The one thing you are never prepared for as a new parent is undoubtedly the lack of sleep! When you consider this, I find it rather surprising that one of the essential items required for a good night’s sleep, a baby mattress, often gets such little attention at baby showers.
Given the amount of research and technology that goes into creating mattresses these days, we find ourselves in the position of having no shortage when it comes to the options so today, we are here to help you mattresses for your mini crib.
Bottom Line Up Front Summary: To save some time, we’ve summarized our top 3 findings up front. These are the best crib mattress options for a small crib or small space…
- Newton Mini Crib Mattress (NewtonBaby / Amazon) – Best Mini Crib Mattress Money Can Buy
- Naturepedic Organic Mini Crib Mattress (Naturepedic / Target) – Best Organic Mini Crib Mattress
- Serta Sleeptrue 4” Mini Crib Mattress (Wayfair / Amazon) – Best Budget Mini Crib Mattress
Contents
What Is a Mini Crib Mattress?
A mini crib mattress is designed to perfectly fit a mini crib and is usually 24 inches wide and 38 inches long, compared to a standard crib mattress that measures approximately 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. When it comes to fitting a mattress in a baby crib, the perfect fit is crucial to your baby’s safety.
Why Choose a Mini Crib?
Mini cribs, also known as portable cribs, are smaller than your average size cribs and they are great if you are short on space.
Some mini crib models come with wheels which make it easy to move around in-between rooms and they can often be folded flat which makes storage super easy. A mini crib is also a wonderful option when visiting your friends or family due to the portability.
Read our full guide on how to find the best crib mattresses here.
Choosing the Right Mattress for You
There are so many mattress options out there, that it makes it difficult to choose which one is right for your family and baby. As parents, we look at durability, fabric, firmness, color, hygiene, safety, and waterproofing. Sleep is such an important part of your baby’s growth and development, that the right mattress is essential.
As we know, not all mattresses are created equal, yet the information provided by manufacturers can be overwhelming and confusing, especially for a new parent. The mattress you choose should be firm and offer support, but no one wants a rock-hard mattress. There are many factors that you need to keep in mind before purchasing a mattress for your crib. Here are a few:
Your baby keeps growing
From the moment they are born, babies grow and develop. Pretty soon they are rolling around, sitting up, crawling, walking, and then running around.
Having a restful and comfortable night’s sleep helps them with their development, and provides them with the opportunity to reach their potential. A comfortable, durable and safe mattress makes it easier for them to do so. Always measure your crib to make sure that the mattress you choose will fit and even accommodate movement or as a play mattress.
Firmness and Density
Think about how your body feels after sleeping on a mattress that is either too hard or too soft. We wake up feeling tired, restless and irritated.
Well, the same goes for your baby. Find a mattress with the best firmness and density. If the mattress is not firm enough it can take on the shape of your baby’s body and the mattress can fold around them. This could lead to suffocation. Be on the lookout for environmentally friendly mattresses. It is always good to save the planet.
Water resistance and cleaning
In case you didn’t know, a baby mattress is a liquid hotspot. Milk bottles, water bottles, drool and the occasional overflowing diaper can result in a wet spot on your baby mattress (or toddler mattress, as they are potty trained).
That is why water resistance is so important. Consider purchasing a mattress that is water absorbent and be on the lookout for a removable waterproof cover, if possible. You can also look for a mattress that is washable. This will ensure that your baby’s mattress stays clean and hygienic.
Breathable materials
Having a crib mattress made out of breathable materials is vital. This allows your baby to breathe even when they accidentally roll over on their mattress.
Babies tend to move around when they are sleeping and you may not always be able to ensure that they sleep in the correct position. Being able to breathe even though their face is on the mattress will give you peace of mind and make your mattress a good investment.
Allergies and chemicals
Allergens are the one thing you are bound to encounter as a parent, no matter how hard you try to avoid it! Most of us are aware that we find allergens in many different forms when it comes to nature but did you know that it is also in the food we eat, the clothes that we wear, and even the fabric softener you use?
Your baby might be allergic to some fabrics and it could lead to a rash or severe itching. Look out for a hypoallergenic mattress that is non-toxic.
Cost
In the current economic climate, the price can play a huge role in your decision and it can be the ultimate deal-breaker on which mattress you eventually purchase.
- Step one: Factor in some of the points we mentioned above before buying your mattress. What are you looking for in a mattress? Once you know this you can start doing some research. Read online reviews and speak to some of your friends that already have babies.
- Step two: Make sure the mattress has a warranty. This is a very important step in case you want or need to return it.
- Step three: Make sure the mattress is worth the price and that it is within your budget. Many of us dream of buying certain brand name items and some of us tend to be brand conscious. Write down the pros and cons of the mattresses you are considering.
Step four: Take a step back and enjoy the purchase you have made. Remember that opinions differ and that we can learn from our mistakes.
Now let’s get started on the top 10 mini crib mattresses on the market:
1. Newton Baby Crib Mattress [Best Overall]
The Newton Baby Crib Mattress has breathe-through technology which allows air to move freely and reduces the risk of suffocation. You can clean it in a washing machine and it helps to regulate temperature to prevent overheating while your little one sleeps.
It is designed for both babies and toddlers and is Greenguard Gold Certified for lowest emissions. It weighs 11 pounds and its dimensions are 52 x 28 x 5.5 inches. Check out our full Newton Mattress Review here.
Breathable, natural materials, high quality construction, and over the top outstanding customer support make the NewtonBaby mini crib mattress my stand-out pick in this category. It's hypoallergenic too and easy to clean!
2. Naturepedic Organic Mini Crib Mattress [Best Organic Mini Crib Mattress]
All-natural, organic ingredients means no harmful toxins or irritants for your little one. It's more expensive, but peace of mind is worth something!
Naturepedic offers a 100% organic cotton blend (no harmful chemicals used or present), with multiple industry standard organic certifications.
The mattress also FEELS more durable, and this is due to the quality materials and a fully waterproof membrane. It’s pricier than some, but definitely worth the peace of mind.
3. Serta Sleeptrue 4” Mini Crib Mattress [Best Budget Mini Crib Mattress]
The Serta Sleeptrue 4” mini crib mattress fits most portable and mini cribs but is not designed to fit pack and plays. The Serta Sleeptrue 4” mini Crib mattress has a hypo-allergenic fiber core made from recycled bottles and is also eco-friendly.
It has a durable, waterproof vinyl cover that makes it easy to clean and the mattress is lightweight, which makes it easy to lift or flip. The mattress is quite firm and it is also Greenguard Gold Certified. The mattress weighs 3.9 pounds and its dimensions are 38 x 24 x 4 inches.
4. DaVinci Complete Slumber Waterproof Mini Crib Mattress
The DaVinci Complete Slumber waterproof mini crib mattress provides extra firm support, yet extremely lightweight, which makes changing crib sheets a breeze.
The mattress cover is easy to clean, tear-resistant, non-toxic, and waterproof. DaVinci Complete Slumber waterproof mini crib mattress is made with high-density fiberfill and Greenguard Gold Certified. It weighs 3.75 pounds and its dimensions are 37 x 24 x 4.5 inches.
Tear resistant, non-toxic and relatively affordable. A good option to consider.
5. Colgate Portable Crib Mini Crib Firm Foam Mattress
The Colgate Portable Crib Mini Crib Firm Foam mattress fits most mini and portable cribs. It is lightweight, durable, tear-resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean.
This mattress is hypo-allergenic and phthalate-free. The Colgate Portable Crib Mini Crib Firm Foam mattress is made with CertiPUR-US performance certified foam and is Greenguard certified. The mattress is 3” thick and can be used on either side. It weighs 2.8 pounds and its dimensions are 24 x 38.5 x 3 inches.
6. Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic Mini Crib Mattress
The Babyletto Pure Core Mini Crib mattress is non-toxic, lightweight, and has a fully recyclable polyester core. It has a removable cover that is machine washable, waterproof, and vinyl free. The outer layer of the mattress is made from cotton/polyester and the inner layer is made from polyester.
It comes with a quilted hybrid cover, weighs 7.01 pounds and its package dimensions are 23.5 x 3 x 37.6 inches. This is a non-latex, organic mattress. It does however come with a California proposition 65 warning.
Lightweight, fully recyclable, and non-toxic. This is a good "mid range" GreenGuard certified mine mattress.
7. Dream on Me Sunset 3”
The Dream on Me Sunset 3” mattress promotes airflow and has a waterproof, hypo-allergenic, antibacterial cover. Parents love it because it is easy to clean. Just wipe it with warm water and mild soap. This mattress is also phthalate and lead-free.
The Dream on Me Sunset 3” mattress is extra firm, yet comfortable. It weighs 2.32 pounds and its dimensions are 38 x 24 x 3 inches.
Another budget pick if you need something quick and cheap. It won't last forever, but great to have on hand as an "extra".
8. LA Baby 3’ Portable/Mini crib mattress
As a bonus, this portable crib mattress is also eco-friendly (no polyurethane foam). This mattress weighs 4 pounds and its dimensions are 38 x 24 x 3 inches.
9. Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual Firmness Mattress
The Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual Firmness mattress has dual firmness and comes with temperature controlling cool gel memory foam for the toddler side and a firmer density foam infused on the baby side.
The Baby Bluebird Hypo-allergenic Mattress has an antimicrobial cover that is stain, water, and odor resistant. The removable cover makes it easy to clean and luxurious. It weighs 8.75 pounds and its dimensions are 38 x 24 x 5 inches.
The Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer is a dual firmness Crib Mattress and is made of environmentally friendly, durable, non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, and breathable technology materials and you can continue to use it when your baby grows older which takes this mattress on top of our list.
10. Wonder Dream Mini Crib Mattress 5″ Dual Firmness
The Wonder Dream Mini Crib Mattress 5″ Dual Firmness is a breathable mattress that helps to regulate temperature by allowing air to move through the mattress. It is water repellent and fits mini and portable cribs.
It has a dual-purpose sleep surface that gives babies the support they need and toddlers a cozy mattress to sleep on. It is made from organic cotton, has a removable, washable cover that is antibacterial/antimicrobial, hypo-allergenic and it is non-toxic. It weighs 9.08 pounds and the product dimensions are 39 x 25 x 6 inches.
11. NapYou Dual Comfort Crib Mattress
The NapYou Dual Comfort crib mattress is a great option because it offers dual comfort: It has a firm side for babies and once the baby gets older, simply flip it over for a softer side for toddlers. The NapYou Dual Comfort crib mattress has a memory foam layer that will help to support your child’s back and neck, promoting good posture and ensuring a good night’s sleep.
Their memory foam mattresses have an certified organic cotton blend outer cover that is a removable and waterproof surface that is easy and convenient to clean. This mattress is CertiPUR-US FOAM Mattress Certified, weighs 10.3 pounds and the dimensions are 30 x 9 x 9 inches.
Read our full guide on how to find the best crib mattresses [ORGANIC VERSION] here.
Final Pick: Best Mini Crib Mattresses
Now that we’ve had a look at some great mini crib mattress options, it is time for me to share which mattress I would recommend. I must admit that this seemed like a daunting task but in the end, I was able to narrow it down to two options:
The Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual Firmness mattress and the Wonder Dream Mini Crib Mattress 5” Dual Firmness mattress. It was important to me that the mattress be environmentally friendly, safe, durable, made with breathable technology, non-toxic, hygienic, and hypo-allergenic.
I liked the Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual Firmness mattress because it has dual firmness but so did the Wonder Dream Mini Crib Mattress 5” Dual Firmness mattress. Being able to use this mattress for your baby, as well as your toddler means you do not have to buy another mattress when the baby turns into a toddler.
I also loved the fact that the Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual Firmness mattress is hypo-allergenic and that it has an antimicrobial cover that is water, stain, and odor resistant. The Wonder Dream Mini Crib Mattress 5” Dual Firmness mattress is also a top contender on my list: It is manufactured from organic cotton, non-toxic and made from breathable material.
The biggest difference between our top picks is that the Wonder Dream Mini Crib Mattress is manufactured from breathable materials which is why it I crowned it as the Top mini crib mattress. May this list empower you with the knowledge to choose the perfect Mini Crib Mattress not only of peace of mind but also for a peaceful night’s sleep!
The Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer is a dual firmness Crib Mattress and is made of environmentally friendly, durable, non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, and breathable technology materials and you can continue to use it when your baby grows older which takes this mattress on top of our list.