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Best Crib Mattress – Top 4 Picks For 2024

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Finding the best crib mattress for your infant can feel like a daunting quest through the marketing swamp. Companies bombard you with buzzwords, parenting forums have seemingly infinite posts, and new materials become popular every year. Thankfully, all modern crib mattresses are regulated by federal safety standards, but those guidelines still leave room for lots of variety.

I’ve assembled this guide to help clear up confusion and showcase the top crib mattresses being made today. Whether you’d like an updated innerspring model or an organic bed for your baby, you’re bound to find a good fit below.

What’s the Best Crib Mattress?

The Saatva Crib Mattress earned the top spot on this list because of its dual-sided innerspring design. Innerspring crib mattresses tend to be sturdy and long-lasting, and this one features a coil unit that strives to keep infants safely centered in the middle of the bed. Additionally, it’s made with certified eco-conscious materials such as organic cotton and natural latex.

Top 4 Crib Mattresses for 2024

Compare the Best Crib Mattresses

Saatva Crib Mattress Brentwood Home Wildfern Crib Mattress Avocado Organic Crib Mattress Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress
Saatva Crib Mattress Brentwood Home Wildfern Crib Mattress Avocado Organic Crib Mattress Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress
Rating
4.8/5
5.0/5
4.9/5
4.8/5
Firmness
Material Hybrid Foam Latex Innerspring
Cooling
Warranty Lifetime Warranty 25 year warranty Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping
Trial Period 45 Nights 30 Nights 100 Nights
Best For Kids Kids Kids

How Did We Pick the Best Crib Mattresses?

At Sleep Advisor, we typically review mattresses meant for adults by running them through a battery of tests in our studio. (Read our full product testing methodology to learn more.)

For crib mattresses, however, we had to change things up a bit. I looked at a combination of factors when evaluating these beds, including their overall construction, the presence or absence of certified organic materials, ease of cleaning, price, and customer reviews.

At the end of the day, your baby’s safety and your peace of mind as a parent should be the major factors informing your choice of crib mattress.

That’s me in our studio; I conduct hands-on mattress testing every week!

What We Want to See in a Crib Mattress

Reliable Firmness

Perhaps counterintuitively, a baby’s crib mattress should not feel like the soft, inviting sleep surface you’d want for your own bedroom. Crib mattresses should be extremely firm and flat, and should not sag or retain any indentations at all after being pressed.

Certified Materials

Many crib mattresses advertise “green” and “eco-friendly” materials, but we like to privilege the brands that support these claims with trustworthy certifications. Organic textiles should carry a certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), for example.

Convenience

We chose crib mattresses that have at least one notable element of convenience. Maybe it’s especially lightweight and easy to move; maybe it cleans up without much hassle; maybe it has a flippable, dual-stage design that allows you to continue using it when your infant becomes a toddler.

Baby Crib Mattress Reviews – Best By Type

Editor’s Pick

Saatva Crib Mattress

product of saatva crib bed

This organic crib mattress is flippable for babies and toddlers making it a great choice to last.

Read Saatva Crib Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

45 Nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Editor’s Pick

Saatva Crib Mattress

product of saatva crib bed

This organic crib mattress is flippable for babies and toddlers making it a great choice to last.

Read Saatva Crib Mattress Review

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Firmness

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

45 Nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
product of saatva crib bed
Editor’s Pick

Saatva Crib Mattress

This organic crib mattress is flippable for babies and toddlers making it a great choice to last.

Read Saatva Crib Mattress Review

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Trial Period

45 Nights

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.8/5

Why the Saatva Crib Mattress Earned Editor’s Pick?

The Saatva Crib mattress is a dual-sided, non-toxic model meant to last your child throughout toddlerhood. Saatva is a luxury brand, and we think this extends to their crib mattress as well. This Saatva model is handcrafted using natural and eco-friendly materials, providing a soothing and safe sleeping environment for your baby. 

What’s the Saatva Crib Mattress Made Of?

As mentioned, this crib mattress is dual-sided. With the baby side up, you’ll first notice the organic cotton cover. Underneath the cover is an extra-firm layer for support, followed by an innerspring unit containing coils. Below the coils are three softer layers, and if you flip the mattress over, these softer layers will be at the top of the toddler side. 

The Saatva Crib mattress contains natural latex, with Saatva adding that their latex goes through a thorough washing process to remove any potential allergens. 

Our Take: We love a good value, and although this mattress is more costly, you’re essentially getting two beds in one. The flippable design has two firmnesses. The firmer one is for babies who need the most support in the earliest days, while the softer one is for toddlers. This means the Saatva can last for years, all up until your baby is ready for the big bed.

What We Liked

  • Safety certifications This crib mattress comes with multiple safety and eco-friendly certifications, such as the GREENGUARD Gold, Cradle to Cradle, and OTCO certifications. This ensures the materials are eco-friendly and free from any chemicals, heavy metals, toxins, and other harmful substances. 
  • Washable cover – The Saatva crib mattress has a breathable cover that’s also removable and washable. This organic cotton cover is treated with an eco-friendly, water-repellent treatment that makes it easy to clean if accidents happen. 

Potential Drawbacks

  • The price – Although not everyone has the same budget, some people may find this Saatva crib mattress a bit too pricey. It’s not so much a surprise since Saatva is a luxury brand, and the mattress is flippable. However, the price may still be too steep for some people. 
  • Shorter trial – Saatva offers a 45-day trial, and although this is better than no trial, it’s rather short, given the price of the mattress. Luxury brands typically have longer trials, and even Saatva does for some of their adult mattresses.
Best Waterproof Crib Mattress

Brentwood Home Wildfern Crib Mattress

Material

Foam

Trial Period

Shipping Method

Firmness

Warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Average Customer Rating
5.0/5
Best Waterproof Crib Mattress

Brentwood Home Wildfern Crib Mattress

Material

Foam

Warranty

Firmness

Shipping Method

Trial Period

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Average Customer Rating
5.0/5
Brentwood Home Wildfern Crib Mattress
Best Waterproof Crib Mattress

Brentwood Home Wildfern Crib Mattress

Material

Foam

Firmness

Trial Period

Warranty

Shipping Method

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Average Customer Rating
5.0/5

Why the Brentwood Home EcoAir Waterproof Crib Mattress Earned Best Waterproof Crib Mattress?

This dual-sided mattress by Brentwood Home is a breathable and washable product. We love the detail that went into this waterproof bed.

The design incorporates a machine-washable cover that’s easy to remove via zipper. What’s interesting is that even the zipper is eco-friendly, as it’s made from recycled REPREVE® material. On top of that, the toddler side has a waterproof liner for those accidents when you’re potty training. 

What’s the Brentwood Home EcoAir Waterproof Crib Mattress Made Of?

This eco-friendly crib mattress has a food-grade PETE core with 90 percent air. This ensures maximum breathability to maintain a comfortable temperature for your child. The cover is made from GOTS organic cotton, so it’s safe and eco-friendly. Additionally, there’s the abovementioned waterproof liner.

Our Take: We think this unique mattress is an excellent option if you want an eco-friendly, durable model. The design makes it easy to use throughout toddlerhood as one side is softer to allow more pressure relief for toddlers. Plus, it’s hard not to love the convenience of the design, given that this crib mattress is entirely washable. 

What We Liked

  • The washable design – The covers on both sides are machine-washable, so you can easily deal with any accidents and spills. However, what stands out the most is that the EcoAir core is also washable. Although you can’t wash it in the machine, you can clean it with cool water and mild detergent. 
  • Recyclable materials – The Brentwood Home crib mattress is made from eco-friendly materials, featuring multiple safety certifications. However, what we like the most is that the core of this mattress is recyclable, meaning that it won’t sit in a landfill. 

Potential Drawbacks

  • Not a traditional feel – Since this Brentwood Home model doesn’t have a more standard foam found in crib beds, it has a unique feel. While it’s not necessarily a bad thing, parents who may have previously used foam crib mattresses for older siblings might be hesitant to try a new design.
  • It contains polyester – Some people don’t like polyester, especially in crib mattresses. Although this bed has multiple certifications to indicate its safety and eco-friendliness, some shoppers may prefer more natural materials. 
Best Organic Crib Mattress

Avocado Organic Crib Mattress

With a carbon-neutral certification the Avocado is a great choice for environmentally-conscious parents

Read Avocado Organic Crib Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Latex

Trial Period

30 Nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Warranty

25 year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.9/5
Best Organic Crib Mattress

Avocado Organic Crib Mattress

With a carbon-neutral certification the Avocado is a great choice for environmentally-conscious parents

Read Avocado Organic Crib Mattress Review

Material

Latex

Warranty

25 year warranty

Firmness

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

30 Nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.9/5
Best Organic Crib Mattress

Avocado Organic Crib Mattress

With a carbon-neutral certification the Avocado is a great choice for environmentally-conscious parents

Read Avocado Organic Crib Mattress Review

Material

Latex

Firmness

Trial Period

30 Nights

Warranty

25 year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.9/5

Why the Avocado Organic Crib Mattress Earned Best Organic Crib Mattress?

The Avocado Organic Crib mattress is a luxury piece with everything you’d want from an organic crib bed, including a GOTS certification and a flippable design. 

Adding to this bed’s luxuriousness is the fact that it’s handcrafted. This Avocado model is handmade in Los Angeles, using deluxe organic materials coming from farms. 

What’s the Avocado Organic Crib Mattress Made Of?

The Avocado Organic Crib mattress has premium organic materials, such as coconut husk, latex, wool, and cotton. On top of that, all the materials are certified, including the wool used as a flame barrier.

Our Take: This mattress is designed to last through toddlerhood, so your baby can enjoy it for a longer period. Although it comes with a higher price tag, we love that you get so much from this crib mattress, especially if you’re looking for an eco-friendly product.

What We Liked

  • No glue – This mattress is entirely organic, as it doesn’t even use glue to keep the layers together. Instead, there are six hand tufts that keep everything aligned so that the layers don’t move. 
  • Multiple certifications – This organic mattress by Avocado has several certifications, such as GOTS, GOLS, and Climate Neutral certifications. Everything in this crib mattress, including latex, hemp, cotton, wool, and coco fiber, is certified.

Potential Drawbacks

  • The luxury price – Babies are expensive, and spending lots of money on a crib mattress may not be doable for some parents. In this case, it might be helpful to find something that better meets your budget.  
  • No all-foam version – Although this mattress doesn’t have coils, it has coconut husk that’s nothing like foam, which can be a drawback if you’re after an all-foam bed for your child. The good news is that there are plenty of eco-friendly all-foam options on the market too.
Best Affordable Crib Mattress

Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress

product image of Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Baby Crib Mattress Protector Pad small

With the Naturepedic, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing permium organic materials for a great price

Read Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Innerspring

Trial Period

100 Nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Best Affordable Crib Mattress

Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress

product image of Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Baby Crib Mattress Protector Pad small

With the Naturepedic, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing permium organic materials for a great price

Read Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress Review

Material

Innerspring

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Firmness

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

100 Nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
product image of Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Baby Crib Mattress Protector Pad small
Best Affordable Crib Mattress

Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress

With the Naturepedic, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing permium organic materials for a great price

Read Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress Review

Material

Innerspring

Firmness

Trial Period

100 Nights

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.8/5

Why the Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress Earned Best Affordable Crib Mattress?

If you want an organic and safe crib mattress that won’t cost as much, we suggest you check out this Naturepedic model. There are three versions available, one being lightweight for easier sheet changes but not flippable. The other two are flippable and slightly heavier. 

The lightweight version (non-flippable) is excellent for babies as it includes a proprietary wavesupport™ core that makes it firm enough to support the youngest ones. It’s also the cheapest model.

What’s the Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress Made Of?

We’ll cover the construction of the lightweight non-flippable model. The construction starts with an organic cotton cover with a waterproof coating. There is also organic cotton fill and a PLA layer (made from non-GMO sugarcane fibers). All the materials are certified as safe and non-toxic. 

Our Take: This Naturpedic bed model has everything from proprietary and organic materials to a waterproof surface that makes it easy to clean up accidents and spills. However, what we love is that it gives you exceptional quality and affordability. Plus, we appreciate that the brand provides different construction options for shoppers to choose from.

What We Liked

  • Trial and warranty This crib mattress comes with a lengthy warranty and trial. The company gives you 100 nights to test the mattress, and there’s an industry-leading lifetime warranty on it.
  • Affordable price – With all the organic materials, you’d think this crib mattress would be pricier. However, the lightweight model is a little over 250 dollars, which we think is a good deal for the quality of the product. 

Potential Drawbacks

  • The innerspring version is heavy – The Naturepedic Crib mattress with coils is heavier than the lightweight versions, which don’t contain coils. The extra weight may be a drawback if you plan to pack the crib mattress for overnight trips. 
  • Might be too firm for some – Although newborn babies should sleep on firm mattresses, some parents may find this Naturepedic Crib bed is a bit too firm. Nonetheless, firmness is subjective, so make the best of the trial to test how the mattress fits your baby’s needs. 

How to Choose the Best Crib Mattress for Your Baby: Key Considerations 

A variety of crib mattresses will try to catch your eye with marketing tactics, but you’ll naturally want to prioritize your baby’s safety and comfort over everything else. 

Thankfully, full-size crib mattresses made today are subject to federal regulations via the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), so they should already meet several important safety standards. 

These rules ensure that crib mattresses undergo thorough testing and quality assurance measures before they can be sold. They cover aspects including size, firmness, labeling, and the presence of potentially harmful substances such as lead and phthalates.1 

Beyond these legal requirements, though, you’ll want to conduct your own research to make an informed decision. Here are the key considerations to keep in mind while shopping for a baby’s crib mattress. 

Firmness

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, crib mattresses should be firm and flat (not inclined). The organization defines a firm surface as one that “maintains its shape and does not indent or conform to the shape of the infant’s head when the infant is placed on the surface.” If a baby’s mattress is too soft, it can increase the risk of suffocation.2 

All crib mattresses must pass initial firmness tests set by the CPSC, but that still leaves room for some variation in their feel. In fact, a 2021 study found that some infant mattresses on the market were just as soft as certain beds meant for adults3—and that’s definitely not what you want. 

Look for a crib mattress that won’t depress much at all under your hand, and that immediately bounces back to its full shape. If the crib mattress feels soft or squishy, it’s likely unsafe for a baby. 

Size and Crib Fit

According to the CPSC, a full-size crib mattress must be within ⅝ inches of 52⅜ inches long and within ⅝ inches of 28 inches wide, as well as 6 inches thick.4  

More important than the mattress’s precise dimensions, though, is how well it fits inside your baby’s crib. The mattress should lay flat and snug inside the crib, with a gap no larger than the width of two fingers between the mattress edge and the side of the crib.5 

A gap wider than this could cause dangerous wedging, which occurs when an infant’s body or limb is caught between the mattress and the structure of the crib. 

Materials

When it comes to the materials inside your infant’s crib mattress, you’ll have a fair number of choices. This is one facet of shopping for a crib mattress that can seem like a neverending rabbit hole. However, you can typically group crib mattresses into four categories based on their construction: 

Innerspring Crib Mattresses

These crib mattresses have metal springs as their support system, making them especially durable. They also have an initial comfort layer or two so your baby doesn’t feel any poking from the coils.

Because they last so long, crib mattresses with springs tend to cost more than other types. They also tend to be heavier and a little more difficult to move. But, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a sturdier, more reliable bed for a baby. 

Foam Crib Mattresses

Foam crib mattresses are primarily made of polyurethane foam. The foam should be very firm—not contouring, like the memory foam used in adult beds.

This kind of crib mattress will be easier to lift than an innerspring model, and they’re priced more cheaply, too. But they’re also liable to wear out and need replacing sooner. 

Organic and “Natural” Crib Mattresses

If you like to shop green or chemical-free, you may be enticed by one of the many crib mattresses with organic or natural components. These can include organic cotton, natural latex foam, wool, and even coconut fibers. 

Although a lot of companies say that their crib mattresses are eco-friendly, natural, or “green,” some of them lack trustworthy third-party certifications to back these claims. If you’re looking for a crib mattress with little to no artificial materials inside it, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the various mattress certifications and what they mean. 

In particular, crib mattresses with certifications from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), and UL GREENGUARD are likely to have quality materials in this vein. 

Air Core and “Breathable” Crib Mattresses

A fairly recent innovation, crib mattresses with cores made of “mostly air” are becoming popular. The cores consist of a webbing of synthetic polymers that can hold strong while allowing lots of air to pass through. These cores may even be washable.  

Air-core crib mattresses market themselves as highly breathable, which can be helpful for temperature regulation. But don’t take taglines that say a baby can “breathe through” a given crib mattress literally—a baby should never need to breathe through a mattress, as they should always sleep on their backs. 

One- or Dual-Sided

Some crib mattresses are flippable, with one side intended for newborns and young infants, and the other intended for toddlers. The toddler side is usually just a little bit softer (but it should still be quite firm, and will have met the CPSC standards for crib mattress firmness). 

A dual-sided crib mattress can be convenient and last you for years, but it may also be more expensive and less specialized overall than a crib mattress dedicated solely to infants. There’s no wrong choice here, as long as the mattress meets your baby’s needs. 

Waterproofing and Cleaning 

Babies are messy, even when they’re sleeping, so you’ll want to know how your crib mattress and its cover can best be cleaned. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning or washing the outer parts of the mattress, and prioritize ones that seem easy and convenient to wipe down. 

Some crib mattresses come with a waterproof or water-resistant cover, whereas others may require you to purchase a cover separately. Here, too, you’ll want to be mindful of materials: some parents prefer to avoid vinyl covers because of the potential presence of phthalates. 

Phthalates and Crib Mattress Covers

Research on the effects of phthalate exposure is somewhat inconclusive—the CDC notes that adverse health effects from phthalates need to be more thoroughly studied.

One 2015 study, which found phthalates (or other types of plasticizers) in the majority of the crib mattress covers examined, notes that these substances could potentially impact reproductive development in males, as well as susceptibility to allergies and asthma.7

If you want a phthalate-free waterproof cover for your child’s crib mattress, look for covers that don’t contain vinyl or PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

Weight

When you’re changing the fitted sheet on your infant’s crib mattress, or cleaning the mattress itself, you’ll have to lift and move it. A very heavy crib mattress will be more difficult to maneuver than a lightweight one. 

Price

You may not have the budget for an extremely state-of-the-art crib mattress, but you don’t want to be so thrifty that you neglect safety considerations, either. 

You should set aside close to $100 so you can afford a new crib mattress that’s held to the latest set of federal regulations. From there, you can determine how much you’re willing to spend on a crib mattress with premium materials or other standout features. 

How to Set Up Your Crib Mattress Safely

  • Check the crib mattress for firmness and fit. Remember that crib mattresses should feel very firm, and fit snugly inside the crib. The gap between the edge of the mattress and the wall of the crib should not exceed the width of two fingers.
  • Check the crib mattress for damage or loose components. The crib mattress should not have obviously dangling threads, rips, or any other defects. 
  • Keep the crib empty. Do not place stuffed toys, blankets, or pillows inside the crib with your infant. 
  • Always put your baby to bed on their back. Babies should not sleep on their stomachs or sides—these positions have been proven to increase the risk of SIDS.8 
  • Lower the crib mattress when appropriate. As your baby gets bigger, they’ll need a crib mattress setup that accommodates their height and range of movement while preventing them from climbing or falling out of the crib. You should lower the crib mattress as your child learns to roll and sit up, and again just before they learn to stand.9 

Baby Mattress FAQs

What type of crib mattress is best for a baby?

To decide which kind of crib mattress to buy, you’ll have to weigh your priorities against the advantages of each type. Innerspring crib mattresses are very durable and strong; foam crib mattresses are the most affordable and lightweight; organic crib mattresses boast chemical-free materials.

No type is inherently better than the other, as long as your baby’s crib mattress abides by the CPSC’s standards and is firm, flat, and level (not tilted or on an incline).

How can you tell if a crib mattress is made of safe materials?

Look for certifications from reputable third-party organizations that test for certain harmful substances and emissions, such as CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX®, and UL GREENGUARD. Opt for an organic mattress if natural materials are very important to you. If a company is cagey or vague about what its crib mattresses contain, steer clear.

What are the best dimensions for a crib mattress?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) mandates that full-size crib mattresses be at least 51⅝ inches (1310 millimeters) long and 27¼ inches (690 millimeters) wide.

These are minimum measurements. To get even more specific, they define the dimensions of a full-size crib as within ⅝ inches of 52⅜ inches (between 1314 and 1346 millimeters) long and within ⅝ inches of 28 inches (between 695 and 727 millimeters) wide.

How thick should a mattress be for a newborn?

A crib mattress should be 6 inches thick at most, per CPSC guidelines.

What is the best organic crib mattress?

The Avocado Organic Crib Mattress is the top organic crib mattress that we recommend. That said, there are a variety of organic crib mattresses on the market, and the one that works best for you will depend on your preferences regarding budget, materials, and ease of cleaning.

Just make sure that the bed’s organic claims are backed up by trustworthy organizations. Look for certifications from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) in particular.

How much should you spend on a crib mattress?

Anticipate spending around $100 for a budget crib mattress, and around $300 or more for specialty and organic versions. Never buy a secondhand or outdated crib mattress to save money—older crib mattresses were not held to the safety standards of today.

What is the life expectancy of a crib mattress?

A crib mattress should last you a few years, around five at the most. Always replace the mattress if you notice obvious signs of wear or damage.

Can you reuse a crib mattress?

You may be able to reuse a crib mattress if it’s undamaged, clean, and has retained its original firmness level, but generally, we recommend buying a new crib mattress for each baby. Newer crib mattresses are often held to more rigorous safety standards than older ones.

We also don’t recommend using a secondhand crib mattress from another home, as you can’t be sure of its history.

Are crib and toddler mattresses the same size?

Yes, a standard toddler mattress is the same size as a crib mattress, which is why many crib mattresses have a dual-sided construction (one side for infants, one side for toddlers). A toddler mattress typically has a somewhat softer feel than a crib mattress, but should still feel very firm compared to an adult’s bed.

When your toddler grows even more, it’ll be time to take a look at some of the best mattresses for kids.

When should you lower your baby’s crib mattress?

The National Library of Medicine recommends lowering your baby’s crib mattress just before they learn to sit up, and lowering it again (so it’s at its lowest) when they’re on the brink of standing.9 The timeline for these milestones will vary from baby to baby—you’ll want to anticipate them for your child and lower the crib mattress shortly before they happen.

When should you flip a crib mattress?

If your crib mattress has a dual-sided design, you can likely flip it when your child has reached certain milestones that signal toddlerhood, such as full head control, easy movement and climbing, and the ability to roll over in both directions (from their back to their stomach, and back again).

This transition may happen around 12 months or later—every child is different. Only flip a crib mattress if it has a designated toddler side, and always check with your pediatrician first. Note that the National Institute of Health recommends that babies be put on their backs to sleep until they are one year old.10

Recap: The Best Crib Mattresses

MattressBest ForPrice
Saatva Crib MattressEditor’s Pick$355
Brentwood Home EcoAir Waterproof Crib MattressWaterproof$349
Avocado Organic Crib MattressOrganic$439
Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib MattressAffordable$269

Julia Forbes

Julia Forbes

Lead Product Tester

About Author

Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.

Stomach Sleeper

References:

  1. “Crib Mattresses Business Guidance and Small Entity Compliance Guide”. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Webpage accessed February 9, 2024.
  2. Moon, Rachel Y., Carlin, Rebecca F., & Hand, Ivan. “Evidence Base for 2022 Updated Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment to Reduce the Risk of Sleep-Related Infant Deaths”. American Academy of Pediatrics. July 2022.
  3. Gillani, Sheena H., Lowell, Gina S., & Quinlan, Kyran P. “A firm recommendation: measuring the softness of infant sleep surfaces”. Injury Epidemiology. September 13, 2021.
  4. “Safety Standard for Crib Mattresses”. Federal Register. February 15, 2022. 
  5. “Crib Safety”. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Webpage accessed February 9, 2024.
  6. “Phthalates Factsheet”. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last modified April 5, 2021.
  7. Boor, Brandon E. et al. “Identification of Phthalate and Alternative Plasticizers, Flame Retardants, and Unreacted Isocyanates in Infant Crib Mattress Covers and Foam”. Environmental Science & Technology Letters. March 2, 2015.
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