You’ve chosen the nursery furniture, painted the walls, and stuffed baby’s drawers with adorable layette pieces. Now it’s time to choose the perfect crib mattress. There are a number of things to think about as you do — and one of the most important is the crib mattress size.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about choosing the right mattress size for your crib so your little one can stay safe while sleeping.
Table of contents
- Choosing The Right Crib Mattress Size
- Beyond Crib Mattress Size: Additional Tips For Choosing A Crib Mattress
Choosing the right crib mattress size
Your baby is going to sleep in their crib a lot, so it’s important to get a mattress that is sized just right. This isn’t a matter of style — but, rather, safety.
If the mattress is too small, your baby could get stuck in the gap between the mattress and the crib side. It’s also a suffocation risk.
We know that sounds scary, but it’s not hard to find the right fit. Basically, the correct mattress size is dependent on the crib you purchased. So what crib mattress size will be right for your crib? Let’s take a look at the choices.
Crib mattress size: Standard
The most common mattress size is the standard mattress, which is built for a standard-size crib. Even though cribs may differ by wood, finish, and overall style, most models in the U.S. are standard-sized.
Dimensions
But what is a “standard-sized crib” anyway? The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) deems a standard crib to be one with dimensions of 52 ⅜ inches by 28 inches, with ⅝ inch leeway on either side.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), standard-sized crib mattresses that fit these cribs are 27¼ inches by 51⅝ inches.
Tips for selecting the right-sized standard crib mattress
As we said earlier, if your crib is standard-sized, you’ll need a standard-sized crib mattress. However, as crib safety is so important, it’s a good idea that you perform a two-finger test just to confirm that you got it right before putting the baby down for their first nap.
Just slip two fingers in the gap between the mattress and the side of the crib. If they are snug, your fit is good. If the gap is larger than that, it’s not the right crib mattress size for the crib.
Crib mattress size: Mini
Dimensions
A mini crib, if you haven’t guessed, is a crib that’s smaller than a standard-sized crib. There is no government-regulated “standard” mini crib size, however, many mini crib manufacturers make their cribs to fit a 24-inch by 38-inch mattress.
Tips for selecting the right mini crib mattress
While you can likely purchase most mini crib mattresses and expect them to fit your mini crib, you’ll still want to double-check the fit because some mini cribs are narrower than others.
Mini crib mattresses are also available in different depths, so be sure to research the dimensions before making a decision.
Crib mattress size: Shaped
Dimensions
There are no standard specifications or government regulations for shaped crib mattresses. Shaped cribs vary in size and most will likely come with a mattress.
Tips for selecting the right shaped mattress
If you have a specially shaped crib, the same rule applies for the mattress: not too big and not too small.
If your shaped crib does not come with a mattress, you’ll want to use a tape measure to determine the appropriate size and then choose a mattress that fits snugly inside your crib without too much room around the edges.
Crib mattress size: Bassinet
Dimensions
Like the shaped crib mattresses, there isn’t a standard for bassinet mattresses. Generally, the purchase of a bassinet will include a mattress that’s just right.
Crib mattress compatibility
As you see, in most cases, your crib will either need a standard-sized mattress, or the manufacturer of the crib will make a specially-sized mattress that fits the crib perfectly.
Keep in mind that mattress size regulation is a matter of U.S. law. That means if your chosen crib is from abroad, that country’s “standard” and the U.S. “standard” may not be the same. For instance, standard cribs and crib mattresses in Europe are smaller than those in the U.S.
Beyond crib mattress size: Additional tips for choosing a crib mattress
As you begin to explore the world of crib mattresses, you’ll realize that crib mattress size is not the only factor that differentiates one mattress from another. You’ll need to keep a few other factors in mind.
Firmness
First of all, crib mattresses should be firm. While your older child might appreciate a soft and cozy bed, when it comes to your infant, the firmer the mattress the better. Soft mattresses can increase the safety risks for young babies.
It’s important to note, however, that “firm” does not necessarily mean hard. Traditional crib mattresses are rock-hard because, in order to prevent a baby's head from sinking in and to avoid suffocation risk, they are encased in non-breathable plastic.
By making the Newton mattress completely breathable, we were able to make it much more comfortable as well — without any risk of suffocation.
To be sure you have a firm crib mattress, push down on it and see if it immediately springs back into place when you take your hand away.
Breathability
Secondly, consider going with a breathable crib mattress. This is important because non-breathable mattresses may increase the risk of suffocation for young babies.
However, you can put yourself at ease with a breathable mattress, like Newton Baby’s Crib Mattress, which allows air to flow freely for optimal breathability and temperature regulation while your little one sleeps.
Newton Baby’s Crib Mattress is made with patented Wovenaire® technology and zipped into a comfortable, washable, and breathable mattress cover.
In fact, you can get the most out of your breathable mattress by using Newton Baby’s Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad and skipping the sheet. The mattress pad is durable, comfortable for your little one, and machine-washable. It’s as easy as that!
Non-toxic and allergen-free materials
As your baby spends lots of time on a crib mattress, the materials used must be as safe as possible.
Fire retardants
All mattresses have to abide by strict flammability regulations, which often involve the use of chemicals. However, some mattresses meet those standards with natural materials rather than chemicals.
At Newton Baby, we take a chemical-free approach to safety. We use a layer of viscose material — made of reconstituted wood pulp — instead of chemicals. The viscose material is sewn into the cover or a separate, inner encasement is placed under the cover.
We’re also mindful of common allergens and make sure we don’t include irritants like foam, latex, springs, or glue in our mattresses. Instead, Newton Baby Crib Mattresses are made of safe, food-grade polymer.
GREENGUARD Gold certification
Another thing to look for when shopping for a crib mattress is the GREENGUARD Gold certification. Our mattresses meet these strict requirements, signifying that the mattress exceeds the highest industry safety standards.
Cleaning
Now we get to practical matters: cleaning. When choosing a mattress, you want to find one that’s easy to clean and maintain.
The Newton Baby Crib Mattress is the only crib mattress that’s entirely washable from cover to core. Say “goodbye” to dirt, dust, and allergens, and “hello” to sleep!
Weight
You don’t want to have to go to the gym just to lift your mattress. When your baby grows, you’re going to have to lower the mattress, which means it’s a little more tricky (and requires a little more muscle) to pull out the mattress and remove the crib sheet when it’s laundry day.
A lighter mattress will make this task easy-breezy. Our crib mattresses range from 11-14 pounds, which is considered quite light.
Recyclability
More than ever, environmental impact matters. You can breathe easy when it comes to Newton Baby Crib Mattresses, as all of our mattresses are recyclable.
Another option is upcycling your crib mattress. We partnered with Figgy to offer this new idea: Just get an extra cover and pillows and convert your crib to a play couch. How fun is that?
Home trial
Although we can sing the praises of the Newton Baby Crib Mattress all day long, the best thing to do is to try it. We offer a 100-night home trial so your baby can get some zzzs on the mattress in the comfort of their own crib.
Sleep tight, baby!
Now you understand how important crib mattress size is to your baby’s safety and how to be sure you’re choosing the right mattress for your crib.
As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, if your crib is standard-sized, check one thing off your list and put your mind at ease by choosing a Newton Baby Crib Mattress designed with your baby’s health, safety, and comfort in mind.
And, as we mentioned above, every mattress made by Newton Baby is 100% breathable, 100% washable, and 100% recyclable.
With a little knowledge and the tips we’ve listed here, you can have a pretty, functional crib and crib mattress that are comfortable enough for baby to rest well and safe enough to put your mind at ease.
