Our weeSpring picks are data-driven, based on the feedback of tens of thousands of parents like you — and then subjected to an added level of testing by our editors. Clouds and Stars QuickZip Sheet You’ll lose count how many times you change your baby’s sheets but you don’t have to lose your mind doing it with QuickZip Sheets. These sheets are made up of two parts, the base that the mattress sits in and the flat top sheet that zips on and off. These sheets are not only super safe but you’ll be able to get them off quick for middle of the night sheet changes, no need to wrestle crib slats. One mom even claims it’s so easy she can do it with one hand! The Catch: If you’re using a standard mattress pad you’ll need to change that too which wouldn’t be easy with these. HINT: use a flat mattress pad instead. Naturepedic Mattress Pad Protector Just as important as the mattress itself is the mattress protector pad. After all you wouldn’t want to ruin the mattress you just bought after just one late night accident because that’ll happen.
Naturepedic Mattress Pad Protectors are organic so you won’t have to worry about your little one lying their head on any chemicals. Probably one of the most important parts is that it washes easily, so you won’t be left scratching your head after that first sheet change. Sheet Changing Hack: Buy two and layer your sheets and protectors so you’re not stumbling to do the whole job in the middle of the night, just rip off the first two layers! You can thank us later… The Catch: A bit pricey for a mattress pad but might be worth it depending on how much you spent on the mattress itself. aden + anais Muslin Crib Sheets If you’re a fan of aden + anais, this is another item to add to your collection. They are just as soft as the swaddle blankets and get softer with each wash. These are nice and thin for the summer and warm for the winter. The breathable material makes the sheet light and airy. Since they’re made from muslin they don’t get cold like regular cotton sheets will.
These sheets come in a variety of cute patterns making it easy to change things up in the nursery. Parents love them so much they want them in regular bed sizes too! The Catch: While we love the soft and thin muslin material it snags easily You can also use weeSpring to see what your friends recommend! You’ll be able to see all of your friends’ picks alongside our community’s opinions. Check out more crib sheets and mattress pad reviews on weeSpring!New parents spend a good amount of time deciding on the right crib but the mattress is really more important, considering it’s what your baby is actually sleeping on. So what makes a crib mattress “the best crib mattress?” I always thought it was mainly about support and good quality materials; the idea of safety as it relates to breathability never really occurred to me. But the Newton crib mattress has opened my eyes. And it’s not a zillion dollars, either. Related: Natural Mat baby mattresses: High-end and fabulous in every way
Just in time for baby #2, I had a chance to try this breathable, washable, non-toxic crib mattress from the company, which was designed by sleep expert and father of three Michael Rothbard. Evidently breathability has huge benefits like greatly reducing the risk of suffocation or overheating — if your baby rolls over in the middle of the night, I like the idea that she can breathe well right through the mattress. The soft-quilted outer cover unzips and is machine washable, but you might be wondering how the heck a mattress can be washable too. The Wovenaire inside core is made of 90% air, and the rest of a food-grade polymer instead of springs or latex or foam. That not only nixes all the toxic stuff, it makes it totally safe to wash in the bathtub with some soap without compromising quality. So think diaper blow outs, projectile vomit, leaks… hey welcome to babies, new parents! It’s also a good way to get rid of mold and bacterial which can grow inside a standard mattress making this a more hygienic option, especially if you want to pass it onto baby 2 or 3 or…well, let’s see if you get past the blow-out phase first.
And for those of you worried about toxic flame-retardant chemicals (none of us are fans), we love that Newton makes use of natural phosphates, i.e. salt, which meet the US safety standards but without spraying stuff on mattresses we don’t want our babies breathing. Of course safety is nothing without comfort I find the Newton crib mattress to be surprisingly cushy, and not at all plasticy feeling as I thought it might be. As it’s for a baby, I couldn’t very well get a full report of my infant feels after sleeping on it, but no complaints from what I can see. The one thing that may take some getting used to with a Newton mattress is that they recommend not using sheets on the mattress as it compromises breathability, which is the point in the first place. Now I know how much moms-to-be love designing nurseries around a favorite bedding set, so keep in mind there’s always the crib skirts and quilts for later on. Or if you do insist on using sheets, they recommend Aden+ Anais muslin sheets, which you certainly wouldn’t have to twist our arm on.
The one really minor complaint is that if my baby soils the mattress in any of her wonderfully gross ways, I can’t simply take off the mattress pad and sheet and throw on a fresh one while I put her back down in the crib and carry on. In other words, you’ll need somewhere else for a baby to sleep (sling, swing, Grandpa’s chest) while you’re washing and air drying the outside cover. Which is why I’d like a spare cover, or at least the Aden + Anais crib sheet option. One vote here for an extra cover to come with the mattress. The $295 price tag is more than standard mattresses for sure, but comparable to other luxury brands and sometimes even lower than other handmade or non-toxic crib mattresses like the Nook Mattress Lite which we also love. I’d definitely compare the two, which have some similar benefits. But I like that Newton has certification up the wazoo for their manufacturing process and recos from public health professionals and sleep coaches which inspire more confidence in us nervous new moms — though a pediatrician recommendation in terms of Newton mattress support would be nice too.