No doubt you’ve bought mattresses before so buying one for your new baby can’t be too difficult, right? But babies have concerns adults don’t: SIDS prevention, leaky diapers, constantly changing sheets. What’s a parent to do? Read on for our primer on buying a crib mattress: Types of crib mattresses There are basically three types of crib mattresses: foam, coil and combination coil/foam. Foam mattresses are lighter than those with coils, making it easier to change the sheets in the middle of the night when Junior reenacts the Great Flood in his crib. Foam mattresses typically weigh less than eight pounds, while coil mattresses can top 20 or 30 pounds! Another plus: foam mattresses are less expensive, usually $100 to $160. Coil mattresses can be pricey, with some models running $200+. Two-in-one mattresses (foam on one side, coil on the other or firm foam on one side, softer foam on the other) are also expensive at $200 or more. Most adults sleep on coil, so new parents often think that’s the best mattress for baby.
Plus many baby stores (and even chains like Babies R Us) only sell coil mattresses, claiming that coil is superior to foam. One salesperson even told a parent that foam mattresses aren’t safe for babies older than six months! Another salesperson actually told a parent they should expect to replace a foam mattress two to three times during the two years a baby uses a crib. Neither of these claims are true. Bottom line: either foam or coil mattresses are fine . . . but we prefer foam because they are lighter in weight. And hence it is easier to change sheets in the middle of the night. What about “natural” mattresses? These are mattresses that claim to use a variety of natural ingredients like coconut fiber, horse-hair and organic cotton filling in their mattresses. They also tout organic cotton covers or food grade polyethylene covers. And still others may be “all natural, organic” but use non-toxic food grade foam filling. Most of the time, you’re paying a lot more for the all natural and organic mattresses.
We have found no credible scientific evidence that natural or organic crib mattresses are any safer for your child to sleep on than conventional mattresses. That said, we realize many parents are trying to reduce their baby’s exposure to environmental toxins—and considering how much time a baby spends sleeping, going organic for a mattress may make sense. There are a few reasonably priced options we’ll mention in our review of recommended mattresses. Which one is right for you? The key goal you want for any mattress is a firm surface. Babies who sleep on a too soft mattress (think futon) can be at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Some stores pitch 2-in-1 mattresses, with a firm foam side for babies and a softer coil side for toddlers (the risk of SIDS drops after one year of age for various reasons).Our take: these aren’t necessary. A toddler can sleep on a foam mattress just as easily as a newborn. Once they transition out of a crib into a twin bed, then you can switch to a coil mattress.
The take home message: we recommend foam crib mattresses in most instances. They make midnight sheet changes easier since they are lighter. With today’s new foams, appropriate firmness doesn’t require the use of spring coils. If you are determined to have a coil mattress, or can’t find a foam mattress at a local store, don’t buy based on the number of coils. Have a strong guy (significant other or friend) come to the store with you and try to compress the center of the coil mattress samples on the floor. The harder it is to compress, the better. The same really goes for foam mattresses as well. IKEA urges customers who have a VYSSA SPELEVINK crib mattress to immediately stop using it and return it to any IKEA store for a full refund.We’re not going to lie. Watching your little one peacefully snoozing in her crib, all angel-faced and cuddly, is one of the greatest pleasures of parenting. Whether you use a crib from day one or transition your baby into the crib later, you’ll be sure to get years of use of it, and even longer if the crib converts to a bed.
In addition to a bassinet, using a crib is the safest place for your baby to sleep. It’s important to follow crib safety guidelines, no matter which brand you select. The space should be free and clear of stuffed animals, toys, bumpers, and blankets that can become suffocating hazards. Once you’ve got your crib setup, you can add a cute fitted sheet over the mattress and call it done. If you’re purchasing a crib brand new, it will automatically comply with current safety standards. It’s a whole other story though when looking at used models. You’ll want to check for recalls and make sure your crib was made after 2011. Also, avoid cribs with drop-down sides (since 2007, seven million of these types of cribs have been recalled). You’ll also want to make sure the crib you select has at least a few adjustable mattress settings (allowing you to lower or raise the mattress). When your child is an infant, you’ll want a higher mattress that allows you to easily scoop them up;
but as your baby grows, you should lower the mattress so he or she can’t climb out. Although there are still regular cribs on the market, many these days convert to a toddler bed and some later turn into a standard size bed frame (usually a double bed) as well. Some convertible cribs do require conversion kits to morph into different setups and those can be included with your crib purchase or an additional cost. Mattresses are also sold separately from cribs. Some families prefer to just use a mini crib (larger than a bassinet, but smaller and usually more portable than a standard crib) throughout babyhood before transitioning their child straight to a full-sized bed; this is handy if baby tends to sleep in multiple locations or if you have limited spaces. Although you can use a crib for your baby from the get-go, many parents choose to have their newborns sleep in bassinets or co-sleepers, but typically transition their babies’ to a crib after three to four months. Even if you don’t plan on using a crib right away, consider putting one on your registry since it’s an expensive item that friends and family may want to pitch in to get for you.
Depending on your child’s weight and height, you could use a crib until he is four or five years old. However, parents usually move their children into toddler or twin beds around two to three years old. But, if your kiddo is a climber, you’ll likely make the change sooner because of safety concerns. We asked thousands of real BabyList families about the baby products they love the most. We took the top cribs they shared with us and added our own research and insight. We think you and your little one will love at least one of these items, too. BARGAIN BUYIKEA Sniglar CribWHY WE LOVE IT This simple, low-priced crib comes unfinished so you can paint it any color you want (if you’re up for it!). And, surprisingly, even at this price point you can still use it for a toddler if you move the mattress to the lowest setting and remove one side (so one side will be entirely open - no toddler rail to keep a child from falling out). “I love the simple Scandinavian style.”
To prevent this crib from tipping over, it must be permanently fixed to the wall. WHAT BABYLIST PARENTS SAY “The Sniglar is affordable, light colored and bright! And I love the simple Scandinavian style.” -Caitlin D. “The Sniglar is inexpensive, good quality and has a slim profile. I needed to fit two in the same room for our twins.” -C.M. As crib until child weighs 50 lbs. Yes, converts to a toddler bed with included conversion kit. Two adjustable mattress levels. VINTAGE THROWBACK DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib WHY WE LOVE IT This sweet crib features intricate, traditional-style spindles on silver wheels so you can move it around or lock it in place. The surprisingly small price tag for such a find! While the name implies it can convert to three different configurations, there is really only two you can do without need to make an additional purchase. Either use it as a crib, or remove one side and set the mattress to the lowest level for a toddler-like daybed (but one side will be entirely open - if you want a toddler rail to keep your child from falling out, you’ll need to purchase the toddler bed conversion kit).
“We are planning to move in the next year and we also have the nursery on the second floor. So we needed a crib that was easy to carry upstairs, assemble/disassemble and will be easy to take it with us to a new house. I also think the DaVinci crib looks really nice and classic.” -Amanda K. As crib until child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches; as a toddler bed until child weighs 50 lbs. Yes, toddler bed conversion kit sold separately ($61.95). Four adjustable mattress levels. MOD FAVORITEBabyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib WHY WE LOVE IT This popular pick boasts sleek, but substantial good looks and it’s lower profile makes it easier for shorter folks to reach over into the crib. “modern looking yet timeless” If you’d like to use a crib skirt, parents report that a standard one doesn’t fit the Hudson due to angled metal brackets that support the frame. However, you can purchase crib skirts from Babyletto ($39). “We chose the Hudson because it’s modern looking yet timeless (seriously, why do all of the cribs these days look like the same style?), had as many adjustable settings as possible, was durable, and could be converted to a toddler bed.” -Lauren R.
as toddler bed until child weighs 50 lbs. Yes, converts to toddler bed and daybed with included conversion kit. LONG-LASTING CLASSICPottery Barn Kids Kendall Crib WHY WE LOVE IT With craftsman styling and solid wood, the Kendall is a sturdy, traditional pick that’ll hold up through an entire brood. The Kendall is pricier and only converts to toddler bed, not a daybed or full size bed as others do. “I wanted a white wooden crib and this one was very similar to what I envisioned. I read that it was Pottery Barn’s best selling crib, and it was a reasonable cost…We picked it up the next weekend and it was assembled in under 30 minutes. We have loved it!” -Sara P. Until child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches. Yes, converts to a toddler bed with conversion kit sold separately ($129). Three adjustable mattress levels. BUDGET SAVVY SELECTIONIKEA Gulliver CribWHY WE LOVE IT This lightweight, painted white crib is an economical choice and can also be used as a toddler daybed (like the IKEA Sniglar crib, one side would be rail-free).
Like the IKEA Sniglar crib, the Gulliver also needs to be permanently fixed to the wall to prevent it from tipping over. “Loved the sleek style and affordability. And, it was very easy to assemble.” -E. H. Until child weighs 50 lbs. SPLURGEWORTHY MULTI-TASKERStokke Sleepi CribWHY WE LOVE IT Although costly, the Sleepi crib has a 7-year guarantee on all wooden parts and can grow with your child up to 10 years old. It can transform into a bassinet (conversion kit sold separately), a toddler bed, and then into a junior bed with the purchase of a conversion kit. Or, after the toddler years, you can switch it over to a set of chairs for the playroom. The big bummer about the Sleepi is that you’re forced to purchase the mattress and sheets from Stokke because of the unique oval shape of the crib. “We love the way it grows from a bassinet to crib to bed to chairs. I also love the mattress! It’s firm and comfy and very thick. I’d sleep in it if I could!” -Marielle G.