In search of the best crib mattresses for babies and toddlers? Search no more! In this comprehensive review, we’ve put together some of the best crib mattresses for babies and toddlers so your little one can sleep, well, like a baby.
But first, why is it important to get the best crib mattress for babies and toddlers? Given that newborns sleep between 16-18 hours a day and toddlers sleep 11-14 hours, the right mattress plays an important role in helping with your child’s growth and development.
Babies and toddlers also sleep hot, which is why it’s crucial to get your little one a mattress that has cooling features such as breathable materials or/and gel memory foam. The support, comfort and safety of the mattress you choose for your child will ensure they (and you) fall asleep and stay asleep. .
In this best crib mattress for babies and toddlers review, we’ll share with you 9 best mattresses including the Sealy Waterproof Standard Crib (Best Value), The Nook Organic Pure (The Best Organic and Overall), and Lullaby Earth Breeze Breathable (The Most Comfortable).
Ready to give your child their best sleep every time? We’ve got you covered!
1. Newton Baby Crib Mattress (Best Overall)
The Newton Baby Crib mattress is one that stands out for many reasons. When it comes to crib mattresses, we believe safety first and the Newton Baby Crib Mattress doesn’t disappoint. The mattress uses non-toxic materials, which is important as you don’t want your child to inhale harmful chemicals.
Each layer of the mattress is made of 100% breathable materials so that your child can sleep cool. But breathable materials have another function. These materials are key for preventing your child from suffocating – something that can happen once your child starts rolling on their stomach.
If a baby has their face pressed against a breathable material, their airways won’t get blocked. As a parents-led brand, Newton also takes other important factors into consideration.
For example, the mattress’ is “two-stage,” which means you won’t have to buy another mattress when your baby’s toddler stage.
Your baby will also sleep comfortably thanks to the soft and gentle quilted cover of the Newton Baby Crib mattress. Since the mattress doesn’t have foam, springs, latex or glue, the Newton Baby Crib mattress is 100% washable. Can we get a “woo-hoo!”?
As far as firmness is concerned, the mattress is firm or 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. This means that your child will get the support needed for spine alignment and their pressure points will be cushioned.
Another reason why the Newton Baby Crib mattress stands out is that it comes with three options: the Original, the Essential, and the Waterproof.
The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty. This means that the warranty only covers defects but doesn’t cover physical damage, staining or wear and tear.
Disadvantages: The Newton Baby Crib mattress isn’t budget-friendly so parents on a budget won’t be able to afford this mattress. Another disadvantage is that the breathable material lets pee through.
Dimensions and price:
Essential: 28” x 52” x 4” @ $249.99
Original: 28” x 52” x 5.5” at @ $299.99
Waterproof: 28” x 52” x 5.5” @ $349.99
2. Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress (Best Organic)
In your hunt for the best rib mattress for babies and toddlers, you’ll come across some outstanding options. The Naturepedic Organic Crib mattress is one such example.
Called the “No-Compromise”™ by its manufacturer, the Naturepedic Organic Crib mattress is a certified organic mattress that’s made of 100% organic cotton. In other words, your child won’t be sleeping on a mattress that contains harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde or phthalate.
And best of all? The mattress meets all the federal flammability standards without containing traditional fire retardants.
The mattress comes with a detachable mattress cover that has a breathable layer of mesh. In terms of structure, the mattress has 150 coil innerspring, which offer both support and promote durability. The support is key as the mattress’ firmness provides your child with a sleeping surface that ensures their little spine is aligned, which is important for supporting healthy growth.
The mattress comes in three different models:
- Classic
- Breathable
- Ultra-breathable
This means that the type of features you’ll get depends on the model you choose. As far as cooling goes, two of the three models of the mattress come with a removable mattress cover/pad that promotes breathability. By maximizing airflow, this cover/pad will ensure your child doesn’t overheat while sleeping.
What about firmness? You’d be glad to know that the Naturepedic mattress is 2-stage. This means that the firmness level depends on the stage of your child. For example, the slightly firm side is for infants and the firm and more cushioned side is for toddlers. In other words, you don’t have to buy two mattresses for these two different stages!
The mattress comes with a lifetime warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.
Disadvantage: This isn’t a budget-friendly mattress.
Dimensions: All models are approximately 27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″. The mattress fits standard size cribs and toddler beds.
Price: From $269 to $499
3. Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress
The name of this mattress is certainly a mouthful but does it deliver when it comes to being the best crib mattress for babies and toddlers? One way to find out!
The Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress (sigh!) offers a two-stage sleep system. Not only is this important for providing varying levels of support as your little one grows, but it’s also super cost-effective for you as a parent.
The mattress is made without dangerous toxins such as lead, phthalates, PVC, antinomy and fire retardant chemicals. Instead, the eco-friendly foam is infused with plant oils to ensure your child sleeps safely. But wait, there’s more!
The Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer is also covered in waterproof, medical-grade stretch knit. This makes the mattress hypoallergenic, which is important if your little one has allergies or you want to prevent it.
The cover is also machine-washable, which will give you as a parent peace of mind should your little one have accidents. The mattress’ edges and corners are squared to ensure a tight fit inside your little one’s crib.
Since the Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer is 100% foam and with a waterproof cover, the mattress is medium-breathable. Not bad for most babies and toddlers but if you live somewhere super hot, it’s best to keep this in mind.
The mattress comes with an 8-year warranty and a 30-day trial as long as it’s in its original condition. You can get a full refund if you buy the mattress from Moonlight Slumber website.
Disadvantage: Some parents noted that the mattress “caved in” after a few months so worth doing further research before committing.
Dimensions: 52” x 27” X 5” x 5”
Price: $199
4. Sealy Waterproof Standard Crib Mattress
As the number crib mattress in the US, the Sealy Waterproof Standard Crib mattress definitely deserves a place in this best mattress for babies and toddlers review. This durable and non-toxic mattress is made with firm CERTIPUR-US® Certified foams, which means your child will have the support needed while sleeping.
The mattress’ adult-grade Posture Tech coils provide resilience and durability. Not to mention the mattress’ full perimeter border wire that’s all around the edges. In case you’re wondering, this is important for preventing sagging!
The golden woven jacquard fabric cover is not just comfortable but also cool. The Sealy mattress is also waterproof, which is important for protecting your child against things that grow in a mattress such as odors, bacteria, mold and mildew.
The mattress comes with a 7 year warranty on workmanship and materials.
Disadvantage: For its price and features, this mattress doesn’t have disadvantages that stand out.
Dimensions: 52” x 28” x 4.5”
Price: $99
5. Lullaby Earth Breeze Breathable
The Lullaby Earth Breeze Breathable is a 2-stage crib mattress that has a lot going for it. Ideal for parents who are looking for an eco-friendly mattress for their little ones, the Lullaby Earth Breeze Breathable mattress will make parents breathe easier!
Let’s start with toxins, something that Lullaby Earth doesn’t play around with. Their Breeze Breathable mattress contains no PVC/vinyl, antimicrobials, phthalates, polyurethane foam, etc. The company also is proud that their mattress passes flammability standards without containing the harmful flame retardants traditionally used in many mattresses.
Made of a food-grade waterproof surface that’s removable and washable, the mattress also gives you peace of mind as a parent.
We’ve mentioned in the intro that babies and toddlers sleep hot. So how does this mattress fare when it comes to coolness? With “breathable” in the name, you can rest assured that the Lullaby Earth Breeze Breathable takes care of that for you!
The mattress features a breathable 3D honeycomb structure for optimal airflow. This ensures that air circulates through the mattress to help maintain a balanced sleep temperature for your little one.
Remember, a breathable mattress isn’t only for helping your child sleep cool. This feature is also important because more air circulation means your child won’t suffocate when they roll over on their belly. According to Lullaby Earth, this 360° air circulation means your child can breathe right through the mattress!
With its seamless edge design, squared corners (for tight fit inside the crib), and patented WaveSupport™ design – for a firm, flat surface needed for safer sleep – the Lullaby Earth Breeze Breathable mattress scores a lot of points.
The mattress comes with limited lifetime warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee.
Disadvantages: Due to its snug fit, some parents complained that it’s tricky to remove the washable cover. The mattress is also on the more expensive side but may be justified considering all its eco-friendly and safety features!
Size: 271/4” x 515/8” x 6”
Price: $279
6. Colgate Eco Classica III Dual Firmness Eco-Friendlier Crib Mattress
If you thought the “Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer” was a mouthful to pronounce, the Colgate Eco Classica III Dual Firmness Eco-Friendlier Crib mattress will have you gasping for air!
Not to be confused with Colgate, the toothpaste company, Colgate mattress is a family business that makes pretty cool baby and toddler mattresses. In fact, this mattress is a favorite of many parents who want a high-quality mattress without the designer price.
The Eco Classica III Dual Firmness Eco-Friendlier Crib mattress is made of 6” eco-friendlier foam made of sustainable plant oils. Its dual-firmness ensures your baby gets the firmness they need to support their growth and development, while the slightly firm side is ideal for toddlers.
The mattress has inverted seams that ensure durability and is square cornered for a snug fit. The certified organic cotton cover is protected with food-grade waterproof backing. Its certified organic cotton means that the cotton is grown without pesticides and insecticides.
That’s not all. Colgate’s CertiPUR-US certified foam means the mattress is made without nasty chemicals such as heavy metals, phthalates and formaldehyde. In short, when the company says eco-friendlier (as opposed to eco-friendly), they really do mean business!
The mattress comes with limited lifetime warranty.
Disadvantage: The waterproof cover isn’t removable, which is not ideal. However, if the mattress ticks all your other boxes, then consider putting another waterproof removable and washable cover on it.
Dimensions: 51.6” x 27.25” x 6”
Price: $244.99
7. Babyletto Pure Core
So what makes the Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic Mattress With Hybrid Waterproof Cover special? Let’s start with the safety aspect as this mattress is, you guessed it, non-toxic.
The mattress is free of harmful chemicals such as PVC, polyurethane, synthetic latex, allergens, soy foam, etc. It’s also free of chemical flame retardants.
As hypoallergenic, the mattress is allergen and dust mite resistant, which means you can breathe easily knowing that the possibility of an allergic response is minimized.
The waterproof, quilted hybrid cover ensures your child’s crib is protected, but to add a layer of comfort, the cover includes a soft cotton face. The cover is easy to remove and machine-washable.
Did we mention the breathable materials that prevent overheating and promote airflow? So your little one can sleep cool and breathe comfortably if/when they roll on their tummy.
Another key feature of this mattress is that it’s dual-stage. As we’ve previously mentioned, this is key for providing your child with the right support from their baby stage through to their toddler years. And of course, saving money!
The mattress comes with a 10-year warranty (the cover comes with a 1-year warranty).
Disadvantage: Some parents complained that the cover doesn’t fit.
Dimensions: 52”L x 27.75”W x 5”H
Price: $199
As a side note, if you ever want to recommend this mattress to other parents without sounding odd, just say “Babyletto Pure Core” – you’re welcome!
8. Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress
An award-winning mattress, the Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler mattress is one that deserves a spot in our best crib mattress for babies and toddlers review. Designed to fit both a full-size crib or toddler bed, the Graco Premium offers parents a mattress with many winning features.
The firm mattress is made of breathable foam that promotes airflow so your child can sleep cool and safely. Encased in a water-resistant cover, the mattress ensures accidents aren’t a cause for headaches. Plus, the cover is both hand and machine-washable.
As a parent, you’ll also appreciate that the Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler mattress is free of chemicals such as lead and mercury.
The mattress comes with a 6-year limited warranty and has a 30-day money back guarantee when purchased from the Graco website.
Disadvantage: It has a strong smell and will need to be aired for 2 weeks before using it. This will also allow the mattress to expand.
Dimensions: 27.6” x 52” x 5”
Price: $149.99
9. The Nook Organic Pure Crib Mattress
Did we save the best for last? We think so! The last entry in our best crib mattress for babies and toddlers review is no doubt special. As a non-toxic mattress with unique features, the Nook Organic Pure Crib mattress will give you plenty to rave about.
Let’s start with the mattress’ non-toxic features. Constructed entirely of organic material, the Nook is Organic with a capital O! Consider its organic coconut coir that’s a substitute for metal inner-springs. This natural substitute makes the mattress mold-resistant, durable and supportive.
The zip-off cover is made of organic cotton and eucalyptus and infused with antimicrobial zinc. Even when it comes to safety, the Nook Organic uses natural and safe ingredients to protect your little one.
Take its fire barrier as an example. Instead of the industry standard flame retardant chemicals, the Nook Organic uses organic wool as a fire barrier. Wool isn’t only naturally fire resistant (we didn’t know this! ) but it’s also a natural insulator and hypoallergenic.
Add this to its SafeSleep™ Technology, a feature that’s designed to promote airflow over and through the mattress core. This sophisticated technology creates an oxygen-rich sleep surface. But that’s not all! The Nook Organic Pure also comes with breathable SafetyCover™ so that both you and your little one can breathe a little easier.
Like many crib mattresses, the Nook Organic Pure is dual-sided, which means it will grow with your little one and ensure they get the comfort and support they need in both the baby and toddler stage. For example, the coconut coil has one ultra-firm side for infants and a firm 100 percent natural rubber tree latex side for toddlers.
The mattress cover comes in many different colors so you and your little are spoilt for choice! The Nook Organic Pure comes with a limited warranty.
Disadvantage: The mattress doesn’t come cheap but with its all-organic materials and safety features, it’s difficult to put a price on a child’s safety.
Dimensions: 28” x 53” x 4”
Price: $439
What to Consider in Purchasing a Crib Mattress
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a crib mattress. The first factor to consider is safety. Unlike adult mattresses, a crib mattress is safety first and comfort second.
In addition to safety, you also want to keep in mind the support your child will get. In their infant stage, your child will need a mattress that’s firm while in their toddler stage, they’ll need one that’s slightly firm.
What is the proper firmness for a baby's mattress?
The proper firmness for a baby’s mattress is one that’s firm or ultra-firm. Ideally, a baby’s mattress should be between 8 and 10 (out of 10) on the firmness scale.
This is important for many reasons. For example, a baby doesn’t have the motor control to prevent themselves from sinking into a soft mattress, which can lead to suffocation. A firm mattress reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
In addition, a firm mattress provides the skeletal support a growing child needs.
Is a memory foam mattress best for a newborn baby?
No, a memory foam mattress isn’t best for a newborn baby. This is because memory foams are soft and a soft surface isn’t suited to a newborn baby’s safety or needs. Memory foams retain heat and this is problematic as infants sleep hot.
You would want to look for a high density foam mattress that will be firm and supportive for your baby.
