Prev Mom Body Support Pillow Next How to Safely Introduce Your Child to an Unfamiliar DogThere’s no doubt about it; raising a baby is expensive. With all of the different things you need to buy for both your nursery, being out and about, and simply supplies, you might be tempted to buy or borrow some second-hand stuff. However, this isn’t always a safe idea. Baby gear is recalled all the time, and sometimes there are specific risks to different items that you might not even be aware of. This is especially true when it comes to crib mattresses, and the short answer is: no, it’s not a good idea to reuse a crib mattress. One of the more obvious reasons not to reuse a crib mattress is because of sanity concerns. Crib mattresses get peed on, repeatedly. You can never be 100% sure that it was cleaned and treated properly, and even spilling milk or other things can lead to mold growth and worse if not cleaned properly. You can also never be sure of what’s going on inside the mattress;
if it was stored improperly or in a damp area, the interior could be a host to fungal and bacterial growth. Bed bugs are also a concern with any used furniture, and that includes crib mattresses, and they’re not always visibly noticeable. This is an obvious concern if you’re thinking of buying one online from someone you don’t know. Mattresses don’t last forever, and one that’s been used for a while might simply not be safe to use anymore. Crib mattresses should be as firm as possible, and if it’s been used over time, this might not longer be the case. They do lose firmness over time, especially if used for years. The condition of the mattress is also very important. If it has any kind of tears or holes, it should not be used, period. In 2002, a study by the British Medical Journal concluded that there was a significant link to having a used crib mattress and SIDS, especially if it was from another home. The reasoning why was not known, but it was thought that it could be the baby’s bodily fluids being trapped in the mattress, leading to bacteria that the next baby is exposed to, in turn leading to an increased risk of SIDS.
Because of all the risks associated with used crib mattresses, it’s not recommended. However, there are low-cost alternatives and buying a budget crib mattress doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be a low quality one. Consider reading our guide on buying crib mattresses; it will be a big help!Buying a Baby Crib Mattress: The Inside Story When you're outfitting your baby's crib, do your homework and test mattresses for fit and firmness. You've picked out a crib, but where do you even start to select a baby crib mattress? Mattress shopping may not be as fun as selecting the crib itself, but it's an important purchase. Just think: It's normal for newborns and infants to spend 15 to 17 hours per day sleeping, according to the National Sleep Foundation. You don't want your baby spending that much time on any old thing. A standard crib mattress is typically sold separately, so here's what to look for when you're crib mattress shopping.Mattress MattersThere are certain characteristics you should be looking for when mattress shopping -- and other factors that don't matter as much.
Keep an eye out for these qualities: FirmnessA firm baby crib mattress is part of the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines for safe sleeping, as it reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation. A mushy mattress can conform to your baby's shape, which increases the potential for your baby to rebreathe carbon dioxide, a leading risk factor for SIDS. Crib mattress firmness can vary, so trek to the baby superstore or boutique and put mattresses to the test."When your hand is pressed firmly into the mattress, it should spring back immediately when you lift your hand," says Laura Reno, the program director of family support for SIDS organization First Candle. This test applies to both foam and innerspring mattresses, both of which can do the job. Don't skip this important step. In general, think brick. A mattress that seems too hard for you isn't too hard for your baby. Snug FitThe mattress you select should fit tightly in the crib, according to the AAP and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
"You shouldn't be able to fit two fingers between the mattress and the crib on any of the crib's four sides," says Nikki Fleming, a CPSC spokesperson. To prevent head entrapment and suffocation, a standard crib mattress size is about 27 inches by 51 inches. Thickness can't exceed 6 inches. A snug-fitting crib mattress can prevent your baby from getting wedged between the mattress and the crib. If possible, pair the mattress with the crib you're buying and purchase them together so you know they're a good fit. No Dual FirmnessA dual firmness or convertible innerspring mattress has an extra firm side for infants and a cushier standard or memory foam side for toddlers. "Don't buy in to the memory foam craze," Reno says. "Soft or padded is never good for a baby on any product, but especially a mattress." The potential to rebreathe carbon dioxide and raise the risk of SIDS is there, even for toddlers.Nice But Not NecessaryWhen it comes to selecting a safe crib mattress, firmness and fit are the two most important factors to consider, say both Reno and Fleming.
For your baby's safety, skip the bumpers, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals and sleep positioners. There should be nothing in the crib except your baby and a tight-fitted sheet. "Bare is best," Fleming says.Beyond firmness and fit, there are two more major crib mattress features you may consider: All-Natural Products And Eco-FriendlinessEco-friendly or organic mattresses are made from plant-based components, such as certified cotton covers, shredded coconut shell, natural latex and plant oil. These elements are pricey to produce. Be prepared to pay up to three times as much for an organic crib mattress as a conventional one. If you decide to go this route, the same rules apply. The mattress should be firm and fit snugly in your baby's crib. Greenguard CertificationA crib mattress that has been Greenguard certified means it has been screened for over 10,000 chemicals and has passed Greenguard's rigorous standards for indoor air quality. It won't emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air your baby breathes.