A quality crib mattress pad can be a lifesaver when dealing with a midnight mess. But without trying them all, it can be challenging to know which pad will fit your mattress size, suit your needs, and make cleanups easy.
That’s why we took the time to compare all the top crib mattress pads to find the best fit for any crib or situation. We’ll explain the benefits of a crib mattress pad, in case you’re on the fence about purchasing, and review our favorites.
We’ll compare mattress pad sizes, depths, cleaning processes, and fabrics to help you make the perfect choice for your crib, mini crib, bassinet, or playpen.
- 100% waterproof
- Protects against dust mites and bacteria
- Super soft and comfortable
- Fully covers mattress
- Lifetime guarantee
- Noiseless hidden zipper
- Certified organic cotton
- Made for durability
- Comfortable for baby
- Fits wide array of cribs
- Machine washable and dryable
- Comfortable quilted top
- Extremely soft
- Free of chemicals
- 10-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Very affordable
- 100% waterproof
- Fits most full-sized mattresses
- Water-resistant layer
- Soft, fleecy texture
- Folds up and is portable
Benefits of Crib Mattress Pads
As any parent can tell you, crib mattresses go through a lot. Your crib and its mattress get used many hours daily, making them more vulnerable to wear and tear.
As more expensive baby items, it makes sense that you want to use the same crib and mattress for your baby’s first months, if not years, in the case of convertible cribs. The key to making that happen is ensuring your mattress stays clean and dry.
Many crib mattresses now have a waterproof covering and are super easy to clean. That’s great news for accidents that reach your mattress. However, adding an extra layer of protection is a good idea for several reasons.
Protects Your Mattress from Liquids
Liquids are the worst enemy of any mattress, and babies produce a lot of liquids—none of them pleasant. If liquids seep into the crib mattress, they can lead to mildew or mold growth. This isn’t good for your baby’s health and can quickly reduce the mattress’s lifespan (1).
Crib mattress pads are a great way to add an extra protective barrier against liquids. However, even crib mattress pads aren’t always 100% effective.
If your child has an accident, you should clean the area quickly and dry the mattress out completely before using it again. Below are some helpful tips for cleaning and sanitizing baby items (2).
- Make your own cleaning agent: In many cases, a mixture of baking soda and water will do just fine. For bathroom accidents, you can use a child-friendly, non-toxic mixture of soap and water to kill germs.
- Dilute your cleaning agent: If you don’t feel comfortable making your own cleaner, it’s a good idea to dilute a regular household cleaner before using it. This will expose your child to fewer chemicals. Always make sure to rinse the chemicals off.
- Dabbing is OK: We often feel we need to wash the whole mattress rather than just the dirty spot. In reality, dabbing the accident area is usually all that’s necessary, and it will help save drying time.
Minimizes Clean Up Time
Crib mattress pads won’t stop your baby from having accidents or getting sick. They can, however, make it easier to deal with those moments.
Purchasing a mattress pad that is washer and dryer friendly will make this process even more streamlined, and you probably only need two. For mattress pads that need to air dry, though, it’s a good idea to buy multiples to ensure you aren’t caught without a clean one in the middle of the night.
Protects Against Allergens and Bugs
Crib mattress pads may also help protect your child’s mattress from mites, dust, and other environmental irritants. Newborns’ immune systems are still developing, making them more sensitive to things like pollen or dust.
If your baby is sensitive, this can create discomfort when they sleep, which means more middle-of-the-night wakeups. It may also cause skin reactions and itchy eyes (3).
A crib mattress pad can keep these irritants from getting into the mattress, making it incredibly difficult to get out. The mattress pads will need to be cleaned to ensure your baby isn’t exposed to allergies through the pad itself, but cleaning pads is much easier than cleaning your mattress.
For a baby with allergies or sensitive skin, you may want to look for a hypoallergenic mattress pad to ensure your baby is as comfortable as possible.
Product Reviews
Here are our favorite crib mattress pads on the market.
Swaddlez Mini Crib Waterproof Mattress Pad
Best Waterproof Pad
The Swaddlez Mini Crib Pad is the best waterproof pad for mini cribs. It’s important to choose a 100% waterproof pad for any nighttime or naptime accidents.
The pad consists of three layers: bamboo viscose, polyester filling, and a TPU waterproof membrane. The bamboo absorbs moisture, drawing it away quickly after an accident and giving your baby a comfortable night’s sleep.
Bamboo can also help keep things clean and fresh. It protects against dust mites and bacteria. You’ll be super impressed by how easy this pad works to keep your baby’s sleeping area clean.
This mattress pad is also guaranteed to fit any mini or portable mattress, and your baby will love how incredibly soft it is.
Pros
- 100% waterproof.
- Protects against dust mites and bacteria.
- Super soft and comfortable.
- Fits on any mini or portable mattress.
Cons
- It might shrink if you put it in the dryer.
Our Ratings
Biloban Zippered Crib Protector
Most Protective Crib Mattress Pad
This mattress pad provides all-around coverage. The cover slips over the entire mattress and zips closed to ensure bugs and allergens can’t get through.
It has a breathable yet waterproof top, which adds extra comfort and protection for the area where your baby is more likely to have accidents.
The materials are safe even for babies with sensitivities. Furthermore, the zipper is hidden to prevent accidentally hurting your little one.
Pros
- Fully covers mattress.
- Affordable.
- Waterproof.
Cons
- The fabric is not fully wipeable, especially when dealing with a large mess.
Our Ratings
Organic Cotton Mattress Pad Protector
Best Organic Crib Mattress Pad
This mattress pad is made of 100% organic cotton. The company is certified by GOTS, a worldwide textile standard for organic materials (4). This mattress pad is also made with reinforced seams, giving it long-term durability.
It is also free of many harsh chemicals, and it doesn’t contain BPA, lead, phthalates, or latex.
The waterproof pad uses food-grade polyurethane that doesn’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Pros
- Made with certified organic cotton.
- Made for durability.
- Comfortable for baby.
Cons
- It takes a while to dry after cleaning.
Our Ratings
Little One's Pack' n Play Crib Cover
Best Portable Crib Mattress Pad
This crib mattress pad fits most portable cribs and playpens. The material is hypoallergenic, bacteria resistant, and waterproof, ensuring that even sensitive babies will benefit.
You can machine wash and tumble dry this pad, making the cleaning process much easier. It uses reinforced threads, so this durable pad is still effective even after many washes.
Pros
- Fits a wide array of portable cribs and playpens
- Waterproof and hypoallergenic.
- Machine washable and dryable.
- Comfortable quilted top.
Cons
- Not organic or eco-friendly.
Our Ratings
PureGrace Crib Mattress Protector
Best Hypoallergenic Crib Mattress Pad
This mattress pad is made from Tencel, a fiber derived from eucalyptus trees. It’s naturally hypoallergenic and more eco-friendly than most cotton options.
Tencel is also exceptionally soft, adding to your baby’s comfort. The pad’s deep pockets allow it to fit most mattresses on the market.
The waterproof protector isn’t made with harsh solvent chemicals. It’s also free of BPA, vinyl, PVCs, and phthalates, all of which reduce your baby’s exposure and minimize the potential for off-gassing.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and eco-friendly.
- Extremely soft.
- Machine washable and dryable.
- Made with reduced chemical levels.
- 10-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- More expensive than many other pads.
Our Ratings
American Baby Waterproof Pad
Most Affordable Crib Mattress Pad
This crib mattress pad is made with a 100% waterproof middle layer, giving your mattress the liquid protection it needs. The outer layers consist of soft polyester, which reduces the noise some pads create as the baby moves around.
As it’s machine washable, cleanup is super easy. It also has deep pockets to ensure it fits most full-sized mattresses. One thing to note is that the manufacturer recommends drying on the “tumble” or “delicates” setting, which can mean a longer drying time.
Pros
- Very affordable.
- 100% waterproof.
- Made of soft material.
Cons
- Longer drying time.
Our Ratings
American Baby Bassinet Sized Pad
Best Bassinet Crib Mattress Pad
Another popular option from American Baby, this mattress pad is designed to fit most bassinet mattresses.
It consists of three layers — 100% waterproof vinyl, 100% polyester, and 100% cotton — to provide extra comfort and reduce noise.
This pad is machine washable and dryable, so you can throw it in the laundry when accidents occur. The pockets are deep, allowing it to adapt to varying bassinet mattress sizes, and it’s lined with elastic to ensure a good fit.
Pros
- Fits most bassinets.
- Waterproof.
- Comfortable for baby.
- Washable and dryable.
- Affordable.
Cons
- May decline in quality after several washes.
- Not organic or eco-friendly.
Our Ratings
Gerber Water-Resistant Utility Protector Pad
Softest Mattress Pad
The Gerber Water-Resistant Utility Protector Pad has a soft, fleecy texture to provide ultimate comfort for your baby. Your little one will be very cozy and happy when sleeping on this quality mattress pad.
The water-resistant barrier protects from accidents and sweat, making it the perfect barrier between sheets and the mattress.
It folds up small, so you can take it with you wherever you go. Or keep it for your crib at home. It also works on travel cribs or doubles as a changing mat since it’s water-resistant and easy to clean.
We found it helpful to buy a pack of two and layer them up. That way, if there’s a midnight accident, we can remove the sheet and top pad, put on a new sheet, and get back to sleep.
Pros
- Water-resistant layer.
- Soft, fleecy texture that babies love.
- Folds up so you can take it with you.
- You can use it as a changing mat.
Cons
- Not 100% waterproof.
- Noticeable pilling after washes.
Our Ratings
Crib Mattress Pads FAQs
What Percentage of People Use a Mattress Pad?
A high percentage of people use a mattress pad for their baby’s crib because it acts as an extra level of protection against leaks and spills and can add to the comfort of the mattress. It’s a common and practical addition to most nursery setups.
How Often Should You Buy a Mattress Pad?
You should consider replacing a crib mattress pad if it shows signs of wear, such as tears, or if it no longer fits properly. For the most part, a good-quality mattress pad can last several years if cared for properly.
How Many Crib Mattress Pads Do I Need?
It’s totally practical to have at least two crib mattress pads, so you have a spare when one is in the wash. This ensures you always have a clean, dry pad available.
How Deep Should a Mattress Pad Be?
The depth of a mattress pad should match the depth of your crib mattress for a snug and secure fit. Most standard crib mattress pads are designed to fit a range of mattress depths, usually up to 6 inches.
