Target’s crib-and-toddler mattress aisle is dominated by firm, wipe-clean designs that prioritize easy maintenance and a snug crib fit, with prices running from about 100. I tested four popular picks for support stability, cooling, pressure relief, motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and durability, and found clear winners for breathability, budget value, and extra-firm structure.
Product overview at a glance
| Mattress | Overall Score | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolcraft Sleepy Little One Crib and Toddler Mattress | 3.8 | Low cost, lightweight, firm feel | More motion transfer than fiber-core options | Budget-focused nurseries | $41.99 |
| Sealy Ortho Rest Waterproof Baby Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed Mattress | 4.0 | Extra-firm structure, strong edge behavior | Cooler feel is average for a waterproof cover | Parents who want a sturdier coil build | $59.99 |
| Serta Perfect Embrace Eco Crib and Toddler Mattress | 3.8 | Quiet surface, very light, simple wipe-down | Less rebound when repositioning | Parents who want a light, no-coil feel | $59.99 |
| Sealy Airial Breathable 2-Stage Crib Mattress and Toddler Mattress | 4.1 | Best airflow feel, dual-sided concept, balanced performance | Highest price of the group | Warm nurseries and longer “grow-with-me” use | $99.99 |
Testing team takeaways
Across weeks of nursery-style handling, the Sealy Airial felt the most breathable and the most “even” across categories, while the Sealy Ortho Rest delivered the most rigid, confidence-inspiring structure when we pressed, knelt, and checked edge compression. The Kolcraft Sleepy Little One stood out for straightforward value and easy sheet changes. The Serta Perfect Embrace Eco stayed quiet and stable in motion tests, but felt less springy when repositioning a weighted dummy.
Target Crib Mattress comparison chart
| Category | Kolcraft Sleepy Little One | Sealy Ortho Rest Waterproof | Serta Perfect Embrace Eco | Sealy Airial Breathable 2-Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $41.99 | $59.99 | $59.99 | $99.99 |
| Type / core | Innerspring (continuous coils) | Innerspring (Bonnell coils) | Fiber core (no coils) | No-coil staged core with breathable side materials |
| Mattress feel | Firm | Ultra firm | Firm | Firm side / softer side |
| Thickness | 5" | 5.25" | 5" | 5.75" |
| Weight | 10 lb | 12 lb | 8.5 lb | 11 lb |
| Waterproof approach | Waterproof cover | 100% waterproof cover | Waterproof vinyl cover | Waterproof materials; breathable mesh side concept |
| Notable materials (listed) | Polyester cover; polyester fill | Polyester fiber fill; vinyl cover; coil unit | Polyester fiber fill; vinyl cover | Rayon from bamboo cover listed; cotton/polyester fill listed |
| Certifications (listed) | GREENGUARD Gold; ASTM | GREENGUARD Gold; ASTM | GREENGUARD Gold; ASTM; JPMA | GREENGUARD Gold; ASTM; EPA DfE listed |
| Support (test) | Firm, consistent center | Most rigid, least “give” | Firm, slightly more uniform compression | Firm infant-side feel; best balance overall |
| Cooling (test) | Average | Average | Average | Best airflow feel |
| Motion isolation (test) | Moderate | Moderate | Strong | Strong |
| Responsiveness (test) | Good rebound | Good rebound | Slower, less “bounce” | Moderate rebound |
| Edge support (test) | Fair | Best | Good | Good |
| Durability (test impression) | Solid for price | Best structural confidence | Good, but watch long-term compression | Strong, balanced build |
How we tested it
I set each crib mattress into a standard-size crib and a toddler-bed frame, then ran repeat handling cycles: sheet changes, corner fit checks, and wipe-downs after controlled spills. For Support and Edge Support, we measured how the surface behaved under kneeling, leaning, and seated compression. Cooling was judged by airflow feel and heat buildup after longer contact. Pressure Relief, Motion Isolation, and Responsiveness came from weighted-dummy repositioning, drop tests, and slow-roll transitions. Durability was based on repeat compression and surface wear signals.
Target Crib Mattress: our hands-on testing experience
Kolcraft Sleepy Little One
Our Testing Experience
The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to handle—light enough that I could lift it, re-seat it, and re-tighten a fitted sheet without fighting the corners. I kept pressing down through the center with my palm and forearm, listening for coil noise and watching how quickly the surface sprang back. Marcus (6'1", ~230 lbs) did the “edge sit and lean” routine; the edge dipped, but it didn’t fold. Mia (5'4", ~125 lbs) laid diagonally for short stretches and immediately called it “firm, not plush,” which is exactly what this style aims for.
What we liked
- Firm, straightforward surface that resets quickly
- Lightweight handling for sheet changes
- Waterproof cover makes quick wipe-downs simple
Who it is best for
- Budget-focused nurseries
- Parents who want a simple, firm feel
- Guest-room cribs and occasional-use setups
Where it falls short
- Motion transfer is more noticeable than no-coil builds
- Cooling feel is average for longer contact
- Edges compress more than the sturdiest coil option
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low price for an innerspring crib mattress | More motion transfer than fiber-core options |
| Lightweight and easy to maneuver | Cooling feel is average |
| Firm surface with fast recovery | Edge compression is only fair |
Details
- Price: $41.99
- Size: 52" (L) x 27.5" (W)
- Thickness: 5"
- Weight: 10 lb
- Core/type: Innerspring; continuous coils; no foam listed
- Mattress feel: Firm
- Cover: Polyester cover; waterproof cover feature listed
- Certifications listed: GREENGUARD Gold; ASTM
- Warranty: 7-year limited warranty
- Returns: 90 days (Target)
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 3.8 | Strong value with a firm, simple feel |
| Support | 4.3 | Consistent firmness across the center |
| Cooling | 3.6 | No obvious heat trap, but not notably airy |
| Pressure Relief | 3.7 | Firm surface; limited “give” by design |
| Motion Isolation | 3.5 | Coils transmit movement more than fiber cores |
| Responsiveness | 4.0 | Quick rebound after compression |
| Edge Support | 3.7 | Holds shape, but compresses under heavier lean |
| Durability | 3.9 | Coils feel stable; finish is basic but solid |
Sealy Ortho Rest Waterproof
Our Testing Experience
When I set this one into the crib, the immediate impression was rigidity—an extra-firm, “locked-in” surface that doesn’t invite much sink at all. Carlos (5'11", ~175 lbs) focused on slow-roll transitions, checking whether the surface stayed level under shifting weight, and it felt unusually stable for the price. Marcus repeated the edge routine and liked how the perimeter resisted that “roll-off” sensation. Cleaning was straightforward: the waterproof cover wiped down fast, and the surface didn’t hold onto moisture the way softer knit covers sometimes do. The trade-off is feel—this is the least forgiving surface in the group.
What we liked
- Most rigid, confidence-inspiring structure
- Strong edge behavior under lean and seated compression
- Waterproof cover is quick to wipe down
Who it is best for
- Parents who want an extra-firm feel
- Toddlers transitioning to a toddler bed where edge stability matters
- Homes that prioritize easy cleanup
Where it falls short
- Cooling feel is only average for a waterproof surface
- Not the most “cushy” option for longer contact
- Heavier to handle than the lightest fiber-core mattress
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extra-firm structure with strong stability | Cooling is average for longer contact |
| Waterproof cover is easy to wipe clean | Feel is less forgiving than others |
| Edge holds up well under lean | Heavier handling than lighter models |
Details
- Price: $59.99
- Size: about 52" (L) x 28" (W) x 5.25" thick (standard crib fit)
- Thickness: 5.25"
- Weight: 12 lb
- Core/type: Innerspring; 150 coils listed; Bonnell coil type listed
- Mattress feel: Ultra firm
- Cover: Vinyl cover listed; waterproof cover feature listed
- Certifications listed: GREENGUARD Gold; ASTM
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
- Returns: 90 days (Target)
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 4.0 | Best structure and edge behavior, average cooling |
| Support | 4.6 | Most rigid and stable under compression |
| Cooling | 3.5 | Waterproof surface doesn’t feel especially airy |
| Pressure Relief | 3.6 | Extra-firm by feel; limited contouring |
| Motion Isolation | 3.4 | Coils pass movement more than no-coil builds |
| Responsiveness | 4.0 | Fast recovery after pressure and repositioning |
| Edge Support | 4.2 | Strong perimeter resistance when leaned on |
| Durability | 4.5 | Coil build and structure feel the most robust |
Serta Perfect Embrace Eco
Our Testing Experience
This one handled like a lightweight board—in a good way for setup. I could lift it, square the corners, and get the fitted sheet taut without wrestling the mattress. In our motion isolation checks, the no-coil construction stayed quieter: when Carlos did the slow-roll transition tests, there wasn’t the faint spring “talk” you sometimes hear. Mia cared most about surface feel at contact points, and she described it as uniformly firm without the subtle “push back” you get from coils. The big trade-off showed up when I simulated quick repositioning: it doesn’t have the same bounce, so movements feel a bit more damped.
What we liked
- Very light and easy to place in the frame
- Quiet, no-coil behavior in motion checks
- Waterproof cover makes cleanup simple
Who it is best for
- Parents who want a light mattress for frequent sheet changes
- Nurseries where quiet handling matters
- Buyers who prefer a no-coil feel
Where it falls short
- Less rebound than innerspring models
- Cooling feel is average for a vinyl cover
- Edge compression is good, but not the strongest overall
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and easy to handle | Less responsive “bounce” than coil mattresses |
| Strong motion isolation for the category | Cooling is average |
| Simple wipe-clean waterproof cover | Edge support is not class-leading |
Details
- Price: $59.99
- Size: 52" (L) x 27.5" (W)
- Thickness: 5"
- Weight: 8.5 lb
- Core/type: Fiber core; no coils listed; no foam listed
- Mattress feel: Firm
- Cover: Vinyl cover listed; waterproof cover feature listed; removable cover feature listed
- Certifications listed: GREENGUARD Gold; ASTM; JPMA
- Warranty: -
- Returns: 90 days (Target)
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 3.8 | Quiet, light handling with less rebound |
| Support | 4.1 | Firm, uniform compression across the surface |
| Cooling | 3.4 | Vinyl cover doesn’t read as especially breathable |
| Pressure Relief | 3.8 | Slightly more damped feel than coils |
| Motion Isolation | 4.4 | Best in the group for minimizing transfer |
| Responsiveness | 3.3 | Slower rebound than coil-based options |
| Edge Support | 3.6 | Holds shape, but compresses with concentrated load |
| Durability | 3.7 | Good build; long-term compression is the watch-out |
Sealy Airial Breathable 2-Stage
Our Testing Experience
This was the one I kept coming back to when the room was warm. I started with the breathable side and immediately felt more airflow at the surface—less of that “sealed” sensation you get from slick waterproof covers. Carlos did repeated slow transitions and noted the surface felt stable even when the top layer changed character between sides. Marcus cared about practical handling: he leaned hard into the edge and liked how it stayed supportive while still feeling lighter than a heavy coil build. For cleaning, I preferred the wipe-down behavior on the reinforced side, then flipped back to the breathable side for daily use.
What we liked
- Best airflow feel in warm-room testing
- Balanced performance across categories
- Dual-sided concept supports longer-term use
Who it is best for
- Warm nurseries or homes that run hot
- Parents who want a breathable surface feel
- Longer “crib to toddler” usage plans
Where it falls short
- Higher price than the simpler models
- Responsiveness is moderate rather than bouncy
- Cleaning approach differs by side and takes a little routine
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Most breathable surface feel of the group | Highest price in this lineup |
| Strong balance of support and motion control | Not as springy as coils |
| Dual-sided concept for infant/toddler stages | Different sides require different cleaning habits |
Details
- Price: $99.99
- Size: about 52" (L) x 28" (W) (standard crib fit)
- Thickness: 5.75"
- Weight: 11 lb
- Core/type: No coils listed; staged firmness feel listed; “branded foam” listed
- Mattress feel: Firm side / soft side
- Cover: Rayon from bamboo cover listed; breathable and waterproof features listed
- Certifications listed: GREENGUARD Gold; ASTM; EPA Design for the Environment listed
- Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
- Returns: 90 days (Target)
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 4.1 | Best cooling feel and most balanced performance |
| Support | 4.3 | Stable surface with a firm infant-side feel |
| Cooling | 4.5 | Most airflow at the surface in warm-room tests |
| Pressure Relief | 4.0 | Best balance of firmness and surface comfort |
| Motion Isolation | 4.2 | Minimal transfer in drop and repositioning tests |
| Responsiveness | 3.7 | Moderate rebound; less “snap” than coils |
| Edge Support | 3.8 | Good perimeter stability; not the stiffest |
| Durability | 4.0 | Materials and structure feel consistently supported |
Compare performance scores of these mattresses
| Mattress | Overall Score | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolcraft Sleepy Little One Crib and Toddler Mattress | 3.8 | 4.3 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.0 |
| Sealy Ortho Rest Waterproof Baby Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed Mattress | 4.0 | 4.6 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.4 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Serta Perfect Embrace Eco Crib and Toddler Mattress | 3.8 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| Sealy Airial Breathable 2-Stage Crib Mattress and Toddler Mattress | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 3.7 |
On the scorecard, the Sealy Airial is the most evenly strong, with a clear edge in Cooling and no weak category. The Sealy Ortho Rest posts the best Support and Durability, but gives back points in Cooling and Motion Isolation. The Serta Perfect Embrace Eco wins Motion Isolation, yet trails in Responsiveness. The Kolcraft option stays competitive on Support and Responsiveness for the price, with trade-offs in motion and cooling.
How to choose the Target Crib Mattress?
Start with your non-negotiables: ultra-firm structure, easy cleanup, or cooler surface feel. If you want the most rigid build and strong edge behavior, pick the Sealy Ortho Rest. If the nursery runs warm and you want the most breathable surface feel, choose the Sealy Airial. For frequent sheet changes and quiet handling, the Serta Perfect Embrace Eco is the easiest to maneuver. If budget is the priority, the Kolcraft Sleepy Little One is the cleanest value play.
Limitations
These Target crib mattresses generally trade plushness for firmness, so none of them feel “cushy” in the way adult foam mattresses do. If you want the most airflow, you’re paying a premium (Sealy Airial). If you want the most rigid structure, you’re accepting average cooling (Sealy Ortho Rest). If you want the quietest motion control, you’re giving up rebound (Serta Perfect Embrace Eco). If you want the lowest price, you’ll feel more motion transfer and less premium finishing (Kolcraft).
Target Crib Mattress vs. alternatives
Reasons to choose this Target lineup include fast availability, strong coverage of firm waterproof builds, and clear options across budget-to-breathable tiers. If you want a fully washable concept from cover to core, Newton’s crib mattress is the clearest alternative. If you want a premium organic, breathable, 2-stage crib mattress with a washable breathable cover and waterproofing claims, Naturepedic’s organic breathable crib mattress is the most direct upgrade path.
Pro tips for Target Crib Mattress
- Measure the crib’s interior and confirm you’re shopping “full-size crib mattress” dimensions before ordering
- After unboxing, let the mattress air out in the nursery with windows cracked for a short period before dressing it
- Use a properly fitted crib sheet that stays taut; loose fabric undermines the point of a firm surface
- If your model is staged or dual-sided, mark the infant side and toddler side on the frame so you don’t guess later
- Wipe spills immediately; with waterproof covers, speed matters more than scrubbing pressure
- Rotate the mattress end-to-end periodically to even out compression from repeated placement and handling
- If you notice corner lift or shifting, re-seat the mattress and re-check that the sheet isn’t pulling it off-square
- For warmer rooms, prioritize breathable surfaces and keep bedding minimal to avoid trapping heat near the surface
- If the surface feels too slick after cleaning, use a dry microfiber pass so sheets don’t “slide” during tightening
- Inspect the cover seams and edges during sheet changes; early wear is easiest to spot when the sheet is off
FAQs
Q: Which one felt coolest in warm-room testing?
A: Sealy Airial.
Q: Which one was easiest to handle for frequent sheet changes?
A: Serta Perfect Embrace Eco.
Q: Which one felt the most rigid and supportive?
A: Sealy Ortho Rest.
Q: Which option delivered the best budget value?
A: Kolcraft Sleepy Little One.
