The Best Crib Mattresses
New parent anxiety and guilt are real. For many parents, this manifests when looking for a healthy crib mattress in a world full of off-gassing foam masquerading as “healthier.” Considering that babies spend most of their first years sleeping, a quality mattress requires serious consideration and investment. Finding a safe, suitable mattress for your baby's first bed is essential for sleep and peace of mind.
We considered over 20 potential contenders, settling on 10 to test hands-on to help you find the best crib mattress for your baby. Our picks focus on quality materials, mattress size and fit, and how easy it is to change the sheets.
Our favorite mattress is the My Green Mattress Emily Natural. This mattress is made of organic cotton, wool, and latex, with organic coconut coir and recycled steel for the innerspring, making it a mattress with excellent transparency and consideration for the baby's well-being. It fits nicely in our test cribs, but it is on the heavier side.
If your budget is smaller, the Babyletto Pure Core with Dry Waterproof Cover is the one to consider. While it is comprised of man-made materials, they aren't petroleum-based and don't off-gas Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). It is smaller, lightweight, and fits in our test cribs with quick, effortless sheet changes.
If you are looking for a mattress, you might need other nursery staples. We've also reviewed gear like top-ranked baby cribs, night lights, baby monitors, and diaper pails.
Editor's Note: This crib mattress review was updated on March 13, 2025, with a review of 10 new 2025 contenders we hands-on tested.
[related=crib]Related: The Best Travel Cribs