Best Crib Mattress Pad in 2023

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best crib mattress pad is, I’d recommend the Carter’s Keep Me Dry Fitted Quilted Crib Pad.

When you’re having a baby, you know there are a lot of products that you will need to buy. Most parents realize they will need a crib, and some know that crib mattresses are often sold separately. However, a lot of parents overlook the crib mattress pad. These are quite important though, since they protect your crib mattress and also help create a healthy environment for your baby.

In this article, I am breaking down the best crib mattress pads, and in the end, I’ll choose the winner.

Here are the crib mattress pads I will be reviewing:

• SureGuard Mattress Protectors
• Carter’s Keep Me Dry Fitted Quilted Crib Pad
• Hello Baby Waterproof Crib Mattress Cover
• Natural Baby Crib Mattress Cover
• Swaddlez Crib Mattress Protector

What Are The Benefits Of A Crib Mattress Pad?

One of the biggest benefits of a crib mattress pad is that they protect your mattress. Mattresses are expensive, and mattress pads are fairly cheap. So, buying a mattress pad to prolong the life of the mattress can be a great investment. In fact, a lot of parents buy two mattress pads, so that one can easily be swapped in whenever they other needs to be washed.

Mattress pads also provide your little one with a healthier environment. If you don’t use a mattress pad, all sorts of things can seep into the mattress (sweat, drool, urine to name a few). Over time, this will turn the mattress into a breeding ground for bacteria if it’s not protected.

Good mattress pads are also comfortable. Often times they are much more comfortable than the mattress itself. So, your baby might just get a better night of sleep.

Crib Mattress Pad Buying Tips

Mattress pads are one of those under the radar products that a lot of parents don’t think too much about. However, it’s worth spending some time to research them before making a purchase considering the close proximity they will have to your baby. They are also your best line of protection for your crib mattress.

Waterproof

For a lot of parents, finding a waterproof pad is the primary motivation for making a purchase. Indeed, if you are in the early days of potty training, it’s really a good idea to have something waterproof in place to protect your mattress.

While most mattress pads claim that they are waterproof, not all are created equal. You will want to check out the reviews before making a purchase.

Machine Washable And Dryer Safe

In some cases, the plastic type materials that enhance waterproofing don’t hold up well in the dryer.

You will save yourself a lot of time if you buy one that is washer/dryer safe. Even in cases where you do get one that is machine washable and dryer safe, there is a good chance that you will need to wash in cold water and dry on low heat. Just be sure to check the directions before cleaning it for the first time.

Organic, Non-Toxic Materials

In this day and age, there is a lot of emphasis on organic materials. Indeed, this fits in well with the overall trend toward healthier living.

Some parents will want a mattress pad that is entirely organic, while others are fine with one that is free of toxic or harmful chemicals.

Whatever your particular priorities are, be sure to check the product description before making your purchase.

My Top Crib Mattress Pad Reviews

I have take a look at the wide world of crib mattress pads, and narrowed it down to my top five. I have tried to include options with different strengths and weaknesses, so that there is a good choice here for everyone. I’ve also picked my favorite.

SureGuard Mattress Protectors

This is a very popular fitted sheet style cotton mattress protector.

Since it’s made of cotton, it’s soft and doesn’t make a plastic crinkly sound like some other protectors do. So, you’re baby will be comfortable and rest better.

It’s hypoallergenic and protects against dust mites, allergens, bacteria, mildew and mold. It’s also free of vinyl, PVC, phthalates, fire retardants and other toxic chemicals. So, you can feel good about your little one sleeping on this.

It’s washer/dryer safe, so keeping it clean is a breeze.

Some parents report that this isn’t 100% waterproof. In particular, after a few washer/dryer cycles, it seems to be less effective.

Carter’s Keep Me Dry Fitted Quilted Crib Pad

Carter’s is a well known baby and kids brand that has delivered a high quality product with this mattress pad.

This one is 100% polyester and it’s quilted on top for comfort.

It can be machine and dried, and most parents report that it holds up well after several cycles.

This crib pad is just the right size for a crib mattress. So, it’s easy to put on and to take off. This is really nice for those times that you’re replacing it in the middle of the night after an accident.

The biggest drawback of this one is that it’s not totally waterproof. It will certainly help with minor accidents, drool, or small spills. But, at times, the mattress underneath may get wet.

Hello Baby Waterproof Crib Mattress Cover

Of all of the options out there, I think this is the best crib mattress pad.

It’s made from an ultra soft bamboo terry, which also happens to be quite absorbent. It’s hypoallergenic and free from BPA, phthalate, latex, lead, flame retardants, and other toxic, harmful chemicals. It also prevents mold, bacteria, and dust mites.

The material is super soft and comfortable, and it doesn’t make a crinkly noise like some others. So, your little one will get a good night’s rest.

Parents report that this one works really well as a waterproof mattress. So, your crib mattress will stay dry even when there is an accident.

The biggest drawback with this one is that it’s a little on the small side. It does fit a crib mattress, but it’s a little harder to get on than some others.

Natural Baby Crib Mattress Cover

This is a good option to look at for parents that really want something that’s waterproof.

It has an interesting design with four different layers. The top layer is organic cotton, which is very comfortable. Then, there is an inner polyester fiber layer for absorbency, followed by a breathable waterproof layer to prevent leaks. Finally, it has a soft knit back that provides extra protection.

One thing to point out is that while the top layer is organic, not all layers are. It contains stretch knit polyester laminated to polyurethane. For some parents this is a deal breaker, and others are ok with it. It is hypoallergenic, which is nice.

It gets high marks for being waterproof. So, you can feel confident that your mattress will be protected even if there is an occasional accident.

It’s washer/dryer safe, and holds up fairly well after a number of cycles.

It’s not stiff and crinkly like some of the other crib mattress pads on the market.

Swaddlez Crib Mattress Protector

This crib mattress protector is made of bamboo viscose. It’s highly breathable, and will help your little one stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

It’s 100% phthalate free, lead free and BPA free. So, you can feel good when your baby sleeps on it.

It’s also very soft and comfortable. The bottom is leak proof, and it does make a little bit of a crinkly sound. However, it’s a fairly soft sound and not as loud as many others on the market.

It is supposed to be washer/dryer safe. However, some parents report that it can melt or get ruined in the dryer. So, you might want to air dry this one.

Final Thoughts

Each of the options above has its strengths and weaknesses. For some parents, having something that is reliably waterproof is the most important, while others prioritize things like organic materials. In my opinion, the Carter’s Keep Me Dry Fitted Quilted Crib Pad is the best crib mattress pad for most parents.