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
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.