The Best Crib Mattresses of 2024

Whether you're looking for something portable, all organic, or one that will grow with your little one there is a crib mattress that is just right for your family. There are thousands of options on the market made from various materials and offering everything from washability to breathability and more. We're here to help you choose the one that will help you and your baby sleep soundly—or, as soundly as any baby can sleep, anyway.

While there are many factors to consider when purchasing a mattress for your baby, the most important one is safety. All cribs and crib mattresses sold in the U.S. have to meet safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, but it’s up to you to make sure it fits snugly in your baby’s crib, where there are no gaps or other potential hazards. “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants sleep on a firm, flat surface tightly fitting mattress in a safety-approved crib,” says Brittany Odom, M.D., a board certified pediatrician in New Mexico.

Of course, you should also take into account price—which can range from $40 to $1,400—and how easy your mattress is to clean.

“Babies can be messy with spit-up, diaper leaks, and sickness,” says mom of two and certified child sleep and behavior consultant Nichole Levy. “If a mattress is easily washable, this can save us time and possibly having to purchase a new mattress! Personally, I have the same mattress for both of my little ones. With my first daughter, I never had to wash the mattress, but my second spits up a lot, and I've had to wash it a few times, so I am grateful it is easily washable.”

We spoke with experts and other parents, then looked at materials, construction, firmness, and price, and came up with this to set you on the right path to finding a mattress so great, you’d buy it twice.

Our Favorites

Best Overall: Newton Crib Mattress: The Original
Best Budget: Dream on Me Twinkle Crib and Toddler Mattress
Best for Mini Crib: Lullaby Earth Breathe Safe Breathable Mini Crib Mattress
Best Foam: Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress
Best for Toddlers: Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Waterproof Baby Crib and Toddler Mattress
Best Portable: Newton Mini Crib Mattress
Best Organic: Naturepedic Classic Organic Crib Mattress
Most Breathable: Lullaby Earth Breathe Safe Breathable Crib Mattress 2-Stage
Most Eco-Friendly: Avocado Eco Organic Crib Mattress
Best Innerspring: Sealy Waterproof Standard Crib Mattress
Best Luxury: Avocado Luxury Organic Crib Mattress

Best Overall: Newton Baby Crib Mattress

Amazon Newton Baby Crib Mattress — Amazon

Buy on Amazon $300 Buy on Newtonbaby.com $300

Why We Like It: Not only does the removable mattress cover make for easy cleanup, but the interior can also be washed in the bathtub when messier accidents occur.

But Take Note: At nearly $300, it is one of the more expensive options on the market.

The Newton Original is our top pick because it’s very breathable, and the only crib mattress that's 100% washable from the cover to the core. Plus, it’s fully recyclable. The interior of the mattress is made up of food-grade polymer and “90% air,” according to the brand. Food-grade polymers are a type of plastic that have become popular in crib mattresses in recent years, as they provide a plant-based material waterproofing instead of the typical polyethylene plastic, which many experts advise against. Dr. Odom highly recommends this mattress, too.

It comes with a removable mattress cover, and the interior mattress can also be washed in a bathtub (for those bigger messes we know will happen). While the Newton is on the pricier side, it is a dual-sided mattress with one side for babies and the other for toddlers, giving you more years of use out of it. It’s Greenguard Gold Certified, which according to Dr. Odom, means it meets the strictest qualifications for chemical emissions, emitting the least amount of chemicals and gasses into the air of your baby’s room.

The Details:

Materials: Food-grade polymer (a plant-based plastic)
Removable cover: Yes
Dimensions: 52 x 28 x 5.5 inches
Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified

Best Budget: Dream on Me Twinkle Crib and Toddler Mattress

Buy on Walmart $40

Why We Like It: This dual-sided hybrid mattress will take your little one from the baby through the toddler stage.

But Take Note: It contains polyurethane foam which our experts advised against.

If you’re looking for a decent quality, budget option, it’s hard to beat the price of this mattress. The hybrid innerspring, dual-sided mattress (one side has an extra firm foam layer for infants, while the other is plusher for toddlers) contains 88 coils with three layers of memory foam and a waterproof, stain-resistant cover that is easy to clean. The downside of this mattress is that, like the Graco mattress also on this list, it does contain polyurethane foam, which Dr. Odom advises against because it can be flammable and breaks down. This mattress, however ,does meet federal flammability tests.

The mattress is also Greenguard Gold Certified and JPMA Certified, meaning it meets qualifications for chemical emissions and meets requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials. The toddler side also has a nice bounce to it for settling in for storytime.

The Details:

Materials: Memory foam, innersprings, vinyl cover
Removable cover: No
Dimensions: 52 x 28 x 5 inches
Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified, JPMA Certified and ASTM Certified

Best for Mini Crib: Lullaby Earth Breathe Safe Mini Crib Mattress

Buy on Amazon $199 Buy on Potterybarnkids.com $279

Why We Like It: We love the 3-inch thick firm, comfortable support.

But Take Note: While it says it fits standard mini cribs, check your mini crib dimensions to make sure it fits snuggly.

Firm, yet breathable, this mini crib mattress isn’t the most portable, but that’s only because it’s thicker and firmer than many of the other mini crib mattresses on the market. The design has strong edges that provide this mattress with a lot of structural support, an important trait according to father of two Mark Joseph. “Edge support offers more stability, prevents sagging, and provides more even weight distribution,” he tells us.

Dual-sided, it can be also used for infants and toddlers, just remember to make sure your toddler hasn’t maxed out the weight restrictions of your mini crib.

The Details:

Materials: Food-grade PE waterproofing and recycled polyester fiber fill
Removable cover: Yes
Dimensions: 38 x 24 x 3 inches
Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified and MADE SAFE

Best Foam: Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress

Buy on Amazon $90 Buy on Walmart $90 Buy on Wayfair $90

Why We Like It: It has a breathable foam core that offers enough firmness to keep babies safe yet comfortable, leading to longer nights of sleep.

But Take Note: Foam mattresses, according to our experts, may not be as durable as innerspring.

Think Graco and you’re likely thinking Pack ‘n Plays, strollers and car seats, but with its waterproof material and solid comfortable design the classic brand’s crib and toddler mattress is worth considering. Designed to fit cribs and toddler beds, it’s one of the least expensive mattresses on the market. Its breathable foam core offers a firm, yet comfortable feel. One of the nicest parts about this mattress is that its cover is water resistant and unzips for a deep clean in your washing machine.

The Details:

Materials: polyester and polyurethane foam
Removable cover: Yes
Dimensions: 52 x 27.6 x 5 inches
Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified and CertiPUR-US Certified

Best for Toddlers: Sealy Waterproof Standard Toddler Mattress

Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Waterproof Baby Crib and Toddler Mattress — Amazon

Buy on Amazon $130 Buy on Target $160 Buy on QVC $168

Why We Like It: The vinyl wipe clean top is ideal for potty-training toddlers.

But Take Note: Like other boxed memory foam mattresses, you’ll want to let this air out a bit.

With its vinyl, waterproof cover the Sealy Soybean Foam-Core mattress is a nice moderately priced option you can buy for your newborn and keep through their toddler years. It’s made of a soy-based foam core that is CertiPur-US Certified, a certification provided by the Polyurethane Foam Association for foam without many of the chemicals that are concerning in some foam mattresses.

It’s firm, yet soft and breathable. While it doesn’t come with a removable cover it is still easy to clean. One downside is that this mattress is heavy, so changing sheets can be a bit of a pain.

The Details:

Materials: CertiPur-US Certified foam
Removable cover: No
Dimensions: 51.63 x 27.25 x 5 inches
Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified

Best Organic: Naturepedic Organic Crib Natural Mattress

Naturepedic Classic Organic Crib Mattress — Amazon

Buy on Amazon $269 Buy on Walmart $262 Buy on Naturepedic.com $269

Why We Like It: This mattress is organic, nontoxic, and firm enough for newborns.

But Take Note: It is a bit pricey compared to other options.

Both Levy and Dr. Odom love this mattress for its organic, nontoxic material and firmness, with Levy calling it the best mattress on the market. It’s made with an organic cotton cover and filling and includes edge support. That firm reinforcement can be helpful for toddlers that move around a lot, and it may even stop them from rolling off the bed, once the sides are taken down.

While organic anything tends to be more expensive, study after study has shown that products created using organic farming are better for the planet and the people who make them. When it comes to our health, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children are at a higher risk of the health effects from exposure to pesticides than adults. At the same time, the AAP has never made an official statement on organic products, so this is still a matter of preference, not a safety requirement.

This mattress is handmade in a facility that only produces organic products, and it features a waterproof surface to blocks liquid from damaging it permanently. It’s available as a one-sided firm mattress ($269) or a dual-sided mattress (starting at $299.) The dual-sided lightweight option features one firm side designed for infants and a medium firm side for toddlers.

The Details

Materials: Organic cotton fabric and fill
Removable cover: Yes
Dimensions: 27.25 x 51.625 x 6 inches
Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified, MADE SAFE and Global Organic Textile Standard

Most Breathable: Lullaby Earth Breathe Safe Breathable Crib Mattress 2-Stage

Buy on Amazon $279 Buy on West Elm $259

Why We Like It: Made of firm foam that meets safety standards, this mattress is super breathable, according to our experts.

But Take Note: It might not be as durable as some of the other foam mattresses on the market.

Dr. Odom recommends Lullaby Earth because its mattresses are made of firm, lightweight foam, and not only do they meet safety guidelines, but they’re also made of materials commonly used in food manufacturing that are recyclable (although you’ll have to check with your local sanitation department for details on that).

The Breathe Safe mattress is made of recycled polyester fiber fill, and its removable waterproof and stain-resistant cover makes for easy clean up. Because it’s so light, it makes changing the sheets a snap, too. One side of this mattress is firm for infants and the other is medium-firm to grow with your child.

The Details:

Materials: Food-grade PE waterproofing and recycled polyester fiber fill
Removable cover: Yes
Dimensions: 51 x 5 x 4 inches
Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified, MADE SAFE

Most Eco-Friendly: Avocado Eco Organic Crib Mattress

Buy on Avocadogreenmattress.com $349

Why We Like It: Made from eco-friendly materials instead of fossil-fuel-based plastic.

But Take Note: This mattress is not dual sided.

Using a “farm-to-mattress” concept, Avocado sources its organic materials from sustainable farms and then produces the crib mattresses in its own organic-certified facilities. This non-toxic crib mattress checks all the boxes: It's Greenguard Gold Certified and GOTS certified, and it provides a firm, safe sleeping surface.

“It has proven beneficial for my baby's development to use a mattress free from chemicals, fire retardants, and other toxins,” says Joseph. While there have not been many studies on flame retardants and human health, a few have shown that exposure has led to health concerns including lower IQ and behavioral problems.

The only downside is that it doesn't come with a waterproof cover, but you can add this organic crib mattress protector to your order for an additional $69.

The Details:

Materials: Organic coconut, hemp, wool, and cotton; steel innersprings
Removable cover: Sold separately
Dimensions: 28 x 52 x 4.75 inches
Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard, Greenguard Gold Certified, Climate Neutral, MADE SAFE

Best Innerspring: Sealy Waterproof Crib and Toddler Mattress

Sealy Perfect Rest Waterproof Baby and Toddler Mattress — Wayfair

Buy on Amazon $71 Buy on Target $71 Buy on Walmart $70

Why We Like It: This dual-sided, extra firm innerspring mattress comes at a great price.

But Take Note: While it has a waterproof, stain-resistant cover, it is not removable.

This Sealy crib mattress features 150 coils that have been tested for optimal firmness. Thanks to these steel coils, the surface keeps your baby's weight evenly distributed, ensuring it won't sag in the middle. When your child turns 1, you can flip the firm side of the crib mattress to the softer (yet still supportive) side. The baby bed has a waterproof cover to stop liquids from reaching the core.

The Details:

Materials: Polyester, vinyl, innerspring
Removable cover: No
Dimensions: 27.25' x 51.63 x 5 inches
Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified

Best Luxury: Avocado Luxury Organic Crib Mattress

Buy on Avocadogreenmattress.com $1,379

Why We Like It: Made from certified eco-friendly materials, this dual-sided mattress can grow with your child and has a 25-year warranty.

But Take Note: This is likely the most expensive crib mattress on the market.

This luxurious organic crib mattress might be on the pricier side, but it has a lot of incredible features you won't find in other models. The unique design combines the best of foam and innerspring crib mattresses with 170 innersprings wrapped in organic cotton, organic wool and flax pads; organic latex on the edges; and an organic latex foam core. Plus, these natural materials even help keep your child's sleeping temperature from getting too warm.

Besides the price, the only downside is that it doesn't come with a waterproof cover, although you can buy one separately. Unlike the standard Avocado Organic Crib Mattress, this one has two sides to support your little one as they grow. Bonus: This crib mattress has a 25-year warranty.

The Details:

Materials: Organic cotton, steel innersprings, organic wool, organic hemp pads, organic coco-fiber, organic latex, organic latex foam
Removable cover: Sold separately
Dimensions: 28 x 52 x 6 inches
Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard, Greenguard Gold Certified, Climate Neutral, MADE SAFE, FSC Certified

Our Review Process

When choosing the crib mattresses for babies and toddlers, we researched dozens of highly reviewed options on the market, examining their customer reviews, specs, and features. We also spoke with Brittany Odom, MD, a board certified pediatrician in New Mexico; mom of two and certified child sleep and behavior consultant Nichole Levy; and a number of parents. We considered material, size, firmness, certifications, price, and ease of cleaning when crafting our list.

“There are thousands of crib mattresses on the market for parents to buy, and of course lots of marketing for breathability, firmness, promises of a full night of sleep, organic, and certifications,” says Levy. “The most important combination to look for in buying your little one's crib mattress is a firm surface that fits snugly in the crib and meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission safety requirements for a crib mattress.”

While we can’t promise our top picks will help your baby fall asleep the moment their back hits the mattress, all of our picks meet safety requirements and can help you create a calming sleep environment, essential for developing bodies and brains and their tired caretakers.

Factors to Consider in a Crib Mattress

In addition to safety and comfort, there are a number of other factors to consider when buying the best crib mattress for your child.

Size

Standard full-size crib mattresses should be at least 27.25 inches wide by 51.25 inches long and less than 6 inches thick, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The average size of mini crib mattresses is 24 inches wide by 38 inches long.

The CPSC suggests using your fingers as a guide to know whether or not your mattress is a safe fit. If the gap between the mattress and the crib frame is wider than two fingers, the space is not safe for your baby. Large gaps increase the risk of injury and suffocation.

Firmness

While adults have preferences for mattress firmness, there's no safe option other than extremely firm for infants. This is because soft surfaces increase the risk of SIDS, due to the possibility of plush bedding conforming to their small heads.

“The firmness of the mattress ensures that we have the safest sleep surface for our little ones,” Levy says. “Soft or memory foam mattresses leave room for your little one's nose to find a peak in the mattress and not be able to breathe. Infants only breathe through their nose, not their mouth so this is very important for safe sleep especially as your little one is rolling and sleeping face down on their mattress.”

It's also important to note that babies should always sleep on their backs, as opposed to their stomachs or side, and shouldn't have anything in their cribs besides a tight fitted sheet.

Type

There are several different types of baby crib mattresses, including foam, innerspring, and hybrid mixes of both. Foam mattresses are a popular choice due to their availability and affordability compared to innerspring mattresses. According to Dr. Odom, innerspring mattresses tend to be of higher quality, a bit firmer, and more durable.

She also recommends avoiding polyurethane foam if you decide to purchase a foam or hybrid mattress. “Polyurethane foam is highly flammable and not very durable, it tends to begin to break down within a few months,” Dr. Odom says.

Room to Grow

It's no secret that kids grow out of things quickly. To avoid having to buy another new mattress once your baby turns 1, choose a crib mattress that is reversible, with one firm side and one soft side.

“Dual-sided mattresses...offer a bit more longevity with the ability to turn the mattress over once your baby becomes a toddler,” Dr. Odom says.

Toddlers can sleep safely on mattresses that provide a balance of comfort and support.

Certifications

There are countless types of certifications out there. Here are a few popular ones, Dr. Odom suggests keeping an eye out for.

Greenguard and Greenguard Gold Certified: Many household products emit chemicals into the air that we breathe. Crib mattresses that are Greenguard Gold Certified meet the strictest qualifications for chemical emissions, releasing the least amount of chemicals and gasses.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): GOTS requires that at least 95% of the materials (by weight) in a crib mattress be certified organic, and it prohibits the use of certain substances for the other 5%, such as chemical flame retardants and polyurethane.
MADE SAFE: This certification means a crib mattress has been made with ingredients not known or suspected to cause human health harm.

Reviews

“One thing that I missed out on was researching the mattress company and reviews from other parents,” Joseph says. “Research before buying a crib mattress is highly recommended, as this can help you find important details such as the quality of materials used and customer service.”

Materials

A high-quality crib mattress should be made from durable materials that can withstand wear and tear. A sturdy and stain-resistant cover is also essential for ensuring the mattress lasts longer

Waterproof Surfaces

It's normal for crib mattresses to get peed on and spit up on. Opting for a waterproof or liquid-repellent mattress can help lengthen its lifespan, and using a waterproof mattress protector can provide extra protection.

Ease of Cleaning

Look for a mattress that is washable or wipeable, or that comes with an easily washable cover. If it doesn’t, consider buying a mattress protector to prevent stains.

How to a Use Crib Mattress Safely

Your firm crib mattress should fit snug in the crib. Proper fit is crucial for mattress longevity and your baby's safety. While cribs are usually standard-sized, double-check that the mattress fits snugly and there isn't more than two fingers' width of space between the mattress and the crib frame. A mattress that slides around or has gaps can pose a risk to your baby.

“The mattress should be firm enough that it does not change shape or conform to the infant's head when they're laying on it,” Dr. Odom says. “Having too soft of a mattress surface, including those made of memory foam, can increase indentation and increase risk of suffocation if the infant is in a compromised position or is on their stomach.”

Remember to always place your baby to sleep on their back and not to place any other objects such as pillows or blankets in the crib as they can pose a suffocation risk. Once your baby reaches about 6 months of age, you’ll want to lower the crib mattress. If you have a dual-sided mattress, make sure to wait to flip it until your child is a toddler, or at your pediatrician’s recommendation.

Your Questions, Answered

How much should parents expect to pay for a crib mattress?

The cost of a baby crib mattress varies depending on the size and materials used. You do not have to spend hundreds of dollars on your crib mattress for it to be safe and comfortable. Generally, you can expect to pay between $50-$500 for a quality mattress, with the average mattress costing around $200.

“I got a high-quality mattress for my children within the $150–$200 range,” says dad of two Mark Joseph.

If you have a limited budget, consider buying a foam or innerspring mattress that meets safety standards. Remember that price does not necessarily equal safety. “Price is more driven by the materials used and whether it is organic or not,” Levy says. “Some mattresses are more expensive if they have two sides, one more firm for infants and one for toddlers.”

How should I determine when to lower a mattress?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends lowering the mattress before your baby can stand. “To be safe, once your baby can sit unsupported, get on their hands and knees, or roll over, it's safe to adjust the mattress to the lowest setting,” Dr. Odom says, adding that this usually happens around 6 months, depending on your baby's development.

Is it OK to use a second-hand crib mattress?

If you're able, it's best to buy a new crib mattress for your little one. Your newborn will spend a lot of time on this mattress, so it's best to know their mattress is in pristine condition. Second-hand mattresses may be OK, but in order to determine this, Dr. Odom says you’ll need to check very closely for a few important factors.

“The mattress should still be very firm, without any dips, soft spots, or indentations from previous use,” Dr. Odom says. “There should not be any springs out of place, rattling of the mattress, or unraveling of the stitching holding it together. The mattress should also be clean, so you would need to closely inspect for any unpleasant odors, signs of mold, or bed bugs. It's also very important to check for any recalls of the mattress that may have come out since it was originally purchased.”

Who We Are

Bridget Shirvell is a Connecticut-based journalist and freelance writer focused on parenting, food, and the environment. Her work has appeared in Martha Stewart Living, The New York Times, and more.