During the first few months of life, your baby will spend more time asleep than awake- although it won’t always seem that way! It’s important to make sure you plan his or her sleeping environment carefully. Here’s what you need to know to choose a crib mattress that will (hopefully) have your baby sleeping like, well, a baby. Once you decide on a sleeping space (be sure to check out our guides to the Best Cribs and Best Bassinets in the market), mattresses are the next step. Crib mattresses are a lot more than just miniature adult mattresses. They are reinforced and harder than adult versions, in order to keep babies secure and to support their growing bones while they sleep. There are a few safety basics you’ll want to keep in mind: Crib mattresses are designed to be firm enough to stay flat, even if your baby rolls onto his or her stomach. Make sure the mattress you are considering is rated for infant use. It’s easy for mold to grow under the surface of a mattress where you can’t see, so if the inside of the mattress has ever gotten wet, it can be dangerous for a newborn.
To prevent this, many crib mattresses are designed to be waterproof, with a vinyl or polyethylene surface. If your mattress cover is fabric instead of waterproof, you should always use a waterproof cover. Because of the dangers associated with mold and bacteria, it’s best to avoid a used mattress, especially if you don’t know the history of the product. If you’re thinking of reusing a mattress from one of your previous children, first consider if there have been any incidents that might put the mattress at risk for growing mold. While standard crib mattresses should fit most cribs on the market, it’s a good idea to double-check that the measurements match up for your two products. The mattress should fit snugly against the frame. Many parents are now choosing to use mattresses made from natural and organic materials. While these options are usually more expensive, some parents argue that the chemicals used in producing standard mattresses might be harmful to babies (no official health effects have been evaluated yet).
Organic options can be found in all types of crib mattresses, but it’s important to check the materials used in an allegedly “natural” product to see if it actually lives up to the label. INNERSPRING MATTRESSNaturepedic Organic Lightweight Classic Crib Mattress WHY WE LOVE IT This type of mattress has a core of steel coils that creates its structure, making it resilient and sturdy. Above the coils, innerspring mattresses have layers of different cushioning materials, such as polyester, cotton or foam. You’ll see innersprings described by their coil count (the number of steel coils in the mattress- the more coils, the more supportive) and steel gauge (the thickness of the coil- the lower numbers are thicker). Some models also have metal border rods that give the structure even more stability around the edges. Innerspring mattresses can be pricey, especially if you’re looking into higher coil count. Some good deals can be found, however (like Sealy’s Baby Firm Rest);
reliable brands range from $80 to $300. These mattresses are also on the heavy-side (something to consider for when you have to change crib sheets). FOAM MATTRESSSafety 1st Heavenly Dreams MattressWHY WE LOVE IT These mattresses are typically made from polyurethane, a foam resin. Foam mattresses are a great choices because they are lightweight and durable. They are also usually the least expensive mattress option. You want to make sure that your foam mattress is resilient. You can test this by pressing your hand on the mattress and seeing how long the surface takes to regain its shape (the faster, the better). You also want to choose a mattress that has a higher density (which makes it firmer); you can test this by how heavy it is (denser mattresses are typically heavier) or by squeezing the sides of the mattress (denser models won’t allow you to press that hard). DOUBLE-SIDED MATTRESSLullaby Earth 2-Stage Super Lightweight Crib MattressThese mattresses have a firmer infant side and a softer side that is more appropriate toddlers.
This is useful when your baby outgrows his or her infant mattress and needs something more soft and comfortable for the night, but still uses a crib or convertible toddler bed. You don’t have to buy a completely different mattress! These models might be more expensive than some infant crib mattresses (though it will likely save you money in the long run). And make sure to place the correct side of the mattress facing up! MATTRESS COVERSSealy Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad, 2-PackWhile not essential, mattress covers can be very useful. Covers go under your fitted sheet and over your mattress, and are great for protecting the mattress from additional wear. It’s usually best to get one that’s waterproof, as well as easy to remove and clean; if it becomes dirty, then you can just pull off the waterproof cover with your fitted sheet and toss them both in the wash! Consider buying a couple so you can switch them out quickly if you want to put your newborn right back to sleep. Like choosing a crib or bassinet for your baby to sleep in, selecting a crib mattress depends on your own needs and preferences.
Consider your budget, as well as any other features that are important to you. You also might find it helpful to check out potential products in a physical store, so you can test out how they feel (and how they’ll feel to your little one). Because your baby will be spending so much time on the mattress, it’s worth it to explore your options. But that doesn’t mean you have to feel overwhelmed. With a bit of planning, your baby’s sleeping space will be ready before you know it! Looking for the best items for your growing family? Add all your favorite baby products to ONE registry with BabyList. You deserve to get exactly what you want.en españolThe practice of bed-sharing — parents sharing a bed with their infant — is a hot topic. Supporters of bed-sharing believe that a parent's bed is just where a baby belongs. But others worry that bed-sharing is unsafe. Co-Sleeping, Room-Sharing, and Bed-Sharing Many people use the terms "bed-sharing" and "co-sleeping" to describe the same thing, but there are differences:
Co-sleeping: This is when a parent and child sleep in close social or physical contact of each other, meaning that each can tell that the other is nearby. Room-sharing and bed-sharing are types of co-sleeping: Room-sharing: This is when parents have a crib in the room with them; a bassinet, portable crib, or play yard near the bed; or a bedside sleeper attached to the side of the parental bed. Bed-sharing: This is when parents and infants sleep together in a bed. This has raised concerns because bed-sharing with an infant increases the risk sleep-related deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Why Some People Bed-Share Bed-sharing supporters believe — and some studies support their beliefs — that bed-sharing: encourages breastfeeding by making nighttime breastfeeding more convenient makes it easier for a nursing mother to get her sleep cycle in sync with her baby's helps babies fall asleep more easily, especially during their first few months and when they wake up in the middle of the night
helps babies get more nighttime sleep (because they awaken more often with shorter feeding time, which can add up to a greater amount of sleep throughout the night) helps parents regain closeness with their infant after being separated from their babies during the workday But do the risks of bed-sharing outweigh the benefits? In some non-Western cultures, bed-sharing is common and the number of infant deaths related to it is lower than in the West. Differences in mattresses, bedding, and other cultural practices may account for the lower risk in these countries. Despite the possible pros, various U.S. medical groups warn parents not to place their infants to sleep in adult beds due to serious safety risks. Bed-sharing puts babies at risk of suffocation, strangulation, and SIDS. Studies have found that bed-sharing is the most common cause of deaths in babies, especially those 3 months and younger. An adult bed has many safety risks for a baby, including: suffocation from a soft mattress, memory foam, waterbed, or loose or soft bedding such as pillows, blankets, or quilts
entrapment and suffocation when an infant gets trapped or wedged between a mattress and headboard, wall, or other object strangulation in a bed frame that allows part of an infant's body to pass through an area while trapping the baby's head, or from dangling cords Among older infants (4 to 12 months old) who died due to bed-sharing, having an additional item (like a pillow or a blanket) on the bed increased the risk of death. Babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs on a firm mattress without any pillows, blankets, toys, stuffed animals, or other items. Because of the risks involved, both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advise against bed-sharing. The AAP does recommend the practice of room-sharing without bed-sharing. Sleeping in the parents' room but on a separate surface lowers a baby's risk of SIDS. Besides the potential safety risks, sharing a bed with a baby sometimes prevent parents from getting a good night's sleep.
And infants who sleep with their parents learn to associate sleep with being close to a parent in the parent's bed, which can become a problem at naptime or when the baby needs to go to sleep before the parent is ready. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS, especially in preterm infants (preemies), babies with low birth weight, and healthy full-term infants younger than 4 months old. Other things that further increase this risk of death while bed-sharing include: a baby sleeping on a couch alone or with a parent a baby sleeping between two parents a mother who smokes parents who are extremely tired a parent who has recently used alcohol or drugs bed-sharing with pillows or bedcovers bed-sharing with other children How to Room-Share Safely To avoid the risks of bed sharing while enjoying the benefits of room-sharing, parents have lots of options. To keep your little one close by, but not in your bed, you could: Put a bassinet, play yard, or crib next to your bed.
This lets you keep that desired closeness, which can be especially important if you're breastfeeding. Having an infant sleep in a separate space in the same room as the mother reduces the risk of SIDS. Consider using a bedside sleeper, which attaches to your bed to allow you and your baby to be next to each other but on a separate surface. The CPSC has recommended safety standards for bedside sleepers, but no studies have looked at whether these devices prevent SIDS and other sleep-related deaths or injuries. How to Bed-Share as Safely as Possible Despite the risks of bed-sharing, some parents decide this sleeping arrangement is best for their family. If you do choose to share your bed with your baby, follow these precautions: Don't share a bed with an infant under 4 months of age — a bassinet or crib next to the bed is a better choice. Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. Dress your baby in minimal clothing to avoid overheating.
Don't place a baby to sleep alone in an adult bed. Don't place a baby on a soft surface to sleep, such as a soft mattress, sofa, or waterbed. Make sure your bed's headboard and footboard don't have openings or cutouts that could trap your baby's head. Make sure your mattress fits snugly in the bed frame so that your baby won't become trapped between the frame and the mattress. Don't cover your child's head while sleeping. Don't use pillows, comforters, quilts, and other soft or plush items on the bed. You can dress your baby in a sleeper instead of using blankets. Don't drink alcohol or use medicines or drugs that could keep you from waking or might cause you to roll over onto, and therefore suffocate, your baby. Don't place your bed near draperies or blinds where your child could be get caught in and strangled by cords. Don't fall asleep with a baby on your chest. Don't sleep on couches, recliners, or rockers with a baby. Moving Out of the Parents' Room