Best Crib Mattresses: Firm, Tight-Fitting and Waterproof Picks
None of the cribs in our guide come with a mattress, so you'll need one. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) sets the bar: firm enough that it doesn't indent when your baby lies on it, made for your crib and fitting tightly, with only a fitted sheet on top.
Crib mattresses also have their own federal rule, 16 CFR 1241, from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The five picks below run from $70 to $200.
| Best for | Pick | Price checked |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress | $99.97 |
| Most washable | Newton Baby Essential Crib Mattress | $199.99 |
| Best two-stage | Sealy Baby Flex Cool 2-Stage Crib Mattress | $129.99 |
| Best budget | Serta Perfect Start Dual-Sided Crib Mattress | $69.99 |
| Best coil | Sealy Baby Firm Rest 2-Stage Crib Mattress | $89.99 |
Best Crib Mattresses
#1 · Best overall
Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress
| Type | Foam |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Firm (listing) |
| Size | 52 x 27.6 x 4.5 in |
| Cover | Waterproof, removable, washable |
| Certifications | GREENGUARD Gold, OEKO-TEX cover |
| Model | 06710-400 |
The Graco Premium Foam has about 51,300 reviews and a 4.8 rating, the most of any mattress we checked. The listing describes it as firm, with a waterproof sleep surface and a removable cover that goes in the washing machine.
The cover is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and the mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions, according to the listing. It measures 52 by 27.6 by 4.5 inches and weighs 10.5 pounds.
It was $99.97 from Amazon.
Good for
- Huge review base, 4.8 rating
- Waterproof with a washable cover
Watch Out for
- Single firmness, no toddler side
- Slightly under 52 x 28 in; check the fit
#2 · Most washable
Newton Baby Essential Crib Mattress
| Type | Wovenaire core |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Firm (listing) |
| Size | 52 x 28 x 4 in |
| Washable | Cover and core |
| Weight | 11 lb |
| Model | 9991300WHT |
The Newton Essential has a core made of a woven material Newton calls Wovenaire instead of foam or coils. The whole mattress can be washed: the cover goes in the machine and the core rinses clean in a shower or tub, according to the listing.
It measures 52 by 28 by 4 inches and weighs 11 pounds. The listing makes breathability claims; the AAP says there's no evidence that products marketed to reduce sleep-related death risk do so, so treat it as a firm mattress first.
It was $199.99, sold by Newton Baby, with a 4.8 rating from about 1,200 reviews.
Good for
- Fully washable core
- 4.8 rating
Watch Out for
- About $200
- Thinnest pick at 4 in
#3 · Best two-stage
Sealy Baby Flex Cool 2-Stage Crib Mattress
| Type | Hybrid coil |
|---|---|
| Sides | Infant (firmer) and toddler |
| Size | 52 x 28 x 5.75 in |
| Cover | Cotton, PVC-free waterproof layer |
| Weight | 14.9 lb |
| Model | EM443-STS1 |
The Sealy Flex Cool has two sides: a firmer side for infants and a softer side for toddlers, according to the listing. Inside is a hybrid of coils and foam.
The cotton cover sits over a waterproof barrier that the listing says is PVC-free, and the mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified. It measures 52 by 28 by 5.75 inches and weighs 14.9 pounds.
It was $129.99, sold by Spreetail, with a 4.7 rating from about 2,700 reviews.
Good for
- Infant and toddler sides
- PVC-free waterproof layer
Watch Out for
- Heaviest to lift when changing sheets
- Third-party seller
#4 · Best budget
Serta Perfect Start Dual-Sided Crib Mattress
| Type | Fiber core |
|---|---|
| Sides | Two |
| Size | 52 x 28 x 5 in |
| Cover | Waterproof |
| Certifications | GREENGUARD Gold, JPMA |
| Weight | 8.5 lb |
The Serta Perfect Start is the cheapest pick at $69.99 from Amazon. Its core is a fiber made from recycled bottles, and it has two sides for infant and toddler use.
The cover is waterproof. The listing says it's GREENGUARD Gold and JPMA certified and free of added toxic fire retardants. It measures 52 by 28 by 5 inches and weighs 8.5 pounds.
It has a 4.7 rating from about 1,600 reviews.
Good for
- About $70
- Light, two-sided
Watch Out for
- Removable cover not mentioned on the listing
- Fewer reviews than the Graco
#5 · Best coil
Sealy Baby Firm Rest 2-Stage Crib Mattress
| Type | 204 coils |
|---|---|
| Sides | Extra-firm infant, toddler |
| Size | 51.63 x 27.25 x 5.75 in |
| Cover | Waterproof vinyl |
| Weight | 7.5 lb |
| Model | EM438-VIV1 |
The Sealy Firm Rest uses 204 coils with an extra-firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers, according to the listing. Its corners are squared to fit a crib snugly.
The vinyl cover is waterproof and wipes clean. It measures 51.63 by 27.25 by 5.75 inches and weighs 7.5 pounds, the lightest here.
It was $89.99 from Amazon, with a 4.6 rating from about 1,900 reviews.
Good for
- Lightest pick
- Squared corners for a snug fit
Watch Out for
- Vinyl rather than fabric cover
- Slightly smaller dimensions; check the fit
Compare the 5 Picks
| Pick | Price | Type | Size (in) | Sides | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress | $99.97 | Foam | 52 x 27.6 x 4.5 | One | 10.5 lb | 4.8 (51,289) |
| Newton Baby Essential Crib Mattress | $199.99 | Woven core | 52 x 28 x 4 | Not listed | 11 lb | 4.8 (1,201) |
| Sealy Baby Flex Cool 2-Stage Crib Mattress | $129.99 | Hybrid coil | 52 x 28 x 5.75 | Infant and toddler | 14.9 lb | 4.7 (2,735) |
| Serta Perfect Start Dual-Sided Crib Mattress | $69.99 | Fiber core | 52 x 28 x 5 | Two | 8.5 lb | 4.7 (1,568) |
| Sealy Baby Firm Rest 2-Stage Crib Mattress | $89.99 | 204 coils | 51.63 x 27.25 x 5.75 | Infant and toddler | 7.5 lb | 4.6 (1,904) |
Prices and Amazon ratings (with review counts) as checked on October 17, 2026.
Crib Mattress Safety: Firm, Tight, Bare
The CPSC's crib mattress rule, 16 CFR 1241, covers full-size crib mattresses as well as mattresses for play yards and smaller cribs. It uses the full-size crib's inside measurement, about 52 3/8 by 28 inches. Mattresses made after May 3, 2026 must meet the newest version of the standard.
The AAP's checks: the mattress should be firm, so it doesn't indent when your baby lies on it. It should be made for your crib and fit tightly. Put only a fitted sheet on it: no toppers, pillows, blankets or bumpers. The CPSC calls this "Bare is Best."
How to Choose a Crib Mattress
Fit
Check the mattress size against your crib. Most here are 52 by 28 inches on their listings; the Graco and Sealy Firm Rest are a little smaller. Push the mattress into one corner and check that it fits snugly against the sides, as the AAP's tight-fit advice suggests.
Foam, Coil or Other
Foam mattresses like the Graco are light and simple. Coil mattresses like the Sealy Firm Rest have an extra-firm infant side. The Newton's woven core and the Serta's fiber core are alternatives. All five are described as firm on their listings.
Two Sides
Two-stage mattresses, like both Sealys and the Serta, have a firmer side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. Keep the firmer side up for your baby.
Cleanup
A waterproof surface saves the mattress from leaks. The Graco's cover zips off for the washer, and the Newton can be washed completely.
Crib Mattress Questions
How Firm Should a Crib Mattress Be?
The AAP says firm enough that it doesn't indent when your baby lies on it. Softer toddler sides are for after the infant stage.
Can I Add a Mattress Topper or Pad?
No. The AAP lists mattress toppers among the soft items to keep out of the crib.
Do I Need a New Mattress for a Secondhand Crib?
The AAP says the mattress should be designed for your crib and fit tightly. If a used mattress sags, is damaged or doesn't fit snugly, replace it.
The Bottom Line
The Graco Premium Foam is the best all-round crib mattress, firm, waterproof and about $100. Choose the Newton Essential if you want to wash the whole mattress, a Sealy for a two-stage infant and toddler design, or the Serta Perfect Start for about $70. Whichever you buy, put only a fitted sheet on it. See our cribs guide for the crib itself.