Are all mattress protectors waterproof?

No. If you need to protect the mattress from fluid-based stains, look specifically for the word “waterproof” on the packaging or in the online description.

Can I wash a waterproof mattress protector?

Most waterproof mattress protectors are machine washable but always check the washing instructions before tossing them into the machine. Some covers require a certain water temperature or need to be washed on a gentle/delicate cycle. It’s important to also check instructions for drying because not all waterproof mattress protectors are safe for the dryer.

The 8 Best Waterproof Mattress Protectors of 2023

Between accidents, spilled drinks, melted ice cream, vomit, and any liquids your child sneaks into bed with them, leaving their mattress unprotected isn’t an option. There are some great waterproof mattress protectors that have soft, quilted top layers for comfort with waterproof middle or bottom layers to keep liquids and moisture away from absorbent mattresses. Adding at least two waterproof mattress protectors to your baby registry is a must.

Whether you need a waterproof mattress protector that’s hypoallergenic, 100 percent organic, or large enough to fit a pillowtop bed, there is one to fit your needs. Be sure to look closely at what the mattress protector is made of, especially if your child has sensitive skin. We carefully considered materials, design, size, washing instructions, and value when reviewing products.

Here are the best mattress protectors for kids on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Yoofoss Crib Mattress Pad at Amazon

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Best for Cribs:

TL Care Crib Fitted Mattress Cover at Amazon

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Best for Big Kids:

AllerEase Mattress Protector at Walmart

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Best Cotton:

Crate & Kids Twin Waterproof Mattress Pad at Crate & Barrel

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Best Budget:

American Baby Company Crib Mattress Pad Cover at Amazon

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Best Organic:

Naturepedic Organic Crib Protector Pad at Crate & Barrel

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Best for Pillow Top Mattress:

Pottery Barn Kids Mattress Pad at Potterybarnkids.com

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Best for Comfort:

Dreamtex My Little Nest Crib Mattress Pad Cover at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

View On Amazon

The Yoofoss Hypoallergenic Waterproof Fitted Crib Mattress Pad is our top pick because it's soft for little ones and easy to clean for the adults. Available in crib size, this mattress pad cover features a quilted microfiber top that quickly soaks up liquid and an eco-friendly TPU waterproof backing to keep the mattress underneath safe.

The deep six-inch pockets fit a range of mattresses, and the hypoallergenic, breathable, and super soft material make it comfy. Small spills can be easily wiped dry, and the cover can be tossed into the washer for larger spots.

Price at time of publication: $27

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: Crib | Materials: Polyester, Microfiber, Eco-Friendly TPU | Machine Washable: Yes | Dryer Safe: Yes}

Amazon

View On Amazon

You can get this mattress protector in various sizes including crib, bassinet, mini crib, and Pack ‘n Play or as a sheet saver. It features a quilted organic cotton top layer with a middle layer and back protector made from breathable waterproof polyester.

The materials not only keep the protector super soft but also quiet so your baby won’t make (or wake up from) a lot of noise when moving around while sleeping. The crib size cover can fit a mattress up to six inches thick and is safe to put in the washer and dryer.

Price at time of publication: $86

^{Key Specs:
Size: Crib, Bassinet, Mini Crib, Pack N Play, and Sheet Saver | Materials: Organic Cotton and Polyester | Machine Washable: Yes | Dryer Safe: Yes}

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Walmart View On Belk.com View On Kohls.com

For protection on your big kid’s bed, this mattress protector comes in all standard sizes, from twin to king. It has a zipper closure, so it completely encases the mattress which not only protects it from liquids but also allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.

The twin and full sizes will fit mattresses up to 12 inches thick, and queen and king sizes will fit mattresses up to 14 inches thick.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Size: Twin, Full, Queen, King | Materials: Polyester and Polyethylene | Machine Washable: Yes - Warm Water | Dryer Safe: Yes - Low Heat}

Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

View On Crate & Barrel

Big kids sleeping in twin or full-size beds can get waterproof protection with this mattress pad that features a cotton terry top layer with TPU coating and a waterproof backing. The sheet is hypoallergenic, absorbent, and breathable so there’s no need for an additional mattress pad over the top of it.

It will fit mattresses up to 15 inches thick and can be cleaned in the washer and dryer (as directed).

Price at time of publication: $29

^{Key Specs:
Size: Twin, Full | Materials: Cotton, Polyester Terry with TPU Coating | Machine Washable: Yes - Delicate Cycle with Warm Water | Dryer Safe: Yes - Low Heat, Remove Immediately}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

This mattress protector is effective and budget-friendly. The crib size sheet has a quilted top layer that’s super soft and absorbent, a waterproof bottom layer, and it can fit mattresses up to 6 inches thick.

If you’re frequently changing sheets, you can get this protector in two or three packs, so you always have a backup when you need to toss one in the washer and dryer.

Price at time of publication: $18

^{Key Specs:
Size: Crib, Mini Crib, Pack N Play | Materials: Polyester | Machine Washable: Yes | Dryer Safe: Yes - Low Heat}

Courtesy of Crate & Kids

View On Crate & Barrel View On Naturepedic.com

If you’re looking for a crib mattress protector that is free of synthetic fibers and chemicals, this is the one for you. It has two thick layers of soft organic cotton flannel with a thin waterproof pad sandwiched between them. The waterproof pad also works as a barrier to allergens, dust mites, and bed bugs, and the organic cotton flannel helps level body temperature to avoid overheating and sweating.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Size: Crib | Materials: Organic Cotton Flannel | Machine Washable: Yes | Dryer Safe: Yes}

Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

View On Potterybarnkids.com

Kids will stay cozy in bed with this waterproof mattress protector. It has a quilted soft cotton sateen top layer with pro-guard protection, which repels stains from food, drinks, and accidents, and a waterproof bottom layer.

If your child has a pillow top mattress, this is the perfect protector for them because it can fit twin, full, or queen-size mattresses up to 22 inches thick.

Price at time of publication: $84 for Twin

^{Key Specs:
Size: Twin, Full, Queen | Materials: Cotton Sateen with Proguard Protection, Polyester | Machine Washable: Yes - Gentle Cycle, Warm Water | Dryer Safe: No}

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

View On Amazon

This mattress protector, which comes in a pack of two, is hypoallergenic, waterproof, has anti-bacterial components, and protects the mattress from allergens and dust mites. The pebble-quilted cover is made from 100 percent organic cotton with polyurethane laminate.

It also has reinforced seams, so it’s extra durable and easy to put on and take off the mattress.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Size: Crib | Materials: 100% Organic Cotton, Polyurethane Laminate | Machine Washable: Yes | Dryer Safe: Not Listed}

Final Verdict

All of these protectors will keep your child’s mattress safe from accidents and spills, but the Yoofoss Hypoallergenic Waterproof Fitted Crib Mattress Pad (view on Amazon) is ranked first because it’s effective, hypoallergenic, and doesn’t have any special cleaning instructions.

For older kids, the Crate and Kids Twin Waterproof Mattress Pad (view on Crate and Kids) features a waterproof backing under a cozy terry top layer. The absorbent and breathable material will catch any accidents while ensuring they sleep comfortably every night.

What to Look for in a Waterproof Mattress Protector

Size

Make sure the protector you’re getting is the right size for your mattress and has deep enough pockets to fully cover it. This is especially important for cribs, as some sheets come in standard crib, mini-crib, bassinet, and/or pack n play sizes, all of which have different dimensions.

Design

Be mindful of the design of the cover because some will end up making loud crinkle noises whenever your child moves around in their sleep.

Materials

Look closely at what the mattress protector is made of, especially if your child has sensitive skin. For little ones with sensitive skin or eczema, chemically treated or synthetic fabrics can cause skin irritation, itchiness, or rashes. You also want to ensure the materials used are soft, safe, durable, or even organic for kiddos with super sensitive skin.

Washing Instructions

Some waterproof mattress protectors can be tossed into the washer and dryer without a thought, while others require delicate cycles, certain water temperatures, low dryer heat, or need to be line dried.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all mattress protectors waterproof?

No. If you need to protect the mattress from fluid-based stains, look specifically for the word “waterproof” on the packaging or in the online description.
Can I wash a waterproof mattress protector?

Most waterproof mattress protectors are machine washable but always check the washing instructions before tossing them into the machine. Some covers require a certain water temperature or need to be washed on a gentle/delicate cycle.
It’s important to also check instructions for drying because not all waterproof mattress protectors are safe for the dryer.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer, mom to a 1 and a 4-year-old, and she has personal experience in researching and purchasing waterproof mattress protectors for her kids. Key considerations she used when selecting these recommendations include efficacy, materials, pricing, and buyer reviews.