What size is a crib mattress?
- Staff
- Jan 30, 2023
- 4 min read
Cribs come in three size categories -- standard, mini, and special shapes like circle or oval -- so naturally crib mattresses come in these three sizes as well. Although the descriptions of each give some indication of expectation, what size a crib mattress actually can vary significantly. Since most infants spend more time sleeping than anything else in a given day and safety is every parent's top priority, The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission guides that you should buy the mattress that will fit snugly in your crib with no more than a half inch gap. So what's a parent to do?
In this guide you'll learn:
What crib mattress dimensions exist in the market
There are three crib mattress size buckets: Standard, Mini, and Special Shape.
Standard Crib Mattress Size
If you have selected a standard crib for your baby's good night's sleep, then it will need a standard crib mattress to go with it. The dimensions of a standard size crib mattress are 28 inches by 52 inches. But not all standard crib mattresses measure perfectly to this specificity as North American cribs can fall between 51 5/8 to 53 inches in length and 27 1/4 to 28 inches in width. Thus, the standard crib can be ⅝ inches smaller or larger than a 28 by 52 ⅜ regulated rectangle. While the standard size mattress can fit inside the standard crib, you can face trouble due to this slight variation. So, be sure to measure everything! Additionally keep in mind that The Consumer Products Safety Commission states that the mattress cannot and shouldn't be more than 6 inches thick and at least 51 1/4 inches long and 27 1/4 inches wide.
Why choose a standard crib and standard crib mattress? They can easily fit your child until they turn 24 months.
Note: There is an extended crib mattress which carries dimensions of 28 inches by 53-54 inches. If this makes sense for you to the needs of your growing child, we suggest you make sure to check with your crib manufacturer for brand recommendations for extended crib mattresses.
Mini Crib Mattress Size
Mini cribs provide portability and flexibility in small spaces or for travel. Since these mini cribs are smaller in length and can be more narrow than standard crib mattresses, mini cribs require their own special mattress. The dimensions of mini cribs range between 24-28 inches wide by 36 and 43 inches long. They also come in different depths varieties, so researching dimensions before buying is essential. (Why the wide range? Unlike standard size crib mattress, the government does not regulate the size of mini crib mattresses). Given the spectrum of mini crib sizes, it's important to measure your crib and mattress to ensure you are in accordance with The Consumer Products Safety Commission's guidance that you should buy the mattress that will fit snugly in your crib with no more than a half inch gap.
Why choose a mini crib and mini crib mattress? They can easily fit in small spaces and some can be folded up and taken on trips. You will need to monitor your child as they grow to ensure they do not outgrow the dimensions of the mini crib and mini crib mattress you have.
Special Shaped Crib Mattress Size
There is no government-issued or standard specification attached to the dimensions of shaped crib mattresses. They tend to vary according to the shapes. As a result there are no uniform dimensions for a shaped crib and thus none for shaped crib mattresses. Measurements of both the crib and crib mattress in this case is vital, and often parents choose the mattress sold by the manufacture of the shaped crib to ensure the crib mattress dimensions match what the special shaped crib requires for a safe fit.
If you own a shaped crib, the same rules apply to the other two variations – the mattress shouldn't be too big or too small. If the crib does not already come installed with a mattress, use a tape measure to determine the dimensions and decide on the mattress accordingly.
Why choose a special shaped crib and special shaped crib mattress? Aesthetics is often the key reason parents elect for this option as it can be more expensive both for the crib and crib mattress.
How to ensure you have the right fit for your crib and why it's important for safety
Although cribs come in specific sizes, there can be variation. The surest way to ensure you have the right fitting crib mattress in your crib is to measure both products separately and ensure there is no more than a half inch gap between the two. Having gaps between the mattress and the crib side is hazardous. Infants can roll off the mattress and get stuck between the crib side and mattress, potentially causing suffocation. The only way to ensure this does not happen is to make sure you have the right size mattress in your crib. Happy, safe cribbing! ;)
What other factors to consider besides size in your crib mattress choice
No matter what the size of your crib or what type it may be, when deciding on what mattress to purchase for your child you should take into account other factors such as the materials used, certifications and safety standards to ensure what you are purchasing is safe for your little one. Read our other post covering ten factors to consider when buying a crib mattress to learn more.
Now that you know about the options that exist for cribs and crib mattresses, check out our crib mattress comparison to help you choose!
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