The Best Crib Mattresses We Tested for Safety, Comfort, and Durability

Best Overall

Kiwi Sleep Baby Crib Mattress

View on Amazon View on Kiwisleepbaby.com

Why We Like It

The Kiwi Sleep Organic Mattress comes in two sizes—standard and mini—and has a firm side for infants and a medium-firm side for toddlers, which means it will last for several years. We love how the company clearly labels both sides, too, so you don’t have to guess. 

It comes with a waterproof, washable cover on the toddler side (for when you potty train) and is water-resistant on the infant side. Moreover, it contains CertiPur-US-Certified foam and Oeko-Tex Standard 100-Certified fabric. It’s also Greenguard Gold Certified, which, according to Dr. Odom, means it meets the strictest qualifications for chemical emissions and emits the least amount of chemicals and gasses into the air of your baby’s room. 

But Take Note

This organic crib mattress is super soft and plush—almost too soft—and we were surprised to find a thin layer of coils inside after we cut it open. The mattress maintained its structural integrity during and after the cutting process, but it sagged once we put the 15-pound kettlebell near the edge. On the plus side, the kettlebell didn’t reach the springs, meaning babies remain supported and won’t be able to feel them while sleeping. 

The Details:

• Materials: CertiPur-US Certified foam
• Removable cover: Yes 
• Dimensions: Standard: 51.75 x 27.75 x 5.75 in.; Mini: 37.75 x 27.75 x 5.75 in.

Best Waterproof

Delta Children Breathe Mattress

$140 at Target

Why We Like It

In addition to its mold- and mildew-resistant core, the Delta Children Breathe Mattress has a breathable, waterproof cover to keep your baby comfortable and dry throughout the night. You can wipe the mattress cover clean, which is incredibly convenient for small spills and accidents, or toss it in the washer. 

In the lab, we placed a paper towel underneath the waterproof cover and then poured ¼ cup of water to see how much liquid soaked through. We were highly impressed that the liquid didn’t make it through the waterproof cover on the infant and toddler sides of the mattress.   

But Take Note

Although perfectly functional, this mattress wasn’t perceived as “luxurious” as some others on our list, according to one of our parent testers. We also noticed that the mattress's infant side makes a slightly crunchy sound when pushing on it. However, it’s extremely faint and we didn’t hear it on the toddler side.

The Details:

• Materials: 50% polyethylene, 50% polyester fiber
• Removable cover: Yes 
• Dimensions: 52 x 27.5 x 5.5 in.
• Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified, CertiPur-US Certified, ASTM Certified, and JPMA Certified

Best Firmness

Lullaby Earth Breathe Safe Breathable Crib Mattress 2-Stage

$279 $224 at Amazon $224 at Target View on Pottery Barn Kids

Why We Like It

Products that grow with a child are our favorites, which is why we love this Lullaby Earth mattress. Its patented dual-sided firmness supports children from infancy through toddlerhood (a standout feature for parents). It also comes with a 100-night free trial, so you can take your time to see if it is the right mattress for your baby. 

To gauge this mattress’s fitness and stability before placing their child inside, one parent placed a five-pound bag of potatoes in the center and didn’t observe any sagging whatsoever. She credits the mattress’s firmness for her baby sleeping better throughout the night. 

But Take Note

While our parent testers loved this mattress, they noted that the price may be challenging for certain budgets. Also, its breathable cover is sold separately, increasing the price tag further. 

The Details:

• Materials: Food-grade polyethylene and polyester
• Removable cover: Yes (sold separately)
• Dimensions: 51.75 x 27.5 x 6 in.
• Certifications: Made Safe Certified, Greenguard Gold Certified, UL Environmental Certification, and Environmental Working Group (EWG) Verified  

Best Airflow

Newton Baby Waterproof Crib Mattress

$350 $333 at Amazon View on Newtonbaby.com

Why We Like It

According to the brand, this mattress is made of “90% air and 10% yogurt-cup material.” The Newton crib mattress didn’t deform or collapse when we cut it open in the lab. The mattress resembles a sponge, and what you see on the outside is what’s on the inside. Moreover, the 15-pound kettlebell didn’t sag into the mattress. Dr. Odom highly recommends the Newton mattress, and our tester, a parent of a 7-month-old baby, liked that it was breathable and had no chemical smell upon arrival.

In addition to air, this mattress contains food-grade polymers, a type of plastic that uses plant-based material for waterproofing. Plus, the mattress is fully recyclable and 100% washable from the cover to the core. Simply place it in the bathtub and give it a good rinse. 

But Take Note

The Newton crib mattress cover features one side with waterproof lining that stood up to our liquid test. However, the non-waterproof side didn’t, and the liquid went straight through the mattress to the other side. Also, although it has plenty of great features, prepare to spend quite a bit more on this mattress. On the other hand, parents say the price tag is a steal for how good it is and how long it can last. 

The Details:

• Materials: Food-grade polymer
• Removable cover: Yes
• Dimensions: 52 x 28 x 5.5 in.
• Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified

Best Organic

Naturepedic Toddler Crib & Mattress

$399 at Amazon $359 at Nordstrom $360 at Target

Why We Like It

The AAP states that children are at a higher risk for health effects from exposure to pesticides than adults and that parents should consider buying organic whenever possible. That said, non-organic mattresses are still safe for kids. However, if you prefer organic, Levy and Dr. Odom love the Naturepedic crib mattress for its organic, nontoxic material and firmness, with Levy calling it the “best mattress on the market.” It’s also handmade in a facility that only produces organic products

The Naturepedic Organic Breathable Baby Crib Mattress has a waterproof surface to prevent liquid from permanently damaging it. It’s available as a one-sided firm mattress for babies or a dual-sided mattress for babies and toddlers.

But Take Note

Organic products are inevitably more expensive, so expect a higher price tag on this mattress. 

The Details:

• Materials: Certified organic cotton
• Removable cover: Yes
• Dimensions: 27.25 x 51.62 x 6 in.
• Certifications: Organic Certified by Oregon Tilth, Made Safe Certified, and Greenguard Gold Certified

Best Luxury

Saatva Crib Mattress

$355 at Saatva

Why We Like It

In the words of our parent tester, this mattress is “beautiful, high quality, and functional,” and it “impressed me from the start.” We love how firm and smooth the mattress feels, especially with the supportive edge that keeps newborns toward the mattress center. 

This Saatva crib mattress is dual-sided and contains natural, hypoallergenic latex, which, according to the brand, is more durable, buoyant, and breathable than foam. It also has an organic cotton machine-washable cover coated with an eco-friendly, water-repellent treatment. 

But Take Note

Although it’s not the most expensive mattress on our list, the Saatva’s luxurious finishes come at a price. This mattress costs $355, so you may want to consider it an investment in your baby’s sleep. Saatva stands by its products, though. In addition to a lifetime warranty, you’ll get free returns for up to 45 days of owning your mattress.

The Details:

• Materials: Organic cotton, eucalyptus fiber, natural latex
• Removable cover: Yes
• Dimensions: 28 x 52 in.
• Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified, Global Organic Textile Standard Certified, Cradle to Cradle Gold Certified 

Best Budget

Serta Perfect Sleeper Cheery Days Crib and Toddler Mattress

$85 at Walmart View on Deltachildren.com

Why We Like It

As parents, we’re always looking for ways to save money. This Serta Perfect Sleeper Cheery Days mattress has an infant and toddler side, so you’re essentially getting two mattresses for under $100. It’s also a hybrid, containing interlocking coils and memory foam. The thickness of the mattress stood out to parents, who say it’s firm and flat but soft enough to provide adequate support. 

But Take Note

While saving money is a huge plus, our tester felt this mattress wasn’t as “luxurious” as some others on our list.  

The Details:

• Materials: Coils and memory foam
• Removable cover: Yes
• Dimensions: 52 x 27.5 x 6 in.
• Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified, Certi-Pur US Certified

Best Antimicrobial

Delta Children Ionic Breathe Crib and Toddler Mattress with Cloud Core

View on Deltachildren.com

Why We Like It

Whether it’s drool, spit-up, urine, or a blowout, your baby’s mattress will encounter some type of mess daily. To keep their beds germ-free, we recommend this Delta Children mattress. In addition to its breathable “Cloud Core” that’s resistant to mold and mildew, it has a removable, machine-washable cover that contains silver ions, which are proven to absorb and inactivate bacteria and viruses.

This mattress is Greenguard Gold Certified, so you can rest assured that it’s made from materials with low chemical emissions. It also meets or exceeds flammability, lead, phthalate, and Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) testing and does not contain toxic fire retardants. 

But Take Note

In the case of this mattress, cleanliness comes at a price. It retails for $400, making it one of the most expensive mattresses on our list. 

The Details:

• Materials: Hypoallergenic, mold- and mildew-resistant core with silver ions 
• Removable cover: Yes
• Dimensions: 52 x 28 x 5.5 in. 
• Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified, JPMA Certified

Best Washable

Halo DreamWeave Breathable Crib Mattress

$300 at Nordstrom View on Halosleep.com

Why We Like It

Whether your baby has caught their first cold or has their first blowout, you’re going to appreciate having a washable mattress. From its removable cover to the core, the Halo DreamWeave Breathable Crib Mattress is 100% washable, making it super convenient for parents. 

To wash the core, simply place it in the bathtub and rinse. The breathable, quilted mesh cover is also washable and easy to remove and put back on. Moreover, it features a waterproof toddler side. Best of all—this mattress is recyclable after use, so it’s good for your baby and the planet. 

But Take Note

Because of its core composition, you must use a cover with this mattress. We recommend having an extra cover on hand for those days when you need to wash it. 

The Details:

• Materials: Cover: 72% polyester, 27% rayon, 1% spandex; Core: 100% polymer
• Removable cover: Yes
• Dimensions: 52 x 28 x 4.5 in.
• Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified