini cribs, according to hundreds of online customers. It’s phthalate- and lead-free, and the cover is waterproof, so you can wipe any accidents up easily. It fits cribs measuring 24 x 28 inches, and it’s 3 inches thick.

Price at time of publication: $27

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 38 x 24 x 3 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Removable Cover Included: No}

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Combination infant-toddler mattress
Won't sag in the middle
Stain resistant

What We Don't Like

Spring coils can make noise over time

It may be hard to believe that your tiny baby will grow into a walking, talking little person, but in a blink of an eye, they’ll be heading right into the toddler zone. Having a mattress that can grow with them through the years, like this one from Sealy, can be a great way to save time and money.

The coil-filled mattress can be used in standard cribs and toddler beds and it has two sides—a firmer one for infants and a softer one for toddlers. The coils make it extra firm, while a PVC-free cotton cover makes it comfortable.

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 27.25 x 5.5 x 51.63 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Hypoallergenic: Yes | Removable Cover Included: No}

Avocado

View On Avocadogreenmattress.com

What We Like

GOTS certified organic cotton
Combination infant-toddler mattress
All materials are organic and high-quality

What We Don't Like

Costly
Not waterproof

Say hello to luxury with this dual-sided, organic mattress designed for children from the newborn stage to 4 years old. The infant side can be used for babies immediately after birth and up to 1 year, while the toddler side is safe from age 1 to 4.

The mattress is handmade with cotton-wrapped coils, certified wool, organic latex, and more premium pieces. It can be paired with the company’s organic waterproof crib mattress protector to help guard from any accidents bound to happen.

Price at time of publication: $1,379

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 28 x 52 x 6 inches | Waterproof: No | Hypoallergenic: Not Listed | Removable Cover Included: No}

Final Verdict

You really can’t go wrong with any of these mattresses, but the Newton Baby Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed (view at Amazon) ranks highest on our list because it’s designed to regulate baby’s body temperature, is hypoallergenic, and mindfully designed for both safety and comfort.

What to Look For When Buying a Crib Mattress

Safety

“Safety is of the utmost importance, of course,” says Aubrie DeBear, PsyD, child sleep consultant and expert for Tommee Tippee’s Spill The Milk series. Dr. DeBear recommends parents look for “a firm mattress with proper airflow” to ensure the mattress meets the safe sleep guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Additionally, Dr. DeBear notes that the mattress “should fit the crib exactly without gaps or spaces” once it’s put into place, so make sure to take proper measurements of your baby’s crib before going to purchase the mattress.

Materials

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to the types of materials they want their child exposed to. However, when it comes to mattresses, the most important thing is to purchase one that is made with durable materials that are non-toxic.

“Buying a fully organic mattress is not necessarily essential,” Dr. DeBear says, and “checking for a 'Greenguard certification’ is a great way to ensure the mattress is free of toxic emissions.” Another thing to keep in mind is whether or not the mattress’s materials are hypoallergenic, because babies often have more sensitive skin and are more affected by allergens.

Design

As long as your crib mattress is firm and follows the AAP’s safe sleep guidelines, that is the most important design aspect to look for. Beyond that, though, you may want to consider some extras like whether or not it’s waterproof or if it’s designed for toddler use as well. “There are many mattresses on the market that come with two sides, one which is more firm for infants and one which is slightly softer for toddlers,” explains Dr. DeBear, “this can help you get more bang for your buck, especially if you're spending more on an organic mattress".

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all crib mattresses the same?

Different brands of crib mattresses can be made of a variety of materials or have slightly different designs from one another. However, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission states, “to prevent head entrapment and suffocation between the mattress and crib sides, a mattress used in a full-size crib must be at least 27 1/4 inches x 51 1/4 inches, with a thickness not exceeding 6 inches" so most (if not all) mattresses sold in the US adhere to these standards.
Do toddlers use crib mattresses?

There is no reason a toddler can’t continue to use their crib mattress up until they move into a full-size bed. “I usually advise parents to keep their children in the crib for as long as possible, especially if their child has no problem staying in there,” says Dr. DeBear. Toddler-size beds are typically sized to hold crib-size mattresses and it’s perfectly safe to simply move the mattress from the crib to the bed.
In fact, Dr. DeBear points out that if you have a crib that converts into a toddler bed and you already know the mattress you have fits, so there’s no reason not to keep using it.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 3-year-old daughters, and an aunt to three nieces and two nephews ranging from 5 to 10 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.