There are few instances where you need to leave your baby in the crib alone. Because of this, it is important that you choose a reliable crib mattress for your little ones. There are lots of crib mattresses in the market.
They all claim they are the best choice for your baby. Do not believe everything you read in their ads as some of them are not real. To help you in choosing the best crib mattress, we have created this detailed guide. This post will include the different crib mattresses available in the market and their pros and cons.
What is a Crib Mattress?
A crib mattress is a small mattress designed to fit the inside of your baby crib. Its main purpose is to provide a safe and comfortable surface for your baby to sleep on.
Five Types of Crib Mattresses
In choosing a crib mattress, what is on the inside matters a lot. The comfort a mattress can provide depends on the material it makes up. The name of the crib mattresses is taken from the material used in its core. By taking the time to read about the benefits and the possible problems associated with each type, you can choose which crib mattress is the best for your baby.
Here are some of the most popular types of crib mattresses.
1. Foam Crib Mattress
This is the most common and cheapest kind of the crib mattress. Its core has one or more blocks of foam.
As compared to other kinds of the crib mattress, the foam is the lightest. If you have a portable crib, this is a good choice as you can fold it up when not in use. It will be easier to remove the mattress.
The foam inside the mattress is made up of different varieties. Latex, bamboo fiber and polyurethane are the materials that can make up this mattress. The one with polyurethane foam is cheaper, but it sinks fast. Latex foam is long lasting, but it is more costly.
Keep in mind that foam is available not only in different densities but of various levels of firmness as well. The more dense and firmer a foam mattress is, the safer it is for your little ones. How thick the foam mattress varies depending who manufactures it. The thickness is between three and six inches.
Pros
- The cheapest type of crib mattressIn different sizes
- Lightweight
Cons
- Less durable as compared to other mattresses
- Not recommended for long-term use
2. Coil Spring Crib Mattress
Another name for this type of crib mattress is innerspring mattresses. This mattress has coiled steel in its core this is where it gets its name. Because of its steel construction, this mattress is heavier than the foam mattress.
Many brands promote their coil mattress by boasting about the coil count. This feature is important, but it does not mean it is firmer and more comfortable. Rather, check out the thickness of the steel used.
The gauge of the coils should be 15.5 or lower. The lower the gauge, the thicker the steel wire of the coil. The coil uses a steel frame to connect each other. If you place a heavy object on top of the mattress, the spring will compress to a certain degree.
A cheaper coil spring mattress has low-quality coil mattresses that squeak each time your baby moves. You wouldn’t want to hear this in the middle of the night.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Supportive
- Durable
- Available anywhere
Cons
- Heavy type of crib mattress
- Low-quality coil produces annoying sound
- More expensive than a foam mattress
3. Pocket Spring Crib Mattress
Just like the coil mattress, this mattress consists of coils of steel. The only difference is that instead of connecting it to one another, each spring is sewn into its own material pocket.
The individual pocket enables each spring to move freely of each other. It means that each spring will compress depending on the amount of weight applied.
The spring that supports the back of your baby will compress more than the spring that supports the legs of your baby. This provides the needed amount of support for the baby’s whole body.
Pros
- Provides the best support
- Last longer
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Expensive kind of crib mattress
4. Memory Foam Crib Mattress
This mattress is temperature sensitive that molds to the baby’s body shape. Once you remove your baby in the mattress, it will spring back to its normal shape. If your baby’s room is cold, you notice that the memory foam is hard. But, as you lay the baby down in the foam, it will mold to your baby’s shape.
Since this crib mattress hugs your baby’s body, it affects the air circulation. It makes the foam feel warmer. This is the recommended variety of mattress during cold climates. It will keep your baby warm.
Many of the memory foam crib mattresses have coiled spring core with a layer of memory foam above. Because of this, you cannot flip the mattress over.
Pros
- Contours to your baby’s body shape
- Reduces air circulation that warms your baby’s body
- Springs back to its original shape once the weight is remove
Cons
- It is too hot during summer
- It is hard to flip over
5. Natural and Organic Crib Mattress
Most parents do not want to expose their babies to harsh chemicals while they are still young. Modern mattresses are made from petroleum by products and are manufactured using flame retardant chemicals like boric acid. If this scares you, then choose the natural crib mattress. These mattresses are made from natural materials and fibers.
Pros
- Gentle on allergies
- Breathable
- Last longer
- Chemical free
Cons
- Firmness depends on the materials used
- Far more different than other crib mattresses
Top 8 Best Crib Mattress
Here are some of the best crib mattresses you can consider buying:
1. Moonlight Slumber
This is one of the best-rated crib mattresses in the market. It is 5 inches thick. This CertiPUR-US certified model does not contain polyethylene, lead, vinyl, PVC, and phthalates. The Moonlight Slumber mattress can last from the early days of your baby up to his toddler years. The mattress has extra firm infant side and if you flip it over, which is the less firm side is perfect for your toddler.
The seams are dropped side-stitched. It is waterproof, hypoallergenic, and it weighs around 10.5 pounds. The edges of Moonlight Slumber fit the crib well so you don’t have to worry about gaps. This mattress is not cheap but you get the best quality and safety you have been looking for a crib mattress.
2. Newton Wovenaire
This is a unique crib mattress made of 100% organic materials. It only has two components the 3-D space cover and the Wovenaire material. The Newton Wovenaire mattress is 10% polymer and 90% air. It does not contain HDPS’s, PS, polyethylene, vinyl, PP and other toxic plastics.
This mattress has a lower suffocation risk as compared to other breathable mattresses. Another good feature is that it is 100% washable. Your little ones will have a comfortable sleep. It has passed the heat retention test. Since it is 90% air it can cool down faster. It has holes so air can escape making it cool and comfy. You can even use it without a crib sheet cover.
If you are looking for a revolutionary mattress that is breathable and is made of organic materials this is a good choice. It does not produce any bad odor. The Newton Wovenaire provides support, comfort and cools down faster than you cannot find in other mattresses. The only problem is that it is not cheap, but it’s worth it.
3. Colgate Eco Classica III
This crib mattress is one of the best mattresses in the market. It has dual-sided mattress just like Moonlight Slumber. You can use the firmer side for your toddler’s bed once your baby has outgrown his crib. The baby side is nicely firm and does not sink in. It weighs around 10 pounds.
The cover is made of 100% certified organic cotton. Colgate Eco Classica is made of plant-based foam. Because it is very lightweight, change the sheet cover is very easy. You can simply lift the mattress to change. It does not produce any bad smell, unlike others. This crib mattress is lightweight, safe, comfy and eco-friendly.
4. Sealy Soybean Foam
One of the safest cribs mattresses in the market because it has no flame-retardant chemicals. It is a healthy, non-toxic and eco-friendly mattress. The mattress is firm but breathable and is ideal during summer. You don’t have to worry if your baby spills something on it because it is waterproof and stain-resistant.
Carrying the mattress is not a problem since it is very light. You will not have any difficulties if you need to change the sheet. Most moms prefer this because even if it is innerspring mattress it will not give you any trouble when changing the sheets alone. The mattress measures 51.6 x 27.2 x 5 inches, thus it fits the standard sized crib.
5. Naturepedic No Compromise
This is one of the most expensive mattresses made of 100% organic materials inside and out. It is an all-around crib mattress without chemical fire retardants.
Just like other mattresses, it is a dual-firmness mattress, which means it can be used until your baby becomes a toddler. The product outside layer is made of food-grade polyethylene which makes it waterproof. It does not contain any harmful chemicals.
Naturepedic is not cheap, but it is worth it. You can still use it until your baby is big enough to have its own bed. The mattress is 100% organic and safe to use.
6. Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams
If you are looking for the best budget crib mattress, Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams is a good choice. It is a comfy firm mattress, with vinyl covering making it stains and smells resistant. The cover is waterproof and has a zip in case you want to change or wash it.
It fits the standard-sized beds and cribs since it measures 52.5 x 27.5 x 5.5 inch. You can check first if it will fit the crib or not. This foam crib mattress retains its shape well even after several years’ usage.
The best thing about the lack of springs is that kids are not allowed to jump on it. The foam is light making it easy to wash and change the sheets. The negative side of this is that it uses the typical polyurethane foam that most mothers are avoiding.
7. Simmons Beautyrest Beginnings
This crib mattress has innerspring double sided design with 231 pocketed coil springs to support your baby. One side has firmness ideal for the newborn while the other side offers a layer of foam to accommodate growing toddlers.
It is Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified which make sure this is perfect for a healthier indoor environment. It is hypoallergenic, water-resistant, non-toxic and a natural cotton fire protection wrap without harmful chemicals. It has everything you have been looking for a crib mattress at an affordable price.
8. My First Mattress Memory Foam
This crib mattress is highly recommended memory foam for babies and toddlers. It is CertiPUR-US certified, mite-proof, anti-microbial, and hypoallergenic and phthalate and lead-free. The cover is attractive. You can remove it from the mattress and put it in the washer. It is very soft. The cover has durability factor.
The high-density memory foam is very comfortable. Because of its high-density, the baby won’t sink and it is safe for babies and toddlers. It is also very supportive. This crib mattress passed the heat retention test. When it comes to breathability, it has surpassed other type of mattresses. The average time to cool down is 20 to 25 second.
Final Words
Choosing the right crib mattress is not easy. You need to consider many factors like durability, the materials it is made of, safety, quality, and price. From the 8 crib mattresses we have reviewed we find Newton Novenaire as the best product. This mattress is 100% organic. It does not contain any harmful chemicals. The cover is washable. This product is odor-free. This revolutionary mattress provides all the comfort for you and your baby. If you find this review helpful to you, feel free to share it with other moms.
