Best Waterproof Crib Mattress Protectors

When outfitting your child’s crib, safety is the first priority you have in mind. But there are other practicalities to consider when you lay your baby down to sleep. 

A crib mattress protector can help your baby sleep more comfortably by staying dry and protect your baby’s crib mattress from leakage and stains. Crib mattress protectors, also known as crib mattress pads, come in different shapes, sizes, and styles. Some follow a fitted sheet style, while others are covers.

Continue reading to learn more about our top picks for the best waterproof crib mattress protectors and what to look for when shopping.

The Best Waterproof Crib Mattress Protectors

• Best Bargain – Safe and Sound
• Best Quality – SureGuard Mattress Protectors
• Best Spot Coverage – COZYCUDDLES
• Best Fit – PlushDeluxe

Do I Need a Waterproof Crib Mattress Protector? 

A waterproof crib mattress protector serves as an absorbency barrier for any moisture, keeping a baby dry at night. Mattress protectors fit over the top of the mattress or can cover all sides of the mattress. Most crib mattresses are not waterproof so to protect both your baby and your investment in a mattress, purchase a waterproof crib mattress protector. 

Related: Best waterproof mattress protector

In addition to preventing leakage, mattress protectors can also block toxins from the mattress from irritating a baby’s sensitive skin. However, it is important to caution that you should not put a baby directly on a mattress protector, as direct exposure can be a suffocation hazard. Mattress protectors can also cause babies to sweat.

How to Find the Best Waterproof Crib Mattress Protector

When shopping for a waterproof crib mattress protector, here are a few things to look for to ensure you get the best one for your baby’s room.

Safety

This is the most essential factor by far. Chemicals of all varying levels of harshness can be harmful to your baby and allergens can worsen serious health issues such as asthma. Most protectors will have certifications that will bring you peace of mind (refer to the FAQs below). Also, make sure that the actual construction and zipper won’t prick, poke, or pull.

Easy Care

Babies are cute. Babies are also messy. As any parent knows, any bed accessory kept in a crib must be easy to keep clean. Luckily, waterproof crib mattress protectors often just require a quick wipe or machine wash, but check the tags just in case.

Material

Material is important for two reasons. One, speaking again to the safety piece, make sure that there are no chemicals in your protector’s construction. Buying a hypoallergenic mattress protector ensures it is free of toxins, and this material also protects your baby from allergens and toxins in the mattress. Two, comfort is key. Although it will be covered with a sheet, its breathability and softness will still shine through. 

Mattress protectors can be made from cotton, down, polyester, polyurethane, and vinyl. A protector can be all one material or can be manufactured with a top layer that’s different from the bottom layer. Cotton, down, and polyester are safer for babies, while vinyl and polyurethane can be dangerous due to toxins. Polyurethane plastic may or not be toxic, so you have to look further into the product to find out if chemical additives were used to create it.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve answered some frequently asked questions to make sure that you can be confident when shopping for your waterproof crib mattress protector. 

Are waterproof mattress protectors safe for babies?

As long as you avoid your baby’s direct exposure to the mattress protector, your baby should be safe. Because a mattress protector is airtight, the baby could suffocate if they roll over on their tummies. This becomes a danger if you remove the crib sheets and place the baby directly on the mattress protector. Otherwise, mattress protectors protect not only the mattress, but also protect the baby from potential toxins in the mattress.

Do you put a fitted sheet over a mattress protector? 

You still should use a fitted sheet over a mattress protector, especially for the safety of a baby as mentioned above. Using a fitted sheet also adds comfort for your baby and extends the life of the mattress protector.

Are organic mattress protectors waterproof?

Organic waterproof mattress protectors provide natural protection against moisture. Organic cotton has a moisture barrier that is waterproof, breathable, comfy, and quiet.

What makes a product hypoallergenic?

When you see this word pop up in product descriptions, you’ll know that your risk of an allergic reaction is very low. It means that the product was designed with this characterization in mind, and contains few or no irritating substances.

What does TPU Leak-Resistant Layer mean?

TPU is the abbreviation for thermoplastic polyurethane. It’s a type of polyurethane plastic that is applied as a coating to a huge variety of products, ranging from footwear to automotive instrument panels. This impervious substance guarantees that leaks don’t stand a chance.

What is the Consumer Product Safety Commission?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is an agency run by the United States government. The organization is always represented by five commissioners, all elected by the President of the United States. Their job is to create the standards that deem consumer products safe, issue recalls, and ban products if need be.

Summary

Here’s a recap of the best waterproof crib mattress protectors we’ve reviewed: 

Mattress Protector	Material	Best for	Rating
Safe and Sound	Organic Bamboo	Bargain	4.6/5
SureGuard Mattress Protectors	Cotton Terry	Quality	4.4/5
COZYCUDDLES	Cotton	Spot Coverage	4.7/5
PlushDeluxe	Bamboo	Fit	4.7/5

If you’re trying to add an extra layer of care to your baby’s crib, purchasing a waterproof mattress protector will do just that. A simple spill-resistant casing can protect from fleas, bed bugs, and other pests. Keep your baby as safe and sound as possible by choosing a waterproof crib mattress protector that fits your requirements.