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The 13 Best Mattress Protectors for Cribs and Kids’ Beds

Stephanie Ganz
Stephanie Ganz
Once a professional chef (in the lifetime before kids), Stephanie Ganz has written for Bon Appetit, Eater, BUST, and Virginia Living and is a regular contributor to Richmond Magazine. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, two girls, and one excellent cat. Follow her…read more
published Jun 21, 2023
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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So, you’ve invested in a comfortable, durable, safe mattress for your kiddo. Now you need to protect it. Mattress pads, covers, and protectors to the rescue! When buying a mattress protector for kids’ beds, you’re looking for the right combination of waterproofing, breathability, and lack of noise. You may also want to consider hypoallergenic options if allergies are a concern, or even a zippered mattress cover to protect against dust mites and bed bugs. 

Whatever option you’re shopping for, we’ve got them right here. Ahead, 13 of the best mattress protectors for kids, including our favorites for cribs and toddler beds.

Quick Overview

What’s the best mattress protector?

The SafeRest Twin Mattress Protector is our top pick because it’s reliable, durable, and affordable. It has more than 200,000 5-star Amazon reviews that praise how easily the fitted sheet-style protector fits over a bed, as well as the five various sizes to fit most mattresses.

What’s the difference between PVC and organic mattress protectors?

This all comes down to the materials used. Mattress protectors are made from a variety of materials including polyester, cotton, organic cotton, polyvinyl chloride (otherwise known as PVC), or polyurethane materials. Although PVC is an inexpensive, waterproof material, it can give off toxins and chemicals known as phthalates, which many discourage using around children. 

Natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and bamboo are a smart choice because they don’t give off chemicals or usually use phthalates in their production. Polyester and polyurethane are also durable and waterproof without the toxic chemicals, making them a good choice as well. 

As always, be sure to read all the labels.

The Best Mattress Protectors

1 / 13
The Company Store
$134.00
was $179.00

Available in six mattress sizes and two different depths (11 or 18 inches), this luxurious, quilted mattress cover will fit most mattresses, and it’s also easy to remove and machine wash and dry. At more than $100, this mattress cover is a bit of a splurge, but the attention to detail in the design, including a diamond-quilted pattern that offers a little extra cushioning and keeps the filling from moving, makes this waterproof mattress cover a smart investment.

2 / 13
Macy's
$50.00

If your kiddo suffers from persistent allergy symptoms, this is the mattress protector for you. The zippered design keeps mattresses protected against allergens, dust mites, and bed bugs while also guarding against spills and regular wear and tear. This polyester and nylon mattress protector is also waterproof and machine-washable.

3 / 13
Naturepedic
$159.00

For major peace of mind, the Naturepedic Waterproof mattress protector is made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and a thin waterproof layer in the middle. The mattress protector wicks away moisture and is pleasantly breathable, which makes it great for hot sleepers. It works like a fitted sheet and has elastic around the whole perimeter of the cover so it won’t pop up in the middle of the night. It’s a bit more expensive than some of the others, but there’s a 30-night sleep trial and a one-year warranty.

4 / 13
Tempur-Pedic
$129.00

Tempur-Pedic are pros at getting bedtime temps just right, thanks to their patented fabric, so this is another great option for those who sleep hot. This mattress protector, which fits mattresses up to 16” deep, protects the bed from the usual nighttime accidents and is protected by a 10-year warranty, which makes it a worthwhile investment.

5 / 13
Amazon
$29.99
was $33.99

Praised for being waterproof and noiseless, the SafeRest Mattress Protector is a great choice for a thinner, lightweight mattress protector that saves mattresses from spills, leaks, sweat, and bed bugs. Best of all, it can be easily removed and washed in most home washers and dryers. The SafeRest mattress protector, which is made of terry cloth over polyurethane, is available in all mattress sizes, including Twin XL, which makes it a good choice for older kids heading off to college.

6 / 13
Amazon
$19.99

If all-over protection from dust mites, bed bugs, leaks, and spills is your priority, this mattress encasement is a smart choice and a great value. Linenspa’s zippered mattress cover is reliably waterproof and quiet, and would give any caretaker major peace of mind. It’s best for mattresses that are no more than 12 inches thick so the cover can be zipped easily, which means it’s great for most kids’ mattresses. The encasement is also machine-washable and includes a 10-year warranty.

7 / 13
Sealy
$34.99

Having a waterproof mattress protector for your child’s crib mattress is essential to guard against blowouts and leaks, but having a second one? Ingenious. The Sealy waterproof crib mattress pad comes in a convenient two-pack, which is super handy for those late-night emergencies. This mattress protector is machine-washable and hypoallergenic, while the elastic edge and built-in skirt will help keep the mattress pad in place throughout the night.

8 / 13
Amazon
$37.99
was $45.00

Made from bamboo, this super-soft mattress protector, which can fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep, is a wise choice for anyone who wants an eco-friendly option. The waterproof cover is breathable and machine-washable, and comes with a 10-year warranty. One Amazon reviewer said, “This mattress protector was heaven sent. We have a 4-year-old who is still potty training and this has saved our mattress. When he has an accident it doesn't leak through, which obviously I really appreciate. This was exactly what I was looking for.”

9 / 13
Walmart
$19.95

This highly rated mattress pad fits 28” x 52” crib mattresses and toddler beds. The waterproof polyester cover protects the mattress from blowouts, sick kids, and potty training accidents while still being breathable, so your baby won’t get too hot during the night. Because it's machine washable and dryer-safe, this is a great, affordable choice for kids’ rooms.

10 / 13
Saatva
$195.00

Saatva’s mattress protector is an investment, but for anyone who wants to protect a high quality mattress — especially if you’re brand-loyal to Saatva — it'll be money well spent. Plus there’s a 45-day trial period with free returns, so you can try it out before you commit. In fact, one reviewer even said, “Our toddler son sleeps with us and sometimes has diaper leaks. This has saved our mattress one so many times. Mattress has remained completely dry.”

11 / 13
Nolah
$65.00
was $129.00

Parents who are concerned about the materials used in their kids' mattress protectors will love this option from Nolah. Its bamboo fabric is antibacterial and cooling, and the protector boasts certification from the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) and Oeko-Tex® 100, which means it's sustainably made and free from harmful chemicals.

12 / 13
Peejamas
$29.99
was $59.00

Mattress protection is never more important than when you’re potty training your little ones, and Peejamas engineered theirs to be super absorbent and easy to remove for late-night accidents. This mattress protector goes over your child’s fitted sheets, so to remove it, just tug at one corner, and it peels right off. The cover is also hypoallergenic and made of soft bamboo, which is nice, as this will touch your child’s skin as they sleep.

13 / 13
Casper
$79.20
was $99.00

Casper’s mattress protector was the Sleep Foundation’s choice for deep pocket mattresses. It stretches to fit mattresses that are up to 16 inches deep and is made of polyester over polyurethane, which provides "crinkle-free" comfort throughout the night. And there’s a 30-night sleep trial so you can try it out for a month risk-free.