How to Choose the Best Mattress for Your Baby’s CribTop 5 Compared: The Best Crib Mattresses For Your Baby How to choose the best mattress for your baby When you’re buying nursery furniture for babies and toddlers, ensuring that you pick a decent mattress will help to keep your baby cosy and comfortable overnight, and will also ensure that he’s sleeping safely, reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as cot death. There are four types of mattress for your baby’s bed. The cheapest is foam, followed by sprung or coiled, then pocket sprung, and finally – and most expensive – natural fibre. Moses basket and crib mattresses range from around £8 to £30, while mattresses for cots and cot beds cover a scale from £20 to £450 or more. Of the four types of baby mattress, foam mattresses are the most economical buy. They’re usually made of a single layer of foam, which should be 8-10cm thick for comfort, with a waterproof fabric cover that can often be unzipped and machine-washed so it’s easy to keep clean.
Some have ventilation holes at one end, although this isn’t necessary. They’re a good-value option, but can make babies feel rather clammy and sweaty in bed; your baby’s weight may also lead to a permanent indentation developing in the spot where he sleeps. Sprung or coiled mattresses are made up of coiled springs arranged vertically next to each other inside the mattress. These are then topped with foam or felt, and all encased in a fabric mattress cover, which usually has one waterproof, wipe-clean side. They’re a little more expensive than foam mattresses, but are firmer and tend not to mould to your baby’s shape. However, the springs can sometimes be felt through the surface of the mattress, which could compromise your baby’s comfort. Pocket sprung mattresses are also filled with springs, but they’re enclosed in individual fabric compartments. They’re comfortable, supportive and hold their shape well, but they are among the most expensive mattresses on the market.
Finally, natural-fibre mattresses are filled with fibres such as coir (coconut fibres), coated in latex rubber for extra durability. These mattresses don’t get deformed by your baby’s weight so they generally last a long time, which could make them a wise investment if you’re buying a cot bed that converts to a junior bed that your baby can use for several years. The natural fibres also let air circulate so your baby doesn’t get so hot and sweaty. However, they are expensive and aren’t as widely available as other types of mattress.Some baby mattresses have a hypoallergenic covering that can be unzipped and machine-washed. This helps to prevent allergic reactions caused by dust mites, pet hair and other allergens. Baby mattresses come in different sizes to fit Moses baskets, cribs, cots and cot beds, but it’s important that you carefully check the dimensions before you buy. Not all baby beds are regular sizes – for example, cots come in standard and continental sizes – and it’s essential that you buy a mattress that fits the bed snugly to prevent your baby getting an arm or leg trapped between the mattress and the side of the bed.
You can get mattresses made to measure if your cot is an unusual size, but this can work out as quite an expensive option. Cot mattresses should meet the safety standard BS 1877-10:1997, so always check this out, especially if you’re buying online from a lesser-known retailer. It’s also advised that you always buy a new mattress with a waterproof cover for your baby’s bed, even if you’re using a second-hand Moses basket, crib or cot, as this will help to protect against SIDS. Foam mattresses are the cheapest sort of baby mattress but don’t hold their shape well. Sprung and pocket sprung mattresses are better at keeping their shape but more expensive. Natural fibre mattresses are good quality and stay in shape but are the priciest type. Always check dimensions to ensure the mattress is a good fit in your baby’s bed to prevent injuries. Save while you shop Sign up to Netmums Rewards, powered by Kidstart, to start saving for your child’s future while you shopStart saving now
You don’t like to get too hot — or too cold - -when you’re sleeping, right? The same goes for baby. The Sleepi Crib Mattress ensures a comfortable sleep with a special water-resistant cover and a durable, non-toxic Damask cloth cover. It even comes with waterproof backing (so drool and sweat won’t ruin baby’s mattress!). Just be sure to buy the Stokke Sleepi Crib too, since this mattress was made to fit with it. We love getting a good deal, so when we saw just how many years’ mom and dad can get out of this Serta Perfect Nature Mattress, we were pumped! One side is made for baby, and when you’re ready, just flip it over and it’s ready to go as a toddler bed. For less than $100, the Kolcraft Pure Sleep Therapeutic 150 Mattress gives you everything you’d ever want (and need!) for a comfortable night’s sleep for baby (like a coil-interwoven spring system, a waterproof cover, hypoallergenic design and the right combo of comfort and firmness). How’s that for a dollar well spent?
Bumpers are a no-no, but the raised, firm sides on the SafeSleep Breathable mattress offers added support for baby without putting baby at risk for SIDS. Plus, it’s breathable and free of harmful chemicals, so that should help you get some peaceful sleep yourself. You won’t believe this, but the Coco Mat from NaturalMat is made from only certified organic coir (from coconut husks around the world) — which makes it 100 percent natural, organic and safe. But that’s not all: It’s also wrapped in lambswool, lavender, lemon and eucalyptus. So, if we had to imagine baby sleeping on a cloud, we’d definitely picture this! There’s no price-tag on ensuring your baby’s safety while she sleeps, which is why we love the Naturepedic Organic Ultra 252 Seamless Dual Firmness Mattress. It’s eco-friendly (made without vinyl, PVC, phthalates, lead and antimicrobial biocides) and comes with a heavy duty interior — so even after years of use and reuse, the mattress’ firmness never fades!