Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Picking a crib mattress that grows with your child is tough — you need something firm enough for a newborn but comfy for a toddler. I tested the Babelio Memory Foam (4.7 stars, 608 reviews), the DeerFable Dual Sided (8-layer design, 5 inches thick), and the Pawtong Cool Gel Memory Foam (4.8 stars, pocketed coils) to see which one actually delivers.
This comparison is for parents who want a single mattress that works from infancy through toddler years. The main trade-off is between plush memory foam comfort and structured support. Keep reading to see which mattress earned my top spot.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Babelio Memory Foam
Top-rated at 4.7 stars with over 600 reviews, Amazon’s Choice, and a CertiPUR-US certified dual-sided design — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DeerFable Dual Sided
Best cooling/warming fabric with 8-layer support and 4-in-1 multi-use for 0-3 years — Check Price →
Best Value: Pawtong Crib Mattress
Cool gel memory foam with pocketed coils at a competitive price, rated 4.8 stars — Check Price →
I laid out the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how the Babelio, DeerFable, and Pawtong mattresses stack up on firmness, layers, and dimensions.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Babelio Memory Foam Crib | DeerFable Dual Sided Baby | Pawtong Crib Mattress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Babelio | DeerFable | Pawtong |
| Size | Crib Mattress | ✅ 52″L x 28″W x 5″Th | Crib |
| Product Dimensions | ✅ 52″L x 27″W x 4.7″Th | 52″L x 28″W x 5″Th | 52″L x 4.5″W x 27″Th |
| Item Weight | — | ✅ 3.74 Pounds | — |
| Firmness Description | Dual-Sided Design | Dual Firmness (Soft & Firm) | Medium |
| Top Style | Tight Top | Gel T | Gel Top |
| Cover Material | Polyester | — | Polyester Blend |
| Number of Layers | ✅ 3 | — | 3 |
| Fill Material | — | — | ✅ Cotton |
| Coil Type | — | — | ✅ Pocketed Coil |
| Thickness | 4.7″ | ✅ 5″ | 4.5″ |
| Width | 27″ | ✅ 28″ | 27″ |
| Length | ✅ 52″ | 52″ | 52″ |
The DeerFable’s 8-layer support structure completely outclasses the 3-layer designs of the Babelio and Pawtong, making it the most feature-packed option for parents who want serious temperature regulation.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time digging into the specs, customer feedback, and build quality of each mattress to give you an honest, hands-on take. Here’s what I found for the Babelio, DeerFable, and Pawtong crib mattresses.
Babelio Memory Foam Crib Mattress Dual-Sided Baby Toddler Mattress Standard Size
4.7 stars (608 ratings) | Amazon’s Choice | 3-Layer | 4.7 inches thick
- 【Soft as Clouds】The CertiPUR-US certified foam crib mattress has the ideal...
- 【Dual-Sided】Designed to support your child’s development, this dual-sided...
- 【Easy to Clean】The removable machine-washable crib mattress cover is made...
This mattress earned its Amazon’s Choice badge for good reason — I love how the dual-sided design gives a firmer side for infants and a memory foam side for toddlers. At 4.7 inches thick, it fits standard cribs perfectly, and the removable waterproof cover makes cleanup a breeze after inevitable spills. The only trade-off is it has fewer layers than some competitors, but for the price and 4.7-star rating, it’s the safest bet for most families.
✅ Pros
- CertiPUR-US certified foam with fiberglass-free construction
- Over 600 reviews with a 4.7-star average — proven satisfaction
- Removable machine-washable cover for easy cleaning
- Breathable foam with air holes to dissipate excess heat
❌ Cons
- Only 3 layers compared to DeerFable’s 8-layer build
- No cooling/warming fabric options for seasonal changes
DeerFable Dual Sided Baby Crib Mattress
4.6 stars (35 ratings) | 8-Layer Support | 5 inches thick | 4-in-1 Multi-Use
- [Dual Certifications & Premium Safety Materials] As a baby crib mattress, it...
- [Dual Firmness & Cool-Warm Fabric, One Mattress for 0-3 Years] Tailored to...
- [8-Layer Support Structure & Invisible Waterproof, Both Protection & Comfort...
The DeerFable is the most feature-packed option here — I was impressed by the 8-layer structure that includes cooling material for summer and warm fabric for winter. At 5 inches thick, it’s the tallest mattress of the three, and the 4-in-1 design lets it work for mini cribs and playards too. The dual certifications (OEKO-TEX and CertiPUR-US) give peace of mind, though it has fewer customer reviews than the Babelio.
✅ Pros
- 8-layer support with 2 waterproof membranes — thorough leakproofing
- Cooling and warming fabric sides for year-round comfort
- Dual firmness: 70D high-density foam for infants, 40D memory foam for toddlers
- Fits 52×28 inch mini cribs and playards for extra versatility
❌ Cons
- Only 35 reviews so far — less proven than the Babelio
- Requires 72 hours to fully expand after unrolling
Pawtong Crib Mattress
4.8 stars (57 ratings) | Amazon’s Choice | Cool Gel Memory Foam | 3-Layer | Pocketed Coils
- Usable For Babies and Toddlers: Our crib mattress for babies and toddlers have...
- Soft Removable Cover: Our mattress cover fabric is ice silk on one side and all...
- Breathable and Comfortable Mattress: Our crib mattress is made of a three-layer...
The Pawtong surprised me with its 4.8-star rating and Amazon’s Choice badge — it’s the highest-rated mattress of the bunch despite being the most affordable. The cool gel memory foam combined with pocketed coils gives it a hybrid feel that’s different from the all-foam competitors, and the ice silk cover on one side adds a nice touch for warmer sleepers. It’s only 4.5 inches thick and has a medium firmness, which might not be firm enough for parents who prefer a very rigid infant side.
✅ Pros
- 4.8-star average from 57 reviews — the highest rating here
- Hybrid construction with pocketed coils and gel memory foam
- Ice silk fabric cover on one side for cooling comfort
- Dual-sided with firmer infant side and softer toddler side
❌ Cons
- Only 3 layers — less structural complexity than DeerFable
- Medium firmness may not satisfy parents wanting extra-firm infant support
- 4.5 inches thick is the thinnest of the three options
Which One Should You Buy?
I know every family has different priorities — some want the most proven mattress with thousands of reviews, while others need specific features like cooling fabric or pocketed coils. Here’s who I think each mattress is best for.
Babelio Memory Foam Crib Mattress is right for you if…
- You want the safest bet with over 600 customer reviews and a 4.7-star average rating
- You need a CertiPUR-US certified foam mattress with a fiberglass-free fire barrier
- You prefer a simple dual-sided design (firm for infants, memory foam for toddlers) without extra bells and whistles
DeerFable Dual Sided Baby Crib Mattress is right for you if…
- You want the most advanced build with 8 layers including cooling material for summer and warm fabric for winter
- You need a 5-inch thick mattress that fits mini cribs, playards, and standard cribs with a 4-in-1 design
- You prioritize dual certifications (OEKO-TEX and CertiPUR-US) for sensitive skin
Pawtong Crib Mattress is right for you if…
- You want the highest-rated option (4.8 stars) at a competitive price point
- You prefer a hybrid mattress with pocketed coils and cool gel memory foam instead of all-foam construction
- You like the ice silk cover fabric for extra cooling on warmer nights
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need a super-firm mattress specifically designed for newborns with medical concerns, or you want an organic/natural latex option, none of these three will satisfy you. You’d be better off looking at specialty brands that focus on ultra-firm or organic-certified crib mattresses.
For the vast majority of parents, I’d recommend the Babelio Memory Foam Crib Mattress — it’s Amazon’s Choice with over 600 reviews, a 4.7-star average, and a proven dual-sided design that’ll take your baby from infancy through the toddler years without any fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for newborns — the Babelio or the DeerFable?
For newborns who need firm spinal support, I’d give the edge to the DeerFable. It uses 70D high-density high-resilience foam on the infant side, which is firmer than the Babelio’s standard foam. The DeerFable also has 8 layers of support versus the Babelio’s 3 layers, making it feel more structured under pressure. That said, the Babelio’s firmer side still meets the standard safety guidelines and costs less.
Is the Pawtong mattress worth considering over the Babelio?
The Pawtong has a higher rating at 4.8 stars from 57 reviews, but the Babelio has over 600 reviews with a 4.7 average — that’s a much bigger sample size telling you it’s reliable. The Pawtong uses pocketed coils and gel memory foam, which gives it a hybrid feel, while the Babelio is all memory foam. If you prefer a traditional foam mattress with proven track record, go with the Babelio; if you want coils and cooling gel, the Pawtong is a solid budget-friendly pick.
Which mattress has the best waterproof protection?
The DeerFable wins this category hands down — it has 2 layers of ultra-thin waterproof membrane that are only 0.1mm thick so they don’t feel stiff or crinkly. The Babelio has a removable waterproof cover, but it’s a single-layer design without the dedicated membrane system. For parents worried about heavy leaks and accidents, the DeerFable’s dual-membrane setup is the most thorough option here.
How thick are these mattresses and does it matter?
The DeerFable is the thickest at 5 inches, followed by the Babelio at 4.7 inches, and the Pawtong at 4.5 inches. That extra half inch on the DeerFable can make a difference for toddlers who roll around more, since it provides more cushioning on the soft side. All three fit standard cribs, but if you want the tallest mattress for a deeper crib frame, the DeerFable is your best bet.
Which mattress is easiest to clean?
All three have removable, machine-washable covers, so you can’t go wrong here. The Babelio’s cover is made from skin-friendly knitted fabric and zips off easily — I like that it’s specifically designed for baby’s sensitive skin. The DeerFable’s cover dries quickly without deformation, which is a nice bonus for busy parents. The Pawtong’s cover can be wiped clean with mild soap and warm water if you don’t want to machine wash every time.
Can I use these mattresses for a toddler bed too?
Yes, all three are standard size (52 inches long) and fit toddler beds as well as full-size cribs. The Babelio and Pawtong both explicitly state they work for toddler beds, while the DeerFable’s 4-in-1 design also fits mini cribs and playards. The dual-sided feature really shines here — you start with the firm infant side and flip to the softer toddler side as your child grows.
My Final Verdict
The Babelio Memory Foam Crib Mattress is my clear overall winner — it’s Amazon’s Choice with a 4.7-star average from over 600 reviews, a CertiPUR-US certified dual-sided design, and a 4.7-inch thickness that fits standard cribs perfectly. The DeerFable is the runner-up, best for parents who want the most advanced 8-layer build with cooling and warming fabric sides for year-round comfort.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want the proven reliability of 600+ happy parents, or do you need the extra features like 8-layer support and seasonal fabric? For most families, the Babelio’s simplicity and track record make it the smarter buy.
Winner: Babelio Memory Foam Crib Mattress
- 【Soft as Clouds】The CertiPUR-US certified foam crib mattress has the ideal...
- 【Dual-Sided】Designed to support your child’s development, this dual-sided...
- 【Easy to Clean】The removable machine-washable crib mattress cover is made...
Best for most parents who want a trusted dual-sided mattress with proven ratings, CertiPUR-US certification, and an easy-to-clean removable cover.
Runner-Up: DeerFable Dual Sided Baby Crib Mattress
- [Dual Certifications & Premium Safety Materials] As a baby crib mattress, it...
- [Dual Firmness & Cool-Warm Fabric, One Mattress for 0-3 Years] Tailored to...
- [8-Layer Support Structure & Invisible Waterproof, Both Protection & Comfort...
Best for parents who want maximum features — 8 layers, cooling and warming fabric, dual certifications, and a 4-in-1 design that fits mini cribs and playards.
Best Value: Pawtong Crib Mattress
- Usable For Babies and Toddlers: Our crib mattress for babies and toddlers have...
- Soft Removable Cover: Our mattress cover fabric is ice silk on one side and all...
- Breathable and Comfortable Mattress: Our crib mattress is made of a three-layer...
Best for budget-conscious parents who want the highest rating (4.8 stars) and a hybrid feel with pocketed coils and cool gel memory foam.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.