10 Best Waterproof Crib Mattress Pads and Protectors of 2021

Nothing is more important for a baby’s growth and development than a good night’s sleep. To keep your baby safe, healthy and comfortable in their crib, you need to find the best mattress pad. This post will tell you everything you need to know about waterproof mattress pads and protectors for cribs, and then review some of the top products on the market right now.

How to Choose the Best Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad & Protector

Before you make your purchase, there are a few factors you are going to want to consider. The best waterproof mattress pad or protector for a baby’s crib should be well-sealed, comfortable, affordable and made to last. Read quickly through these important considerations before you look at the best products on the market.

Hygiene

The first thing you need to think about when you buy a new mattress pad is your baby’s health. A pad or protector for a crib should not be held to the same hygiene standards as a pad for an adult-sized mattress, for two main reasons: the first is that baby’s immune systems are much more delicate, so reducing their exposure to bacteria is critical, especially in newborns. The second reason is that a crib is going to get a lot messier than an adult’s bed.

To keep any germs from getting to the crib mattress, it is important that your mattress pad or protector is 100% waterproof and perfectly sealed. Any moisture, urine or other substance that seems into the mattress can cause harmful mold or bacteria to fester.

A lot of waterproof products out there will claim to be 100% waterproof, but in reality they are only water resistant. Make sure that the mattress pad you choose is totally waterproof, resisting any moisture from seeping through. It is also helpful if the pad is machine washable, to easily cleanup messes whenever they occur.

Comfort

Hygiene is critical, but your baby’s comfort is definitely important, too. The material and fit of your crib mattress pad or protector will make a difference in how comfortable it is.

For a mattress pad, you should look for a soft, thick cushion and an outer coating that is waterproof, but still soft and comfortable. For a mattress protector, you will want to make sure that the fit is nice and snug so that it will not wrinkle or roll up underneath the baby’s weight.

Noiselessness is also a big part of comfort – a loose, plasticky mattress protector will make a lot of noise when your baby moves around on it, which could keep them up at night.

Organic vs. Nonorganic

Unfortunately, if you are looking for a completely organic mattress pad or protector, you will not be able to find one that is fully waterproof. For the best waterproofing and hygiene, we recommend choosing a nonorganic material.

That said, nonorganic mattress pads and protectors do not necessarily have to be unhealthy or uncomfortable. Plenty of mattress pads are made with hypoallergenic material that is 100% safe for babies, even with sensitive skin.

A great indicator of a safe, eco-friendly nonorganic mattress protector is a Greenguard certification – this certification shows that the product has been made with non-toxic, safe materials.

The Best Waterproof Crib Mattress Pads and Protectors

Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the top products available on the market this year. All of these mattress pads and protectors have their individual pros and cons, but any of them could be a great investment in a safer, more comfortable crib.

1. Carter's 2-Pack Waterproof Fitted Crib Mattress Pad

This fitted mattress pad from Carter’s comes in a convenient 2 pack, so that you always have a backup when one needs to be washed. The pad fits neatly to the crib mattress with a cinched skirt, ensuring that it will not slip or wrinkle while your baby sleeps.

The polyester material of the mattress pad is soft and comfortable, while still 100% waterproof. For the best, guaranteed waterproofing, you can add a compatible mattress protector on top of the pad – you can never be too safe when it comes to your baby’s hygiene.

2. Sealy Waterproof Fitted Crib Mattress Pad

This 2 pack of mattress pads from Sealy is comfortable and super safe for your baby to sleep on. It comes as a two for one deal, so that it can easily be swapped out when it gets dirty. The pad fits neatly onto the crib mattress with a cinched skirt, and is guaranteed not to slip or move around.

The polyester material of this mattress pad is certified hypoallergenic, latex free and 100% waterproof.

3. American Baby Waterproof Fitted Crib Mattress Pad Cover

This is a comfortable, padded mattress cover with a quilted top that adds a waterproof cushion to the top of your crib mattress. The material is soft quilted polyester, with an elastic fitted skirt on the bottom that clings to the mattress, preventing any movement.

4. PUREgrace Crib Mattress Protector

This organic, all natural mattress protector is great for parents of babies with sensitive skin or allergies. The material is super soft and naturally waterproof. It is designed to fit all the way around the mattress, protecting against allergens and dust mites, too.

Because of the natural material, this mattress protector is waterproof at the outset, but may let some moisture seep through if it sits on the fabric for too long. It should be washed as soon as it gets messy.

5. Newton Baby Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad Cover

The Newton crib mattress cover is a padded mattress protector with a soft and comfy polyester top, and a stretchy elastic bottom that holds it firmly in place. The material is totally waterproof and hypoallergenic.

6. Organic Cotton Waterproof Fitted Crib Pad

This Dry Defender mattress protector is made to safely protect your baby’s mattress without any harmful chemicals involved. The organic cotton material is super comfortable and soft. It fits around the mattress with a secure, stretchy skirt.

While this is a waterproof pad, liquids may soak into the organic cotton if left too long. Wash as soon as any mess occurs.

7. Sealy Cool Comfort Fitted Crib Mattress Pad

The second Sealy product on our list is a soft, squishy mattress pad that fits securely onto a standard sized crib mattress. The material is comfortable, 100% waterproof and totally hypoallergenic. As a Sealy product, this cover is lab tested and certified hypoallergenic.

Best of all, this mattress pad is designed to regulate temperature and keep the crib cool while your baby is sleeping. Even though it is waterproof, the material is super breathable. Your baby can safely sleep on their stomach, with airflow through the mattress and cover guaranteed.

8. Generic Custom Size Baby Crib Mattress Bed Pad

This product is a little different than some of the others on our list. It is a single pad that can sit on top of your mattress, or be used on its own in a playpen or on the go.

There is no fitted skirt on this mattress pad, but it is super comfortable and 100% waterproof – a great, affordable option for someone traveling with young kids.

9. Babydoll Bedding Baby Crib Mattress Bed Pad

This is another mattress pad that can sit on top of your crib mattress or be used on the go. The Babydoll bedding mattress pad is sealed in waterproof vinyl, and guaranteed waterproof. It doesn’t have a fitted skirt, but can fit beneath the sheets on your baby’s crib and provide a sealed protective layer over the mattress.

This would be a great pad for use in a playpen or as a temporary napping bed while you are travelling. The only downside is that the vinyl cover may be irritating to sensitive skin.

10. Sealy Baby Quilted Crib/Toddler Mattress Pad

Last but not least on our list is a quilted and super comfortable mattress pad from Sealy. Like all Sealy baby products, this pad is certified hypoallergenic and chemical free. The pad fits onto a crib mattress with an elastic cinched skirt that holds it firmly in place.

Despite the organic material, this mattress pad is 100% waterproof and super hygienic – safe for use in any baby or toddler’s crib.