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!
And what’s not to love about a company whose motto is: No compromise? Let’s be honest: Diaper blowouts at 2 in the morning aren’t anybody’s favorite, but when it comes time to strip the sheets and put new bedding in baby’s crib, you’ll be thankful you bought this Lullaby Earth Super Lightweight Baby & Crib Toddler Mattress. It weighs just seven pounds (yes!) so you won’t break a sweat changing sheets. Plus, More from The Bump: More About How to Buy a Crib Mattress 10 Cribs We Love Are Crib Bumpers Safe?ToddlerIf your 2-year-old (or dexterous 18-month-old) has started to make like Houdini and attempt to escape the confines of his crib, it’s probably time to let him graduate to a big-kid bed. Got a crib that converts to a toddler bed? Then you’re all set once you make the change. But if you need to buy a toddler bed, read on.Your Toddler Bed OptionsYou have two choices for your tot’s new sweet-dreams spot:A toddler bed, which is a small bed frame that fits a crib-size mattress and often comes disguised as a spaceship, princess castle or sports car.
A twin-size mattress and bed frame and portable safety rails.Both are safe, so let these benefits and drawbacks to each guide your decision.Buying a Toddler BedPros:Bed frames for children are pretty affordable for toddler gear, ranging in price from $50 to $200. Plus, most come with safety rails and accept standard crib mattresses, so you don’t need to buy these extras.The fun designs and colors on toddler bed frames can up the excitement about transitioning from crib to bed.Most toddler beds are low to the ground, which is good news for your little one, who’s likely eager to climb in and out on his own.Cons:The weight limit for toddler beds is 50 pounds, which means your tot will eventually outgrow it. Another bummer: You won’t be able to hop in for a cuddle during his bedtime routine.Your mischievous little monkey may bounce out of bed (intentionally or not) in the middle of the night since toddler beds are so low to the ground.Many toddler beds are plastic, so they may not be especially durable.
What to look for:A frame that holds a standard-size crib mattress. If the crib mattress you have doesn’t fit snugly into the bed frame, buy one that does. Gaps between the mattress and the frame pose an entrapment hazard.The toddler bed you buy has to be tough enough for your rough-and-tumble tot (and maybe some visiting pals as well).Side rails — or a toddler bed that lets you attach them. These help restless sleepers (and tossers and tumblers) stay put.A smooth finish, rounded edges, and hardware that doesn't stick out, so your pipsqueak doesn’t get poked.The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification. Look for this sticker on the packaging for any toddler bed and safety rails you buy. (It guarantees the product has met certain safety standards.)Buying a Twin BedPros:You’ll get more use out of it than a toddler bed, since it can hold your honey through high school (and beyond).Some twin bed frames feature kid-friendly designs or headboards that can get your sweetie psyched about sleeping there.
It will be big enough to host you too, which comes in handy for snuggling while your child drifts off to dreamland.Cons:You’ll need to buy a twin-size mattress ($150 to $1,000), a twin-size toddler bed frame ($100 to $300), and portable safety rails ($20 to $100 each, and you’ll need one for each side of the bed that’s not flush against a wall). That adds up to considerably more moola than buying a toddler bed.If the portable safety rails aren’t placed firmly against the mattress, there’s an entrapment hazard.Some twin bed frames are too high for a munchkin to mount easily.What to look for:Just like when buying a toddler bed, look for twin bed frames that are sturdy with a smooth finish, rounded edges, and hardware that doesn’t protrude.Portable safety rails should have the JPMA certification sticker on them. (A twin bed frame without a JPMA sticker doesn’t mean the product’s unsafe since it isn’t subject to JPMA standards.)You’ll need mesh safety rails if your toddler tends to toss and turn while he sleeps.