What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process Opens a new window. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
Quick Summary
The best crib mattress is the Newton Baby Essential Crib Mattress, according to the results of the 2025 What to Expect Sleep Awards, as well as feedback from What to Expect staff and community members. Parents praise its fully washable and waterproof designs, which comesin handy during middle-of-the-night blowouts.
Following safe sleep practices set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is crucial for helping lower the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). One of those practices: Placing baby (on their back) on a well-designed and firm crib mattress.
Yes, a firm mattress. “Just because you would prefer a softer mattress does not mean that your baby would,” says Rachel Y. Moon, M.D., an investigator with the Child Health Research Center at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. She adds that “a hard mattress will not mold to the shape of the baby.” Rather, it keeps them flat, preventing their chin resting on their chest and potentially blocking their airways.
There are many types of crib mattresses available, all that are perfectly safe for baby but vary when it comes to their material and a few other key areas, such as how easy they are to clean or what type of crib they’re made to fit. Since there are many crib mattresses on the market — and they all seem the same from the outside — buying the right one can be difficult. So I’ve done the research to narrow down the dozens of crib mattresses to the seven best.
How I Chose the Best Crib Mattresses
To help narrow down your choices, I first referenced guidance from the AAP and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), as well as input from pediatricians to learn what features are most important when it comes to crib mattress. Based on this information, all the crib mattresses I selected met the following criteria:
- Size: To reduce the risk of entrapment and suffocation, the CSPC says a full-size crib mattress must be at least 27 1/4 inches x 51 1/4 inches, and be less than 6 inches thick. In addition to measuring your crib before looking at mattress, Jenelle Ferry M.D., neonatologist and director of feeding, nutrition and infant development at Pediatrix Medical Group in Tampa, Florida, says, “make sure you cannot fit two fingers between the mattress and the side of the crib.”
- Certifications: A Greenguard Gold certification is given to products that are made from materials that give off low or no emissions of potentially harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Every crib mattress on this list is Greenguard Gold certified, and may hold other certifications, including:
- CertiPUR-US: Awarded to mattresses made of foams that are free of heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates and more.
- ASTM certification: Awarded to mattresses that meet the standards of the American Society for Testing Materials set forth by the CPSC for crib safety.
Once I narrowed down the initial list, I turned to What to Expect community members to learn which crib mattresses received high praise for being affordable, durable and easy to maintain. Specifically, I reviewed feedback from nearly 600 parents who voted for their favorite crib mattress in the 2025 What to Expect Sleep Awards.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Pros
- Available in mini-size
- Dual-sided
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
- 100 night trial
Cons
- Some find it heavier than expected
Weight: 11 pounds
Dimensions: 52 x 28 x 4 inches
Material: Cotton exterior, wovenaire fill
Certifications: Greenguard Gold certified
Why We Love It
Parents voted, and the results are in: Newton’s Baby Essential Crib Mattress Opens a new windowis a clear favorite. Winner of Best Mattress in the 2025 What to Expect Sleep Awards, this pick stands out for its fully washable and waterproof design. Just toss the cover in the washing machine and rinse the core in the shower or tub. If you’ve ever dealt with a middle-of-the-night blowout, you know how clutch that is!
Another standout feature is the mattress filling. Instead of springs, foam or coil inserts, Newton uses a unique polymer that allows for excellent airflow. This helps regulate your baby’s temperature throughout the night — no matter the season — giving parents extra peace of mind.
While it’s pricier than some other options, it’s a smart long-term investment. One side is firm for infants, while the other is slightly softer for toddlers, making it a mattress that grows with your child.
Still unsure? Newton offers a 100-night free trial with a full refund if you’re not satisfied.
