Greenguard Gold-certified

Your baby deserves nothing but the best when it comes to safe sleeping, which is why it’s important to be picky when choosing the crib mattress that your baby will (hopefully) sleep on every night. Aside from a mattress that meets your quality standards, it’s important to note that picking the right crib mattress is not the same as choosing a mattress for yourself.

Instead of opting for plush, pillowy-soft surfaces, it is recommended that you opt for a firmer mattress to prevent a suffocation hazard. Since crib mattress sizes are standardized, you don’t have to worry too much about finding the right dimensions, unless you’re using a mini crib.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

When you’re shopping for a crib mattress, there’s a lot to think about: materials, cleanability, price, and design. And while the sizing is standard, elements like the type of mattress, quality of materials, and external fabrics are not. You want something that’s going to be durable and safe, as well as fit your budget.

Type of Mattress and Materials

There are a few types of crib mattresses — innerspring, foam, and wool or cotton fill. They’re all really good options, and it’s mostly a matter of cost and choice, but I will note that foam and wool-filled crib mattresses like the Avocado are soon to be the bulk of the market.

Babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface for the first year of their life, so you’ll want a mattress that won’t form to their body while sleeping. If this is a coiled mattress, the more coils, the better.

Lastly, most mattresses are dual-sided like the popular Nook mattress. One side is ultra-firm for newborns and infants when they’re at the greatest risk of suffocation, and the other side is a bit more plush and comfy for toddlers whose real nighttime issue is just getting them in the bed at all.

Cleanability

How cleanable a mattress is depends on the cover. Vinyl is the least expensive material available for crib mattress covers, and it’s also the easiest to clean. However, it can be prone to puncturing and tearing. There are also woven covers that are more durable and aren’t as likely to have metal emerge through the surface. Covers made from cotton and other natural fibers are the most durable and breathable options, but they also tend to be the most expensive. And note that you’re going to need a mattress protector with a woven cover.

Cost

There is a great mattress at every price point, from under $50 to over $600. There will be a significant difference in the materials used, but note that these mattresses aren’t expected to last for 20 years like adult mattresses are. You can definitely pick something less expensive if you want or need to.

HOW WE CHOSE

Many mattresses today are made with durability in mind — we spoke to parents who use these mattresses and the manufacturers that make them to balance expertise and real-life use. We examined weight, cost, and ease of shipping with these other factors to determine the best crib mattresses on the market right now.

We also evaluated the safety standards set forth by the CPSC and made sure all our picks meet their criteria. So, you can feel confident that our best crib mattress picks will be safe for your baby.

MOST POPULAR

Eco Classica III Crib Mattress

The Eco Classica III crib mattress by the popular brand Colgate is a safe, eco-friendly option for your developing baby. The CertiPUR-certified safe foam is infused with plant oils, and the mattress is also Greenguard Gold-certified, which means there aren’t any harmful emissions. The mattress comes with a certified-organic cotton cover.

This is a thick, dual-sided crib mattress at 7 inches, with inverted, rolled seams that don’t stick out and won’t snag on sheets. The cover is organic cotton with a food-grade waterproof coating that parents say works a treat, even with nastier fluids. It’s hypoallergenic and phthalate-free and made in the United States.

Some parents have noted concerns about the quality of the stitching, noting that a few threads have come loose after consistent use.

Weight	9.437 Pounds
Dimensions	52 x 27.75 x 6 Inches
Materials	Cotton, foam
Dual-sided?	Yes
Waterproof	Yes
Cleaning	Spot-clean only

ANTIBACTERIAL AND WATERPROOF

Baby Firm Antibacterial Waterproof Crib Mattress

With a steel-coil system interior, this mattress provides your little one with an unbelievably comfortable and firm surface. It has over 200 coils, giving it an added layer of safety and comfort. The border of the mattress is lined with sturdy rods to prevent premature sagging. It has a waterproof Staph-Gard cover that helps prevent bacteria for a safer and healthier sleep.

And all Sealy baby mattresses are made in the United States. Parents love that this mattress is just easy breezy. Wipe-off exteriors and a light base make this a solid choice for families on a budget.

Key Specs

Weight	7.51 pounds
Dimensions	‎51.63 x 27.25 x 5.75 inches
Materials	Comfort foam and waterproof nylon
Dual-Sided	Yes
Waterproof	Yes
Cleaning	Wipe down

BEST FOR MINI AND PORTABLE CRIBS

3-Inch Spring Coil Portable Crib Mattress

Key Specs

Weight	10 pounds
Dimensions	‎38 x 24 x 3 inches
Materials	Foam, coils, nylon
Dual-sided	No
Waterproof	Yes
Cleaning	Wipe down

AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE

Pure Sleep Therapeutic 150 Crib Mattress

This affordable option is made in the USA and offers sturdy support for your growing baby. The mattress is Greenguard Gold-certified for not having any harmful emissions. It comes with a waterproof cover and a 10-year warranty.

The waterproof cover is solid. In fact, they have labeled it “perma-dry.” The airflow pocket makes this mattress more breathable and lighter. It is dual-sided, but our reviewers note that they couldn’t really tell the difference between one side and the next. They did note that for the price, this feels like a solid, standard crib mattress.

Key Specs

Weight	11.57 pounds
Dimensions	‎51.63 x 27.25 x 5 inches
Materials	Nylon, springs, foam
Dual-sided	Yes
Waterproof	Yes
Cleaning	Wipe down

Choosing a crib is one of the biggest furniture decisions you make as a parent. Not only is it potentially one of the most expensive, but it’s also a decision involving a very sentimental item. A crib might be used through multiple children and even multiple generations. It’s a very surreal moment for new parents — when you first put your baby’s crib together and step back to look at the nursery, it all becomes real. We know how important buying your first crib is, so we’re here to help you find the best crib for your baby.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

We know that when you start to think about cribs, you’re inundated with an abundance of choices to make, but there are just a few considerations to decide on. Then, it’s all about taste and style.

Budget: Cribs can cost upwards of a couple of thousand dollars, so knowing how much you want to spend is critical. However, all the picks on our list range from $200-$600. The next thing you may want to consider is whether or not you’re expecting the crib to serve multiple purposes. If you want something that has longevity for each child, there are options that expand the range of use from a crib, to a toddler bed, to a full-size bed. Essentially, you buy one piece of furniture that could last in your home for 18 or more years.
Longevity: The next thing you want to think about is whether or not you are expecting this crib to become an heirloom. If you’re planning on having more than one kid and want to pass down the crib for your grandkids to use, you’re likely going to want something that’s made of durable hardwood or wrought iron and is a classic style that will look good down the road. If you’re just looking for something to use for a few years and for one child, you can be a little laxer regarding which materials are used.
Accessibility: In the early 2000s, crib manufacturers stopped making cribs with sides that raise and lower because of the risk of injury. That means that you will be bending over the edge of this crib quite a bit to grab your child. Tall parents should look for a crib with longer legs, and more petite parents might want something closer to the ground.

After these major decisions are made, it’s all about style. There are midcentury options, princess palaces, options with storage, and even some that are high-tech. We recommend making a checklist for what you want and need, which will make the process so much simpler.

BEST MINI CRIB

DaVinci

Autumn 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib

This is not your average, everyday mini crib. It’s a mini crib that’s perfect for babies under age 2, then it becomes a toddler crib, and after they grow out of that, you can add a twin-size mattress and make it a twin-sized bed.

It’s made of New Zealand Pine with an MDF base and sealed using a nontoxic painting process that’s lead and phthalate safe. It’s Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning that it’s been made to avoid 10,000 different chemical emissions and VOCs.

Our tester loved that the convenient size of this mini crib offered the perfect in-between place for her little one to rest when they outgrew their bassinet but weren’t quite ready for a crib. Plus, assembly was easy as can be.

The toddler crib and full-size bed conversion kits are sold separately, which is kind of a bummer.

SWEET SPINDLES

DaVinci

Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib in White

Jenny Lind cribs have been around for eons, and the style is never passé. It’s a light, movable, cute crib, and this model by DaVinci has been around the longest and is by far the most popular. They’ve made this version easily convertible to a toddler bed, so that’s just one more thing you don’t have to worry about.

The spindle style is sweet without being cutesy, and it will make your whole space feel more like home.

Key Specs

Key Specs

Key Specs

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