The lowdown on crib mattresses Types of mattresses What to look for when buying Important safety notes What it's going to cost you The lowdown on crib mattressesA good mattress not only makes bedtime cozier – it supports your growing baby and keeps her safe. Consider cost, comfort, and durability, as your baby will probably sleep in a crib for up to 3 years.Browse dozens of cribs.Types of mattresses“Breathable” mattresses, made of materials that are supposed to allow a baby to breathe freely even if his or her face is pressed up against it, are getting more popular. Experts haven’t yet weighed in on their efficacy.What to look for when buyingDensity: You want high density so it’s firm enough to keep your baby safe while sleeping. Most foam mattresses don't list density on the packaging, but weight can be a good indicator. As for innerspring mattresses, manufacturers often equate the number of coils with firmness, but the gauge of the wire is just as important. Lower gauge means thicker wire, which is stronger and therefore firmer.
Look for a mattress with 135 or more coils and a gauge of 15.5 or lower.Weight: A typical foam mattress weighs about 7 to 8 pounds, although mattresses made of memory foam (an especially dense form of polyurethane) can weigh close to 20 pounds. Innerspring crib mattresses are heavier in general, weighing in at about 15 to 25 pounds. Keep in mind that you'll be hoisting up a side of the mattress, or lifting the whole thing, when changing your baby's sheet.Cleaning: Most traditional mattresses suggest spot-cleaning only. Some have removable covers that can be machine-washed. The innards of at least one crib mattress on the market can be hosed down in the tub once its washable cover is removed.Certification seals: Crib mattresses for sale in the United States must meet safety standards defined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society for Testing and Materials. (The Juvenile Products Manufacturer Association does not test or certify crib mattresses.) A manufacturer's claim that a product is organic can mean a variety of things, but look for an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification (a worldwide uniform certification), which assures you that certain flame retardants and heavy metals were not used to make the mattress.
Important safety notesNo matter what mattress parents choose, they should continue to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe-sleep guidelines and put babies to sleep on their backs on a firm, bare surface.What it's going to cost youCrib mattresses start at about $40 and can range to more than $350. Organic mattresses start at about $80 and can reach $400. Download our illustrated guide to crib mattressesAmerican Academy of Pediatrics. /English/ages-stages/prenatal/decisions-to-make/Pages/Choosing-a-Crib.aspx [Accessed May 2016]Consumer Reports. Crib mattress buying guide. /cro/crib-mattresses/buying-guide.htm [Accessed May 2016]Consumer Reports. /cro/cribs/buying-guide.htm [Accessed May 2016]CPSC. Learn how to put your baby to sleep safely. http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/cribs/ [Accessed May 2016]A mattress pad should fit tightly over the crib mattress. A mattress pad helps protect your baby's crib mattress from damage. When you use a crib mattress pad correctly, it doesn't pose a danger to your baby.
If the pad isn't used properly, however, it can increase your baby's risk of injury and even death. Learning exactly how to use crib mattress pads can protect your little one's mattress and also ensure that he's safe while sleeping in his crib. Function A crib mattress pad is a waterproof cover that helps protect your baby's crib mattress. The pad creates a barrier that protects the mattress from accidents, such as diaper leaks and spit-up, which can leach into a fabric mattress and lead to odors and unsightly stains. The mattress pad also adds a layer of padding to the crib, which can make your baby more comfortable while he's sleeping. Potential Dangers When a mattress pad isn't used correctly, it can pose a suffocation hazard. If the pad isn't fitted tightly around the mattress, it can come loose. If your baby's face gets caught in the loose pad, it could cause suffocation. The same applies if you use a mattress pad that is just placed on top of the mattress but doesn't have a fitted crib sheet placed over it.
These types of mattress pads don't fit around the mattress, which means they can move around and get caught over your baby's mouth and nose. For the same reason, smaller mattress pads, often called burp pads or lap pads, shouldn't be used without a crib sheet fitted over them. Proper Installation Choose a mattress pad that is designed for a crib. The mattress pad should fit tightly around the mattress by wrapping around the sides and corners so that the edges of the mattress pad fit snugly underneath the crib mattress. If you use a mattress pad without sides, lay it over the crib mattress and then place a tight-fitting crib sheet over the mattress pad so that it doesn't shift. If you use a smaller burp or lap pad, place it where your baby usually sleeps and then put a tight-fitting crib sheet over the mattress and the pad. Tips and Considerations Mattress pads aren't always tested for safety and, according to its website, "Consumer Reports" hasn't tested any crib mattress pads. Keep in mind that crib mattress pads aren't absolutely necessary either.
For example, if you use a plastic-lined crib mattress, you probably don't need the pad to protect the mattress. If you decide to use mattress pads, consider purchasing two. That way, you'll have a clean spare on hand if you need to change and wash the first one. : Crib Bedding Buying GuideU.S. : Choosing a CribKidsHealth: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Photo Credits Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty ImagesWhat’s The Key To A Healthy Vegetarian Diet? Hidden Ingredients In Candy… And What They Really Are Choosing Safer Face Paints For the Kids Easily Remove Mineral Deposits From Coffee Makers, Faucets and More Why Is Local Food Healthier? What’s In That Lipstick? Sanitize Your Home Naturally Without Harmful Fumes How To Choose Healthier Toys For Your Children Sage Advice For The New VegetarianTry A Healthier Shampoo. Swap Until You Drop! Revitalize Your Closet Without Opening Your Wallet. Why We Shouldn’t Pay More For Organic… How To Make Your Battery Charge Last Longer
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Which Fish Are The Safest & Healthiest To Eat? The Benefits Of An Alkaline Diet Yes, Vegetarians Do Get Enough Protein. How To Transition To A Vegetarian Diet Are You Being Tricked Into Thinking Your Body Care Products Are Organic? Why Your Clothing & Linens Should Be Certified Organic Is Organic Really Better? How To Safeguard A New or Used Crib Mattress Choosing an Organic Crib Mattress – Know What to Look For Choosing The Safest Crib Mattress For Your Baby Biodegradable Diapers – How Can You Get Them To Actually Biodegrade Things You Flush All The Time That You’re Not Supposed To Save Your Baby’s Sensitive Butt From Diaper Rash Limit Exposure To Mercury From Flu Shots & Childhood Vaccines We’re Exposed to Mercury More Than You’d Think Ever Considered Replacing Your Silver Dental Fillings? Breaking A Fluorescent Bulb Can Be Dangerous. Here’s How To Clean It Up Safely. Every parent wants to protect their new baby from harm.
But sometimes the safest solutions are not the most feasible. For example, you’d think all crib mattresses are safe, affordable and readily available in stores. But somehow that is not the case. Finding a safest crib mattress is more difficult than you’d think, because most crib mattresses are made with harmful materials such as PVC and chemical flame-retardants. And the healthier options made from all-natural materials are rarely sold in the most popular baby stores. These safer mattresses are easier to find online, but they are often expensive. Many parents take over a friend’s crib mattress or buy second-hand in order to get high quality at an affordable price. But while second-hand baby clothes are perfectly safe, a used baby crib mattress may not be. Studies have linked used crib mattresses to an increased likelihood of SIDS. The prevailing theory is that the second baby is exposed to the bacteria from the first baby’s sweat, saliva and diaper leakage. A second issue is that used mattresses are often stored improperly and can expose the baby to mildew and fungus.
Safeguard Any Crib Mattress For many new parents, a second-hand crib mattress or one made from synthetic materials is your only option. There are a few simple and affordable things you can do to safeguard any crib mattress. Safeguard a synthetic crib mattress Remove the crib mattress from its plastic wrapping to release trapped chemicals. Let it air out for a few days, preferably outdoors. If outdoors isn’t an option, put the crib mattress in a well-ventilated room that you don’t need to visit for a while. Close the door and cover any vents to avoid spreading chemicals throughout the house. Turn on a fan and face it toward the window to force the air outside. Once the “new mattress smell” is gone, wrap it with a cover made from food-grade polyethylene plastic or tightly woven wool. This will keep any harmful chemicals from touching your baby directly and will help to keep the mattress dry. Plastic is not breathable, so place a cotton pad over the polyethylene cover to let air flow more easily between the baby and the mattress.