Newton Baby Essential Crib Mattress reviewed

The Essential is the entry ticket to Newton’s range. It uses the same Wovenaire core as the Original, but cut to 4 inches instead of 5.5, and swaps the quilted two-part cover for a single eyelet knit with a viscose lining sewn in. At 11 pounds it is also the lightest standard crib mattress Newton makes, which helps at 3 a.m. sheet changes.

What you keep is what most parents buy a Newton for. The cover zips off for the washing machine, and the core can be rinsed and air-dried. The mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified and, according to Newton, passes the Australian firmness test that the US crib mattress standard also uses. Newton suggests it for ages 0 to 3, against 0 to 4 for the Original.

We rate the feel firm, 8 out of 10, the same as the Original. The thinner build and simpler cover cost some cushioning for an older toddler, so comfort scores lower in our test, while airflow stays near the top of the category.

The price is $199.99 for the standard size, and Newton keeps the Essential out of its sitewide sales. Check your crib height too: a 4-inch mattress sits lower than most, which is fine as long as it fits snugly with no gap at the sides, as the American Academy of Pediatrics advises.