Why This Crib Mattress is the Ultimate Dog Bed
How many beds does your dog have? At our house, what started as one bed quickly turned into FIVE - one for the crate, two for bedtime, one for the yard, and one for everything else. Each bed has a specific purpose, but my favorite of them all is actually a crib mattress. It’s our “everything else” dog bed because it’s so functional and easy to keep clean.
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing the exact crib mattress we use, the benefits of using a crib mattress as a dog bed, and some things to consider so you can decide if a crib mattress makes sense for your dog and home.
Modera Organic Cotton Dual-Sided Crib Mattress
When shopping for dog beds, I usually look for beds with these qualities:
Removable cover
Machine washable
Waterproof
Odor-proof (is this even a thing?)
Joint support/cushion
Color choices
Large size (we have Great Danes)
…and last but not least, my dogs actually have to like it. Finding a dog bed that checks all of these boxes is a challenge, but the Modera Organic Cotton Dual-Sided Crib Mattress checks almost all of them.
Crib Mattress Benefits
Crib Sheets
This is a GAME CHANGER and my favorite thing about using crib mattresses as dog beds.
Most dog beds have removable and washable covers, but some are difficult to take off and even more difficult to put back on. Who wants to go through that hassle every time muddy paws, drool, and poopy butts dirty up a dog bed?
I change the crib sheets once per week to keep our dog beds looking and smelling fresh, but I only wash the actual crib mattress covers once every few months. The sheets protect the mattress covers, so I can get away with washing them less often.
It’s easy to find crib sheets that complement your home decor because they come in so many colors and patterns. I like natural fabrics that are free of pesticides and toxic chemicals, specifically these organic cotton sheets and these linen sheets.
Removable Mattress Cover
I love that this crib mattress has a removable cover that is washable and waterproof.
Before purchasing from Amazon, I read a ton of reviews (doesn’t everyone?) and many buyers mentioned that even though the mattress is advertised as washable, the tag on the mattress cover reads “Spot clean only. Do not place in washing machine or dryer.” Even though the tag has this warning, many buyers said they washed it anyways and didn’t have any problems, so I trusted their feedback. I personally have washed and dried the mattress covers multiple times in my machine with no problems so far. I do use the delicate cycle just to be on the safe side.
The cover is also waterproof (aka pee-proof and drool-proof). I’ve noticed that the waterproof cover minimizes any odors from reaching the mattress insert - huge bonus. In the event the mattress insert ever starts to smell (mine hasn’t so far), I would just put it outside in the sun for a few hours. The sun’s UV rays are a natural odor eater.
Cushion and Joint Support
I’m pleased with the amount of cushion and support this crib mattress provides. With two Great Danes, we need all the joint support we can get. Our oldest Dane is 150 pounds, and she can lay on the crib mattress without sinking to the floor.
The mattress is also dual-sided. The “baby” side is firmer and the “toddler” size is softer. Our dogs prefer the toddler side facing up for a more plush bed. Each side of the mattress is clearly marked so you know which side is which.
Lightweight
Great Danes tend to be “velcro dogs” and mine are no exception. This usually means that I move their dog beds from room to room, a few times each day, so they can enjoy being in the same space. This crib mattress is lightweight and it maintains its shape (unlike some beds that turn into Jell-O when you pick them up) making it easy to move around.
When we travel with the dogs, we take the crib mattresses with us because they are so easy to transport and they fit nicely in the back of our SUV. We pack a change of sheets in case the beds get dirty during travel and Bob’s your uncle.
Toddler Beds
If you’re guilty of being way too extra when it comes to your dog, this section is for you. Toddler beds are designed to accommodate a standard crib mattress. If you’re using a crib mattress as a dog bed, you also have the option to use a toddler bed.
Some dogs prefer raised beds, especially senior dogs who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. A toddler bed frame is a good way to elevate your crib mattress off of the floor. They also come in a variety of styles and some even have storage underneath, which is great for organizing toys, leashes, etc.
Is a Crib Mattress Right for My Dog?
No bed is perfect for every dog because every dog is perfectly unique. For some dogs, a crib mattress may not be the best choice. I’ll share some things to consider below so that you can decide if a crib mattress is right for your dog. No one knows your dog better than you, so you be the judge!
If Your Dog is a Bed Destroyer
If your dog is a bed destroyer, I’d steer you away from a crib mattress because they aren’t cheap! For whatever reason, some dogs view their beds as enemy number one and rip them to pieces no matter what you do. If this sounds like your dog, I suggest waiting until your dog outgrows this phase before investing in a crib mattress. The same suggestion applies to puppies who are teething and chewing more than usual.
If Your Dog is an Extra-Small Breed
If your dog is an extra-small breed, or even a small breed, you may feel that a crib mattress is too large. Whether or not your dog feels that a crib mattress is too large could be a different story. When my mom’s Jack Russel visits our house, she thoroughly enjoys napping on our crib mattresses even though she is quite tiny.
If you think a regular crib mattress would be too large, but you still want the benefits of a dog bed with sheets and a washable cover, you may want to consider mini crib mattresses or bassinet mattresses, both of which are smaller.
If Your Dog is a Giant Breed
If your dog is a giant breed, use your best judgment to decide if a crib mattress is right for your dog based on their size and sleeping preferences.
We have two Great Danes - an adult and a puppy - and both love their crib mattresses. Our oldest is 150 lbs and, while the crib mattress is the only bed she uses during the day (in addition to our sofa), at bedtime she prefers more room to sprawl.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, the Modera Organic Cotton Dual-Sided Crib Mattress has been a great addition to our dog bed repertoire.
It’s washable, waterproof, and the perfect size for medium to extra-large dogs. Having a dog bed with sheets is the best thing since sliced bread. If the bed gets dirty, I simply change the sheets instead of washing the entire bed cover. These are the non-toxic sheets I buy for my dogs: organic cotton sheets and linen sheets. Lastly, and most importantly, my dogs are happy with their crib mattresses.