The arrival of a newborn brings joy to a family. However, it is a tough responsibility for parents to ensure that the infant stays safe to weather the vulnerabilities of their early years. Sudden unexpected infant deaths are uncommon and 14% of them are related to suffocation caused by soft bedding. It is therefore important for parents to invest in quality crib mattresses to avoid risking the lives of their little ones.
Now the market is flooded with hundreds of baby mattress brands. Choosing the best baby mattress is not easy. Luckily, we have made your search for your baby’s crib mattress a no-brainer. We scoured the market for the best mattresses for babies and identified five top brands we think can meet your needs. We also included a buying guide to help you decide which baby sleeping mattress is best for your little one. We hope as you read through this guide you will find a crib mattress that suits your needs.
Baby Mattress Resources
Guide to the Best Kids Mattress ↗
Parents need to invest in quality kids’ mattresses to ensure the healthy development of their young ones. When shopping for a mattress for your child, knowing what to look out for helps you choose the right product for your little one.
The Complete Toddler Mattress Buying Guide ↗
Which mattresses are the best toddlers mattresses? We picked the five best toddler mattresses for you to buy in 2021 and reviewed them along with a detailed buying guide and an FAQ section to help you make the best purchase decision.
Baby Mattress Buying Guide
Before buying a baby sleeping mattress, it helps to know how to use and handle it properly. You will also need to know the qualities that make a good crib mattress. Therefore, let’s examine Here are infallible tips to help you pick the best mattresses for babies.
Which baby mattress is the best?
The best baby mattresses for babies provide a comfortable and safe sleeping environment for the little ones. For starters, they are firm and designed to distribute your baby’s weight evenly. This design supports the healthy development of the baby and prevents him/her from sinking in the bedding, which could suffocate them.
A good crib mattress is highly breathable, a feature that ensures free air circulation and even distribution of temperature and moisture. This way, you protect your little one from excessive sweating. It also keeps the mattress fresh and free from bad odor.
Hypoallergenic mattresses are great for protecting your baby from dust mites which can cause a broad spectrum of health problems such as skin rashes, sneezing, itchy throat, coughing, stuffy nose. These mites can make your baby unhappy and even trigger asthma attacks.
Investing in a hypoallergenic baby mattress can help you keep dust mites off your baby’s bed.
Lightweight designs allow you to remove the mattress from your child’s crib with ease when cleaning the bed. Dual-sided mattresses give an extended time of freshness before cleaning them.
Another important feature to consider is whether the mattress has a waterproof cover that protects it from spills such as baby food or urine. This feature keeps the crib mattress dry and makes it easy to clean. It is wise to go for a washable design that gives you the option to clean it.
Consider the dimensions of the baby of your baby crib mattress before buying it. The top baby mattress brands design products that fit a standard crib. A standard baby crib measures 28 x 58 inches, therefore, your mattress of choice should be slightly smaller than these dimensions so that it fits the baby crib properly.
Also, consider its depth as it should leave enough room to protect the baby from climbing out of the crib. To be on the safe side, go for CPSC-certified crib mattresses. This certification ensures that there are no extra spaces between the mattress and the sides of a standard baby crib where the baby can put their fingers and get hurt.
The top-rated baby mattress brands are free of toxins such as lead, mercury, and low volatile organic compounds, which include sealants and adhesives. The compounds can degrade the air quality in your baby’s sleeping area and cause adverse effects on your one such as dizziness, damage to the respiratory tract, and affect the nervous system. To avoid exposing your little one to these compounds, go for brands that are Greengold Gold certified.
Go for crib mattresses that are made from materials that have low flammability. This feature could save your child in case of a fire breakout, allowing you extra time to get them to safety. A good baby mattress should be durable enough to last through your baby’s toddler years. This way, you will not need to buy multiple mattresses for your little one.
How do I clean a baby mattress?
You need to clean your baby’s beddings regularly to ensure that the sleeping area is conducive for the little one. Before you clean your baby crib mattress, find out whether the manufacturer has provided any special instructions on how to care for the product. Some manufacturers have instructional videos on how to care for the mattresses on their websites. This information is important, especially when dealing with unique mattress designs.
Most baby sleeping mattresses from leading brands feature removable covers. Start by removing any beddings on the crib. Now take out the mattress from the crib and remove the cover. You can opt to hand wash or machine wash mattress cover depending on the recommendations by the manufacturer.
Use a vacuum cleaner to suck any dust and fluffy materials from the mattress and crib crevices. Mix hot or cold water with some detergent, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, and scrub the mattress surface thoroughly. Now wipe off the detergent with a clean wet cloth soaked in clean water. Make sure you remove all traces of detergent then spray the mattress with disinfectant to remove residual odors and prevent the accumulation of mildew and mold.
Now use a dry towel to wick away the excess water then air-dry the mattress in the sun. Wait for the baby mattress to dry before returning it to the crib. Replace the mattress cover and make your baby’s bed with freshly cleaned beddings.
How firm should a baby mattress be?
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), your baby’s mattress should be flat, firm, and not conform to your baby’s body. On a mattress firmness scale, it should range between 8 and 10. To check the baby mattress physically, press it on the edges and at the center. It should feel firm and bounce back immediately after releasing it. A good mattress for babies should not conform to the shape of your hand.
A mattress that is soft on the edges can trap your baby and suffocate them. Also, if the center is too soft, the baby will sink and cannot move its limbs free. This posture can lead to breathing difficulties. If you are buying a baby mattress online and have no chance to examine its firmness physically, go for a brand that is CPSC-approved. This way, you can be sure that your mattress is safe for your little one.
When do you flip a baby mattress?
It is not uncommon for top baby mattress brands to have dual-sided mattresses – a firm side for the infant stage and a plush side for your child’s toddler years. If you have such a mattress, flip it only when the baby has developed their motor skills significantly. For instance, they should be able to control their head and neck and flip freely. You may need to consult your pediatrician before you make this decision. Usually, most people flip their 2-stage mattresses when the baby is about 12 months old.
How to Choose the Right Mattress for a Baby
When choosing the right mattress for a baby, you need to consider the factors discussed above, such as size, breathability, firmness, and conformation to safety standards. The mattress should also be within your budget. However, do not base your decision to purchase a crib mattress on the price tag alone.
Although there are cheap baby mattress brands in the market, they may not conform to the required safety standards. Falling for such products can endanger the health of your child and expose them to the risk of suffocation and respiratory ailments. Therefore, go for a mattress that meets all the safety standards and is still within your price range.
Mattress Specifications
The quality of a mattress depends on the materials used to make it. These materials determine how safe and durable a crib mattress will be. Top-rated baby mattress brands use superior materials such as high-grade breathable foam, plastic fiber, woven air, and heavy-duty steel coils to provide a firm core for the baby mattress.
A mattress design can feature multiple layers of breathable and fire-resistant material for added safety. It is also common to have a plush cover that is waterproof for added comfort. To find out more details about a mattress, check out the product specifications on the manufacturer’s website.
Mattress Shopping Tips
As you shop for a baby mattress online, you need to consider various factors to make sure you purchase a product that meets the needs of your little one. Here are infallible tips to help you with your shopping:
- For starters, check whether your preferred product meets all safety certifications such as CPSC and Greenguard Gold certified. The advantage of buying such products is that although you have no way of confirming product quality online, you trust quality checks by the authorities.
- You should buy from a seller who allows you to return the mattress in case the product arrives with some defects.
- To be on the safe side, read through the seller’s return policy such as timelines and product handling. Ensure that you do not breach the terms and conditions of the company’s return policy. This way, you can get a replacement for the faulty mattress.
- Check the product for the manufacturer’s warranty. The top brands in the market provide a reasonable warranty on workmanship and materials. Such warranties may range between two years to the product lifetime. It is also important to adhere to warranty conditions to avoid losing the guarantee.
- Before you pay for a crib mattress on any online shopping site, confirm these shipping details. For example, how long it will take for the package to arrive, product packaging, as well as the shipping fee. This information will be useful in case your delivery takes longer than it should and you need to track it.
- Read customer reviews about their experience with the online store and manufacturer. Take a keen interest in how the companies handle customer complaints. This way you will know what to expect in case your transaction goes wrong. Also, find out past consumer experiences with the mattress, especially for product care and use. Compare customer reviews on different mattresses to gauge which one is the best for you.
Review of the 5 Top Rated Baby Mattresses
Sealy Baby Firm Toddler & Baby Crib Mattress
Sealy Baby brand is part of the family-owned Kolcraft baby products manufacturer which specializes in high-quality baby crib mattresses such as the Firm Rest Antibacterial Waterproof Standard Toddler & Baby Crib Mattress. This mattress keeps your baby’s environment healthy, with a hospital-grade antibacterial surface that prevents the accumulation of harmful bacteria. The waterproof cover ensures that the mattress stays leakproof and dry. This feature prevents mold from growing on the mattress and exposing the baby to possible respiratory infections.
The baby crib mattress features 204 heavy-duty steel coils that keep the edges firm and distribute the infant’s weight proportionally without sagging. This design protects your baby from the risk of suffocating and is durable to ensure that you get value for money. If you have a standard baby crib, the mattress will fit perfectly. It is also UL GREENGUARD GOLD and CPSIA certified to ensure it passed both chemical and air safety standards. It also comes with a lifetime warranty on material and workmanship, as a guarantee of quality.
SUMMARY
Dimensions 51.63 x 27.25 x 5.75 Inch
Weight 7.51 lbs
Material Foam and steel coil system
Firmness Firm
Mattress Depth 5.75 Inches
Venting Airflow pocket
Certifications UL GREENGUARD GOLD, CPSIA
Extra Features Antibacterial and waterproof
Warranty 10-year limited
Sealy Baby Toddler & Baby Crib Mattress
Pros
- Supports your baby as they grow
- Great dust mite resistance
- Fantastic value for money
- Easy to clean
- Eco-friendly manufacturing
- Offers great firmness and support
Cons
- Tends to be firmer than foam
Downloads:
Milliard Premium Memory Foam Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed Mattress
The Milliard Premium Memory Foam Hypoallergenic Infant Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed Mattress is designed to give your little one a restful sleep while offering balanced support from head to toe. You don’t have to worry if your baby wets themselves or soils the beddings, because the mattress comes with a waterproof bamboo cover.
This way, you prevent the accumulation of moisture on the mattress which attracts mold, mildew, and foul smell. Such an environment can expose your little one to respiratory ailments. The mattress cover is ultra-soft giving your baby added comfort. It is also machine washable for easy cleaning.
This mattress comes with an advanced airflow feature for hassle-free venting which controls temperature and moisture levels on the crib for added comfort. Its memory form is low VOC making it chemical and heavy metal-free, therefore safe to use on infants. You don’t have to worry about buying another mattress for your baby because this product is long-lasting, therefore, gives you a return on investment. Its dual-sided feature gives you added convenience when setting it up on your baby crib.
SUMMARY
Dimensions 27.5 x52 x5.5 Inch
Weight 6.6 lbs
Material Foam and Memory foam
Firmness Firm
Mattress Depth 5.5 Inches
Venting Airflow mechanism
Certifications CertiPur certified
Extra Features Waterproof and Bamboo cover
Warranty NA
Milliard Premium Memory Foam Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed Mattress
Pros
- Supports your baby as they grow
- Great dust mite resistance
- Fantastic value for money
- Comes with a waterproof cover
- Eco-friendly manufacturing
- Offers great firmness and support
Cons
- A little higher in price than foam
- Tends to be firmer than foam
Downloads:
Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress
Graco stands out as a baby products brand that offers thought products that allow you to attend to your newborns with ease. For instance, the Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress is designed to fit any standard infant or toddler crib. This way you will not need to spend time and effort shopping for a specific bed for the mattress. Moreover, it comes with a water-resistant cover that is both hand and machine washable for easy care and maintenance.
This mattress is soft and firm enough to support your baby without the risk of suffocation. It’s made from breathable polyurethane foam which ensures uniform temperature and moisture distribution for a blissful sleep. The Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning that it’s free from any chemicals and heavy metal traces that can poison your baby. It comes with a 6-years limited warranty as an assurance of premium quality.
SUMMARY
Dimensions 52 x 27.6 x 5 Inch
Weight 7 lbs
Material Polyurethane foam
Firmness Medium
Mattress Depth 27.6 Inches
Venting Breathable foam
Certifications GREENGUARD Gold, JPMA, and CertiPUR-US
Extra Features Waterproof and washable cover
Warranty 6 Years
Graco Premium Crib and Toddler Mattress
Pros
- Waterproof cover
- Fantastic value for money
- Easy to clean
- Offers great firmness and support
Cons
- A little higher in price than foam
- Not hypoallergenic
Downloads:
Serta Perfect Slumber Dual Sided Recycled Fiber Core Crib & Toddler Mattress
Serta is a brand wholly owned by Delta Children, who have over 50 years of experience in designing and manufacturing baby and children furniture. The company is passionate about providing safe and environmentally friendly baby care products. For example, their Serta Perfect Slumber Dual Sided Recycled Fiber Core Crib & Toddler Mattress features a recycled plastic bottle’s fiber core which provides sufficient support to your little one. This material is firm and allows even distribution of your baby’s weight. It also provides sufficient air circulation for a dry sleeping environment with a uniform temperature.
The baby crib mattress is hypoallergenic and comes with a waterproof cover that protects it from spills. This way, it is easy to keep it clean and dry for your baby’s comfortable sleep. You don’t have to worry about it triggering allergic reactions to your baby. It comes in a lightweight design for easy setup. You can use either side of the mattress to keep your baby’s bed fresh for longer. The company gives you a 7 years limited warranty so you don’t have to worry about the quality of the product.
SUMMARY
Dimensions 52 x 27.5 x 5 inch
Weight 9.6 lbs
Material Recycled bottles fiber
Firmness Firm
Mattress Depth 5 Inches
Venting Plastic fiber
Certifications GREENGUARD Gold Certified, JPMA
Extra Features Waterproof, Hypoallergenic
Warranty 7 Years
Serta Perfect Slumber Crib & Toddler Mattress
Pros
- Waterproof
- Supports your baby as they grow
- Hypoallergenic
- Easy to clean
- Eco-friendly manufacturing
- Offers great firmness and support
Cons
- A little higher in price than foam
- Tends to be firmer than foam
Downloads:
Newton Baby Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress
Newton Baby Inc. is renowned for innovative baby products such as the Newton Baby Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress. It features a woven air core which is 10% food-grade and 90% air. This material is 100% breathable, which protects your baby from suffocation. It is also 100% washable, allowing you to keep your baby’s environment clean and free of disease-causing mold and mildew. It also allows air to circulate through the mattress, maintaining a uniform temperature and moisture levels for a night of healthy sleep.
If you are looking for an environment-friendly baby mattress, then the Newton Baby Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress is an ideal pick. It’s 100% recyclable and is phthalate & lead-free for a safe environment for your baby. It supports your baby as they grow through toddler years so you don’t have to buy another mattress. The mattress comes with a plush dual-layer cover that is breathable for added comfort. It is hypoallergenic, to keep dust mites off your baby’s sleeping area.
SUMMARY
Dimensions 52 x 28 x 5.5 Inch
Weight 14 lbs
Material Wovenaire Core
Firmness Firm
Mattress Depth 5.5 Inches
Venting Wovenaire Core
Certifications CPSC, Greenguard Gold, ASTM certified
Extra Features 100% Recyclable,Hypoallergenic
Warranty 2 Years
Newton Baby Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress
Pros
- 100% washable and recyclable
- Supports your baby as they grow
- Great dust mite resistance
- Easy to clean
- Eco-friendly manufacturing
- Offers great firmness and support
Cons
- A little higher in price than foam
Downloads:
FAQs
A baby cot bed mattress should fit a standard crib, which measures about 28 inches wide and 58 inches long. The dimensions of the mattress should be slightly smaller so that it fits the crib without leaving spaces. For the depth, it should be about 5 to six inches. This way, it will be hard for your baby to crawl out of the crib and fall.
The top-rated mattresses for babies are firm and score between 8 and 10 on the mattress firmness scale. To test the firmness of a mattress physically, press it on the edges and at the center, it should bounce back and not conform to your hand.
A breathable baby mattress allows air to permeate. To check whether a mattress is breathable, turn on a blow dryer and place it on one side of the mattress. If the mattress is breathable the air will flow through the core with ease to the other side.
Yes. You can spray all surfaces of the mattress with a disinfectant and wipe it off with a wet cloth dipped in hot water. Now air-dry the mattress in the sun.
Yes, but only if the mattress is firm enough to pass the recommended firmness level. Also, foam mattresses last for a short period and may not last through your baby’s toddler years.
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