7 Best Crib Mattresses for Your Baby
These expert-recommended crib mattresses offer something for every family, from budget-friendly picks to certified organic options.
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Babies spend most of their time sleeping, so the crib mattress is one of the most important purchases you'll make as a new parent (no pressure, right?). If it helps you budget: You will get years of use out of this purchase, since a crib mattress also fits a toddler bed.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: My Green Mattress Emily Organic Crib Mattress
- Best value: MAMAZING Aerobase Baby Crib and Toddler Mattress
- Best lightweight organic: Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress
- Best luxury: Avocado Organic Crib Mattress
Primarily you want a crib mattress to be firm, supportive, and made with safe materials. On top of that, it should be easy to clean, because accidents are inevitable. Some parents also like if a mattress has dual firmness: an extra-firm side for the first year and a slightly softer side for the toddler years.
The fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab review crib mattresses for materials and certifications (every recommendation in this article is Greenguard Certified) as well as performance and safety claims. We then have parent testers try out the crib mattresses in their homes, providing feedback on how they hold up over time. Our recommendations offer something for every preference and budget—My Green Mattress Emily Organic Crib Mattress offers a great balance of quality and value.
Best Deal
Pros
- High-quality, organic mattress
- 365-night trial period
Cons
- Not dual firmness
BEST FOR: High quality at a reasonable price
WHY WE LIKE IT: Constructed from organic latex and coconut fibers surrounded by an outer layer of wool and cotton, this mattress is certified organic by GOTS and GOLS so you know the entire process follows strict standards.
My Green Mattress has a 365-night trial period, so if your baby doesn’t take to it, you can send it back for a refund. You need to have had the mattress covered with a mattress protector (like the brand's mattress protector) for it to be eligible.
TESTER NOTES: One consumer tester noted, "Structurally, it seemed more firm and supportive than any other I've used." Our only quibble is that the firmness is the same on both sides, so there’s not a softer side to move up to.
| Thickness | 6 in. |
| Fill material | Coil innerspring surrounded by a layer of organic coconut coir (organic coconut fibers bound together with organic latex) |
| Dual firmness | No (same firmness on both sides) |
| Weight | 15.6 lbs |
Pros
- Affordable
- One side is firm for babies, the other is softer for toddlers
Cons
- Give it a bit of time to fully expand once out of the box
BEST FOR: Anyone who needs a quality crib mattress under $150
WHY WE LIKE IT: It's reversible with two firmness levels so you'll be able to use the firmer side during the first year and the softer side going forward. It features a breathable core for airflow, a waterproof layer for the potty training years, and a removable, machine-washable cover.
TESTER NOTES: Parents found the mattress firm, supportive, and well-made. It's "a simple, safe, and reliable crib mattress," one said, adding, "It provides a flat, stable surface that gives me confidence my baby is sleeping safely without too much sink or softness."
This is shipped compactly and you'll want to allow up to 72 hours after you open the box for the mattress to expand.
| Thickness | 4 in. |
| Fill material | Polyurethane foam |
| Dual firmness | Yes (baby side and toddler side) |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs |
Pros
- Uses certified organic materials
- Dual sides, for baby and toddler
Cons
- Mixed reviews on firmness
BEST FOR: Families who want an organic mattress with good air flow
WHY WE LIKE IT: This crib mattress is GOTS-certified organic, meaning the entire manufacturing process follows strict standards. Yet it's constructed in a way that makes it light, airy, and waterproof to protect against accidents.
The mattress is two-sided with a firm side for infancy and a softer side for toddlerhood.
TESTER NOTES: Consumer testers said it feels well-made and was comfortable for their babies. "I like the removable cover, which is washable. It's easy to slip back on when it's clean and quickly dries, which is always a plus," one said. "You can tell there is a lot going on inside."
While some parents might feel this is too firm, we politely disagree—babies need it that way!
| Thickness | 6 in. |
| Fill | Organic cotton fabric and filling |
| Dual firmness | Yes (baby side and toddler side) |
| Weight | 14 lbs |
Pros
- Top-notch quality materials and craftsmanship
- Certified organic
Cons
- Heaviest on our list
BEST FOR: Those looking for a top-of-the-line mattress made from high quality and sustainable materials
WHY WE LIKE IT: Our experts are blown away by the quality construction, which is certified organic by both GOTS and GOLS. The dual-firmness mattress is made up of coils and organic materials including latex, cotton, wool, and coconut fibers.
The mattress earned the Good Housekeeping Seal and the brand has our top spot in the best organic mattresses for adults. Each crib mattress is hand-sewn to avoid the use of glues. But note that the end result is a 28-pound crib mattress, so it requires some work to flip and change the crib sheet.
TESTER NOTES: "The Avocado mattress holds its shape much better than my previous one, which bowed in the middle, and it definitely feels more premium," a tester said. "The mattress was delivered without any compression or odors."
| Thickness | 5.5 in. |
| Fill material | Coil innersprings wrapped in unbleached cotton with organic wool layered between |
| Dual firmness | Yes (baby side and toddler side) |
| Weight | 28 lbs |
Pros
- Support keeps newborns toward the mattress center
- Durable coils hold up even to a standing toddler
Cons
- Washable cover is water-repellent but not waterproof
BEST FOR: Parents who want a firm, innerspring crib mattress for babyhood into toddlerhood
WHY WE LIKE IT: The 200 recycled-steel coils in the core of this mattress are surrounded by firm edge support. It keeps your young baby toward the center of the mattress and when your toddler grows big enough to stand on the mattress edge, the support keeps the mattress from sinking down.
Our Textiles Lab experts (including moms!) also appreciate how it uses latex instead of foam, since foam has the potential to off gas. The outside of this crib mattress is water-repellant cotton (not waterproof) that you can take off to wash, and you can flip it from a baby side to a toddler side.
TESTER NOTES: "This feels like a very high-quality mattress," one tester said, noting the smooth zipper and pretty, ivory-colored cover.
| Thickness | 6 in. |
| Fill material | Coil innerspring surrounded by latex |
| Dual firmness | Yes (baby side and toddler side) |
| Weight | 19 lbs |
Pros
- Entire mattress (including the inside) can be cleaned
- Interior can even be recycled in some places
Cons
- Not organic
BEST FOR: Being able to clean every part of the crib mattress
WHY WE LIKE IT: The removable cover was easy to zip off and machine wash in our tests, while the web-like material on the inside can be fully rinsed (think: hosed off in your shower).
The interior structure is firm yet airy and lightweight—the plastic webbing allows for air to pass through, which helps prevent overheating.
The inner core is even recyclable (just note that you'll have to find a recycling facility that can accept it; the brand says to reach out if you need help finding one). It's not made from organic materials.
TESTER NOTES: "I like this way more than any other crib mattress I have used or even seen because it is so much easier to clean," one consumer tester told us. Another said, "After you rinse the actual mattress off, it will air dry quickly.”
| Thickness | 5.5 in. |
| Fill material | Woven plastic that the brand calls "Wovenaire" |
| Dual firmness | No (same firmness on both sides) but one side has a waterproof lining for toddler potty training |
| Weight | 11 lbs |
Pros
- Lightweight for easy sheet changes
- Extra edge support
Cons
- Not made from organic materials
BEST FOR: Easy sheet changes
WHY WE LIKE IT: Lifting the mattress can be a hassle when you have to reach inside a deep crib, but this model is the lightest in our roundup and weighs only 7 pounds. It helps to make changing the crib sheet much easier, especially if you have to do it frequently to clean up diaper leaks and spit up.
The inside is a firm and durable woven plastic, with extra support around the edges for when baby starts to stand. Importantly, it's also waterproof. While this mattress is not made from polyurethane foam, it is not an organic option.
TESTER NOTES: Our testers liked that it's thick at a full 6 inches. "It is impressively withstanding the wild energy of a toddler boy," one consumer tester said. "The cover feels cooling while also being waterproof, which is absolutely necessary for a toddler who is prone to have an accident, or throw up, or spill something."
| Thickenss | 6 in. |
| Fill material | Woven plastic that the brand calls "WaveSupport" |
| Dual firmness | No (same firmness on both sides) |
| Weight | 7 lbs |
How we test crib mattresses
Our fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluate mattresses of all types. When it comes to crib mattresses, we review each one for its materials and features, considering aspects like safety, convenience, innovation, value, and more.
Then we have parents use them in their own homes, with their babies and toddlers, giving us feedback via surveys and sharing insight about how these crib mattresses perform in real life. We've reviewed more than 20 crib mattresses in the past 10 years.
What to look for when shopping for a crib mattress
✔️ Size: According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), crib mattresses must be at least 27 1/4 inches wide and 51 1/4 inches long to ensure a secure fit in the crib. They also shouldn't be more than 6 inches thick.
Looking for a mini crib mattress? The industry recommendation is to purchase the mini crib and mini crib mattress from the same brand, or at least follow manufacturer recommendations on which mattress to purchase to ensure it’s the right fit.
✔️ Fit: The crib mattress should fit securely in the crib with no gaps between sides. If you can fit more than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress, that means the gap is too wide and poses a risk to the baby.
✔️ Certifications: If you prefer an organic mattress for your baby, check for certification from Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for fabrics and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) for latex, which ensure the entire manufacturing process follows strict standards. These certifications are especially important because some mattresses claim to be "organic" when they only use one organic component, like an organic cotton cover over a synthetic foam interior.
If you're buying a foam crib mattress, check for GreenGuard Gold certification to be sure that there are low emissions and no harmful levels of off-gassing VOCs.
What type of mattress is best for a crib?
Mattresses for babies aren't just smaller versions of ones designed for kids or adults. They're built with extra attention to safety and development for their growing bodies. Here's what you should consider when you shop:
✔️ Extra firm: The best mattress for a newborn is one that’s extra firm; in fact, it should be so hard that as an adult, you can’t imagine it possibly being comfortable. Not only does this support their developing bones, but it also helps reduce the risk of SIDS.
✔️ Dual-sided: When a baby is about a year old, they can have a slightly softer (yet still firm) surface to sleep on. Many crib mattresses are reversible with infant and toddler sides so you can use the same one for several years until your child is ready to transition into a bed.
✔️ Robust core materials: Just like with an adult mattress, you’ll commonly choose between innerspring and foam crib mattresses. Innerspring models have steel coils to make it sturdy (the more coils, the more supportive it’ll be), while foam mattresses are usually made of dense yet lightweight polyurethane foam or latex. In the crib mattress world there is a third choice, too: A woven plastic core that is lightweight and lets air pass through easily for temperature regulation.
How do I know if a crib mattress is safe?
✔️ Buy new: When it comes to crib mattresses, it's best to buy new instead of used. A used one may not be as firm, can have mildew or bacteria growth, and may not be up-to-date with the latest safety regulations.
✔️ Don't add any bedding other than a fitted sheet and mattress protector: Make sure the fitted crib sheet hugs the mattress securely enough so that your baby can’t pull the edges up, causing a suffocating hazard. An infant's crib should have nothing else in it: No pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or other toys. There also shouldn’t be anything hanging near the crib that the baby can pull down.
✔️ Don't trust all the hype, and follow AAP advice: Crib mattresses are not medical devices and should not claim "breathability" to help fight Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). A breathable mattress isn’t included in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Safe Sleep guidelines to prevent SIDS; instead, it focuses on using a firm, flat surface. The AAP also stresses:
✔️ Putting your baby on their back to sleep, every time, is the best prevention against accidental suffocation.
✔️ Not overheating your baby, which increases the rise of SIDS. Don't dress your baby in more than one additional layer from what you yourself would wear. Check their skin to be sure they're not flushed or sweaty.
✔️ Don't allow your baby to sleep in your adult bed or in an infant swing or other piece of baby gear. You can read the AAP's complete list of baby sleep suggestions for more.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Our lead expert for this story, Lexie Sachs, is the former executive director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, and now the executive director, strategy & operations of the Good Housekeeping Institute. Sachs has been researching, analyzing, and reporting on mattresses since 2014, and, as a mom of two, has personally tried many of the crib mattresses featured in this article.
This list was updated by contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn, a journalist and mom of two who has covered the juvenile-product industry for 25 years, including for Parents magazine and American Baby magazine.
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