If you’re working with a tight nursery budget, dropping a couple hundred dollars on a crib mattress can be a painful experience, especially if you already have a recently vacated mattress on hand. But a used crib mattress - even those used by close family members and friends - may not be as safe as you think.A baby’s mattress must be firm. Overtime, the surface of an old crib mattress can settle and become soft and uneven, putting your little one at risk. Re-enforced edging, which stops the edge of the mattress from caving down under your baby’s body weight, can also weaken with time. Without a firm edge, your little one could become trapped between the mattress and the crib rails, which could result in injury or even death. As if that wasn’t scary enough, studies have suggested a possible link between used crib mattresses and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. One 2002 study published in “British Medical Journal” found that an infant was up to three times more likely to die from SIDS when using a secondhand crib mattress.
Researchers believe the link may be attributed to respiratory problems related to harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, mold, mildew and fungus, which may be hidden at the core of a used mattress. If you purchased the mattress new for an older sibling, and if it appears to be clean and in good condition, you may be able to reuse it, provided it meets the following standards: To see if your potential mattress is a good fit, try the "two-finger" test. There should be no more than two finger-widths of space between the side of the mattress and the crib frame. Any larger and your baby may become entrapped between the two, resulting in injury or suffocation.The mattress surface should appear firm and even. If you notice any sagging or signs of body contouring, the mattress should be replaced. Press your hand into the center and around the edges of your mattress. When you remove it, note how quickly it regains its shape. A firm and resilient mattress will snap back into shape without conforming to the imprint of your hand.
The overall frame of your mattress should be in good repair. If you can find any evidence of a broken frame or support bars; if your mattress rattles when moved; or if you can feel the springs sticking up through the cushioning, do not use the mattress.Just because a mattress looks clean doesn’t mean it is clean. Experts normally advise against using a secondhand mattress due to a lack of intimate knowledge regarding its past. Even a close friend or family member may forget to mention an accident or two, especially if the mattress appears no worse the wear. That said, no one knows your mattress’ history better than you. If you’re planning on reusing your existing crib mattress, be honest with yourself. If it ever experienced a good soaking, you should probably move on.Does your mattress stand up to a thorough inspection? If so, be sure to cover and store it in a clean and dry place while awaiting your new arrival. Once in use, invest in a water-resistant mattress cover, and don’t forget to conduct regular inspections to ensure your little one’s mattress is holding up.
Time for an upgrade? There’s more to quality than a hefty price tag. Before hitting the mattress aisle at your local baby-mart, check out this helpful buying guide.Let friends in your social network know what you are reading aboutTwitterGoogle+LinkedInPinterestPosted!A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Log InSubscribed, but don't have a login?Register your digital access.Buying a used mattress might not be such a good dealI love a good deal. I love thrift stores and garage sales, and I will openly brag about my amazing finds.It feels good to save money! But sometimes you must ask yourself — at what cost?It's an important question when considering certain goods that may have been used before. Sometimes, it can be tough know the history of what you're looking at, especially if it's being marketed as new. It's a big challenge when it comes to mattresses.A used mattress may save you money, but it also could cost you big time in the end, because of issues you may not be able to see with the naked eye."
"Pet dander, bodily fluids, dust mites and other allergens can cause respiratory problems and also allergic reactions. And then, of course, bed bugs."It makes you itch just to read this, doesn't it?These little buggers can take a huge bite out of your wallet if you don't know that they've hitched a ride into your home through that used mattress. They can hide in the seams or in your box spring. You may not even know they're there until they announce themselves with red, itchy bites all over your body."You sort of have to weigh the difference," Smith said. "The cost savings in getting the used mattress vs. what you could be bringing into your home and what you may have to pay to get rid of that."But what if you think you're buying a new mattress? It happens more than you think. The Federal Trade Commission continues to warn about used mattresses being passed off as new in stores across the country. And you can't let the heavy plastic around the mattress fool you. It could still be used.So, how do you know for sure?
The FTC says you should look at the tag. In most cases, a new mattress has a white tag that says "All new materials." If you see a red or yellow tag, then it's probably used. You may also see certain words indicating it's used: sanitized, rebuilt or reconditioned.Federal law requires mattresses with used materials to be labeled as such.If there's no tag, the FTC says you should shop elsewhere. If you're not sure, federal officials suggest you ask the retailer to write the word "new" on your sales receipt. If it turns out that mattress is used, you'll have a stronger case on down the line.But, as Smith said, it's all about being an educated consumer."With all purchases, I think you have to do your research," she said. Maybe you can find a mattress that was never used before but was discounted because the person didn't want it. It didn't fit in their apartment. They just need to get rid of it. That could be a great deal! But the important thing is that you do your research and really compare what you're getting vs. what you're saving."