Highest Rated Toddler Crib Beds Reviewed By Experts

There’s nothing more beautiful and exciting than welcoming a new baby into your home! But, in order to make Junior as comfy a possible, you need to prepare the house and the bedroom for their needs. For instance, the first worry every new parent has is safety, which is why it’s important to invest extra time and care when you’re choosing the crib and its mattress.

In the first years of life, your baby will go through several types of mattresses, starting from the ones designed for infants, moving to the ones for toddlers, and continuing to a big boy/girl mattress for their bed.

While Junior won’t spend too much time on their crib, they will however be a toddler for a bit longer so it’s important to choose this one with more care. You need a design that’s safe and reliable without being too expensive since it’s not going to be used for more than two or three years.

But how do you know which one is actually safe?

Should you give in and buy that 100% natural design that’s as expensive as your bed? These questions are absolutely normal but they also raise more questions instead of providing answers. So, to avoid all the confusion, we talked to experts in the niche and found some of the best toddler beds you can try.

Important: Always check the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission for any type of safety alerts.

Our Best Crib Mattresses (Safety and Reliability)

Safety

According to specialists, the crib is the safest place for your child, especially when they first start to move and explore the surrounding world. It’s important to have a sturdy crib, with tall walls to make sure Junior won’t fall, but it’s also important to have a mattress that is deemed safe for babies.

This means following several rules when you’re choosing the bed:

• Don’t choose a surface that’s too thick or fluffy – According to specialists’ recommendation, the crib mattress shouldn’t be thicker than 6 inches.
• The size is important – If you find the perfect toddler mattress, but the size is too small, don’t buy it! The sleeping surface must fit the crib perfectly (you shouldn’t be able to easily fit two fingers in between the walls and the mattress). If the fit is too loose, a child may get stuck in there (especially when they are just starting to learn how to use their limbs).
• The crib bed should be firm – If the surface is soft, it can lead to spine deformation or the baby can get stuck face down and suffocate. So, when you buy a mattress for your little angel, always think firm.
• Always buy a new mattress – Even though you can get a good price buying a used mattress, it’s most recommended to go for a new one. A used surface could be already worn and there may be tears that make it unsafe for your baby.
• Make sure it’s easy to clean – Accidents happen with toddlers so it’s absolutely logical to want a surface that’s easy to wash and dry. You can always consider a special cover that doesn’t let the liquid settle into the mattress – otherwise the surface may never dry completely and the mattress could develop mildew or fungi.

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when it comes to your toddler’s safety. However, once you find the top-grade mattress, things will just set in place, making your life easier. Also, Junior will be comfy in their crib so you won’t have to deal with a screaming baby all the time.

Reliability

You don’t want to be changing your bedding every month so it’s important to find one product that is reliable. This means durability to your toddler’s constant attempts to rip it apart and impermeability to all sorts of fluids.

Regardless of the materials used, a crib surface should keep things together, especially with an energetic baby who likes to jump, crawl, roll over, and try all sorts of new positions with their new-found control. To them everything is worth exploring so why not try a hit at the surface directly underneath?

The good thing is that you don’t need a surface that will hold things together for years to come as your beloved young one will grow out of it in two to three years. You just need one that’s durable enough to resist constant badgering and a small human being that spends most of their time sleeping, eating, and playing.

Next on the list is permeability and breathability. The surface should not allow fluids to get inside because this can lead to a moldy mattress so it’s ideal to choose one that was specially designed to repel liquid (with a vinyl or polyethylene surface). Also, the design should allow air to move up and down through the layers so your baby will be cozy and dry while sleeping.

Now, the best way to find such a crib sleeping surface is to buy your product from a reliable brand. Look for online reviews from parents and ask around to learn more about beds you might consider buying. This should not be an impulse buy, but one that has been deeply analyzed and thought through!

Buyer’s Guide For Infant Bed

Foam vs. Innerspring

Most baby mattresses on the market feature a foam core or one with coils (also known as an innerspring design). While both have great advantages, there are some things to consider in order to take the best decision for Junior’s safety and comfort.

Now, since we know new parents rarely have the time to do research, we had a chat with several specialists in the field and learned the main pros and cons of each design. So, just have a look below before making any purchase decision and make sure to check out our in-depth foam overview.

First, a foam design is lightweight, firm, and waterproof – some models can even be washed in the tub and then dried off to make sure your sweet angel will sleep on a fresh, odor-free surface. However, the downside is that this is polyurethane foam, a material that many parents consider unsuited for a newborn or a toddler.

According to specialists, this is a misconception as most of the brands that produce designs for babies, don’t use chemicals or glues. Still, before buying a foam design, you should make sure it follows all the standard regulations and certifications.

Moving on to the innerspring designs, these are more breathable as the air can move through the surface easier since it’s less dense than a layer of foam. Also, an innerspring is firmer and provides better back support for the baby. The surface is a bit bouncy but it’s also heavier than a foam design and more difficult to clean. Still, if you buy a design with high-end stitching, liquids and other debris won’t be able to get inside the mattress, preventing any odor buildup.

Overall, both designs should be protected by an impermeable cover to avoid any liquid or stains from getting to the core.

Organic vs. Non-Organic

The first choice every parent would make is organic as the industry wants you to believe that non-organic is similar to toxic. While natural materials have indeed some superior qualities, they are also more expensive and don’t guarantee the safety of your angel. A good example of this aspect is a 100% natural latex surface – while it is hypoallergenic and all the fibers are designed by Mother Nature, the baby could develop an allergy to latex.

On the other hand, non-organic materials are safer because producers are thorough in choosing materials that don’t contain chemicals. Some even go as far as to use plant-based oils and don’t use any type of glue to make sure nothing will affect the baby.

So, when it comes to organic vs. non-organic, which is highest-rated to choose?

Well, the decision rests on your shoulders and it depends on your budget. First of all, organic materials are indeed better at regulating heat and providing a safe, anti-microbial environment. Materials such as latex, cotton, wool, or even feathers are less likely to produce allergies and will keep the baby dry and toasty even when little accidents happen. So, if your budget allows it, you can choose the organic option.

Non-organic materials are the ones produced by man (such as polyurethane foam) and while producers do take all the necessary precautions, some chemicals must be used. This is why the authorities put in place regulations and standards, to make sure the amount of chemicals used won’t be harmful. So, if you go with the non-organic, your little angel will still be fine and happy, but make sure you choose designs certified to be used in a crib.

According to specialists, both are viable options and you shouldn’t stretch your budget just because natural materials sound better on paper.

Tips to Choosing the Ideal Baby Mattress

Now that you know a bit about the types of materials and you’ve browsed through our best crib design choices, we’re also offering a comprehensive guide that will be of help when you’re shopping for your sweet little angel.

We’ll talk about all the features that matter so make sure to read everything carefully.

Read: Check out our highest-rated bed picks for kids here.

Crib Sizes

The size of the toddler bed is very important because it needs to fit just right. Luckily, most producers will create designs that fit in a standard crib (52 by 28 inches) so if you bought a standard-sized crib, you shouldn’t have any problems choosing a mattress.

Still, if you are currently in the possession of a custom-made crib (maybe it’s a family heirloom or you are looking for something more special for your baby), you should follow the two fingers rule. This states that, if you can easily fit two fingers in between the edge of the crib and the mattress, the fit is too loose. Even though it doesn’t look like a big deal to you, a newborn would be in danger of getting stuck in this crevasse which can lead to all sorts of problems.

If the crib you have is bigger/smaller than the standard size, you should look for a producer that can create a custom design. True, it may be a bit more expensive, but Junior’s safety is definitely more important!

Comfort & Breathability

Newborns and toddlers don’t need much to be comfortable. As long as the mattress supports their back and doesn’t get wet, they will be happy. Still, if you truly want to walk the extra mile, some designs promise to provide the same comfort your baby felt while they were residing in the womb. While we can’t really verify these claims, parents who used these models did report longer sleeping times and better rested kids.

In terms of breathability, you’ll find all sorts of designs, but it’s highly recommended to choose one that allows the air to move through the surface. This way, if by any chance, some humidity does get inside the layers, it will be dried right off.

Also, some designs are created to prevent any suffocation accidents by providing the newborn with a surface that allows them to breathe even when turned face-down. Still, such a design is not as resistant for a child that moves a lot and honestly, it’s not necessary once the baby can move around and lift their own head.

In our opinion both innerspring and foam designs provide breathability, but the first is perfect if you’re looking for good support and lots of air. The foam design is denser (while still breathable) but it’s also easier to maintain and clean.

The Importance of Choosing the Safe Material

Children tend to taste the world around so you may find Junior munching on the mattress from time to time. But it’s not just about this; your little treasure will spend a lot of time sleeping or rolling around in the crib and their skin will get in contact with the material. Not to mention they will breathe the air that goes through the surface so if any harmful chemicals are used, they will eventually get in your baby’s lungs.

So, the best way to choose a safe design is to check the reliability of the brand by reading reviews from other parents and asking around. Also, you should check if the mattress has a certification seal that attests it is safe to be used for a baby.

Still, even when deemed safe, some materials can pose a problem if Junior develops an allergic reaction. Sadly, this tends to happen with organic materials such as latex or wool, but it’s not a common occurrence. Some babies are just a bit more sensitive, so you should closely observe their reactions in the first days of sleeping on the new mattress.

Firmness & Softness

Specialists recommend new parents to choose a design that’s not thicker than six inches. Anything above this can be too soft and fluffy for a newborn.

Yes, it may sound weird, after all, soft surfaces are safe for a small human being, right?

Well, given the fact that a bed that’s too soft can be uncomfortable for an adult, you can’t assume a baby will feel any better. A surface that is too fluffy doesn’t provide any back support, which can lead to spine development problems. But, the main worry with a soft design for a newborn is suffocation.

Of course, a toddler can easily handle a medium-firm design, but newborns need it to be firm. Our recommendation is to make sure you’re not going too soft even when Junior starts to move and can hold their head up.

Is it Waterproof?

This feature will make your life easier as a parent, and will keep Junior healthy and dry. A waterproof surface won’t retain stains and odors from those little accidents and can withstand spills.

Still, the most important aspect of a waterproof crib design is that it doesn’t allow mold to develop (which tends to happen with other designs when they get wet). If liquids get inside the mattress or under it, it can be difficult to spot and clean which creates the best environment for fungi and mildew. So, to prevent this, you should choose a crib surface that’s waterproof or invest in an impermeable cover.

You should also know that many of the organic designs are not waterproof, which is where the cover comes in handy. On the other hand, polyurethane foam is water-resistant and can be cleaned if an accident should happen.

6 Best Toddler Crib Mattress Reviews

Safety 1^st is one of the top rated brands on the market for bed cribs, with over 30 years of experience in producing high-end designs that will keep our little ones happy and safe. Furthermore, the brand was selected by Women’s Choice Awards to be the 2017’s most recommended brand in America for toddler mattresses. So, you definitely will get a reliable product from this brand!

The Heavenly Dreams Stars Crib product is designed with a high-density core of polyester fibers (which make it impermeable and hypoallergenic) and a vinyl cover that is odor resistant and doesn’t stain. Given its construction, the mattress is easy to clean and it is overall durable.

The size is standard so it will fit a standard crib, which makes this product quite valuable. While reviewing it, we loved its durability and the fact that it resists in one piece for as long as your kid needs it.

This toddler bed fits most standard cribs and features an easy to clean cover that can be easily unzipped and washed (if necessary). The core is made out of sturdy foam that is safe for the baby and doesn’t flatten over time. Furthermore, the foam is specially designed to provide Junior with a womb-like sensation so they will sleep longer and be happier.

If you’re worried about safety, the Milliard product has all the safety standard certifications and the foam is completely chemical-free. Also, the surface is firm to prevent any unhappy accidents (such as SIDS from the baby sinking into the surface); meaning you can also use it for a newborn.

Overall, according to our review, this is a very nice design for a baby, built to last for as long as needed and designed to keep the insides dry and odor-free.

This crib sleeping surface designed by DOM (Dream on Me) is more than just a slab of foam covered in vinyl. The inner-structure is designed to provide your little one with amazing back support and a breathable surface that won’t get too hot or too cold during slumber.

A feature we truly appreciated is the good edge support. Because the inner-structure features springs, the edge is well-supported and doesn’t allow the baby to roll over towards the crib’s wall. It’s also firm and designed of high-end materials that create a hypoallergenic design.

The lock stitched binding keeps liquids from seeping in, so you don’t have to worry about any odors building up in time or any fungi taking residence in the surface. Of course, the cover itself is waterproof and the air is allowed to move through the layers in order to keep the baby dry and comfortable at all times.

One of the excellent features every new parent will love in the Newton Wovenaire design is the fact that both the cover and the core can be washed. The cover can be simply zipped off and machine washed, while the core can be cleaned in the bathtub, using mild detergent and warm water. Not to mention, both the core and the cover are easy to dry and don’t create a good environment for fungi or mildew.

The Wovenaire core is firm and completely breathable, made of 90% air and supported by a food-grade polymer, covered with a spacer material that is hypoallergenic and non-toxic (no polyurethane or foam were used to make this mattress). This reduces to a low minimum the risk of suffocation and keeps the baby safe and happy.

Overall, this product sums up to be one of the best from all the ones we reviewed!

The Eco Classica III comes in standard size, so you can fit it in most standard cribs, it’s lightweight, and durable so it will be with you throughout the toddler years. The surface is 6 inches thick and has a dual firmness setting so you can use it from when you bring baby Junior home and until they grow out of the crib. At first, the newborn will sleep on the firmer side to prevent any accidents, and as they grow and start moving, you can simply flip it over to the medium-firm side.

The core is made of Eco foam infused with plant-based oils and the cover is organic cotton to keep your angel dry and comfy. The cover is also great with sheets as it’s not slippery and is breathable, allowing air to move through the entire core.

Finally, the surface is easy to clean and doesn’t require too much effort to keep it fresh and dry, which is why we consider it to be one of the finest designs on the market.

The bed is designed with a foam core but no polyurethane or latex materials were used. The foam is eco-friendly and infused with plant-based oils that keep fungi and mildew away from the surface and your baby healthy.

We also chose the Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer as one of the greatest due to the dual firmness settings that allow you to simply flip over the crib sleeping surface when your angel starts their toddling years and offer them a medium-soft design (instead of a firm one). This way, you save money and storage space by purchasing a 2-in-1 product.

The bed is waterproof, lightweight, and covered with a soft cover that’s easy to clean in case of a spilling. Also, the cover is fixated with SafeSewn Seams so it is dust mite and bed bug resistant.

We also liked the fact that each product is tested for durability and other situations before releasing it to the market.

Our Final Thoughts

We all want what’s high-grade materials for our younglings, but in the case of a crib sleeping surface, best does not always equal with most expensive. Also, there is no viable proof against non-organic materials, and parents still fall for this marketing scam, allowing salespeople to cash in on the idea that natural is always the healthiest choice.

According to specialists, as long as non-organic materials have the seal of approval from a reliable certification standard, there won’t be any safety concerns. And this idea is supported by parents all over the world who tried and were satisfied by the use of non-organic designs.

Finally, it’s important to understand that a long warranty is absolutely useless in the case of a crib surface. After all, your kid will only use it for three or four years and you shouldn’t re-use it after that. So it doesn’t make sense to pay more for a design that only has to offer a bigger warranty.

At the end of the day, as long as you follow the indications we provided in this guide, you should be able to find and select the top-quality surface(s) for your little angel(s).