The IKEA SKÖNAST Foam Crib Mattress is a firm foam crib mattress with a removable cover you can wash hot and a straightforward full-size crib fit. For parents comparing crib mattress safety, firm feel, size, and value, it keeps the decision relatively simple. In our testing, it stood out for steady center support, easy cleanup, and a simple design that does not feel overbuilt. The trade-offs were just as clear: the profile is thin, and the perimeter gives more when an adult leans in during sheet changes.
Table of Contents
Product Overview
| Mattress | Overall Score | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
| IKEA SKÖNAST Foam Crib Mattress | 4.2/5 | Firm HR foam; washable cover; breathable feel | Thin profile; edges compress more under adult leaning | Parents who want a firm crib mattress with easy cleanup |
Final Verdict
SKÖNAST is a firm, simple crib mattress that works best when you want dependable support and easy cleanup more than a thicker or two-stage build. It is the kind of mattress that keeps the basics clear: a stable center, a washable cover, and a snug standard footprint. If you are also comparing broader mattresses for kids, organic options, or products aimed at sensitive sleepers, SKÖNAST is the simpler, more utilitarian choice.
Who It’s For
- Parents who want a firm infant sleep surface
- Nurseries that benefit from a hot-washable zip cover
- Standard full-size cribs where a snug fit matters
Who It’s Not For
- Parents who want a thicker, two-stage crib mattress
- Homes where adults often lean hard on the edges during sheet changes
- Shoppers focused mainly on premium organic materials

How We Tested It
We placed SKÖNAST in a standard full-size crib frame and checked perimeter gaps before first use. We followed the same broader testing process we use across mattress reviews, then narrowed it to crib-specific fit and cleanup concerns. Over three weeks, we rotated the mattress, tracked whether the foam stayed level, and ran repeated compression checks to see how quickly it recovered. We also watched how much heat lingered after longer contact and how the edges behaved during sheet changes. Our scoring covered Support, Cooling, Pressure Relief, Motion Isolation, Responsiveness, Edge Support, and Durability.
Our Testing Experience
In our testing, the mattress unrolled cleanly and settled flat without much fuss. Once it was in the crib, the corners sat neatly and the middle felt firm right away. The high-resilience foam had a quick, light rebound instead of a slow memory foam sink. Our testing team compared notes as we worked through fit, support, and cleanup. Carlos focused on center support and found the surface steady and level. Mia paid closer attention to pressure point relief at the shoulders and hips during side-lying simulations, and she said it stayed supportive rather than sharp. Marcus put more stress on the edges while changing sheets, and that was where the mattress gave up the most ground. The zipper stayed tidy, and the cover came back from a hot wash without twisting or bunching.
What we liked
- Firm, even support through the center
- Zip-off cover that handles hot washes well
- Quick, predictable rebound when repositioning
Who it is best for
- Infants who need a firm sleep surface
- Parents who want simple cleanup and easy rotation
- Cribs built around a standard 27 1/2" x 52" mattress size
Where it falls short
- The edge feels softer during sheet changes
- The build is thinner than many two-stage crib mattresses
- It is less compelling if organic materials are your main priority

Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| • Firm, stable center feel • High-resilience foam rebounds quickly • Removable cover washes hot • Child-safe zipper design • Light package that is easier to handle |
• Thin profile leaves less depth • Perimeter compresses more under adult leaning • Not a dual-stage infant/toddler build • Crib-only sizing limits reuse later |
In our tests, those trade-offs lined up with the build. The thinner profile helped keep the surface firm, but it also left less structure at the edge when an adult leaned in.
Details
- Current price at the time of our check: $109.99 (regular $119)
- Size: 27 1/2" W x 52" L
- Thickness: 3 1/2"
- Weight (packaged): 9 lb 3 oz
- Feel: firm
- Core: high-resilience polyurethane foam (cold foam), 2.2 lb/cu.ft.
- Cover materials: top fabric 100% recycled polyester; filling 70% viscose/30% polyester; core cover 100% polypropylene
- Cover care: removable; machine-washable at 140°F with zipper closed
- Safety notes: child-safe zipper; IKEA lists ASTM F2933 compliance; use only where the fit is snug
- Return window: return within 365 days for a full refund

Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.6/5 | Firm, level center feel with shallow compression in our checks. |
| Cooling | 4.3/5 | The surface stayed fairly temperature-neutral in a warmer room. |
| Pressure Relief | 4.1/5 | There was enough give to avoid a hard, sharp feel while staying supportive. |
| Motion Isolation | 4.4/5 | The foam dampened movement well across the small sleep surface. |
| Responsiveness | 3.8/5 | Rebound was quicker than slower foams, but not springy. |
| Edge Support | 3.7/5 | The perimeter compressed more during sheet changes and adult leaning. |
| Durability | 4.2/5 | The HR foam spec and washable cover should help it hold up well with normal crib use. |
| Overall | 4.2/5 | A strong value if you want a firm, easy-care crib mattress and can live with the thinner build. |
The score pattern reflects the same balance we saw in testing: strong center support and easy upkeep, with more compromise at the edges than in the middle.
Choosing Guide
Choose SKÖNAST if you want a firm crib surface, a cover you can unzip and wash hot, and a simpler foam build at a lower price point than many premium crib mattresses. It makes the most sense in a standard full-size crib where snug fit and easy cleanup matter more than extra thickness. If you want a dual-stage infant/toddler design, a taller profile, or organic materials, it makes more sense to step up. For a fully washable, ultra-breathable option, the Newton Crib Mattress is the clearest alternative. For a firm organic model with a wipe-clean waterproof surface, the Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic Baby Crib Mattress is a stronger fit. If you want a two-stage build designed more specifically for infant-to-toddler use, the Sealy Baby Posturepedic Grace 2-Stage Hybrid is the better comparison. If you still are not sure how to choose a mattress or what mattress to buy, reading a few other mattress reviews helps put SKÖNAST in context.

Limitations
Because it is only 3 1/2 inches thick, SKÖNAST does not have the deeper build some parents want as their child gets older. The perimeter also compresses more than the middle during sheet changes, so it does not feel especially reinforced at the edge. And because it is a dedicated crib size, there is no reuse path once you move on from the crib stage. If you want a two-sided design or a sturdier edge, this is not the strongest match.
Vs. Alternatives
Why choose SKÖNAST
- Firm, consistent crib support
- Zip cover that washes hot
- Good value at a lower price than many premium alternatives
Alternatives to consider
- Newton Crib Mattress: fully washable, ultra-breathable construction
- Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic Baby Crib Mattress: organic materials with a wipe-clean waterproof surface
- Sealy Baby Posturepedic Grace 2-Stage Hybrid Crib Mattress: dual-stage design for infant and toddler use
Pro Tips
- Let the mattress settle flat before first use so the corners seat cleanly.
- Use fitted sheets sized for a 27 1/2" x 52" crib mattress to keep the surface taut.
- Add a breathable mattress protector if you want to cut down on full cover washes.
- Wash the cover inside out with the zipper closed to protect seams and edges.
- Rotate the mattress head to foot on a simple schedule to even out long-term wear.
- Brace the perimeter with one hand during sheet changes to reduce edge squish.
- Check the corners after changing sheets so the fit stays neat and snug.
- Skip extra toppers or thick pads that soften the intended firm feel.
- If you are moving into the toddler stage, reassess whether you want a thicker or two-stage mattress.
FAQs
Is it genuinely firm?
Yes. In our tests, the surface felt distinctly firm with shallow compression, which kept the center level and avoided a nest-like dip.
Can I wash the cover often?
Yes. The cover unzips and handles hot washing well. In our testing, it went back on without stretching or bunching when the zipper was closed before washing.
Does it sleep cool?
It stayed fairly temperature-neutral in our warm-room checks. It is still a foam crib mattress, but the surface did not trap heat the way slower, denser foams sometimes can.
How does the edge feel during sheet changes?
The edge is softer than the center, so it compresses when an adult leans in. Sheet changes were easiest when the mattress was pushed tightly into the crib corners first.