Newton vs. Moonlight Slumber | How These Popular Crib Mattresses Compare

Newton may get a lot of the spotlight, but it’s not the only crib mattress parents rave about. Moonlight Slumber also seriously delivers on safety, comfort, and construction (often at a more affordable price). So how do these two stack up? We’re deep diving in plain, parenting language—no marketing scare tactics or overwhelming jargon—just the facts that actually matter for your baby’s sleep and your peace of mind. Stick with us and you’ll feel confident knowing which mattress checks all the boxes for your family.

Why the Newton Baby Mattress Is So Popular (and All Over Registries)

The Newton crib mattress has earned its spot as a registry favorite thanks to its unique breathable design. (The interior looks a little like a block of ramen noodles.) The airy core helps ease some of that new-parent safe-sleep worry, and since the cover (and even the core) are washable, you can give the whole mattress a rinse when needed. Just keep in mind that all this innovation comes with a higher price tag—and a little more laundry.

Highlights

• Super breathable core promotes airflow 

• Fully washable cover and core (even in the bathtub)

• 2-stage design works from infancy through toddlerhood

Heads Up

• Not waterproof—the core absorbs liquid and needs air-drying time

• Pricier than many competitors

• Maintenance can be a little more hands-on than other mattresses

Moonlight Slumber Crib Mattresses: The Sleeper Hit (Literally)

For parents who want a safe, dual-sided crib mattress without spending top dollar, Moonlight Slumber mattresses are the real deal. They're lightweight, waterproof, and non-toxic (so you’re not sacrificing safety or convenience). The wipe-clean cover is especially clutch during those middle-of-the-night blowouts when “just toss it in the wash” isn’t realistic. It may not be as breathable as the Newton, but plenty of families find that the tradeoff is worth it for the easier cleanup and budget-friendly price tag.

Highlights

• Non-toxic and Greenguard Gold certified

• Dual-sided firmness for infant and toddler use

• Waterproof, wipe-clean surface with no drying wait time

Heads Up

• Not as breathable as Newton’s open-core design

• Cover isn’t removable

• Some parents say it feels firmer than expected

Materials & Construction

When it comes to crib mattresses, what’s inside really does matter (for safety and time spent in the laundry room).

The Newton mattress got its buzz from the Wovenaire core (90% air, 10% food-grade polymer). It might sound like space tech, but it means the mattress is firm for safe sleep and breathable for comfort. Add the soft, quilted cover that unzips and goes right into the wash, and you’ve got a parent-friendly setup. The downside? If the core itself gets messy, you’ll be scrubbing it in the bathtub and waiting for it to dry.

Moonlight sticks with tried-and-true foam, or dual-foam in some models, all wrapped in a medical-grade stretch knit cover. It’s waterproof, stain-resistant, and odor-blocking, so most cleanups are a quick wipe and done. While it can’t match Newton’s all-over breathability, it more than makes up for it in durability and convenience during those 2 a.m. diaper leaks.

Safety Standards & Certifications

Both Newton and Moonlight Slumber check off the big safety boxes parents care about. They just go about it in slightly different ways.

Newton leans hard into breathability. Their mattress is independently tested for airflow, which can bring some extra peace of mind in those newborn days when safe sleep is the only thing on your brain. It's also Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it’s been screened for over 10,000 chemicals and emissions. No flame retardants, no adhesives, no mysterious foams—just air, polymer, and a lot of lab testing.

Moonlight is a more "traditional" mattress, but it’s no slouch in the safety department. Most of their mattresses are CertiPUR-US certified, so the foam inside is made without things like ozone depleters, heavy metals, formaldehyde, or phthalates. They’re also Greenguard Gold Certified, keeping chemical emissions low. Breathability isn’t their headline feature, but the waterproof cover and medical-grade materials mean next-level hygiene and long-haul durability.

A Word on Breathability

Yes, mattress breathability is a completely understandable comfort to nervous parents. But it's worth knowing that there’s no federally recognized “breathability” safety standard in the U.S. Crib mattresses are required to meet standards for firmness and flammability—2 factors that directly impact safety—but breathability tests vary from brand to brand, and there’s no single definition of what counts as “breathable.”

In practice, a breathable core may help with airflow and temperature regulation, which some babies find more comfortable. But you should view it as an added feature rather than a replacement for the fundamentals of safe sleep: a firm, flat surface, a bare crib, and putting babies on their backs for naps and overnight sleeping.

Comfort & Firmness

Newton goes all in on firmness. Its core is designed to meet pediatric guidelines for safe sleep, which call for a firm, flat surface. Some parents say it feels a little stiff compared to traditional foam, but babies don’t seem to mind—and firmness is exactly what’s recommended for infant safety.

Moonlight gives you options. Their dual-sided mattresses start with a firm side for infants, then flip to a slightly plusher side for toddlers. That way you’re not buying a new mattress the minute your baby grows out of the newborn stage. It’s still supportive, just with a touch more cushion when your little one is ready.

Cleaning & Maintenance 

Newton is all about washability. The cover zips off and can go straight into the washing machine, and the inner core is rinseable in the bathtub or shower. If you’re dealing with middle-of-the-night messes (and you will), it’s nice to know you can give the whole thing a deep clean instead of just blotting and hoping for the best. But you will need to time for the core to air dry, and an alternative sleep surface in the meantime.

Moonlight keeps cleanup simpler. Its waterproof, medical-grade cover wipes clean with soap and water—no unzipping required. You won’t get the full submersible washability that Newton offers, but the surface is designed to resist spills, stains, and odors, which means less laundry and time-consuming cleaning in the long run.

Price & Value 

Newton mattresses sit at the higher end of the crib mattress market, with most styles ranging from about $300–$350. The big selling point is longevity and washability—you’re paying for a mattress that can last through multiple kids and still feel fresh after countless cleanings.

Moonlight’s mattresses come in at a lower price point than Newton, but they’re far from “basic.” Newton’s breathable core is a cool feature, but for plenty of parents, it’s not worth spending more. Moonlight gives you the same certifications and long-lasting design for less. If you’d rather save your money (and skip an extra load of laundry), Moonlight is the smart, practical pick.

FAQs About Crib Mattresses

Are breathable crib mattresses safer?
“Breathable” is a big buzzword in baby gear, and it usually means the mattress has a design that allows air to flow through. This can give parents peace of mind, but the most important factor for safety is that the mattress is firm and flat. Breathability can be a nice bonus, especially if it helps you sleep easier, but firmness and a snug crib sheet matter most.

Do you really need a waterproof crib mattress?
Yes—babies are messy (spit-up, blowouts, leaks…you name it). A waterproof surface or cover helps protect the mattress core and makes clean-up way easier. Some mattresses, like the Newton, have washable covers, while others, like Moonlight Slumber, have built-in waterproofing. Both approaches work, so it’s more about what feels convenient for your routine.

What certifications should I look for in a crib mattress?
Look for certifications like Greenguard Gold (low chemical emissions) and CertiPUR-US (for foam safety). These help ensure the mattress doesn’t contain harmful chemicals or off-gassing that could affect indoor air quality. Many parents also prefer mattresses that are PVC-free, phthalate-free, and made without flame-retardant chemicals.

When should you replace a crib mattress?
Most crib mattresses will last through your baby’s crib years (about 3–4 years), but you’ll want to replace it if it starts sagging, tearing, or showing signs of wear. If you plan to reuse a mattress for another child, make sure it’s still firm, flat, and in good condition.

Can you use a secondhand crib mattress?
It’s safest to buy new. Used mattresses can harbor bacteria, mold, or allergens that aren’t always visible. They may also lose firmness over time, which can make them less safe. If you do consider a hand-me-down, check that it’s clean, undamaged, and meets current safety standards.

Why should you trust Bambi Baby?

At Bambi Baby, our decades-long commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has established us as a trusted authority in the baby products' industry. With over 40 years of experience, we have developed a deep understanding of what parents require when choosing the perfect gear. Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through this important decision with personalized recommendations, ensuring that the gear you pick perfectly matches your lifestyle and needs.

Still have questions? 

Bambi Baby experts are ready to connect! If you have any more questions regarding baby gear you can reach us at cs@bambibaby.com or chat with us on our website. We would love to hear from you!

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