What type of baby crib mattress are you looking for?
Best Organic Crib Mattress
What Customers Said
This mattress has gone through 3 kids, the best investment ever!! I highly recommend this mattress to everyone.
Comfy, but not the least bit water resistant. You definitely will want to get a waterproof mattress cover with this line of mattresses.
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Best Waterproof or Stain-Resistant Mattress
What Customers Said
My husband and I are really pleased with our mattress. It fits snuggly in our crib, is firm, and has a nice wetness-resistant cover. And, most importantly, we feel it is a safe mattress for our little girl because the top material does not move or bunch.
I do not particularly like the plastic covering but again this is a convenience when you consider the little ‘accidents’ your infant may have – the covering fits perfectly so there is no rustling sound.
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Best Greenguard Mattress
What Customers Said
This is one of the best mattresses that I have ever purchased. Super firm, waterproof, fits the crib snuggly and handles all the jumping that my girls do several times a day in their cribs. Very happy with my purchase.
Unfortunately this mattress was not right for my baby. Because of the fabric, which is not breathable, my baby was so hot and would wake up so sweaty. I guess I did not know enough about mattresses before I bought this one. I had to buy another mattress which is made with a breathable fabric and now he is not hot and sweaty!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Mattress size
- Are crib mattresses a standard size?In Canada, cribs and crib mattress sizes are standardized for safety reasons. By law, crib mattresses can be no more than six inches (15 cm thick) and should measure between 27 5/8 in – 28 5/8 in wide, and 51 3/4 in – 53 in long.[7]But, despite the standardization, variations in mattress and crib size can occur, so you should always make sure that the gap between your mattress and crib is no more than 3 cm. Gaps over 3 cm can cause your baby’s face to become trapped, posing a suffocation risk.[8]
Find out more about crib mattress size in our buying guide.
- Are a crib mattress and toddler bed mattress the same size?Generally, most toddler beds have the same dimensions as a full-size crib mattress (28 in x 52 in on average), so, crib mattresses should fit your toddler bed. Many manufacturers offer convertible mattresses that feature a firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers, like this one by Dream on Me.But, because toddler bed measurements aren’t standardized, check that the bed dimensions accommodate your crib mattress before you add to cart.
Mattress firmness
- Should a baby mattress be firm or soft?Firmness is king when it comes to crib mattresses. While your instinct might be to provide your delicate newborn with the softest baby bed possible, be aware that a plush sleep surface can conform to your baby’s head, causing a suffocation risk.[5]Your baby’s developing bones also need the extra support provided by a firm mattress. Remember that if your baby’s mattress feels like something you would want to sleep on, it’s likely too soft for them.
- How firm should a baby crib mattress be?No matter whether you are buying a foam mattress or an innerspring mattress, you should buy the firmest and densest mattress you can afford.When shopping online, look for a foam mattress with a density of at least 1.5 lb per cubic foot to provide the safest sleep surface for your baby.[9] Innerspring mattresses are measured by their steel gauge—the lower the number, the thicker the springs. A mattress with a gauge of 15.5 or below will provide the extra firm sleep surface that infants require.
If shopping in-store, press down on the mattress; it should snap back into shape when you remove your hand. Likewise, your hand shouldn’t leave an indent.
Foam and coil mattresses
- Are foam crib mattresses safe?Yes, foam mattresses are safe for your baby, as long as they’re firm enough. A high-density mattress that holds at least 1.5 lb per cubic foot is the safest sleep surface for your baby.[9] To calculate the density of a foam mattress, you divide the weight of the foam by its width x height x length. Density is expressed by the weight per cubic foot, here’s an easy way to express the calculation:Weight ÷ Width x Height x Length = Density
- Is foam or coil better for a crib mattress?Neither type of mattress is better than the other, as long as you make firmness your top priority. There are, however, advantages to each.A firm, high-density foam mattress will weigh as much as half its innerspring counterpart, which saves you the heavy lifting when a diaper leak happens in the wee hours and you have to change the crib sheet.
Innerspring coil mattresses are known for their stable and supportive sleep surface, especially if they have border rods. They tend to be more durable than a foam mattress in the long-run.
See our Crib Mattress Guide for more details on foam vs. coil.
Convertible crib mattress
- Is a 2-stage crib mattress necessary?No, a 2-stage or convertible crib mattress isn’t necessary. This type of mattress (with a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers), provides a lot of bang for your buck. But, it’s only worth buying one if you plan on using it until your baby’s ready to upgrade to an adult bed.If you’d rather usher your tot from their crib right into a twin bed, skipping a toddler bed altogether, you’ll get less value out of a 2-stage crib mattress.
- When can you flip a crib mattress?If you’ve chosen a convertible mattress (which has a plush side for infants and a firm side for toddlers), you want to ensure your baby is ready before flipping. Generally, it is only considered safe to do so after your baby has turned one, but it’s important to first speak with your doctor who will determine if they’re ready based on their assessment.
Crib mattress safety
- Do crib mattresses expire?Crib mattresses don’t expire, but the government of Canada says to regularly check older mattresses to ensure it isn’t worn out or too soft, which could pose a suffocation risk to your baby.[8]While research is still ongoing, used crib mattresses (especially from outside your own home), have been linked to a higher risk of SIDS and experts think it’s because of bacteria growing inside the mattress as a result of trapped moisture.[10]
- Should you get a new mattress for each baby?It’s not necessary but for maximum safety, yes, ideally, every baby should have a new mattress. Older mattresses have an increased likelihood of carrying bacteria and germs that can be harmful to your baby. That being said, budgets don’t always allow for a new mattress. Before reusing a mattress, inspect it to make sure it’s still firm, has no sags and doesn’t contain stains.It’s also a good idea to only reuse a crib mattress that has been used by your other children, in your own home. Some studies link used mattresses from outside the home to a higher risk of SIDS, due to harmful bacteria growing inside.[10]
If your used mattress is waterproof and antibacterial, it’s likely to be in more sanitary condition than mattresses without these protections. If you have to reuse a mattress for baby number two, consider buying a new mattress cover to go over it.
Crib mattress quality
- What is the best mattress for a baby crib?There is no one perfect mattress to suit every baby, it really comes down to you and your baby’s specific needs. What is essential, though, is crib mattress firmness. A good rule of thumb is to buy the firmest mattress you can afford, making sure it adheres to the two-finger rule—the gap between your mattress and the crib should be no wider than two fingers (or 3 cm) to prevent the risk of suffocation.[8] Then, it’s about considering mattress features that work best for your baby.If they tend to have a leaky diaper, a waterproof mattress should be high up on your list. For a more hygienic option, you could get an organic mattress. Likewise, if your baby has sensitive skin, a mattress with a hypoallergenic cover would help them sleep better.
- How much should I spend on a crib mattress?A quality mattress doesn’t have to break the bank because there are tons of good picks in the $60 to $150 range. But, like most purchases, the more you spend, the more bells and whistles are available to you. These special features include organic and eco-friendly materials, Greenguard certification, airflow pockets and more.
Crib mattress features
- Do I need a breathable crib mattress?Breathability is an important component of your baby’s safe sleep, as it helps keep your baby cool at night, but it comes with trade-offs. A breathable mattress will not be 100% waterproof because plastic covers aren’t breathable. Waterproof mattresses are, however, easy to clean and they stop moisture from entering the core, preventing harmful mould and bacteria growth.Some 2-stage mattresses have the best of both words—a breathable side for infants and a waterproof side for toddlers. A good example is this Dream on Me convertible coil spring mattress.
- What is a Greenguard crib mattress?Choosing a Greenguard-certified mattress means it’s been held to the highest standards for low chemical emissions and healthier air quality for your baby. The certification process is managed by the Greenguard Environmental Institute, a reputable third party group that rigorously tests products for harmful toxins.There are two certification levels: Greenguard, which ensures the product meets strict emissions limits, and the more stringent Greenguard Gold, which also considers safety factors for sensitive individuals including children. Many affordable crib mattresses, like this Safety 1st Grow with Me one, have the Gold certification.
To explore this topic further, our Crib Mattress Buying Guide provides additional details on Greenguard certification.
- Does my baby need an organic crib mattress?While your baby doesn’t need an organic crib mattress, a truly organic mattress provides a healthier sleep environment for your baby. That’s because, generally, these mattresses are free from harmful chemical flame retardants and are made from organically grown, non-toxic materials like cotton, natural latex, coir or bamboo.Be aware, though, that many mattresses labelled organic simply feature an organic cotton cover around a synthetic core. Fully organic mattresses can start upwards of $300, compared to mattresses with organic covers that can be half the price or less. A good example is this Simmons Naturally Safer crib mattress with an organic cotton cover around a synthetic core that is 99.9% free of harmful emissions.
Article Sources
- SleepJunkie. Should you choose an organic mattress?
- HealthyChild. The best organic crib mattress is safe and non-toxic for your baby.
- US Environmental Protection Agency. Volatile organic compounds’ impact on indoor air quality.
- Greenguard. Greenguard Certification Program.
- Government of Canada. Joint Statement on Safe Sleep.
- Essential Home and Garden. What is PEVA? Is It Safe And What Is In It?
- Government of Canada. Is your child safe? Sleep time.
- Government of Canada. Cribs, cradles and bassinets.
- The Bump. How to Buy a Crib Mattress.
- BMJ. Used infant mattresses and sudden infant death syndrome in Scotland: case-control study.
How we choose products: Simply put, we don’t recommend any products we wouldn’t buy ourselves. Our writers leverage a number of sources as a starting point, including reputable third-party reviews, Walmart.ca user reviews, and Walmart Canada’s category specialists. theHUB editorial staff has final say for all products included in this guide.
Any product claims noted are provided by the manufacturer, unless otherwise stated.
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