After scouring and testing different brands, the best overall crib mattress pad we found is CozyCuddles Premium Zippered Mattress Cover.
The point of a crib mattress pad is to keep things off the mattress – liquids, allergens, bugs, etc.
You also want something with breathable and safe material, so that your baby will get the most comfortable sleep. Because CozyCuddles offers the highest level of mattress protection while also being super soft, we gave it the number one spot on our list.
One of the main things to look for in a mattress cover is to make sure it fits snugly over the mattress. Not only is crinkly material a suffocation hazard, but it can also be annoyingly noisy. CozyCuddles fits the bill as one of the most tight-fitting pads for crib mattresses, and the zipper helps to lock it into place.
Another great thing about the CozyCuddles mattress pad is that it’s hypoallergenic and made with natural materials. This makes it a solid choice for people whose babies have more sensitive skin, or those who simply want to minimize their use of synthetic materials.
Additionally, the price is not too shabby; sometimes, you can even get it half off on the company’s site. For people who want a reliable mattress cover without breaking the bank, the CozyCuddles mattress pad may be worth considering.
Read on to find out what our other favorites were and why. We’ve added links to our listed products below for your convenience, so you can find the perfect crib mattress pad without leaving your home.
The Best Crib Mattress Pads in 2021
CozyCuddles – Best Overall
This one won our hearts for being very dependable in the leak department as well as being easy to wash and dry. It was one of the easiest to take off and toss in the washer and dried quickly when hung up to dry (plus no shrinking or tearing).
With multiple layers, this one was also one of the softest mattress covers we tried. The thickness was just enough to offer great comfort but still lightweight enough for easy removal and storage. The zipper was one of our favorite features as well, both for ease of use as well as its functionality in offering ultimate mattress protection.
If you’re looking for something easy to clean, breathable, and comfortable, but also prioritize waterproof-level protection, this one is definitely worth looking into.
Key features:
- Hypoallergenic
- 100% Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Zippered for a Snug Fit
American Baby Waterproof Fitted Crib Mattress Cover – Most Affordable
Not only is American Baby’s mattress pad only $14, but it also takes care of our top two concerns: staying snugly on the mattress and staying strong against leaks.
This mattress crib cover has a handy elastic band that makes it fit more securely and includes both a soft fabric layer for comfort, with an additional two layers of protection underneath. The top layer is made of organic cotton, which may be ideal for health-conscious parents.
Another convenient perk about this one is the fact that it is 100% dryer-safe, making cleanup even more manageable.
Key Features:
- Snug Fit
- Organic Cotton Top Layer
- Waterproof
- Dryer-Friendly
Baby & Brooke Bamboo Crib Mattress Pad – Best for Staying Cool
Have you ever heard of a crib mattress cover being antibacterial? Now you have!
This unique mattress pad has a bamboo top layer to keep your baby cooler than traditional fabrics like cotton while killing germs and keeping sweat away.
The top layer of this pad is organic, but the layers underneath are not, to make the product extra waterproof. Keep in mind this pad is not meant to be tossed in the dryer like others and should be hung up to dry to stay leak-proof. Additionally, you have to put this on a gentle cycle or wash it by hand.
This pad could be an excellent choice for parents who want odor protection with their leak-guards and are ok with a washing routine that is a bit more involved.
Key features:
- Antibacterial
- Organic top layer
- Waterproof
- Extra cushioning
Pure Grace Crib Mattress Protector – Best for Sensitive Skin
At just under $40, this pad is pricier than many on the list, but the materials may be worth it if your baby has ultra-sensitive skin. The TENCEL cover includes eucalyptus-based fibers.
This pad provides an excellent fit on most mattresses (including toddler-sized) with its deep pockets. We also love that it is quiet and crinkle-free.
The company boasts of keeping its product free of popular materials such as vinyl, BPA plastic, phthalates, and PVC.
Key features:
- Eucalyptus-based fibers
- Free of common irritants
- Snug fit
- Machine-washable
Naturepedic Waterproof Fitted Crib Pad – Best Organic Option
Many of the mattress pads on our list contain natural and organic materials, but typically there is a mix of both natural and synthetic layers. This pad is unique in that all of its layers are made of organic cotton, making it a good choice for those who still want a waterproof option but desire something completely organic.
Among other things, this pad is also one of the softest on our list. The cushioning is nice, but it also doesn’t feel heavy or too thick, especially when cleaning. As long as you use a lower heat setting, you can even toss it in the dryer!
Sadly, these features also make it the priciest on our list at just under $70, but it may be worth the splurge if you’re adamant about zero plastics in your crib mattress cover.
Key features:
- 100% organic materials
- Waterproof
- Made in the US
- Washer and dryer friendly
IceBlue HD Oval Mattress Pad for Bassinets – Best for Bassinets
If your little one is in a bassinet or co-sleeper, you may be wondering what the best protection is for their mattress. The bassinet pad from IceBlue caught our attention because of its organic, hypoallergenic top layer with highly breathable cushioning.
This one has a zipper as well, which ensures it stays fitted and silent. Cleanup is easy, although it can’t be put in the dryer as it will shrink. That said, because it’s lightweight, the pad dried quickly when hung up.
The oval design and stretchy material mean you can use this pad for more than just a bassinet too. We found that the pad fits well over baby gliding swings, co-sleepers, and Moses baskets.
Key features:
- Hypoallergenic
- Zippered, Secure Fit
- Works Well With Moses Baskets and Co-Sleepers
- Extra Cushioning
Pack ‘n Play Mattress Pad – Best for Mini Cribs
Don’t be fooled by the name – this pad fits great over not just Pack ‘n Plays but also mini mattresses, folding mattresses, and portable mattresses. If you’re traveling with your little one, this could provide a convenient option.
The cover is made of ultra-soft bamboo, which also makes it very absorbent. With a lifetime warranty and a 100% waterproof guarantee, we think this mattress pad is a pretty safe bet.
An added perk is that this is guaranteed to be dryer-friendly. For those who hate lengthy cleanups, this pad might be right up your alley.
Key features:
- 100% Waterproof
- Extra Comfy Layers
- Usable Across Different Mini-Mattress Styles
- Dryer-Friendly
Buying Guide
Babies spend a considerable amount of time sleeping, so any products they use for sleep must be carefully selected. In addition, your baby’s crib and mattress will likely be among the most expensive things you buy for them, which means it’s in your best interest to protect that investment.
Because mattresses aren’t exactly washable, a crib mattress protector can make a huge difference if your little one has an accident. Diapers are unfortunately not foolproof, and we’ve all got at least one horror story about those insidious poop explosions. Better safe than sorry!
One of the top concerns you may have as a parent is SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Because of this, safety should be a top priority when choosing the best crib mattress cover. The snugger the fit, the better. Check for things like elastic edges or zippers, and pay attention to sizing to ensure the best possible fit.
A second thing to consider when doing your mattress pad shopping is how absorbent the materials are. Ideally, you should probably look for products that say waterproof (all of the ones on our list are).
Lastly, you naturally want something that will be comfortable for your baby to sleep on. Consider the thickness, the number of layers, and the quality and softness of the materials when making your crib mattress pad purchase.
Other Considerations
Versatility
Will you be using your cover for things other than a mattress? Will you be traveling with your baby or carrying them a lot? If so, you may want to look at more malleable designs that can fit over not just your baby’s crib mattress, but also items such as a swing, carrier, or pack n play.
Look for crib mattress pads that are oval-shaped rather than rectangular, as these are typically meant for all things mini: cribs, carriers, etc.
Natural Materials
For many parents, their children’s items must be made with the least amount of toxic or synthetic chemicals. If this is you, pay extra attention to labels that say organic or hypoallergenic, as well as things that say non-toxic.
Bamboo and organic cotton can be great choices for those wanting to avoid plastic and vinyl pads.
Keep in mind that some mattress pads will have all-natural materials on the top layer that will make contact with your baby’s skin, but may have synthetic materials underneath to provide extra absorbency. If you want to avoid synthetic materials altogether, look for multiple layers so that you won’t have to compromise on leak protection.
Ease of Cleanup
A big part of parenting is dealing with messes, and babies are great at making them. If you prefer to have something you can wash and dry quickly every day, make sure you choose something with materials that won’t disintegrate.
We made sure to include whether the products on our list were dryer-safe or not, but in general, you want to avoid plastics and vinyl if you’re looking to dry the mattress pad in a machine. Additionally, be careful with cotton – some cotton may be ok to tumble-dry, but other cotton products may not be, so make sure to read the label.
Conclusion
We looked at absorbency, snug fit, and quality of materials when making our choices. We also kept pricing and unique features in mind so that you could get the best bang for your buck.
There are many things to consider when buying a crib mattress pad such as absorbency, material quality, and washability, so we made sure to include several options across varied price points.
Because the CozyCuddles mattress pad cover used high-quality, safe materials all around, had awesome absorbency, a trusty zipper, and wasn’t too expensive, we put it at the top of our list.
Even if you don’t end up with one of the pads listed here, you can use our buying guide to make a more informed purchase for the health and safety of your baby. Now that you’re more knowledgeable about what’s on the market and what to look for, go out and start shopping confidently.
