Complete Baby Bassinet Mattress Guide for Better Sleep

If you’ve chosen a bassinet for your little angel, you’ll know that they come in many different sizes (shapes, too). And it’s always recommended that you get your mattress with the bassinet for the best fit.

But sometimes, your little one may not like the existing mattress, or you can tell that the quality isn’t that great. In those cases, it helps to know how to choose a bassinet mattress for that super-snug fit.

So, here’s your ultimate bassinet mattress guide – we’ll discuss sizes, thicknesses, safety, and more. You can also find my list of the top 3 best bassinet mattresses below.

A Note on Bassinet Mattress Sizes

Bassinets don’t come in standard sizes, dear parents! It took me some hunting to get mine, too.

These mattresses can be anywhere from 15 to 18 inches wide and 30–33 inches long. And getting a mattress for a specific (or custom) size takes a while. So it’s crucial to get your measuring kit out for a proper fit.

5 Key Factors to Look For in a Bassinet Mattress

1. Material

The mattress has two components: fill material and cover material.

The fill or base has foam, cotton, or a blend of different fabrics. The cover or topper is typically made with cotton. Fitted covers may also have microfiber or similar components.
Moreover, you can also look at breathable and hypoallergenic mattresses (especially if your baby has sensitive skin).

2. Firmness

Remember the AAP’s safe sleep practices? It mandates that babies need to sleep on a firm surface.

So, always check if the mattress is firm and flat, to reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation.
The mattress should not sag or lose its shape (this applies to all baby mattresses) and it should return to its original form after you apply pressure.

You may find this post useful: How to Test the Firmness of Your Mattress

3. Certifications

Bassinets, cradles, and their accessories need to meet specific and strict safety guidelines.

Ensure your mattress has certifications like CertiPUR-US, and it complies with CPSC guidelines for firmness, materials testing, and more.
Some mattresses also have specific federal testing certifications you can keep an eye on.

4. Snug Fit

Because you’re buying your mattress separately, you need to be extra careful to get that snug fit.

Always measure your bassinet before you get a mattress and make sure it fits with no more than a two-finger gap at the sides.
Most bassinets have different sizes. So, always pay attention to the bassinet manufacturer’s instructions, too.

5. Easy Maintenance

A bassinet mattress needs to be safe and comfortable, but also be easy to maintain!

Choose a waterproof or machine-washable cover or topper to protect the mattress from spit-ups, diaper leaks, stains, and more.
Ensure the mattress is lightweight and easy to remove for routine checks or cleaning.

Deep cleaning your bassinet mattress? I have a 7-step bassinet mattress cleaning routine that can help.

My Top 3 Bassinet Mattresses

Note: I chose my top 3 based on a small survey that I conducted with different parents from the community. I had them grade a list of 7 bassinet mattresses that they’ve tried, based on quality of material, firmness, safety, fit, affordability, and maintenance. The following 3 mattresses had the highest scores on the list.

1. AngelBliss Foam Bassinet Mattress

Size: 35L x 20W x 1.2Th inches
Shape: Rectangle
Material: Gel memory foam
Cover: Waterproof, washable, removable

It also comes in multiple sizes, including 32 x 18, 32 x 22, 32.5 x 20, 33 x 19, and more (all in inches).

2. Cotton Topped Bassinet Mattress/Cover

Size: 29L x 18W x 1.5Th inches
Shape: Rectangle
Material: Cotton
Features: Waterproof, washable, removable

Comes in multiple sizes (inches): 30 x 20, 32 x 18, 33 x 19, 33 x 20, 35 x 20, etc.

3. Microfiber Cover Bassinet Mattress

Size: 35L x 20W x 1.5Th inches
Shape: Rectangle
Material: Foam
Cover: Microfiber tight-fitted cover, waterproof

More sizes (inches) – 29 x 18, 30 x 15, 30 x 20, 32 x 18, 33 x 19, 33 x 20 etc.

FAQs: Bassinet Mattresses and Covers

1. What Does a Good Mattress Fit Look Like?

First, measure your bassinet’s interior length and width. Find a bassinet that fits in those requirements and do a gap test: the mattress should NOT leave more than a two-finger gap at the sides of the bassinet.

2. How Thick Should a Bassinet Mattress Be?

1 to 1.5 inches thick (your bassinet manufacturer may also have a specific thickness requirement).

This will reduce the chance of your baby sinking into the surface, preventing suffocation.

3. Are Bassinet Mattresses Safe?

Absolutely.

Just ensure that it has certifications like CertiPUR-US, follows CPSC guidelines for bassinets, and that it passes flammability tests.

You can also look for breathable, hypoallergenic mattresses for a more comfortable sleep time.

4. Do Bassinets Need a Mattress?

Yes, it helps keep your baby safe by providing a firm surface. Sometimes, even a mattress topper can be as snug as a mattress! So, look for one that fits your needs.

WHAT TO AVOID
Never use makeshift padding, crib bumpers (these are banned), or any other additional padding that could potentially harm your baby.

5. Are Bassinet Mattress Covers Safe?

Yes! Even better if they are waterproof and washable.

If you’ve got spits-ups, diaper leaks, or more, mattress covers can help out. These keep the mattresses free from mold and prevent stains.

BUT, there’s a catch:
If your cover or topper
1. has additional padding that makes the mattress lose firmness, or
2. it doesn’t fit well to your bassinet,

that is a safety risk for your baby. So, make sure your mattress cover is well-fitted and maintains firmness.

Concluding Thoughts on My Bassinet Mattress Guide

While it’s good to get a mattress with the bassinet, I understand that they may not always be ideal.

So, if you get one separately, look for these features: quality material, firmness, proper certifications, and a good fit.

Maintenance is also important, so go for a waterproof, washable cover. I’ve also shared top bassinet mattress picks based on quality, fit, and ease of use to help you choose better!