Best Overall Crib Mattress Protector: American Baby Company Waterproof Fitted Crib and Toddler Protective Mattress Pad Cover

Can we talk? The less pretty side of parenting involves clean up duty. If your child has frequent diaper leaks or spits up a lot, you may want to invest in a waterproof crib mattress protector.

That’s because conventional mattresses often have quilted covers that are “water resistant” but not waterproof. Ditto for eco-friendly mattresses that are not even minimally water resistant.

Translation: if you have one of these crib mattresses, “moisture” can sink inside your crib mattress and create an EPA Superfund site before you know it.

Even if your crib has a waterproof cover, it might be easier to use a waterproof pad that can be thrown in the wash rather than wiping down the crib mattress several times a day.

Note: our recommendations here fit full-size cribs—not portable cribs or travel bassinets. Those sleep solutions have smaller mattresses.

Our top pick for crib mattress protector, American Baby Company’s Waterproof Fitted Crib and Toddler Protective Mattress Pad Cover, topped our testing—it was waterproof, quiet and a good value. In general, we like the American Baby brand as well, which has a good reputation over the 20 years we’ve been researching crib bedding.

Best Budget-Friendly Crib Mattress Protector: Carters Waterproof Fitted Quilted Crib and Toddler Protective Mattress Pad Cover

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good crib mattress protector—this option from Carters is a good value and gets the job done. It did well in our water-testing. While we liked this cover, we should note a few dissenters knocked its long term durability, saying it bunched up after several washings. We didn’t see that in our testing, so we wonder if folks weren’t following the washing instructions: machine wash separately in cold water, gentle cycle. Use only non-chlorine bleach when needed. Tumble dry on low heat.

Softest Crib Mattress Protector: PlushDeluxe Crib Mattress Protector 

We know softness is one key factor folks look at when buying a crib mattress protector, so we also looked for the softest pad we could find. PlushDeluxe’s cover is made from 100% bamboo and was very soft to the touch. It did a good job at waterproofing and is machine washable. The only caveat: it is bit pricey compared to other brands we tested.

Best Bamboo Crib Mattress Protector: Masirs Waterproof Crib Mattress Protector

Most crib mattress protectors are made from polyester, but we realize some parents prefer bamboo (rayon) which folks feel is more breathable. By breathable, we mean it allows more airflow to keep baby from getting too hot. (Always put your baby to sleep on her back—even if you have a “breathable” crib mattress protector, a baby should never be put down to the sleep on their side or stomach).

Masir’s crib mattress protector did well in our tests—it is waterproof and quiet.

We do see a few reports of mold, so let’s address that. A waterproof crib mattress pad is not mold-proof. If it gets wet, the waterproof layer keeps that from soaking into the mattress below. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to wash and dry it when it gets wet. Liquids (and bacteria) trapped on any crib mattress protector will grow mold over time.

It is true that many waterproof crib mattress protectors lose their waterproof ability over time, usually after multiple washings. So you may want to replace your crib mattress protector every couple months or sooner as needed.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing baby gear, including crib mattress protectors, since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward safety, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Baby Bargains is your independent and unbiased source for expert baby gear reviews.