The mattress is the part of the cot that actually touches your baby for ten hours a night. Get it right and you’ll forget about it for two years. Here are our team’s picks, all available on Amazon AU and Amazon US.
In this guide
Our top picks at a glance
| Pick | Best for | Rating | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Newton Baby Crib MattressBest Breathable | Most parents | ★ 4.7 | $$$$ | Amazon AU Amazon US |
Naturepedic Organic CottonBest Organic | Chemical-conscious families | ★ 4.8 | $$$$ | Amazon AU Amazon US |
Babyletto Pure Core Non-ToxicBest Foam | Foam fans on a budget | ★ 4.6 | $$ | Amazon AU Amazon US |
Sealy Soybean Plush Foam-CoreBest Hybrid | Single-stage firm | ★ 4.5 | $$ | Amazon AU Amazon US |
Moonlight Slumber Little DreamerBest Budget | Best value-for-money | ★ 4.5 | $ | Amazon AU Amazon US |
What actually matters
- Firmness. Press hard with your palm — if your hand sinks, it’s too soft. Newborn mattresses must rebound immediately.
- Fit. No more than 2 cm gap between mattress edge and cot frame on any side.
- Waterproof cover — ideally removable and machine-washable.
- Low-VOC certifications (GREENGUARD Gold or CertiPUR-US for foam).
- Breathability if you can afford it — reduces re-breathing risk if baby rolls face-down.
The picks — reviewed in detail
Newton Baby Crib Mattress
Spacer-fabric core (90% air, 10% food-grade polymer) is genuinely breathable — you can blow through the mattress. Washable cover and core. The breathability evidence is real but pricey.
Naturepedic Organic Cotton
GOTS-certified organic cotton, no polyurethane foam, no flame retardants, no PVC waterproofing. Two-stage firmness (firm for infant, slightly softer for toddler). Heavy but built to last.
Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic
CertiPUR-US foam, no flame retardants, dual-firmness (firm for infant, plush for toddler), waterproof cover that wipes clean. Half the Newton price, lighter, easier to handle.
Sealy Soybean Plush Foam-Core
Soybean-foam core, hospital-grade waterproof cover, anti-static surface. Single firmness (intentionally firm) but the cover is the most stain-resistant of the picks — the parent’s pick if you anticipate accidents.
Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer
Dual-stage firmness, medical-grade waterproof cover, CertiPUR-US foam, weighs under 6 kg. Around a third the Naturepedic price — the value pick.
What we’d skip
- Mattress toppers, padded covers or “softeners”. Defeat the firmness baby needs.
- Used mattresses from unknown sources. Multiple studies link used mattresses to higher SIDS risk.
- Mattresses without a clear waterproof layer. Mould develops in the core within months.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a baby mattress is firm enough?
Press hard with your palm. If your hand sinks in or leaves an impression, it’s too soft. Newborn mattresses must rebound immediately to hand pressure. The “drop test” of a 250 g weight should not leave a depression.
Should I buy an organic baby mattress?
Optional. Organic cotton (Naturepedic) and natural latex mattresses avoid polyurethane foam and flame retardants. CertiPUR-US-certified foam mattresses are also safe and roughly half the price. Pick organic if chemical avoidance is a priority.
How long should a baby mattress last?
5–7 years if it’s well cared for. Replace if there are visible compressions, tears, mould or persistent odour. Used mattresses from unknown sources are linked to higher SIDS risk in multiple studies; buy new for newborns.
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