I use a very simple checklist to determine whether a particular crib mattress is a good one. But trying to decide what the best crib mattress might be is more difficult and can depend to a large extent on exactly how much money you have available to spend on it. However, I’m going to start right off and say that in my view the best all round crib mattress, for quality and value combined is the Colgate Classica I Foam Mattress.
Click here to read more about the Colgate Classica I Crib Mattress
This is a decent, firm and well made crib mattress at an affordable price. The only drawback, and this is a personal view only, is that it is not made from organic materials.
My criteria for evaluating a new crib mattress:
- Is it made from organic material? In my view, as stated above this is really important given the unknown harm that many fire retardant chemicals used to treat many modern mattresses might have on your baby.
- Is it light and easy to manoeuvre? This is important as you may well find yourself lifting the mattress off to clean it quite regularly and you really don’t want to have to look after your baby with a strained back.
- How firm is the crib mattress? Firmness is very important for newborn babies and there is significant evidence that a firm mattress prevents the baby from getting overheated and may well reduce the likelihood of SIDS.
- It should fit your crib snugly? You do not want and should not buy a crib mattress that has gaps around the edge when you place it into your baby’s crib. Your baby may well move around whilst sleeping and can get wedged into very uncomfortable positions if you do not heed this point.
- It should allow you to change the sheets quickly and easily? This means that when you tuck a sheet underneath the mattress it stays there and does not slide around or even come out again.
You should also expect to spend at least $100 on your baby’s crib mattress. If you think that you have found a suitable cheap crib mattress, then you should think again. There are not many suitable quality crib mattresses on the market these days for less than $100, so save yourself the concern later over whether you have bought a good enough mattress and get a decent quality mattress in the first place.
Another really great crib mattress, that meets all the aforementioned criteria and is of particularly good quality is the Naturepedic Quilted Organic Cotton Deluxe Crib Mattress.
Read reviews on the Naturepedic Quilted Organic Deluxe Crib Mattress here
This is more expensive than the Colgate Classica I, but it is a really popular choice and is an organic crib mattress which is my personal preference.
At the very top end of the crib mattress market, combining much of the characteristics I look for in a mattress is the Natura Organic Crib Mattress.
Get a great value Natura Organic Crib Mattress here
This has:
- 4″ natural latex core
- Is naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and antibacterial
- Is not treated with any harmful toxins, bleaches, off gassing or dyes
- Controls temperature to insulate without overheating
- And is breathable safe which ensures your baby is safe in all circumstances.
The main drawback is the cost which is right at the top end of markets price range. However, if you do buy the Natura Organic Crib Mattress then you do have the comfort of knowing your baby is sleeping on the very best money can buy.