How to Find the Best Crib Mattress Pad

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Alizabeth Swain

Editor at The Baby Swag

Alizabeth is a devoted mother to a 2-year-old toddler with Hemophilia B, which has brought on a unique set of challenges and opportunities as a parent. She believes that every child is unique and deserves to be celebrated for who they are.

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I assume you’re fed up with having to wash your baby’s mattress every time they have an accident in the night, right? Or maybe you’re trying to prepare for when your baby does arrive? Either way, I bet you’re curious about how to find the best crib mattress pad, which is why I’m going to show you 8 that I know work wonders.

I’ve chosen these from personal experience but also based on their quality, effectiveness, and price ranges. I’ll even give you some info about the different types of mattress pads and what to look for when you’re buying one. Ready? Let’s get started!

Bottom Line Upfront

When my littles were super duper little and still in the crib, I use the American Baby Company Waterproof because I wanted something that was easy to clean. And this product exceeded my expectations. It blocked all messes and accidents, and I simply tossed it in the washer and dryer when I needed it.

Top 3 Picks

Hands down, these are my top 3 picks for the best crib mattress pads. A quality crib mattress pad will fit the size of the mattress, protect against leaks, and be easy to clean. These 3 are just that, so take a look at them before we dive deeper into why crib mattress pads are going to save you stress.

• Best Cover: PUREgrace Crib Mattress Protector: This award-winning mattress pad is made from eucalyptus fibers and other safe, waterproof materials.
• Best Cushion: Milliard 2-Inch Ventilated Memory Foam Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress Topper: To clean this product, all you have to do is take the waterproof layer off the memory foam pad for washing and drying!
• Best Price: Crib Mattress Pad Cover: You’ll get to choose from 6 different color options for this inexpensive crib mattress pad.

What Is a Crib Mattress Pad?

A crib mattress pad is a waterproof pad or quilted cover that can be fitted over top of your baby’s mattress. The cushion or cover protects the crib’s mattress from getting wet. Even though they’re waterproof, crib mattresses are made from soft, oftentimes botanical, materials.

Do You Need a Crib Mattress Pad?

Unless you want to clean an entire mattress instead of throwing a pad into the washing machine every time there’s an accident, then yes. Mattresses are more sanitary with a mattress pad because they’re much easier to thoroughly clean, too.

I recommend you buy multiple crib mattress pads so that you always have more when one gets soiled. Trust me, you’ll never have to worry about waiting for the washer and dryer for your baby’s bed to be ready again.

Benefits of a Crib Mattress Pad

The benefits to owning crib mattress pads far outweigh any cons (if there are any.) These are some of the reasons I stand by mattress pads:

• They’re inexpensive compared to every other part of a crib
• They’re soft like a mattress
• Covers and pads are easy to wash and dry
• They keep your baby’s mattress from becoming wet
• They’re sanitary because of how easy they are to clean
• They help keep your baby’s room smelling fresh

Types of Crib Mattress Pads

These are the 2 basic types of crib mattress pads. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but both have one thing in common: they make it so much easier to keep your baby’s mattress clean. Consider which one sounds like the best choice for you.

Cover

Typically, cover mattress pads come with a soft, quilted top. Don’t be fooled by the softness-crib mattress covers are just as waterproof as mattress pads. One advantage to buying a cover over a cushioned mattress pad is that pads don’t always fit the full length of your baby’s mattress perfectly. Covers are just like fitted sheets, so the waterproof top always covers the entire mattress.

Cushioned

Cushioned mattress pads are made from soft materials that repel leaks. Bamboo and other botanical materials are popular for these mattress pads because they’re washer and dryer friendly.

Sometimes, cushioned mattress pads are made from a material like memory foam and have a protective waterproof material over top. It’s easier to take mattress cushions in and out of your baby’s crib than it is a cover.

What to Consider in a New Crib Mattress Pad

When you’re shopping for your little one, I know how important it is to be picky. That’s why I wrote up this quick guide detailing what to look for when you’re buying a crib mattress pad. Looking at the fine print can be worth it to get the best deal.

Size

It’s important to know the dimensions of your baby’s mattress when you’re buying them a mattress pad or cover. The standard dimensions of a crib are 28” wide and 52 and 3/8” tall. If your crib was handmade, it might not fit within these dimensions, so I’d use a measuring tape to make sure your mattress pad will fit.

Material

Crib mattress pads come in a lot of different material types. Some are made of materials like bamboo or even eucalyptus. Others are made of polyester or cotton and have waterproof materials layered inside. Make sure the material you want for your baby’s mattress is waterproof and safe for sensitive skin.

Quality

We definitely want what’s best for our kids. That’s why it pays to (even briefly) research a brand before buying from them. Check to make sure the product you want is from a reputable brand with a positive review history. Look at the product description to learn what materials make up the mattress pad, too.

Waterproof

The whole point of a crib mattress pad is to be waterproof, so you’d think every brand’s mattress pad was waterproof, right? Right? Unfortunately, wrong. Make sure you see somewhere within the label or product description that a mattress pad is waterproof before buying it.

Washable

The other point of owning crib mattress pads is convenience. Make sure the mattress pad you want can be thrown in the washer and dryer every time there’s a leak in the night. If it can’t be washed easily, I say don’t buy it.

Best Crib Mattress Pads

Each of these mattress pads is waterproof, can be conveniently washed, and is made with quality materials. There is a mix of covers and cushions, so you can try whichever you prefer. If you’re not sure which mattress pads are best for your baby, check out each of these!

2 Pack Waterproof Crib Mattress Protector

Best For: Best Polyester Mattress Pad

About

It’s so convenient that you’ll receive 2 crib mattress pad covers in this set instead of just one. The covers fit the mattress like a fitted sheet with an elasticized bottom, so it covers every inch of the mattress’ surface. These mattress pads are waterproof and made with 4 layers of polyester and TPU.

Polyester makes the mattress pads soft and warm while TPU creates waterproof barriers. After purchase, you have 90 days to return the mattress pads for a full refund.

Key Features

• Size: 52” X 28” X 9”
• Material: Polyester and TPU
• Price Range: $19-$29

Care

It’s perfectly safe to put this in the washer and dryer. It’s recommended to tumble dry on low so that the cover lasts longer. Make sure never to use bleach with this product.

Pros

• Elasticized bottom makes it fit to mattresses perfectly
• Easy to wash and dry
• 4-layer construction for softness, warmth, and waterproofness

Cons

• Tumble drying on low can take longer than usual

Sealy Baby – Stain Protection Waterproof Fitted Toddler & Baby Crib Mattress Pad Cover Protector

Best For: Best Cotton Mattress Pad

About

This mattress pad is a cushion that you can place inside your baby’s crib. The cushion fits snugly within the standard crib dimensions it was made for, which are the standard US crib size measurements. This crib mattress pad is made from cotton with layers of water-resistant materials inside. Cotton is a soft, breathable material that’s perfect for hot climates. What’s more? This cushion is super easy to clean.

Key Features

• Size: 52” X 28”
• Material: Cotton
• Price Range: $15-$25

Care

You can wash and dry this mattress pad in the washer and dryer like normal.

Pros

• Extremely easy to clean
• Very soft material
• Made to fit snugly inside your baby’s crib

Cons

• Polyester might be better for cold climates

Crib Mattress Pad Cover

Best For: Price

About

You’ll have your choice of 6 different colors with this inexpensive mattress pad cover-aqua, gray, navy blue, orange, pink, and white. With the elasticized bottom, this cover fits snugly onto your baby’s mattress.

This mattress was made with comfort and quietness in mind, so your little one feels like they’re sleeping on a cloud, and tossing around doesn’t make a sound. This is a waterproof cover that’s easy to clean, which is why I recommend it.

Key Features

• Size: 52” X 28” X 5”
• Material: N/A
• Price Range: $9-$19

Care

These mattress pads can be tossed into the washer and dryer like normal whenever there’s a leak.

Pros

• Very easy to clean
• 6 different colors to choose from
• Very affordable

Cons

• Material used to make this crib mattress cover isn’t listed

Milliard 2-Inch Ventilated Memory Foam Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress Topper

Best For: Cushion

About

This memory foam crib mattress pad with a waterproof cover is one of the easiest mattress pads to clean. You can remove the waterproof layer on top of the mattress pad and wash that instead of washing all the memory foam, too. Since the waterproof layers are made with cotton, this is a breathable material that keeps babies cool throughout the night. The memory foam is thick, so it’s built to retain its shape for years.

Key Features

• Size: 52” X 27” X 2”
• Material: Cotton and memory foam
• Price Range: $38-$48

Care

The waterproof cover comes off so you can wash it whenever it gets wet. Don’t forget-this mattress pad is not meant for babies. It is only intended for toddlers.

Pros

• Cotton is a soft and warm breathable
• Easy to take off waterproof cover to clean it
• Memory foam is a comfortable material

Cons

• Not meant for babies, only toddlers

iLuvBamboo Crib Mattress Protector – 2 Pack

Best For: Crib Mattress Pad Set

About

This 2-pack of bamboo crib mattress pads won at the Mom’s Choice Awards for Honoring Excellence. Since these mattress pads are meant to fit standard U.S. crib sizes, they’ll fit snugly to your baby’s mattress.

The quilted cloud design adds an extra layer of your comfort for your little one, so they’d never be able to tell they’re sleeping on a waterproof mattress pad. iLuvBamboo also guarantees their unique blend of TPU doesn’t make crinkling sounds when your baby tosses and turns.

Key Features

• Size: 28” X 52”
• Material: Bamboo and TPU
• Price Range: $26-$36

Care

Check the instructional manual to see proper washing techniques.

Pros

• Bamboo is a soft and natural material
• 2 crib mattress pads in one set
• Fitted elasticized bottom to cover the entire mattress

Cons

• Pricier than some of the other options on the list

PUREgrace Crib Mattress Protector

Best For: Best Cover

About

When it comes to quality, this mattress pad takes the cake. Made from eucalyptus fibers and other natural materials, this product was specially designed with your baby’s sensitive skin in mind.

That’s why you won’t find harmful chemicals and byproducts like BPA, PVC, and more in this mattress pad. With the elasticized bottom, it fits securely to crib mattresses. This mattress pad also comes with a great warranty since it’s protected for 10 years.

Key Features

• Size: Standard U.S. crib mattress size
• Material: Eucalyptus and safe waterproof materials
• Price Range: $35-$45

Care

To keep this mattress pad in prime condition, wash it with a mild laundry detergent. Make sure to tumble dry on the lowest heat setting, too.

Pros

• Waterproof materials don’t contain BPA, solvents, vinyl, PVC, or phthalates
• 10-year warranty protection
• Natural materials that won’t irritate your baby’s sensitive skin

Cons

• Pricier than other crib mattress pads on the list

Crib Mattress Protector Pad

Best For: Bamboo Mattress Pad

About

This award-winning mattress pad from Margaux & May is made from ultra-soft bamboo rayon. For its quality, this product has a low price. Since it has an elasticized bottom, it will fit securely over your baby’s mattress.

The bamboo fibers are soft and moisture-wicking, so your little one can stay dry all night long. What’s more? You’ll get a lifetime guarantee when you buy this product that you can always get your money back.

Key Features

• Size: 52” X 28” X 9”
• Material: Bamboo rayon
• Price Range: $15-$25

Care

You can wash this crib mattress pad normally but be sure to tumble dry it on the lowest heat setting.

Pros

• Winner of the Prestigious Mom’s Choice Award for Crib Mattress Protector in 2020
• 4 layers of waterproof protection
• Low price for a high-quality product

Cons

• Must be tumble dried on low heat

American Baby Company Waterproof

Best For: Easy to Clean

About

This is a crib mattress pad made from polyester that will keep your baby warm and dry throughout the night. One of my fav things about this mattress pad is how easy it is to clean-just pop it in the washer and dryer like normal and you’re good to go. With the waterproof layer in the middle, your child’s mattress will stay protected.

Key Features

• Size: 52” X 28” X 9”
• Material: Polyester
• Price Range: $11-$21

Care

You can wash and dry this mattress pad like normal! Yay!

Pros

• Soft polyester material that keeps your baby warm
• No plastic crinkling sounds
• Easy to wash and dry

Cons

• Cotton may be better if you live in a hot climate

FAQs

Sweet Dreams

I hope you found it helpful to learn about the benefits of mattress pads and what they’re made for. After learning about the 8 best crib mattress pads, did you pick one? I highly recommend the American Baby Company Waterproof if you want a no-fuss product that does what it says. And for more first-hand tips and recs, have a look at our list of best crib mattresses!