Updated June 16, 2023
If you’re looking for the best crib mattress for your little one, the insulating properties of coconut coir are especially desirable. This mattress’ thick insulator layer is made of natural fibers like coconut and bound by organic Dunlop latex.
It’s best to avoid this type of mattress if you or your child suffer from a latex allergy. A wool layer on top of the insulated layer acts as a natural fire retardant.
Best Crib Mattress
When buying a baby mattress, you should check for these important factors: durability, waterproofing, and safety. A good mattress must be sealed and encased with an anti-allergy cover. It should also be made of organic materials. Although organic mattresses cost more, they’re worth the price. It is the best investment for your baby’s comfort, health, and safety. Read on to discover more about the features of the Best Crib Mattress.
Best Mini Crib Mattress
If you’re shopping for a mini-crib mattress for your new bundle of joy, there are a few factors to consider. First of all, you should consider the cost. A mattress that is too expensive may be too soft for your little one, and vice versa. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, a cheap model may be fine. Just keep in mind that there are many cheap options on the market, so you need to know what you want before making a purchase.
- Best overall mini crib mattress: Naturepedic Organic Breathable Mini Crib Mattress
- Best two-stage mini crib mattress: Bundle of Dreams Mini Crib Mattress
- Best organic mini crib mattress: Nook Organic Pebble Mini Crib Mattress
- Best waterproof mini crib mattress: Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic Mini Crib Mattress
- Best budget-friendly mini crib mattress: Serta SleepTrue 4-Inch Mini Crib Mattress
- Best lightweight mini crib mattress: Simmons Kids SlumberTime Naturally 4-Inch Mini Crib Mattress
- Best breathable mini crib mattress: Newton Baby Crib Mattress in Mini
There are plenty of reasons people choose a mini crib over a standard crib. They save space, tend to be more affordable, and can be easily moved from room to room. Plus they’re small and adorable — just like your little one.
Once you’ve decided to climb on the mini crib bandwagon, it’s time to pick the mattress of your (or, more accurately, your baby’s) dreams.
Measuring the mini crib
The first thing to note when you’re shopping for a mini crib mattress is the actual size of your crib. You might need to break out the measuring tape to figure it out.
What exactly is a mini crib? To put it simply, it’s a crib that’s smaller than the standard 28-by-52-inch regulation size. Regular crib sizes are standardized by law. Mini crib sizes aren’t.
Since a mini crib can really be any size, make sure you shop with the correct specs. Generally, the inside of mini cribs (and the size of a mini crib mattress) will be 24 inches wide and 38 inches long.
Types of mini crib mattresses
Just like regular-size crib mattresses, mini crib mattresses differ widely on the features they offer.
Mini crib mattresses fall into several main categories. Some mattresses might even be a combination of some of these types:
- Flippable crib mattresses offer a firmer side for babies in the first few months of life and a softer side for when it’s safe to give baby’s head a little extra cushion.
- Waterproof crib mattresses are made to be pee-proof, even for your little one’s longest sleep stretches.
- Organic crib mattresses are made with organic cotton, wool, and other natural materials to limit chemical fumes.
- Innerspring crib mattresses typically have a firmer feel and protect your baby from “sinking in” too deeply into the mattress.
- Foam mattresses tend to be softer than innerspring mattresses but still firm. They’re not as soft or “sinkable” as memory foam mattresses for adults. Most commercial brands of mini crib mattresses have a foam core.
How to shop
When you’re shopping for a mini crib mattress, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Used vs. new
Contrary to what advertisers tell you, babies don’t actually need every single brand-new, sparkly [insert latest “must-have” gadget] that you see in commercials.
But crib mattresses are the rare exception when buying something new, instead of thrifting or recycling, could actually make a difference.
Researchers team up with crib mattress manufacturers to update safety regulations all the time. Using an older mattress might mean that your mini crib mattress isn’t as safe as a newer model.
Reusing mattresses might potentially introduce mites, bacteria, and even bed bugs to your little one during their first weeks, when their immune systems are still being activated. If at all possible, buy something new.
Know your safety lingo
There are a few definitions that are good to know before you buy.
All crib mattresses have to meet the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) minimum standard for flammability. Additionally, Certi-PUR US, MadeSafe, and Greenguard are all types of certifications that indicate a mattress has been tested to meet low-fume emission thresholds.
The Greenguard Gold Seal, in particular, is one of the most coveted certifications.
Size matters
You’ll need to be thinking carefully about what fits best in your mini crib. According to the FDA’s crib guidelines, a mattress for a crib needs to fit snugly against every side of the bed so that your little one stays safely on top of the mattress. The same goes for mini cribs, which is why sizing is so important. There should be no gaps wider than two fingers between the mattress and the sides of the crib.
How we chose
We tried to select a range of price points in our roundup of the best mini crib mattresses.
Mattresses in this roundup have no current recalls or pending safety lawsuits against the company. Our picks are certified to have low emissions or nontoxic materials.
We also took a look at what customers say about each mattress we chose. Good reviews from multiple online retailers were a must.
A flat, rigid surface without any surrounding pillows is the golden rule for a newborn sleep environment. We looked for mattresses that are naturally snuggly and will contour gently to your newborn’s body.
All measurements for mattress dimensions are given in inches.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $75
- $$ = $75–$100
- $$$ = $100–$150
- $$$$ = over $150
Healthline’s picks of the best mini crib mattresses
Best overall mini crib mattress
Naturepedic Organic Breathable Mini Crib Mattress
- Price: $$$$
- Measurements: 37.5 L x 23.5 W x 3 H in.
If you’re concerned about off-gassing, ventilation, and safe manufacturing practices in your mini crib mattress, this is our top pick.
It has MadeSafe, Greenguard Gold, and Global Organic Textile certifications, which isn’t easy to do. This mattress also features waterproof backing.
What to know before you buy: This mini crib mattress is definitely a splurge for a product your baby may only use for a year or so. Naturepedic offers a 30-day, money-back guarantee and free returns if you decide it’s not for you.
Best two-stage mini crib mattress
Bundle of Dreams Mini Crib Mattress
- Price: $$$
- Measurements: 38 L x 24 W x 5 H in.
This two-stage mattress offers a firm side for newborns and a softer foam side for when baby is ready to make the switch. The cover has certified organic cotton, and the mattress is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it’s been tested for gas emissions and been found safe.
What to know before you buy: If you purchase through the company website, you’ll get free shipping, a lifetime warranty, and a 120-day trial.
Best organic mini crib mattress
Nook Organic Pebble Mini Crib Mattress
- Price: $$$$
- Measurements: 38 L x 24 W x 3 H in.
The Nook crib mattress is thinner than some other options, but reviewers say it still feels soft and fluffy. Organic coconut coir and organic wool are the main materials used, and reviewers like the textured, cloud-like mattress cover.
It’s Greenguard Gold Seal certified and also meets Global Organic Textile Standard guidelines. The cover is removable and washable, too.
What to know before you buy: Nook is a newer company, so it doesn’t have the track record of well-established companies. This mattress is quite expensive and not flippable, which means you’re spending money to use it for maybe only a few months until your baby outgrows it. It may not be the best bang for your buck, but reviewers say it sure is soft.
Best waterproof mini crib mattress
Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic Mini Crib Mattress with Hybrid Waterproof Cover
- Price: $$$
- Measurements: 37.5 L x 23.5 W x 3 H in.
The Greenguard Gold-certified Babyletto mini crib mattress features a firm, waterproof surface and also includes a removable waterproof cover. Reviewers say it’s lightweight, breathable, and ultra-soft to the touch.
What to know before you buy: Some reviewers noted that the mattress cover can only be washed in cold water. The mattress materials aren’t necessarily organic, either. Babyletto offers a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty for the cover and 10-year warranty for the core of the mattress.
Best budget-friendly mini crib mattress
Serta SleepTrue 4-Inch Mini Crib Mattress
- Price: $
- Measurements: 38 L x 24 W x 4 H in.
Serta offers many of the same qualities as some much pricier brands with this mattress. It’s Greenguard Gold certified and can fit snugly in most mini cribs. The cover is vinyl for wipe-off cleaning. It’s also flippable, offering two firmness levels so you can use it past the infant stage.
What to know before you buy: You’ll probably want to add a mini crib sheet since vinyl isn’t the coziest cover material.
Best lightweight mini crib mattress
Simmons Kids SlumberTime Naturally 4-Inch Mini Crib Mattress
- Price: $
- Measurement: 38 L x 24 W x 4 H in.
This mattress comes in at just under 4 pounds, which makes it super easy to flip from the firm side to the soft side when your baby is ready.
It’s also Greenguard Gold certified and features a soft cotton cover designed for breathability and comfort. Since it’s waterproof, stain-resistant, and flippable, you may be able to use this mattress until your baby outgrows their mini crib.
What to know before you buy: Reviewers rave that this mattress is a great value for the price. They say the cotton cover makes a big difference when compared to other similarly priced mattresses that are topped with vinyl.