The Best Crib Mattresses For A Safe Night’s Sleep (2020 Guide)

After I found out that I was expecting, I had no idea just how much time and energy was going to go into setting up my nursery.

One area I certainly had no expertise in was the topic of crib mattresses. Silly me thought that I could plop down just any old mattress and my baby would have a great night’s sleep!

But, little did I know that purchasing a mattress was one of the most important things I could do!

At first, comfort was my main priority. I’d do anything possible to get my little girl to sleep soundly.

But after extensively researching the topic, I learned that my main concern should be to get her to sleep safely!

After all, your baby will spend about 16 hours in their crib.

Don’t you want to make sure they are resting their head on something that is not only comfortable, but is also a top rated item for safety?

So which is the best crib mattress?

Ok, so here’s the deal.

You really need to buy a high quality crib mattress.

Let me explain why.

First, as I stated before, your baby is going to spend a lot of time in their crib. They need something that won’t tear, crack, or dry out.

You see, most mattress that are low quality have thin vinyl coverings and edges. This is what makes them deteriorate quickly.

Also, the wrong mattress could even lead to a fatal situation.

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is a huge concern of moms (I remember staying awake almost every night for the first week or so, making sure my baby was breathing).

The wrong mattress can increase the risk of suffocation because it’s too soft and it conforms to their head or face.

The fit is also everything!

You don’t want to have a mattress that leaves any kind of gaps in your crib, because that could also threaten your baby’s safety. 

Now that you know what your mattress should not be, here are a few things that you should look for in the best crib mattress.

#1. Firmness

A firm mattress will decrease the chance of SIDS, plus it will provide your baby with the proper support their fragile body needs.

Mattresses come in different levels of firmness, so while it’s tempting, pass on something that's super soft (even though it may feel more comfortable), because your baby will have trouble adjusting their position because they’ll sink into the mattress (a big no-no).

#2. Moderate Weight

You don’t want to purchase a mattress that is lighter than air, but you also don’t want to purchase something that is as heavy as a boulder, either.

This makes it sturdy enough, but also light enough for you to handle it when you are changing sheets and cleaning the crib.

While you may think you are doing an awesome thing, when buying a used mattress, the reality is that you are not!

Never purchase a used mattress, or accept a hand-me-down.

Why?

There are several studies that were put out there stating that using older mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. The mattress loses its firmness and shape, and this can harm your
baby.

Cleanliness

Some other problems you want to consider are that they are kind of yucky! Think about it.

You have no idea how the previous owner took care of the mattress. Their child definitely got poop and pee on it!

And, they could also be full of dust mites or even worse, bed bugs. Once you get these bad boys into your home, it’s hard to get them out.

Wear & Tear

Plus, think about your own mattress. You only get a certain amount of “life” out of it. You know when your mattress is on the fritz.

It starts to sag, lose support, and simply isn’t safe to use anymore. If this happens to your own mattress, it’s definitely going to happen to your baby’s mattress.

While this may not be true in all hand me down cases, and even if you know the person took care of it well, politely decline the offer and make the proper purchase.

I even decided to toss my first child’s mattress, rather than reuse it for my second child.

Better safe than sorry!

When it comes to crib mattresses, there are two main types: foam and innerspring.

Parents are desperate to know what the better kind to buy is, but I am here to tell you that there isn’t a best type.

Each has great qualities and unique characteristics, so let me break down for you how they are the same and different.

Foam

A long time ago, foam mattresses tended to break down and get brittle over time.

Luckily, today, they have been completely transformed.

If you have your heart set on buying a foam mattress, consider the following:

Innerspring

You yourself most likely have an innerspring mattress: they have coils inside that provide your body with the support it needs.

When buying an this type of mattress for your baby, many moms think that the more coils it has, the better it must be.

Compared to foam crib mattresses, they tend to be a bit more expensive, and also much heavier, but they also have a longer shelf life, if you will, compared to foam.

Many moms like how durable, strong, and supportive these mattresses are.

If you prefer the innerspring type, be sure to consider the following:

The Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer (click here to check the price on Amazon) is considered one of the safest around, and it's our pick as the top option on the market today.

It has a super firm sleeping surface, yet it’s very comfortable.

I love this mattress because it can be used for not just your baby’s crib, but for their toddler bed as well!

The mattress is foam, so it’s not difficult to move around when you want to change the sheets. The foam itself is very safe for your baby to be around, and it's free from toxic chemicals like PVC.

It’s actually made of high quality medical grade foam that has a natural internal fire barrier too, which is important if there is an emergency.

The mattress has a streamlined and simple shape with clean lines. It is smooth and about five inches thick. So, when you place your fitted crib sheet on it, it looks as though your crib was taken off a showroom floor.

That’s how crisp and beautiful it makes your bedding look!

While it may be moderately priced, I truly believe that you get what you pay for with this piece.

I was very impressed with how high quality it looked and felt, and I never worried that my son couldn’t change his position with ease. He never sunk into the foam and always appeared comfortable.

Also, as my son grew older, I’d sometimes allow him to sip on a cup of water if he had a cold or if it was very hot. Once in a while, his cup spilled open.

I knew I had a great mattress and that it had great stitching because the liquid never collected around the sides of the mattress. It just sat on top, so I could wipe it up with ease.

In fact, the entire mattress was waterproof and cleaned great when he had an accident (or twelve!)

This is the mattress I used, and I highly recommend it!

The Sealy Soybean Foam-Core is a name you can trust and also a pretty great bargain buy (click here to check the price on Amazon), and it's also a pretty damn good option for your baby. 

This Sealy is actually composed of soybean oils (mattresses have come a long way) from American grown plants.

It’s a foam mattress, so it’s light weight yet extra firm. If a mattress could be considered “healthy,” this would be the adjective I’d use to describe it!

Because it is entirely water resistant and easy to clean, it prevents allergens from clinging to it, which is important for a lot of babies (you never know if your child will have allergies).

Plus, its soy based foam is high density, so it will sag less over time and it supports an infants’ fragile body wonderfully. And, it is considered to be an awesome, breathable mattress which is a must during the summer time!

It also has square corners, so it ensures a snug fit for your baby’s bedding. The mattress has been put through a lot of different quality tests, and the mattress passed with flying colors.

It has even been awarded one of the best mattresses for babies, according to women and moms across the country.

If you are on a budget, but don’t want to sacrifice quality or safety, this is a great mattress to consider.

One of the finer mattresses on the market today, the Colgate Classica (click here to check the price on Amazon) is a favorite among many moms I know.  

It may be on the pricier side for a foam mattress, but many moms agree that it’s well worth the price, as the mattress is eco-friendly, made from plant-based foam, and it has a 100% certified organic cotton cover.

The best thing about it is that it is very firm, and it has a waterproof backing, so nothing can get into the mattress.

It is also dual use and includes an infant side, so it doubles as a toddler bed. Much like the Moonlight Slumber mattress, it helps create a seamless look for your bedding, mostly because the mattress itself is about six inches thick.

Another plus is that the brand is known for excellent customer service, so if you have any questions or concerns when the mattress arrives, they will take care of it quickly for you.

The only con is that some parents complain about it being not breathable enough, stating that the top of the mattress always felt warmer than it should.

But, I have several girlfriends who selected this model and they never noticed a problem.

All in all, it’s a nice mattress that is greener than most.

A highly rated and award winning option, the Naturepedic No Compromise (click here to check the price on Amazon) is composed of good-for-you materials.

While it’s similar to a foam mattress, you won’t find any polyurethane foam in it. It has American grown organic cotton filling and is waterproof.

Also, after researching this mattress I learned that its surface does not allow mites to penetrate it.

If you are worried your baby has allergies, it is latex and wool free (many tots are majorly allergic to these things). It will fit your baby’s toddler bed, so there is no need to purchase another mattress.

A major plus is that this is the only mattress that I’ve come across that possesses all of the must-have characteristics, and it's also 100% organic.

So, if you go green in your home, this mattress will make a great addition to your items.

Even though it is a bit on the pricey side, many parents are willing to pay the extra buck to have something that will not only support their baby while they sleep, but will not irritate them in any way due to nasty chemicals. 

A bargain buy on this list, Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams (click here to check the price on Amazon) is hypoallergenic and is very dense (remember, the denser the mattress, the firmer it is).

It is lightweight (6 pounds) and is said to be very long-lasting.

Like all of the other mattresses, it wipes clean and is completely water proof.

It's a foam mattress that differs from the others because it has a thermal bonded core to give your baby a great night’s sleep. Their body will remain in position and won’t sink downward into the mattress.

Moms are super excited about this mattress mainly because you do get a long of bang for your buck!

It measures 52.5 x 27.5 x5.5 inches, so be sure to check that it will fit your crib without leaving any gaps.

After reading a few reviews, there were some complaints that the mattress did not fit perfectly, but those that I knew who purchased it never had any issues and they had a standard sized crib.

But, it is wise to always measure before making a purchase.

Another positive criticism of the mattress is that it keeps its firmness and shape over a number of years, so many moms use it for their child’s toddler bed too!

The My First Mattress (click here to check the price on Amazon) is a popular choice among parents due to its premium memory foam infant crib material which allows your baby to feel as though they are sleeping on a cloud.

It's extra-firm and high-density, so it is supportive and safe (because SIDS is a huge concern for the first year) but also comfortable. It is made of special memory foam that is CertiPUR-US certified, so your baby will stay put throughout their slumber and will not be woken up excessively from their involuntary sleep cycle movements.

Parents also love it because it is hypoallergenic, mite-proof, and anti-microbial (as well as phthalate and lead free), so they gain peace of mind knowing that their baby is fully protected from chemicals and other germs that can collect on a mattress over time.

In addition to being safe, the mattress insert exceeds federal flammability standards and you can keep it clean and looking in great shape by removing its waterproof cover whenever it needs to get washed down. Its velour cover is also gentle to a baby’s sensitive skin so it will cradle it, rather than chaff or irritate it.

The mattress is also breathable, so you don’t have to worry about your little one overheating, overnight either.

If your baby suffers from allergies, then you’ll need a hypoallergenic mattress. Milliard’s (click here to check the price on Amazon) is a great pick if you need something to accommodate your baby’s needs.

It offers lots of support, which as a result promotes a healthier and more restful sleep, and it helps cut down on tossing and turning because it is composed of premium foam. Parents have remarked at just how thick and luxurious it is (5.5” thick). Because its foam is naturally hypoallergenic, it also boasts antimicrobial qualities and resists mold and other bacteria from forming.

Parents have also noticed that their child remains at a comfortable temperature over night while laying on it, so it is very breathable (even during hot summer months) and safe. In fact, its unique technology helps increase air circulation and weight distribution. The foam gently conforms to the shape of your baby as they grow, and it maintains its design and structure.

It fits most standard sized cribs, and will keep your baby in their own bed longer because the mattress will give them the feeling of being cuddled and cradled all night long, which comes in handy when your toddler starts to experience separation anxiety.

The encasement of the mattress is removable so it is easy to wash and wipe down, and it’s also waterproof in case accidents occur overnight.

When it comes to mattresses, Sealy is a name you can trust, and their Baby Firm Mattress (click here to check the price on Amazon) is known for its excellent firmness and its long lasting durability. So, you can place your newborn on it and use it until your tot is ready to transition from crib to toddler bed (and beyond).

It has a high coil count (approximately 204 coils) and it’s fully secured with a full perimeter wire border to ensure ultimate firmness, safety, and structure. It boasts an anti-sag weight distribution system, which helps against SIDS and promotes a healthy body placement while your little one is sleeping. Parents also love it because it has an antibacterial and antistatic surface that offers hospital grade protection, virtually allowing you to never have to wonder or worry about bacteria or odor spreading throughout it.

Every feature on the mattress is waterproof, so stains will wipe away easily. Plus, the materials used to make the mattress are considered Greenguard Gold, so you know your child is sleeping on a surface that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. The Sealy mattress fits all standard sized cribs and toddler beds. It also hosts a 20 year warranty on the workmanship and materials use to compose it alone.

It was voted America’s Best for Baby previously, and has always been a highly rated nursery product among parents for years.

Serta’s Perfect Start (click here to check the price on Amazon) is filled with features that many parents love. First and foremost, it boasts a convenient waterproof cover that protects from accidents and bottle/water spills and staining.

It also has cloth binding so it is long lasting and durable, and is lightweight so it’s easy to move from one place to another, and when you decide to transition from a crib to a toddler bed. It also has square corners, which ensures a perfect, snug fit for fitted sheets and when placed inside standard-sized cribs.

In addition to these awesome features, the mattress is Green Guard Gold certified, so the strictest standards offered by the Green Guard Environmental institute has ensured it contains low chemical emissions, improving air quality overall and promoting a place of health for your child to rest their head.

Your baby will be fully supported and safe, and the mattress will help their crib be a place of comfort so your baby can sleep peacefully. Also, when a mattress is very firm, your child is safer from SIDS and has plenty of support as they grow.

And, because Serta is a name parents can trust, you can ensure that it maintains its form over time, so you don’t have to fret about it losing it shape or support, even after using it for a number of years.

Another favorite mattress among parents is the Simmons Kids Beautyrest (click here to check the price on Amazon).

Deriving from the Beautyrest line, your little one can be treated to a luxurious sleeping experience right from the start. The mattress contains approximately 231 lined coil springs, so you can be certain the mattress is firm and supportive. In addition to its support, it boasts a natural fire protection wrap so your child gets exposed to zero fire retardant chemicals.

It also is composed of superior woven fabric that has a medical grade, waterproof barrier to fully protect your investment. It is Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, making it one of the safest mattresses around.

Parents have remarked that the best thing about this mattress is that it can be flipped on the side that best accommodates your baby’s needs. For example, the newborn side offers firm support, while the toddler side boasts a special foam comfort to help toddlers get a great night’s sleep.

Both sides are hypoallergenic and boast innofoam corners for awesome support and durability, and also help your tot get the best night sleep possible by promoting a healthy body temperature due to the mattress’ breathability factor.

Plus, all Simmons mattresses are made in the USA and it is one of the only mattress brands that come with a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty, so you truly know your baby is sleeping on something high quality and special.

Who knew so much goes into picking out a mattress?

Thank goodness there is a wealth of knowledge available to you today (you’re welcome) to help you make a reasoned and informed decision about which are the best crib mattresses for your baby.

No matter which mattress you select, be sure you feel confident with your choice and that you always put the safety of your baby first.

Happy shopping!