While there’s no denying that shopping for a new baby can be fun — picking out all those adorable toys, teeny-tiny clothes and super-soft blankies is basically one giant dopamine rush — there are certain purchasing decisions involved in the preparation of a newborn that are about as enjoyable and unavoidable as a diaper blowout (parents-to-be: just you wait).
So yeah, a crib mattress might not be something you actively look forward to buying, but it is a nursery essential and really just a smaller version of the staple you’d choose for your own bedroom. The guidelines are the same: You want to pick out the best crib mattress that will not only comfort your little one but also support them so they sleep soundly and safely through the night. Of course, you also need a mattress that actually fits your baby’s crib, too.
So where to start? You can find some of the best crib mattresses out there right on Amazon — and all for under $80. Browse by safety features, size, style and go from there. Some crib mattresses double as toddler bed mattresses, so they grow with your child — and save you some extra cash in the process. There are also mattresses designed specifically for playards and travel cribs.
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1. Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress
Graco’s crib mattress is delivered straight to your door in a neatly compressed, easy-to-maneuver box. The load itself is significantly lightweight — about seven pounds — and is designed to comfortably fit standard, full-sized cribs and toddler beds.
Made of breathable yet firm polyurethane foam to ensure your baby gets the maximum amount of airflow they need throughout the night, it’s also designed with a separation barrier, fire barrier and is covered by an embossed quilted polyester material that is waterproof, removable and hand washable. Graco’s crib mattress is Greenguard Gold Certified, free of any phthalates, lead or traces of mercury, and meets all Federal flammability standards. Did we mention it has a six year warranty?
2. Milliard Crib Mattress
Milliard takes pride in the fact that its crib mattresses are 100 percent free of springs and synthetic materials. Rather, the brand uses 28D CertiPur-certified polyurethane foam, which means the material has been assessed by independent, accredited laboratories to ensure your baby’s mattress is free of flame retardants, mercury, lead, formaldehyde and phthalates, and has low volatile organic compounds (VOC) for optimal air quality.
What’s more, Milliard mattresses are periodically examined to make absolutely sure their products meet or exceed U.S. safety and fire requirements, so you can feel at ease knowing your baby is sleeping on a high-quality mattress. In addition to its safety features, the Milliard crib mattress is also super comfortable. The soft yet firm foam material contours to your baby’s shape while simultaneously preventing your child from sinking in. The cover is hypoallergenic and waterproof, so you don’t need to sweat nighttime leaks.
3. Dream On Me 3″ Playard Mattress
Dream On Me’s mattress is recommended for babies six months and older, and is compatible with name-brand playards such as Graco’s Pack n’ Play and the Fisher-Price Ultra Lite Day & Night Play Yard. It is highly advised, however, that whatever playard you use, you make absolutely sure that the mattress fits inside tightly without any gaps in between the mattress and side walls.
The mattress is made of 10 percent vinyl and 90 percent foam, and comes with a non-allergenic, antibacterial waterproof cover that’s easy to clean. All you need is a wipe with mild soap and water to freshen it up. Plus, the material is also designed to prevent mold and mildew from sprouting, as well as minimize any bad odors.
4. Sealy Toddler & Baby Mattress
Sealy’s crib mattress is high-quality and hospital-grade, so you know your baby’s going to sleep soundly on this bedding staple. The mattress features a 204-high coil count so your child feels supported, but is made with a soft material to ensure its sturdy build doesn’t override the comfort of your sleeping baby. The perfect balance of snug and secure, the mattress also features an anti-sag system to equally distribute baby weight (no sinking!).
But this mattress wasn’t designed exclusively for infants: Sealy’s crib mattress doubles as a toddler bed mattress, so while one side is firm for baby, the other is a little cozier for your growing tot. What’s more, the mattress comes with an antibacterial cover to guarantee your little one’s sleep space is highly sanitary. It’s also waterproof, so any late night accidents or spills can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth.
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