How to Pick a Crib Mattress for Your Newborn Baby

After countless hours of research to pick the best crib mattress for my newborn babies, I’ve decided to create this guide and help you choose a mattress.

When choosing a crib mattress for your newborn, the most important factor is safety. A safe mattress is firm enough, made from quality materials, and fits perfectly in the crib. Besides security, there’s also different characteristic that can ensure a comfortable night sleep.

Have you ever slept on a poor-quality mattress and spent the next week with serious back pain? I know I have! Beds play a huge role in our back health, comfort, and quality of sleep.

Similarly, your newborn’s comfort also depends on their mattress quality.

The right crib mattress is crucial for your baby’s safety and the best night’s sleep. There are several key factors to consider when buying a crib mattress.

In this article, you’ll learn about the different types of crib mattresses, critical safety considerations, and the best mattresses for newborns.

This article will cover:

1. What kind of mattress should a newborn sleep on?
2. What are the types of crib mattresses?
3. How to choose a crib mattress
4. Crib mattress safety guidelines
5. Which mattress is best for a newborn?
6. Takeaway

Seeking for the perfect baby crib, but you’re unsure where to start? Check out this list I created of the best baby cribs to buy.

What kind of mattress should a newborn sleep on?

The ideal mattress for a newborn to sleep on should be firm enough to be comfortable. Besides comfort, safety is also a critical factor when picking the right mattress. Therefore you must check the mattress size and make sure it fits properly in the crib.

Let’s go more in detail! It’s important to understand the characteristics of a good crib mattress, especially if it’s for your newborn baby.

Crib mattress size chart

Crib mattresses in the U.S. are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Commission (CPSC). The CPSC gives several size guidelines for newborn crib mattresses:

• A standard crib mattress should be:
  • 27 ¼ to 28 inches wide
  • 51 ⅝ to 53 inches long
  • 4 to 6 inches thick
• Most standard-sized crib mattresses are 28 by 52 ⅜ inches
• Mini crib mattresses are usually 24 by 38 inches

Can babies sleep on soft mattresses?

Babies should not sleep on soft mattresses. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a baby should never sleep on soft surfaces like couches, adult mattresses, or loose bedding. Too soft of a surface or extra bedding can lead to suffocation for babies. 

The suffocation hazard is created by the soft materials that may conform to the child’s head shape, making it easier for the fabric to prevent a baby from properly inhaling. 

How firm should a baby mattress be?

A good way to tell if a crib mattress is firm enough is to press down on it with your hand. If the material snaps back without molding to your hand, it’s a good, firm fit.

Did you know that your baby has 300 bones while you have only 206? With all these bones in your newborn’s little body, he or she needs more support. 

Why do babies need a hard mattress?

Babies’ bones are soft, and the connective tissue is still developing. Firmer mattresses support this development and the health of a baby’s spine. Firmness is also crucial to avoid suffocation. 

Babies should sleep on their backs on a firm mattress. Your baby should also always sleep on a designated sleeping space rather than a soft mattress or sofa.

What are the types of crib mattresses?

There are two main types of crib mattresses: innerspring and foam. Adult mattresses have a wider range, but crib mattresses are made with either of these two materials for safety.

Here are the pros and cons of both types of crib mattresses. 

1- Crib innerspring mattress

Innersprings are made with steel coils inside the fabric for sturdiness and resiliency, covered by layers of cushioning like cotton or foam.

Innerspring mattresses are famously long-lasting. But, the coils can poke through the cover of an older or cheaper innerspring, which is super uncomfortable.

Benefits:

• Back support
• Durability

Disadvantages:

• Expense
• Discomfort after long-term use

2- Foam mattresses

Foam mattresses come in several different types. The most common are polyfoam and memory foam, and most foam mattresses are made from polyurethane. 

Foam is lightweight and cool for the tricky sleep schedule of a newborn. It’s also a cost-effective choice, as foam mattresses are usually cheaper than innerspring.

Benefits:

• Cool and lightweight
• Options for firmness

Disadvantages:

• Not always supportive
• Less durability

Is foam safe for babies?

As long as it’s firm, foam is safe for babies. Polyurethane, the material used in foam mattresses, is nontoxic. But, some foam mattresses with polyurethane use flame-retardants that could have negative health effects.

The best foam crib mattresses don’t use chemical fire retardants and instead use fire-proof covers. Look for foam mattresses that advertise a fire-proof cover with no chemicals.

Is memory foam good for newborns?

Memory foam mattresses and toppers are not safe for babies. The material is too soft to aid in bone development. Because it forms to the body, there is also a risk for suffocation.

I love the memory foam mattress my partner and I use, but my infants were never allowed to sleep on our memory foam bed.

Most importantly, your baby should never sleep on an adult memory foam mattress. They are not designed for babies, so it’s dangerous.

Is memory foam toxic?

Older memory foam mattresses did not have to pass safety guidelines and may contain toxic chemicals or flammable materials. However, new options have to pass tests of toxicity and flammability.

In the past, memory foam was made with flame retardants and other chemicals like formaldehyde. These chemicals could cause irritation or allergic reactions. Nowadays, memory foam has to pass inspections before distribution, so it’s much safer.

What about the double-sided mattresses?

A newer innovation is the double-sided mattress. These mattresses have one firm side for newborn use and a softer side for toddler use.

In theory, your baby could use this mattress for a longer time than a single-sided firm mattress. But, some babies enjoy sleeping on a firm surface, even through the toddler years. It’s up to you if you want to make that transition when your baby is old enough.

Is foam or coil better for baby mattresses?

Coil mattresses are super durable and will likely last longer than foam. And, some can better distribute weight over the bed for your baby’s sensitive spine. Foam mattresses also offer some benefits like a cool sleep, lower cost, and more choices for firmness.

There’s no right answer to this – it depends on the needs of your family and your baby. Consider the benefits of each type of mattress and see what might work best for you.

How to choose a crib mattress?

Choosing a crib mattress is very different from choosing your adult mattress. The quality of comfort feels different, and safety is a huge component when choosing your baby’s mattress.

It’s important to consider the following 6 characteristics before buying your next baby’s crib mattress:

1- Firmness

When I first bought my baby’s mattress, I felt like I was making her sleep on a rock! But firmer mattresses are actually ideal.

As you learned earlier, your baby’s crib mattress should be firmer than an adult mattress. Choose a crib mattress with good reviews on firmness, or test it out before buying.

2- Waterproof

Many crib mattresses are waterproof, but that’s not always the case. Waterproof features are important for newborn mattresses for two reasons: mold resistance and accidents. 

We all know that any crib mattress will see its fair share of stains and wet spots! To make sure these don’t affect the quality, get a fully waterproof mattress or a water-resistant cover to use.

3- Fit

A crucial consideration for your newborn’s mattress is the crib dimensions. Any baby mattress should fit snugly in the crib – if you can put more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib, it is unsafe.

You can avoid this issue by buying the mattress that comes with a crib or trying it out to make sure it has the same dimensions.

4- Materials

Consider what materials you feel safe using for your newborn. Many parents focus on surrounding their newborn baby with only natural and organic materials. I personally prefer the safest option when it comes to my babies. Therefore, I have chosen a Greenguard Gold certified crib mattress.

However, I don’t want you to feel like a bad parent if you don’t buy that kind of mattress. Maybe it’s me, who’s anxious and a little bit paranoid. Therefore, keep in mind that all legitimate mattresses must pass certain standards, so even if you don’t go organic, it’s likely not unsafe.

5- Quality

Before choosing any baby mattress, you should always read up on its reviews for quality. Especially when buying online. Innerspring and foam mattresses vary depending on the materials used, like cushioning, waterproof covers, reinforced laminates, and other features.

In general, more expensive mattresses are going to provide your baby with the most comfortable, safest sleep. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a quality mattress for a reasonable price.

6- Green Guard Certification

Green Guard is a standard of testing products for over 10,000 chemicals. Many baby crib mattresses on the internet have a Green Guard Certification for the safest, chemical-free mattress choices.

They also check for chemical emissions, which were common in older mattresses. If safety certifications are important to you, just find a bed with the Green Guard emblem.

Crib mattress safety guidelines

You know safety is more important than anything when it comes to buying your baby’s mattress. Besides quality, material, fit, and firmness, there are two other safety components.

It’s important to know the characteristics of second-hand and double-sided mattresses so you can use each safely:

Second-hand

Hand-me-down mattresses seem like a great way to save on the expenses of a newborn. But, used mattresses can actually be dangerous for your baby because of bacteria, damages, or lack of support.

If you decide to go with a second-hand mattress, make sure you read up on the qualifications and check the mattress for any damage or lack of firmness.

Double-sided

Though double-sided mattresses are an acceptable way to extend the life of your newborn’s crib mattress, make sure you check before flipping to the soft side. 

Most babies are ready to flip at around 12 months old. But, make sure to check with your pediatrician to verify if your little one is ready to transition.

What is the safest bed for a newborn?

Newborn sleeping arrangements have very specific safety guidelines. When setting your infants crib up, make sure the bed meets all of these requirements:

• Newborns should use a crib, co-sleeper, or bassinet with a very firm mattress
• There should be nothing in the crib other than your newborn: no bumper pads, blankets, pillows, positioning devices, toys, or anything else
• The only sheet in the bed should be a very snug fitted sheet

Can my newborn sleep in a crib right away?

Your newborn can start in a crib or bassinet – it’s up to you which works better for your family. With a bassinet, it’s easier to reach your baby when he or she wakes up throughout the night.

Often, parents start their babies off in a bassinet and transition to a crib after outgrowing the bassinet. However, there is no danger to starting your baby off in a crib, only some slight logistical advantages to a bassinet. Both of my child I started to sleep in a crib, in their own room. Well, the first one has slept 2 weeks into a hospital crib, but that’s a story for another day!

How high should the crib mattress be for a newborn?

The crib mattress should be set at the highest level for a newborn. Setting the mattress at the highest level makes it easy for you to reach in and pick your newborn up.

When your baby enters infancy, the middle height is safe to use. Another way to identify when it’s time to lower the height is if your baby can roll over or sit up. Then, it becomes unsafe for them to be so close to the top of the crib.

Which mattress is best for newborns?

With millions of baby mattresses on the market, it seems like quite a task to find the best one. The good news is that numerous mattresses will fit your family’s needs for style, safety, and price.

To get you started, I’ve found two exceptional options. Both choices offer advanced safety, comfort, and innovative features. Check them out!

Moonlight Slumber Luxury Dreamer Crib Mattress

This double-sided mattress from Moonlight Slumber will give your baby a comfortable sleep for years to come.

Features:

• Designed for ultimate airflow circulation
• Double-sided for the transition
• Waterproof top
• Antimicrobial
• Hypoallergenic

Dimensions: 

• 27.25” x 52” x 5”
• Weight 10 lbs

For more details, check out the Moonlight Slumber Luxury Dreamer Crib Mattress on Amazon here!

Newton Baby Breathable 2-Stage Crib Mattress

The Newton Baby Breathable Mattress offers multiple benefits for your soon-to-be sound sleeper.

Features:

• Expertly crafted for the most breathability
• Made from 90% free air
• 100% washable
• Double-sided for the transition
• Temperature-controlled

Dimensions: 

• 28” x 52” x 5.5”
• Weight: 11 lbs

For more details, check out the Newton Baby Breathable 2-Stage Crib Mattress on Amazon here!

Takeaway

Bringing a newborn home to sleep in the crib for the first time is a beautiful moment in every parent’s life. When you know that your baby’s crib mattress is safe and comfortable, you can feel good about that first night’s sleep.

Crib mattresses for newborns vary in quality depending on the type, material, and firmness. The most important thing to remember is to choose a firm, safe, certified crib for your newborn.

Now that you know how to pick the best crib mattress for your newborn baby, the excitement of bedtime can begin!