Which crib mattress is the best?
Choosing a crib mattress seems like a big puzzle at first glance. Manufacturers practically outdo each other with product details and advertise with climate channels, safety edges, nub profiles, and baby and toddler sides. What's behind all this? And what materials are actually available for crib mattresses?
The mattress is a decisive factor for restful sleep. That applies not only to us adults, but also to our little ones. And even to a special degree: after all, babies and toddlers sleep between 9 and 13 hours a day. Newborns even up to 16 hours.
Manufacturers such as Julius Zöllner, Alvi, Träumeland, or Babybay offer high-quality, pollutant-tested mattresses in various versions and price ranges. We'll show you the differences.
Crib mattresses: decision guide
The mattress must fit the bed perfectly. A gap means a constant risk of injury. The size of your crib (either 70 x 140 cm or 60 x 120 cm) determines the mattress size.
To prevent heat buildup, look for a breathable mattress (for example, with built-in climate channels) or a breathable cover.
Cold foam mattresses are more air-permeable than standard foam mattresses.
A removable cover makes caring for the mattress easier. An additionally integrated moisture barrier absorbs moisture and provides ideal temperature regulation.
You'll find detailed information on each of these points below.
Crib mattress: which one is right?
Size and height
Mattresses for cribs are available in sizes 70 x 140 cm (standard) and 60 x 120 cm, depending on the size of the bed, not the size of the child. Height usually varies between 7 and 13 cm. A higher mattress often offers better lying comfort for the baby, without necessarily being more expensive. A height of around 10 cm is recommended.
Firmness
Parents are often unsure about the firmness of crib mattresses. Suppliers base their recommendations on the size and weight charts from pediatricians, which can be found in the child's health record booklet. Marks within the percentile curves indicate the normal range. Our mattresses have the right firmness level for children within the normal range of height and weight.
Point elasticity
The point elasticity of crib mattresses is crucial for optimal support. A point-elastic core allows different body regions to sink in, keeping the spine straight. This ergonomic lying quality is generally offered by all branded mattresses. You'll find the corresponding information in the technical details of each product.
Baby side/toddler side
Some crib mattresses offer one side for babies and one for toddlers, adapted to their weight. However, measurements show that the choice of side has no significant effect on lying comfort. Weight distributes evenly as body length increases. Choosing this feature is therefore a matter of personal preference.
Nub/wave profiles
Nub or wave profiles optimize the ventilation of the mattress surface and ensure a good sleep climate.
Climate channels
Built-in climate channels are recommended. They ensure good ventilation of crib mattresses and prevent heat buildup. It doesn't matter which direction they run in. However, ventilation becomes more effective when the climate channels run both horizontally and vertically.
Additional ventilation layer
A mesh-like or honeycomb-like layer in the upper mattress core (3D spacer fabric) allows air to circulate, quickly wicking away moisture. Some manufacturers also offer this as a separate mattress topper. This is especially relevant for standard foam mattresses without integrated ventilation systems (see the next section on mattress material).
The more, the better
Mattresses that feature both nub profiles and climate channels or an additional ventilation layer are of the highest quality thanks to their generous and comprehensive ventilation.
Important tips for your crib mattress
For safety reasons, don't use pillows and don't put a hat on your child while sleeping.
Please also don't use large stuffed animals or sheepskin in the bed.
Please don't use a blanket for your child, but a sleep sack instead. The reason: your baby could pull a blanket over their head or face at night. You'll find our selection of sleep sacks here in the shop.
Always place your baby on their back, never on their stomach!
Stock up on several fitted sheets. Here's our range of fitted sheets.
The ideal sleep temperature for your baby is between 16 and 18 °C. A little tip: many baby monitors monitor the room temperature and show you the current temperature in your baby's sleep environment. Check out our baby monitors here.
Your little one also needs a quiet, comfortable place to sleep when you're out and about. Check out a travel crib and matching travel crib mattresses.
