Top 5 Compared: The Best Crib Mattresses For Your Baby You don’t like to get too hot — or too cold - -when you’re sleeping, right? The same goes for baby. The Sleepi Crib Mattress ensures a comfortable sleep with a special water-resistant cover and a durable, non-toxic Damask cloth cover. It even comes with waterproof backing (so drool and sweat won’t ruin baby’s mattress!). Just be sure to buy the Stokke Sleepi Crib too, since this mattress was made to fit with it. We love getting a good deal, so when we saw just how many years’ mom and dad can get out of this Serta Perfect Nature Mattress, we were pumped! One side is made for baby, and when you’re ready, just flip it over and it’s ready to go as a toddler bed. For less than $100, the Kolcraft Pure Sleep Therapeutic 150 Mattress gives you everything you’d ever want (and need!) for a comfortable night’s sleep for baby (like a coil-interwoven spring system, a waterproof cover, hypoallergenic design and the right combo of comfort and firmness).
How’s that for a dollar well spent? Bumpers are a no-no, but the raised, firm sides on the SafeSleep Breathable mattress offers added support for baby without putting baby at risk for SIDS. Plus, it’s breathable and free of harmful chemicals, so that should help you get some peaceful sleep yourself. You won’t believe this, but the Coco Mat from NaturalMat is made from only certified organic coir (from coconut husks around the world) — which makes it 100 percent natural, organic and safe. But that’s not all: It’s also wrapped in lambswool, lavender, lemon and eucalyptus. So, if we had to imagine baby sleeping on a cloud, we’d definitely picture this! There’s no price-tag on ensuring your baby’s safety while she sleeps, which is why we love the Naturepedic Organic Ultra 252 Seamless Dual Firmness Mattress. It’s eco-friendly (made without vinyl, PVC, phthalates, lead and antimicrobial biocides) and comes with a heavy duty interior — so even after years of use and reuse, the mattress’ firmness never fades!
And what’s not to love about a company whose motto is: No compromise? Let’s be honest: Diaper blowouts at 2 in the morning aren’t anybody’s favorite, but when it comes time to strip the sheets and put new bedding in baby’s crib, you’ll be thankful you bought this Lullaby Earth Super Lightweight Baby & Crib Toddler Mattress. It weighs just seven pounds (yes!) so you won’t break a sweat changing sheets. Plus, More from The Bump: More About How to Buy a Crib Mattress 10 Cribs We Love Are Crib Bumpers Safe? Infant Car SeatsTravel System Car SeatsConvertible Car SeatsBooster Car SeatsCar Seat AccessoriesPremium Car SeatsCar Seat BasesStroller & Car Seat Toysshop our car seat deals of the dayEdit ArticleHow to Choose a Baby Crib Mattress Selecting a baby's first mattress can seem like an overwhelming task. There are a number of options available on the market today that have a wide variety of materials, sizes, and firmness. By understanding the differences and knowing what features are most important, you can determine how to choose a baby crib mattress that is right for your little one.
Measure the width and length of your crib. Check the firmness of the mattress you are purchasing. Your new crib mattress needs to be very firm to reduce the risk of your baby suffocating due to sinking into a softer surface. There is an easy test that you can do to confirm that your baby's mattress is safely firm enough. Decide whether you prefer a foam or an innerspring mattress. Foam options tend to be less expensive, but you must make sure that the foam is firm and dense and doesn't allow the baby to sink into the mattress. Innerspring mattresses typically cost more but offer higher durability. If you choose innerspring, select a mattress that has between 135 to 150 coils with a gauge lower than 15.5. These numbers should be found on the packaging. These guidelines are set by Consumer Reports and will guarantee the mattress you choose is firm enough for your baby. Consider purchasing a dual-sided mattress: usually one side is designed for babies and the other for toddlers, extending the mattress lifespan considerably[1].
Choose a mattress with a very thick cover, which is also known as ticking. Verify that the mattress has been certified. Inspect the mattress for vent holes. Consider an organic mattress if you are concerned with the human-made chemicals, such as flame retardants that are in standard mattresses. Another way to test a mattress's firmness is to stand it vertically and squeeze it on both sides, as if to hug it. If the mattress squeezes easily, it's likely not firm enough. To check firmness of the mattress, push the mattress's center and around the edges. If you can see your hand print, or if the mattress pushes in easily, it's too soft for your baby. The right mattress should bounce back right away. Never use an infant mattress that is too small for the crib. To determine if yours fits properly, slide your fingers between the mattress and the crib. If you can get more than 2 fingers in the gap, the mattress is too small and must be replaced to avoid risk of suffocation from the baby getting trapped.
Avoid buying a used mattress unless you are 100% certain of its history. Avoid purchasing a used mattress. Body fluids from the previous child may have seeped into the mattress, which can cause mold or other fungus to grow. In recent studies, there has been some association of this fungus to an increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).During the first few months of life, your baby will spend more time asleep than awake- although it won’t always seem that way! It’s important to make sure you plan his or her sleeping environment carefully. Here’s what you need to know to choose a crib mattress that will (hopefully) have your baby sleeping like, well, a baby. Once you decide on a sleeping space (be sure to check out our guides to the Best Cribs and Best Bassinets in the market), mattresses are the next step. Crib mattresses are a lot more than just miniature adult mattresses. They are reinforced and harder than adult versions, in order to keep babies secure and to support their growing bones while they sleep.
There are a few safety basics you’ll want to keep in mind: Crib mattresses are designed to be firm enough to stay flat, even if your baby rolls onto his or her stomach. Make sure the mattress you are considering is rated for infant use. It’s easy for mold to grow under the surface of a mattress where you can’t see, so if the inside of the mattress has ever gotten wet, it can be dangerous for a newborn. To prevent this, many crib mattresses are designed to be waterproof, with a vinyl or polyethylene surface. If your mattress cover is fabric instead of waterproof, you should always use a waterproof cover. Because of the dangers associated with mold and bacteria, it’s best to avoid a used mattress, especially if you don’t know the history of the product. If you’re thinking of reusing a mattress from one of your previous children, first consider if there have been any incidents that might put the mattress at risk for growing mold. While standard crib mattresses should fit most cribs on the market, it’s a good idea to double-check that the measurements match up for your two products.
The mattress should fit snugly against the frame. Many parents are now choosing to use mattresses made from natural and organic materials. While these options are usually more expensive, some parents argue that the chemicals used in producing standard mattresses might be harmful to babies (no official health effects have been evaluated yet). Organic options can be found in all types of crib mattresses, but it’s important to check the materials used in an allegedly “natural” product to see if it actually lives up to the label. INNERSPRING MATTRESSNaturepedic Organic Lightweight Classic Crib Mattress This type of mattress has a core of steel coils that creates its structure, making it resilient and sturdy. Above the coils, innerspring mattresses have layers of different cushioning materials, such as polyester, cotton or foam. You’ll see innersprings described by their coil count (the number of steel coils in the mattress- the more coils, the more supportive) and steel gauge (the thickness of the coil- the lower numbers are thicker).
Some models also have metal border rods that give the structure even more stability around the edges. Innerspring mattresses can be pricey, especially if you’re looking into higher coil count. Some good deals can be found, however (like Sealy’s Baby Firm Rest); reliable brands range from $80 to $300. These mattresses are also on the heavy-side (something to consider for when you have to change crib sheets). FOAM MATTRESSSafety 1st Heavenly Dreams MattressWHY WE LOVE IT These mattresses are typically made from polyurethane, a foam resin. Foam mattresses are a great choices because they are lightweight and durable. They are also usually the least expensive mattress option. You want to make sure that your foam mattress is resilient. You can test this by pressing your hand on the mattress and seeing how long the surface takes to regain its shape (the faster, the better). You also want to choose a mattress that has a higher density (which makes it firmer); you can test this by how heavy it is (denser mattresses are typically heavier) or by squeezing the sides of the mattress (denser models won’t allow you to press that hard).
DOUBLE-SIDED MATTRESSLullaby Earth 2-Stage Super Lightweight Crib MattressThese mattresses have a firmer infant side and a softer side that is more appropriate toddlers. This is useful when your baby outgrows his or her infant mattress and needs something more soft and comfortable for the night, but still uses a crib or convertible toddler bed. You don’t have to buy a completely different mattress! These models might be more expensive than some infant crib mattresses (though it will likely save you money in the long run). And make sure to place the correct side of the mattress facing up! MATTRESS COVERSSealy Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad, 2-PackWhile not essential, mattress covers can be very useful. Covers go under your fitted sheet and over your mattress, and are great for protecting the mattress from additional wear. It’s usually best to get one that’s waterproof, as well as easy to remove and clean; if it becomes dirty, then you can just pull off the waterproof cover with your fitted sheet and toss them both in the wash!