Every baby should sleep like a baby. These mattresses make that dream a reality!
By: Tali Ditye, Ph.D., Co-founderMommyhood101 independently tests and curates baby gear to help you make informed decisions. If you buy products through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Your little one will spend thousands of hours sleeping on their crib mattress, making it one of the most essential nursery purchases and critical for your infant's safety and well-being. But which is the best for your family?
After over 10 years of reviewing crib mattresses, if we made our own, here is what it would look like:
✔️ Dual-firmness.
✔️ Breathable cover & core.
✔️ Natural or organic materials.
✔️ Washable waterproof cover.
✔️ No adhesives.
✔️ Lightweight construction.
✔️ Greenguard GOLD Cert.
✔️ MADE SAFE Certification.
✔️ Ships flat, no unrolling.
✔️ Quality stitching and seams.
✔️ Snug fit to crib perimeter.
✔️ Sustainable material sourcing.
✔️ Reasonably priced.
✔️ No polyurethane foam.
✔️ No memory foam.
✔️ No chemical flame retardants.
✔️ No vinyl covers.
Every year, we put about a dozen crib mattresses to the test, and only the most comfortable, safe, and versatile mattresses make it onto this list.
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- Top 5 Crib Mattresses
- In-Depth Reviews
- 1. Best: Newton Crib Mattress
- 2. Runner-up: Naturepedic Crib Mattress
- 3. Emily Organic Crib Mattress
- 4. Avocado Green Crib Mattress
- 5. Katu Organic Crib Mattress
- 6. Lullaby Earth Crib Mattress
- 7. Babyletto Pure Crib Mattress
- 8. Organic Dream Baby Mattress
- Other Crib Mattress Reviews
- Factors to Consider
- Crib Mattress Size
- Mattress Corners
- Dual Firmness
- Price
- Emissions Standards
- Venting
- Longevity
Full disclosure: Some of these mattresses, including the Newton, Avocado, and Emily models, were sent to us as free test samples by the manufacturer.
Below we list the top 5 crib mattresses we've tested, followed by in-depth reviews of nearly a dozen different options.
The Top 5 Best Crib Mattresses of 2026
| ★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10) | One of our all-time favorites, with a fully breathable and washable Wovenaire core made from food-grade polymer, removing the need for polyurethane foam, adhesives, or chemical flame retardants. Greenguard GOLD certified and offers a perfect balance of firmness and comfort for infants and toddlers. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10) | A thing of beauty, this dual-firmness organic crib mattress uses an innerspring coil or lightweight WaveSupport core. Made with organic cotton, plant-based waterproofing, and Greenguard GOLD and GOTS certifications. Breathable, hypoallergenic, and made in the USA. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9/10) | Made with certified organic cotton, wool, and coconut coir with an innerspring coil core. Greenguard GOLD and GOTS certified with excellent breathability and firmness for infants and toddlers. Durable construction with great edge and corner support. But no dual firmness. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9/10) | Truly the most beautiful and handmade crib mattress we've ever tested. Made in the USA using organic latex, coconut husk, and cotton with dual firmness. Certified by Greenguard GOLD, GOTS, GOLS, and MADE SAFE. Breathable, non-toxic, and free from chemical flame retardants, polyurethane foam, and plastics. But a very high price. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9/10) | The ultimate organic crib mattress with dual-stage firmness, no plastics, GOTS and GOLS certifications, and outstanding quality and comfort. Similar to the Avocado mattress but not as thick. Competitively priced, especially if you can order a month or two in advance. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW |
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents to use a firm and flat crib mattress to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Research also shows that some crib mattress designs can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, increase breathability and airflow, and reduce the risk of suffocation.
Modern parents are very aware of safety-related issues like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic flame retardants, and heavy metals. Mattress companies have followed suit, making breathable mattresses with low or zero VOC emissions, and carefully testing for heavy metals and other toxins.
To be fair, it's very challenging and expensive to make a mattress that honestly and reliably meets these goals. While unfortunately common, there is no excuse for greenwashing: misleading advertising and claims of natural, organic, or otherwise safe materials.
In-Depth Reviews of the Best Crib Mattresses
Because mattresses tend to perform well on some factors but not others, our in-depth reviews clarify exactly what makes the crib mattress worthy of inclusion: is it the breathability, organic materials, ease of cleaning, versatility, or longevity?
We leave it up to you to prioritize what is most important for your family.
1. The Newton Crib Mattress: Best Overall!
The Newton stands out on our list for its fully breathable, washable design and innovative construction. This top-rated Newton Wovenaire crib mattress is made in the USA, GREENGUARD Gold certified, recommended by Dr. Sears, and a JPMA Innovation Award winner. Unlike most crib mattresses, the Newton isn’t dual firmness. Instead, it’s engineered to hit a carefully balanced firmness level suitable for both infants and toddlers, so you never have to worry about which side your baby is sleeping on. We recently tested the Newton ourselves (thanks for the samples, Newton!), and it exceeded our expectations. At first we wondered whether a single firmness might feel too soft for infants or too firm for toddlers, but in practice, Newton found a very good middle ground. Rather than relying on foam or springs, the mattress uses Newton’s proprietary Wovenaire core, which is a food-grade polymer structure that eliminates polyurethane foam and metal coils entirely.
There are three major advantages to the Wovenaire core (you can see it in our in-depth Newton crib mattress review). First, because it’s about 90% air, the mattress is extremely breathable and lightweight. This promotes airflow around your baby and makes sheet changes much easier. Second, the polymer structure avoids polyurethane foam emissions and tends to hold its shape very well over time. Third, and this is a big one, the entire core is washable. Remove the zip-off cover and you can rinse the core directly in the shower or with a hose. In our testing, the Newton fit both of our test cribs very snugly, had essentially no odor or off-gassing, and felt supportive yet comfortable. The squared edges help minimize crib gaps, and the included breathable zip-off cover is soft, durable, and easy to clean. Newton even suggests using the mattress without a protector or sheet during the earliest months to maximize airflow (always follow your pediatrician’s safe sleep guidance).
There’s also a lot the Newton avoids: no heavy springs, no polyurethane foams, no latex, no adhesives, and no chemical flame retardants. The core is made from the same food-grade polymer used in yogurt cups and is reportedly recyclable, though realistically, that may depend on local recycling options. The one trade-off is that the core isn’t natural or organic like some competitors on this list. Still, it is food-grade, low-emission certified, extremely durable, and uniquely washable. At around $299 (often discounted on Newton’s site, and also available on Amazon), we think it offers excellent value for its safety-focused design and convenience. If breathability, easy cleaning, and innovative construction are high priorities for your family, the Newton is an outstanding choice and our top overall pick. Who else ranks it highly? Our friends at BabyGearLab, Babylist, What to Expect, and The Bump all recommend it as well. Interested? You can check out the Newton Crib Mattress here.
2. Runner-up: Naturepedic Organic Breathable Crib Mattress.
The Naturepedic Organic Breathable crib mattress stands out for its premium organic construction, thoughtful breathable design, and excellent durability. We purchased this mattress late last year for hands-on testing, and it quickly impressed us with its material quality and overall build. It’s made in the USA, uses certified organic materials throughout (not just the cover), and features true dual firmness with a very firm infant side and a softer toddler side. You can choose between a lightweight WaveSupport core or a traditional innerspring design. We tested the coil version, which uses 252 coils, organic cotton padding, and a certified organic cover. In our experience, a coil core tends to maintain its shape better over time, resists indentations, and provides long-term support. The trade-off is weight: at about 19 pounds, it’s heavier than many competitors, but we think the durability benefits are worth it.
The mattress meets GREENGUARD Gold, GOTS, and MADE SAFE certifications, reflecting both low emissions and strict material safety standards. Fit in our test crib (Babyletto) was excellent, with snug edges and squared corners. Out of the bo,x it was essentially odorless, and overall construction quality (from stitching to seams to materials) felt very high-end. The breathable organic cotton cover is soft, comfortable, and easy to clean, and the interior tag confirms the use of organic fiber batting along with non-GMO PLA batting. One especially clever design feature is the breathable cover system. Instead of zipping off completely, it functions more like a fitted sheet that stretches over the mattress. Since the coil version is fairly heavy, this makes cleaning much easier because you don’t need to remove the mattress from the crib each time. It’s a small but very practical usability win. The waterproof core liner is another standout. While we’re often cautious about waterproof coatings, Naturepedic’s design uses a plant-based polyethylene made from non-GMO sugarcane. This approach avoids vinyl, phthalates, PFCs, and other potentially harmful chemicals while still providing excellent accident protection. The MADE SAFE certification is a strong validation of this safer waterproofing method.
There are only two minor downsides. First, the mattress is heavier than average. If that’s a concern, the WaveSupport version is significantly lighter. Second, it’s priced on the higher end at around $450. That said, considering the materials, certifications, durability, and thoughtful design, we think it’s well worth it and easily one of the best organic crib mattresses available. Who else ranks the Naturepedic among the top crib mattresses? Our friends at BabyGearLab, Babylist, The Bump, and What to Expect all recommend it as well. Interested? You can check out the Naturepedic Crib Mattress here!
3. The Emily Crib Mattress.
The Emily crib mattress stands out for its certified organic materials, sturdy innerspring support, and excellent overall value. It’s made by My Green Mattress right here in the USA, and it carries impressive certifications, including GOTS, GOLS, and GREENGUARD Gold. The construction combines a 150-coil innerspring core with organic coconut coir, organic wool batting, and a quilted organic cotton cover, resulting in a mattress that feels durable, breathable, and thoughtfully built. The breathable organic cotton surface allows for good airflow, while the wool layer underneath helps regulate temperature, keeping things cooler in the summer and slightly warmer in the winter. Beneath the comfort layers, the innerspring system provides strong edge and corner support, which helps the mattress maintain its shape over time and makes it easier to get a snug, secure fit inside the crib.
As we discuss in our hands-on Emily Crib Mattress Review, the mattress ships flat (always a plus in our book). Out of the box, we detected essentially no odor, consistent with its low-emissions certification. Once placed in the crib, the fit was excellent with tight edges and corners. In testing, we found the firmness to be very well balanced. It’s firm enough for infant safety but still comfortable and responsive enough for toddler use. Unlike some mattresses, it isn’t dual-firmness (both sides are the same), which may be a downside for parents specifically looking for a dedicated infant/toddler design. On the flip side, the identical construction means you can rotate or flip the mattress regularly (we suggest doing so during sheet changes) to help prevent sagging or body impressions over time. And yes, like most innerspring mattresses, it does have a little bounce, something energetic toddlers may quickly discover!
Overall, we’ve been very impressed with the Emily mattress, and it’s steadily moved higher on our rankings after long-term testing. One of its biggest advantages is value: at roughly $299, it’s one of the more affordable certified organic crib mattresses available. The main drawbacks are the lack of dual firmness and the fact that you’ll want to buy a separate waterproof protector, highly recommended to keep this mattress looking new. Who else likes the Emily mattress? Our picky friends at BabyGearLab are fans too. Interested? You can check out the Emily Natural Crib Mattress here.
4. Avocado Green Crib Mattress.
This crib mattress really stands out for its exceptionally high-quality organic construction and sustainably sourced materials. The Avocado is most similar to the Naturepedic in overall design philosophy, but with a few notable differences. It does not include a waterproof layer or a 3D mesh breathable cover, but it does feature a beautifully quilted surface and a fully certified organic build with GOTS, GOLS, MADE SAFE, and GREENGUARD Gold certifications. We recently got our hands on the Avocado for testing (thanks for the samples, Avocado!), and were genuinely impressed with the quality of the materials and craftsmanship. It offers everything a discerning parent might want from a premium organic mattress: a certified organic cotton cover, an organic coconut husk core infused with flexible organic latex, excellent airflow through both the surface and interior, and hand-finished construction made in California. Just as important is what it doesn’t contain: no polyurethane foam, chemical adhesives, vinyl, heavy metal springs, added flame retardants, plastics, or polymer cores.
Instead of relying on a synthetic structural core like the Newton Wovenaire or Naturepedic WaveSupport designs, the Avocado uses its coconut husk and latex combination to provide support, durability, and breathability in a fully natural structure. Like the Newton, Emily, and Naturepedic mattresses, it also ships completely flat, so you don’t need to worry about expansion issues after unboxing. In our hands-on testing, first impressions were excellent. There was essentially no odor or off-gassing, and the organic cotton quilted surface feels beautiful, soft, and extremely durable. The craftsmanship is outstanding, with stitching, seams, and fabric quality that all feel premium. Compression testing showed a properly firm infant side for safety, while the toddler side is noticeably more responsive and comfortable. The breathable construction of both cover and core also helps improve airflow, which can be helpful during warmer months. For more details, you can read our full Avocado crib mattress review. Parents who prioritize sustainability will also appreciate that the mattress is produced under strict environmental and labor standards, with materials sourced through responsible farming and manufacturing practices. You can read more about Avocado’s sustainability initiatives and certifications on their site, it’s a genuinely impressive list.
The main downside is that the Avocado does not include a removable waterproof cover. You can purchase one directly from Avocado or use a third-party protector, but we strongly recommend using one to protect the mattress from inevitable messes. Outside of that, our only real hesitation is the price, coming in at around $500, it’s one of the more expensive crib mattresses on this list. Still, for parents who want top-tier organic construction and U.S.-made craftsmanship, it’s a standout option. Interested? You can check out the Avocado Green Crib Mattress here.
5. The Katu Organic Crib Mattress
The Katu Organic crib mattress stands out as one of the most natural, minimally processed options on our list, built with certified organic materials and a simple, non-toxic construction philosophy. Handcrafted in the USA, it holds GREENGUARD Gold and GOTS certifications and is made without polyurethane foam, chemical flame retardants, glues, or adhesives. Instead, Katu relies on a carefully layered combination of organic coconut husk, organic latex, organic wool, and organic cotton to create a breathable, supportive mattress. The mattress features a dual-firmness design, with a firmer infant side for safety and a softer toddler side for comfort. This allows parents to flip the mattress as their child grows, helping extend its usable lifespan. During our hands-on evaluation, the infant side felt appropriately firm and supportive, while the toddler side offered slightly more cushioning without feeling overly soft. The coconut husk and latex core provide structure and breathability without the need for metal springs or synthetic foam.
There are several advantages to Katu’s natural construction. First, the coconut and latex core allows for good airflow while avoiding the chemical odor sometimes associated with foam mattresses. Second, the organic wool layer serves as a natural flame barrier and helps regulate temperature, keeping the mattress cooler in warmer months and insulating slightly in cooler weather. Third, the quilted organic cotton cover is durable, breathable, and fits snugly in standard cribs with squared edges. Unlike fully washable polymer mattresses such as the Newton, the Katu core itself is not designed to be rinsed or washed. However, its materials are naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew. We strongly recommend using a waterproof mattress protector (available through Katu or third-party brands) to protect the mattress from accidents.
There are a few drawbacks to consider. The mattress is slightly thinner than some others on this list, and recent price increases have made it less of a budget option than it once was. Shipping times can also run around a month, so it’s not ideal if you need a mattress quickly. Overall, we found the Katu crib mattress to be supportive, breathable, and impressively natural in both materials and construction (you can read our full Katu crib mattress review here). It fit snugly in our test crib with no gaps, had no noticeable odor, and offered a nice balance of firmness and comfort across both sides. For parents who prioritize certified organic materials, natural flame resistance, and a dual-firmness design, the Katu is a very appealing choice. Who else recommends the Katu? It’s received positive attention from Reddit users as well as reviewers at The Good Trade, Modern Nursery, and Gimme the Good Stuff. Interested? You can check out the Katu Crib Mattress here.
6. Lullaby Earth Crib Mattress.
Looking for a breathable, waterproof, dual-firmness mattress with strong safety certifications at a reasonable price? The Lullaby Earth Breeze crib mattress checks a lot of boxes and has become a very popular option for good reason. It’s GREENGUARD Gold and MADE SAFE certified for low emissions and material safety, fully recyclable, extremely lightweight, about 6 inches thick, and designed with seamless edges for easy cleaning. It also includes a waterproof cover with a breathable sleep surface. Instead of using coils or foam, the Breeze uses the same WaveSupport core found in some Naturepedic mattresses, a lightweight food-grade polymer structure that provides support while helping reduce weight and emissions. The MADE SAFE certification is especially notable, since it evaluates not just emissions but also the safety of materials used in production.
In our testing, the dual-firmness design worked well: the infant side felt appropriately firm, while the toddler side was noticeably softer and more comfortable. The corners fall somewhere between rounded and squared, and the mattress fit nicely in our test (DaVinci) crib. Because of that slight rounding, there may be a bit more chance of pacifiers slipping into the corner gaps compared with fully squared mattresses, but overall fit was still very good. One of the biggest advantages is weight. The Lullaby Earth is extremely light, even lighter than some foam mattresses we’ve tested, which makes sheet changes quick and easy. The included 3D mesh cover is breathable, machine-washable, and backed by a non-vinyl waterproof layer. Underneath, the mattress lining has smooth, seamless edges that wipe clean easily. Overall, construction felt solid in testing, and we expect good long-term durability. There aren’t many downsides. As with most waterproof designs, the backing likely contains some synthetic materials, so while the core is MADE SAFE certified, it’s not entirely clear whether the cover itself meets that same standard. Beyond that, we think the Lullaby Earth Breeze is an excellent option for parents who want a lightweight, certified, breathable mattress without moving into the higher price tier. Who else recommends the Lullaby Earth? Our friends at BabyGearLab, Babylist, and What to Expect all rate it highly. Interested? You can check out the Lullaby Earth Crib Mattress here.
7. Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic Crib Mattress.
Priced at around $199, the Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic crib mattress is a newer option that offers a nice balance of safety-focused materials, dual firmness, and affordability. It pairs naturally with Babyletto and DaVinci cribs, but works well in most standard-size cribs. The mattress features a dual-sided design with a firm infant side and a softer toddler side, giving it good usability from newborn through the toddler years. The core avoids polyurethane foam and instead uses layers of polyester fiber, which helps reduce emissions while keeping the mattress lightweight and supportive. It’s GREENGUARD Gold certified and made without vinyl, PVC, chemical flame retardants, dyes, phthalates, PFCs, synthetic latex, or other high-VOC materials.
Above the core is a softer comfort layer made from polyester and modacrylic fiber. Modacrylic is a durable synthetic fiber that resists mildew, holds shape well, and is often used in flame-resistant applications. The removable “hybrid” cover combines a soft cotton sleep surface with a vinyl-free waterproof backing. The cover zips on and off easily and can be machine-washed (though it does need to air dry). In testing, the Babyletto Pure fit extremely well in both our Babyletto and DaVinci cribs, with snug edges and minimal corner gaps. The firmness levels felt appropriate on both sides, with solid edge support and a comfortable toddler surface. There are a few minor drawbacks. The zipper on the cover feels a bit lighter-duty than we’d prefer, and after washing the cover, we noticed some shrinkage that made reinstalling it slightly tricky. Also, the mattress is manufactured in Taiwan rather than the USA, which may matter to some parents. Overall, this is a very strong option at its price point. For parents looking for a non-toxic, dual-sided mattress with a waterproof, removable cover and excellent crib fit, the Babyletto Pure offers a lot of value. Who else recommends it? Our friends at BabyGearLab, What to Expect, and The Bump all list it among their top crib mattress picks. Interested? You can check out the Babyletto Pure Crib Mattress here.
8. OrganicDream 2-Stage Organic Mattress.
We first tested this organic crib mattress early last year and were impressed by its combination of comfort, thoughtful design, and reasonable price. Made in the USA using domestic and international materials (from Canada and Europe), the OrganicDream stands out with GREENGUARD Gold certification, OEKO-TEX certified fabrics, and certified organic cotton sleep surfaces. It also offers true two-stage (dual-firmness) usability, along with a removable, machine-washable cover and breathable, hypoallergenic construction. In testing, several things stood out. First, it’s surprisingly lightweight at about 12 pounds despite its full 6-inch thickness, which makes lifting and sheet changes easier than with many other mattresses in this category. Second, the firmness levels are well balanced: the infant side is appropriately firm, while the toddler side feels softer and more responsive without sacrificing support. The reinforced edges help maintain structure, and the slightly rounded corners fit nicely in our DaVinci test crib.
The organic cotton cover is soft, breathable, and comfortable against the skin. We removed and machine-washed the cover during testing and only noticed minor tightening afterward; it stretched enough to zip back on without difficulty. The cover is also water-resistant for extended periods, helping protect the mattress core if accidents aren’t caught immediately. We also appreciated the low-emissions construction. Out of the package, there was essentially no odor or off-gassing, consistent with its GREENGUARD Gold certification. One important clarification is that while the sleep surfaces are organic cotton, the internal core is made from a food-grade polymer similar to the Newton mattress. That means it isn’t fully organic, but it is durable, low-emission, and designed for long-term support. After more than a year of use, we’ve found that the fabrics, stitching, zipper, and core have all held up very well. Overall, this is a thoughtfully designed mattress that offers strong value for parents who want organic sleep surfaces, dual firmness, and a lightweight, easy-to-maintain design. Interested? You can check out the Organic Dream Crib Mattress here.
Additional Options
While we do not strongly recommend any of these options, they can be great budget picks for parents who aren't concerned with polyurethane foam cores or vinyl covers. In general, if you're comfortable picking a mattress with a polyurethane core, definitely look for one that is Greenguard GOLD and CertiPUR-US certified.
We suggest not paying over $100 for a polyurethane core crib mattress, especially with a vinyl cover. The following crib mattress options are in no particular order, but if you click on them, it will take you to our full review:
Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer review
Colgate Eco Classica III review
Simmons Kids Beautyrest Beginnings Black Brilliant Sun review
Kolcraft Pure Sleep Therapeutic 150 review
Serta Perfect Start review
Milliard Hypoallergenic review
Delta Children Twinkle Stars review
Graco Premium Foam review
Sealy Soybean Foam Core review.
Our Testing Process
For more information about how we test and select crib mattresses for inclusion on this list, check out our lengthier crib mattress buying guide!
