Written by Rachael Gilpin, Content Writer
One of the most important factors in the healthy development of your child is a regular quality sleep. While it may take a while to figure out, proper bedding products should help your baby (and you) to sleep soundly, and provide necessary support for their spine and neck.
Investing in our children’s sleep could be just as critical as anything else we invest in.
If you are a parent looking for the ultimate crib mattress for your baby or toddler, choosing a good one is not an easy task. According to American Academy of Pediatrics many parents put their babies in unsafe sleeping conditions.
Our Top Pick for The Best Crib Mattress
The Saatva Crib Mattress earned our top spot due to its dual sided nature and non-toxic materials.
Top 5 Picks for 2024
- Saatva Crib Mattress – Editor’s Pick
- Brentwood Home EcoAir Waterproof Crib Mattress – Best Waterproof Crib Mattress
- Avocado Organic Crib Mattress – Best Luxury Crib Mattress
- Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress – Best Affordable Crib Mattress
- Nest Bedding Organic Crib Mattress – Best Organic Crib Mattress
Compare The Best Crib Mattresses
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| Saatva Crib Mattress | Brentwood Home Wildfern Crib Mattress | Avocado Organic Crib Mattress | Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress | Nest Bedding Organic Crib Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||
| Firmness | |||||
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Latex | Innerspring | Latex |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 25 year warranty | Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime Warranty | |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | |
| Trial Period | 45 Nights | 30 Nights | 100 Nights | 30 Nights | |
| Best For | Kids | Kids | Kids | Kids | |
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. We look at features that are valuable to consumers, such as temperature control, bounce, edge support, and motion isolation.
In this roundup, we look for qualities in a bed that would be good for babies such as as support and durability. Then, we create a list of our top picks based on our findings.
Read our full product testing methodology to learn more.
Baby Crib Mattress Reviews – Best By Type
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
Save 15% off order of $1k+
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
45 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Saatva Crib Mattress
This organic crib mattress is flippable for babies and toddlers making it a great choice to last.
Read Saatva Crib Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
45 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Saatva Crib Mattress
This organic crib mattress is flippable for babies and toddlers making it a great choice to last.
Read Saatva Crib Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Trial Period
45 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
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.
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
Trial Period
30 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Warranty
25 year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Avocado Organic Crib Mattress
With a carbon-neutral certification the Avocado is a great choice for environmentally-conscious parents
Read Avocado Organic Crib Mattress Review
Material
Latex
Warranty
25 year warranty
Firmness
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
30 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Avocado Organic Crib Mattress
With a carbon-neutral certification the Avocado is a great choice for environmentally-conscious parents
Read Avocado Organic Crib Mattress Review
Material
Latex
Firmness
Trial Period
30 Nights
Warranty
25 year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Why the Avocado Organic Crib Mattress Earned Best Luxury Crib Mattress?
The Avocado Organic Crib mattress is a luxury piece with everything you’d want from a 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.
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
Trial Period
100 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress
With the Naturepedic, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing permium organic materials for a great price
Read Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress Review
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress
With the Naturepedic, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing permium organic materials for a great price
Read Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress Review
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Trial Period
100 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Nest Bedding Organic Crib Mattress
If you’re looking for extra support in a crib mattress, the firmness of the Nest makes it a great option.
Read Nest Bedding Organic Crib Mattress Review
Material
Latex
Trial Period
30 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nest Bedding Organic Crib Mattress
If you’re looking for extra support in a crib mattress, the firmness of the Nest makes it a great option.
Read Nest Bedding Organic Crib Mattress Review
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
30 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nest Bedding Organic Crib Mattress
If you’re looking for extra support in a crib mattress, the firmness of the Nest makes it a great option.
Read Nest Bedding Organic Crib Mattress Review
Material
Latex
Firmness
Trial Period
30 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Important Things to Consider Before Buying A Crib Mattress
Mattress Size
There is no right or wrong size. However, there are some regulations. The minimum size proposed by the government are in a range between 27 5/8″ to 28 5/8″ of width and 51 3/4″ to 53″ in length. The minimum size should be 27 1/4” x 51 5/8” and the bedding shouldn’t be thicker than 6 inches. The main rule is to have it fit the crib snug or moderately snug. The depth differs between 5 to 6 inches for coil crib type and 4 to 6 inches for foam-based products. Generally, if the gap is more than two fingers, the mattress is too small.
Choose the Material Wisely
A well-designed mattress should not only make your baby’s sleep more comfortable but should also give support for healthy spine development. The material is one of the most important aspects you should consider. Try to find a long-term, comfortable bed since your child will probably sleep in a crib until the age of three. A mutual opinion on whether a foam or innerspring type is better for the baby doesn’t exist so you should carefully research before you buy.
Make sure to read our complete overview of memory foam mattresses of and how it works.
Soft vs. Firm
Most of the experts are of the opinion that it’s better to have a firm crib mattress over a soft mattress. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the main death cause for infants in the United States of America is the SIDS – Sudden infant death syndrome.
This syndrome is caused by suffocation hazards which are a consequence of a soft sleeping surface. The bedding should snap back when you press it on the center and the thresholds. It shouldn’t conform to the baby’s head shape. The bed should be resilient enough to regain its shape quickly after applying hand pressure on it.
There are however various types which have two level of firmness foam. One soft for the toddlers and a firm one for infants. As far as infants are concerned, it’s safer to go with the firm rather than soft.
Is The Crib Waterproof?
It might be a good idea to buy a waterproof mattress. A good indicator that it’s water resistant is a double or triple ticking bolstered with nylon. This kind of content will also show high resistance to being teared up or soaking other solids or liquids.
Most of the products have covers made out of cotton and you might want to buy waterproof covers instead. You should also take notice of the airflow in and out. It should have venting holes which will release the odor from leaking diapers.
Compliance Standards
Crib mattresses must pass certain standard requirements in order to be sold on the market in the United States. First of all, there are safety standards which are defined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society for Testing and Materials. The US Federal government has regulations for cot bed standard sizes under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA).
s far as the eco-friendly beds are concerned, there are many manufacturers who claim that their products are indeed friendly and safe for the environment. However, you should check if they have a certification called Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This is a globally accepted certification geared towards product safety with chemicals and other stipulations.
Price Range
When it comes to buying a good baby cot mattress, you might not want to try bargain shopping, but you should also know that buying an overpriced one won’t do you any good. The price is normally a good indicator of quality, but there are other important aspects you should look into.
According to numerous customers, a high-quality product will probably cost you between $90 and $350. Speaking of organic, they have a price tag somewhere between $80 and $400.
Types of Crib Mattresses
Foam
Foam based products are the most lightweight of all. There are various types in terms of thickness, in the range between 3 and 6 inches. You should consider the firm because soft ones have proven to be a safety risk. A good thing about this type is that it’s easy to check how it conforms to child’s head or if it will stay firm as it should be. Apply pressure in the center and on the edges and if it regains its position quickly, it’s good.
Another characteristic you should look for is the foam density. You can assess it by seeing the weight difference between the models or by trying to put your palms together while having the mattress between your hands. If it has good density, you won’t be able to squeeze it and touch your palms.
Innerspring
Innerspring type is the most popular among parents because of their firmness and reliability. Generally, a customer’s logic is based on the fact that most of them are sleeping on innerspring mattresses as well. These mattresses provide support with coils which are placed in a specific pattern scheme. The price of these are usually higher than for the foam ones, but the cost varies depending on the model.
They contain an insulator pad which is, among other parts, a crucial component to protect the baby from coils. It also weighs more because of their content, but they are more durable in the middle where the child usually sleeps. However, there are some flaws. They have a vinyl covering which tends to crack or tear over time.
Organic
This type of mattresses can be made of cotton, wool, natural latex, etc. This kind is considered to be the safest because they don’t contain flame retardants, vinyl or polyurethane foam. Studies show that these chemicals release toxic gases which may harm your newborn. Other users suggest that non-organic latex may be a cause for allergies.
“Breathable” and organic beddings are formed of materials which allow your baby to breathe even when your infant has her or his face pressed against the sleep surface. However, this matter hasn’t been investigated thoroughly enough.
Foam vs. Innerspring
Foam mattresses are made of polyurethane and consequently weighs less. This may be important when you lift it while changing your baby’s diapers. However, spring mattresses are the most popular choice due to their firmness, and there is less worry if regaring the amount of chemicals.
As far as the price is concerned, they are almost the same. For a price tag between $90 and $250, you can get a good product. The size is regulated by law so there shouldn’t be many differences there. Although there are a few distinctions between these two, both are considered to be equally good, and you should decide which one to choose depending on your preferences. Whichever you prefer, make sure that they are firm enough and pick the model which will be the safest for your newborn child or a toddler.
Organic vs. Non-Organic
Organic mattresses are becoming globally popular because they are mainly focused on keeping your child safe from various hazardous materials. Although this topic hasn’t been researched to its fullest, people who are pro-organic consider that non-organic products put your child in jeopardy and contain materials such as polyester fabric, vinyl or petrochemical foams. These materials can cause respiratory allergies, or have a bad influence on your child.
Different fire retardants and cheap glues used in non-organic ones are said to be a potential danger to your child’s safety. On the other hand, many people don’t believe that organic types are much safer than non-organic. After all, the majority should be eco-friendly nonetheless. You should be careful not to overpay and check the product characteristics to see whether it’s “really organic.”
Baby Mattress FAQs
Which organic crib mattress is best?
First of all, you must define the term organic because you’ll find a lot of incorrect labeling.
You must make sure that it doesn’t have materials such as vinyl covering, which is not within this label. Among other things you should look for in an organic bed is the an organic certification label. Many mattresses have polyurethane foam in them, so they will not get that label. However, many poly beds can obtain a CertiPUR-US certification for chemicals.
For the product to be called organic, all fibers used for making it must be natural. Read all the labels thoroughly and ensure that everything is genuine because the manufacturer’s instructions can be very deceiving and confusing.
If you’d like to learn more we recommend reading our full organic crib guide.
Are crib and toddler mattress the same size?
The short answer to this question is yes. Infant mattresses usually have dual firmness. One side for a newborn and one for a toddler, depending on the firmness.
When to move cot mattress down?
This question doesn’t have an immediate answer. The general opinion is that it should be done when the baby is from six to nine months old. Some parents drop the bedding when the kid learns to stand up by himself. Others rely on their feeling and move the cot mattress when they feel their kid has grown enough for it.
What is a baby bed mattress pad cover?
A base pad, topper or an underpad is a material, mostly made from foam, which is meant to be placed on top of the bedding. Its purpose is to provide comfort and a warm feeling. This may be useful if you don’t have money for a new product but it’s not generally a worthwhile solution.
Another use for these pads is a ‘safety waterproof layer’ between your mattress and leaking diapers. They have 100% waterproof absorbency in order to keep your baby safe and dry. These covers often have a venting system to enable airflow. Some of the best types of pads are viscoelastic foam toppers, memory foam toppers, and electric pads.
How thick should be a mattress for a newborn?
The thickness or the depth of standard cribs are regulated by US laws. It shouldn’t be thicker than 6 inches top to bottom when it’s laid out flat.
Conclusion
Obviously, buying a baby mattress isn’t the easiest task, and this review has tried to outline all the things you should consider. Although it may look like a simple review, hours and hours are put into research to find the products with best features.
While there is an abundance of cheap, used up crib mattresses on the market, you should think whether you want your child to have a safe mattress.
You should always do your research, and you can find products that stay within your budget, but keep in mind that quality is very important. We hope this review has helped you and we wish you and your children a good night’s sleep.
| Mattress | Best For | Price |
| Saatva Crib Mattress | Editor’s Pick | $355 |
| Brentwood Home EcoAir Waterproof Crib Mattress | Waterproof | $349 |
| Avocado Organic Crib Mattress | Luxury | $439 |
| Naturepedic Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress | Affordable | $269 |
| Nest Bedding Organic Crib Mattress | Organic | To Be Updated |
Rachael Gilpin
Content Writer
About Author
Rachael is a content writer for Sleep Advisor who loves combining her enthusiasm for writing and wellness.
Back Sleeper
- 1. Study: Parents still put babies in risky sleep environments –
- 2. Sudden infant death syndrome –
- 3. Heat boosts phthalate emissions from vinyl crib mattress covers –