Last Updated on May 1, 2023
What is the best waterproof crib mattress pad?
Which mattress protector offers the best value for the money?
And most importantly, which mattress pad is safe for babies?
These are the crucial questions to consider as you shop for nursery bedding.
Contents
If you don’t have time to read the complete article, here are our top picks.
To make it easier on yourself, use the reviews below to help you shop for a waterproof mattress cover for your baby.
(Pro tip: get at least two mattress pads for those unexpected middle-of-the-night bedding changes.)
If you want the best for your newborn, take a look at this GreenGuard-certified crib mattress protector.
It also happens to be an organic crib mattress pad.
It’s guaranteed to be made without harmful chemicals or allergens. The Made Safe certification ensures that it doesn’t contain carcinogens, fire retardants, developmental toxins, heavy metals, high-risk pesticides, VOCs, and more. There’s no latex in the elastic, either.
The top and bottom layers are 100% organic cotton. The fabric is manufactured in a certified organic facility in the USA.
In between the cotton, the layer is a thin waterproof barrier that doesn’t rustle when the baby moves. It’s also breathable enough that the baby won’t sweat.
Not only is the mattress pad waterproof, but it’s also resistant to dust mites.
You can machine-wash on warm and dry it on low, which is much more convenient than other mattress pads that require line drying.
What is a Tencel mattress protector, and how can it help your baby stay healthy?
It’s a fabric derived from eucalyptus fibers. It’s naturally hypoallergenic and softer than silk. Plus, it’s grown without pesticides and manufactured without dyes or bleach.
Moreover, Tencel doesn’t shrink or lose its shape after repeated washings. That’s true even when you wash this mattress pad in warm water and dry it on low in the dryer.
In fact, it comes with a 10-year warranty.
It has a waterproof layer that’s free of PVC, vinyl, BPA, and phthalates. It won’t off-gas or smell plasticky.
Happily, this mattress protector has deep-pocketed corners and straps that stay put on the crib mattress.
Parents say they like the absorbent mattress pad as it’s soft and breathable and not noisy.
This product won the Mom’s Choice Award for crib mattress protector in 2020.
The 4-layer pad is made of bamboo and rayon with a quilted terry top. It makes no crinkly sound, yet it won’t allow moisture to penetrate the mattress.
The waterproof TPU layer is noiseless and odorless. It’s free of phthalates, BPA, lead, and vinyl.
Meanwhile, the rest of the fabric is absorbent and hypoallergenic.
The elastic fabric fits tightly on the corners of the mattress to maintain a taut surface.
When you pull it off, you can machine-wash it and dry it on low.
Should there ever be a problem, it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
The Swaddlez mattress pad is made of absorbent bamboo viscose with a TPU membrane inside.
Translation: it feels pleasant to the touch, but won’t let liquid pass through to the mattress. The soft fabric wicks moisture away from the baby’s skin to keep her comfortable.
Also, bamboo has the amazing ability to feel warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Furthermore, the TPU membrane, although waterproof, contains no BPA, phthalates, or lead.
The mattress protector has a 9-inch skirt to keep it snug on 52 x 28-inch mattresses. It’s machine-washable and can be dried on low.
If you don’t love it, the manufacturer offers a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.
One of the most economical waterproof crib mattress pads comes from Carters.
It has three layers: soft quilted polyester on the top and bottom with a vinyl inner layer—nothing fancy, just the basics.
You can wash it in cold water on the gentle cycle and tumble dry low.
One mother commented that it doesn’t make rustling sounds when her child rolls around on the bed. But another pointed out that there are more durable mattress covers on the market.
Here’s a mattress pad that comes highly recommended, with good value for the money. It fits a 6-inch thick crib mattress.
The top and bottom layers are polyesters with a waterproof membrane in the middle. The corners are reinforced and have elastic.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to determine what type of material they use to make it water-resistant. Some parents commented that it has a strong chemical odor.
(Fortunately, there’s also a different version made with organic cotton and an odorless TPU waterproof layer instead.)
It’s machine-washable and dryable and seems to stand up well to regular cleanings.
Save money and effort by combining the mattress pad and sheet. This product offers waterproof protection.
The touchably soft Jersey knit cotton has a polka dot and chevron design in grey for a girl or boy. It fits rectangular and oval mattresses, especially those measuring 32 x 16 inches.
The firm elastic band and reinforced stitching keep the material in place.
At the same time, the TPU waterproof lining keeps the mattress safe from saturation.
Of course, it’s machine-washable.
I wasn’t surprised to find that one of the best-known mattress manufacturers in the world also makes crib mattress protectors. I’ll highlight two of them here.
First, this one doesn’t just provide a waterproof barrier, it also actively repels stains like poop and juice.
Don’t worry, the stain-fighting technology is safe for children’s bedding. It meets the regulations established by the Children’s Safe Products Act, and it passes third-party testing for toxins.
You can wash it in the machine and dry it in the dryer, yet it retains its shape.
All the material used is hypoallergenic and PVC-free. The top layer is a plush poly-cotton blend. The quilting is done with Pinsonic technology that prevents loose threads.
This Sealy mattress pad also meets standards set by the Children’s Safe Products Act. An independent laboratory verified that it’s free of harmful chemicals. Plus, it’s been wash and dry-tested for durability.
What more could you want?
Well, besides all these excellent qualities, it forms an effective barrier against allergens.
That’s right, the micro-woven fabric protects against pet dander, dust mites, and other allergens.
What’s more, the hypoallergenic quilted material is cozy yet waterproof.
Forget those fitted elastic covers. The best crib mattress encasement features a zipper.
It won’t bunch up or come off without warning.
The microfiber polyester is breathable and cozy.
It’s also waterproof on all sides. Urine and liquids can’t leak through the waterproof membrane.
They won’t soak through from either the top or the edges as the waterproof layer completely encloses the mattress.
Luckily, the mattress protector is noiseless, too. It’s been tested to endure more than 200 washes in the delicate cycle. It can also be tumble-dried on low heat.
Have you heard about silver-enhanced fiber? This mattress pad uses silver to ward off mildew, mold, odors, and bacteria.
It also helps the baby sleep more comfortably by wicking moisture and heat away from his body.
The quilted cotton top layer feels soft to the touch, while the waterproof backing doesn’t crinkle or make noise.
Feel free to machine-wash it in warm water, then tumble dry low.
SureGuard offers two types of mattress protection: this mattress pad or the mattress encasement.
The pad is waterproof on top. But the encasement offers a six-sided defense against liquids.
Both are hypoallergenic in that they are resistant to mildew, mold, bacteria, allergens, and dust mites. (For protection against bedbugs, use the encasement.)
The pad has a 100% terry cotton surface that moves moisture away from the child’s skin. Then, it has a waterproof backing that doesn’t make noise when the baby moves.
It fits standard crib mattresses up to 6 inches deep.
As it’s GreenGuard Gold-certified, it’s free of toxic chemicals like fire retardants and phthalates.
Machine-wash it in cool water with mild detergent, then tumble dry on low.
If you need a mattress cover for a portable crib mattress, this one should fit.
It has 4 layers, starting with the quilted microfiber surface. Underneath that is absorbent poly cluster fiber filling. There’s just enough padding, not too much.
Next, there is a non-toxic TPU waterproof backing. And finally, there is a special coating to strengthen the TPU so that it can withstand washing and drying.
As you know already, TPU doesn’t make crunchy sounds like cheap plastic.
The mattress cover won’t shrink, melt, or tear even after repeated washing and drying. It’s been tested to withstand over 300 wash cycles.
Try it knowing that it comes with a lifetime guarantee, no questions asked.
If you have a PlayYard or playpen, these water-resistant sheets prevent accidents from ruining the mattress.
There are two sheets per package, measuring 27 x 39 inches.
They can be machine-washed and dried in the dryer.
One reviewer commented that the texture has a “waterproof feel.” It can handle drool and small spills, but might not be up withstanding a leaky diaper.
You might not even need a waterproof crib mattress cover if you have a waterproof mattress.
This popular mattress features 80 interwoven coils for firm support. It’s made in the USA from hypoallergenic, antibacterial material.
Most importantly, it’s GreenGuard Gold-certified for safety and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Not all mattress pads are safe for newborns.
You have to take into account the risk of suffocation.
The experts recommend a firm mattress with tight coverings. Now is not the time for quilted or plush surfaces. A thick mattress protector will bunch up, creating a breathing hazard.
Instead, you need a thin protector that has a snug fit on the mattress.
Next, a waterproof layer is essential for preventing urine, spit-up, and spills from saturating the mattress.
It’s even better if the waterproof layer wraps around the sides of the mattress and doesn’t just cover the top.
In that case, look for a mattress encasement, not a pad. I reviewed some later on in this article.
It’s also necessary to consider how noisy the mattress pad is.
Some cheap waterproof mattress protectors make crinkly noises. They are also hot and sweaty or have a chemical odor.
To avoid these problems, it’s smart to choose a fabric that’s GreenGuard-certified and free of toxins.
You might be better off with a TPU waterproof layer instead of vinyl or rubber.
Speaking of TPU, what is this waterproof material? It appears in many mattress protectors. Is it safe?
Thermoplastic polyurethane is biodegradable and toxin-free. It doesn’t cause pollution when it’s recycled, burned, or buried. It appears in all sorts of medical tools, and it’s food-safe.
Also, take into account how easy it is to clean the mattress pad. Is it machine-washable? Can it go in the dryer?
In most cases, it’s not recommended to use chlorine bleach to clean crib mattress pads. You’ll most likely need to wash with warm or cool water on the delicate cycle and dry with low heat.
Finally, remember to double-check the size to make sure it will fit the crib’s mattress. The thickness matters just as much as the length and width.
Also Read: 13 Best Baby Gates for Stairs with Banisters: Review Guide
Choosing the best waterproof mattress pad for your child’s crib is easiest when you put your child’s well-being first.
Select hypoallergenic materials with health and safety certifications to streamline your shopping.
Then, just make sure you purchase enough pads to always have one available for bedding changes.
If you love the nursery bedding you discovered here today, please come back and tell us about your experience.
Sources:
1. https://www.chp.edu/injury-prevention/teachers-and-parents/safety-handbook/when-your-baby-is-home/crib
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoplastic_polyurethane
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