Edit ArticleHow to Choose a Baby Crib Mattress Selecting a baby's first mattress can seem like an overwhelming task. There are a number of options available on the market today that have a wide variety of materials, sizes, and firmness. By understanding the differences and knowing what features are most important, you can determine how to choose a baby crib mattress that is right for your little one. Measure the width and length of your crib. Check the firmness of the mattress you are purchasing. Your new crib mattress needs to be very firm to reduce the risk of your baby suffocating due to sinking into a softer surface. There is an easy test that you can do to confirm that your baby's mattress is safely firm enough. Decide whether you prefer a foam or an innerspring mattress. Foam options tend to be less expensive, but you must make sure that the foam is firm and dense and doesn't allow the baby to sink into the mattress. Innerspring mattresses typically cost more but offer higher durability.
If you choose innerspring, select a mattress that has between 135 to 150 coils with a gauge lower than 15.5. These numbers should be found on the packaging. These guidelines are set by Consumer Reports and will guarantee the mattress you choose is firm enough for your baby. Consider purchasing a dual-sided mattress: usually one side is designed for babies and the other for toddlers, extending the mattress lifespan considerably[1]. Choose a mattress with a very thick cover, which is also known as ticking. Verify that the mattress has been certified. Inspect the mattress for vent holes. Consider an organic mattress if you are concerned with the human-made chemicals, such as flame retardants that are in standard mattresses. Another way to test a mattress's firmness is to stand it vertically and squeeze it on both sides, as if to hug it. If the mattress squeezes easily, it's likely not firm enough. To check firmness of the mattress, push the mattress's center and around the edges.
If you can see your hand print, or if the mattress pushes in easily, it's too soft for your baby. The right mattress should bounce back right away. Never use an infant mattress that is too small for the crib. To determine if yours fits properly, slide your fingers between the mattress and the crib. If you can get more than 2 fingers in the gap, the mattress is too small and must be replaced to avoid risk of suffocation from the baby getting trapped. Avoid buying a used mattress unless you are 100% certain of its history. Avoid purchasing a used mattress. Body fluids from the previous child may have seeped into the mattress, which can cause mold or other fungus to grow. In recent studies, there has been some association of this fungus to an increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Baby Crib & Toddler Mattresses $20 - $30 $30 - $40 $40 - $50 $50 - $75 $75 - $100 $100 and up Babyletto Colgate DaVinci Delta Dream On Me Evolur more... Fisher-Price (2) Foundations (4) Graco (1) Kolcraft (5) Lullaby Earth (2) Moonlight Slumber (4) Naturepedic (6) Safety 1st (9) Sealy Mattresses (15) Serta (11) Simmons (10) South Shore Furniture (1) Stokke (2) Store Pickup Ship it
Cribs & Baby Beds Nursery Baby Dressers & Chests Kids' & Baby Amoires Nursery Rocking Chairs & Gliders Baby Bassinets & Cradles Kids' Bookshelves & Bookcases Baby Nursery Furniture Sets Furniture Straps & Anchors 12 3 4 5-6 Price: Low to High Price: High to Low Sealy Precious Rest Crib and Toddler Mattress Sealy Signature Prestige Posture Crib and Toddler Mattress Dream On Me Twilight 5-inch 80 Coil Spring Crib and Toddler Mattress Serta Perfect Embrace Crib and Toddler Mattress Kolcraft Baby Dri Crib and Toddler Mattress Sealy Signature Brilliant Nights 2-Stage Crib and Toddler Mattress Simmons Kids BeautySleep Enchanting AirRest Comfort Crib and Toddler Dual Sided Mattress Sealy Healthy Dream Organic Cotton Cool Gel Crib And Toddler Mattress Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress Simmons Kids ComforPedic Crib and Toddler Mattress Dream On Me 5-inch Spring Coil Portable Crib Mattress
Serta Sertapedic Crib and Toddler Mattress Sealy Signature Natural Luxury 2 Stage Crib and Toddler Mattress Serta Perfect Morning Crib and Toddler Mattress Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress Serta iComfort EverCool Crib and Toddler Dual Sided Mattress Simmons Kids Beautyrest Crib and Toddler Mattress DaVinci Twilight Hypoallergenic Universal Fit Waterproof 6 inch Ultra Firm Deluxe Crib Mattress Kolcraft Pure Sleep Therapeutic 150 Crib and Toddler Mattress Dream On Me 3 inch Spring Coil Portable Crib Mattress Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress with Dual Firmness Serta Perfect Embrace Crib and Toddler Mattress - Pink DaVinci Crescent Mini Crib and Toddler 50 Coil Mattress Colgate Portable Crib/Mini Crib Mattress Babies"R"Us Baby Crib & Toddler MattressesOriginally published on September 4, 2015. Updated on August 10, 2016. By Megan Boyle, Editorial Director Your baby spends more than half the day sleeping, her face resting on the crib mattress.
What is she breathing in? Those are the questions on the minds of parents everywhere – especially when they’re wondering which crib mattress is best for their child. Disturbingly, researchers have detected harmful phthalates, fire retardants and volatile organic chemicals in mattresses made specifically for babies. One study done at the University of Texas at Austin found that the mattresses tested released nearly 30 different types of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, as well as a variety of fragrance allergens. Thanks to consumer demand, manufacturers are working to make mattresses safer – firm enough and properly sized to avoid trapped limbs. They are also removing some harmful chemicals and using alternative methods to meet fire safety standards. If you’re in the market for a crib mattress for your baby, follow these tips to find one with fewer chemicals: The top priority is clean air. VOCs are potentially hazardous gases that can escape from mattress foam and into the air a baby is breathing.
VOCs escape from the polyurethane foam and glues used in a mattress. To limit these pollutants, look for a Global Organic Textile Standard, or GOTS, certified organic mattress, which will be verified to have the least potential for VOC emission. Two other certifications, Green Guard Gold and CertiPur, set maximum levels for VOC off-gassing. Green Guard applies to the entire product, while CertiPUR only applies to the polyurethane foam. Unfortunately, Green Guard’s most stringent standard, Green Guard Select, was discontinued, leaving only the weaker Gold standard in place. It is best to air out any new mattress because VOC levels decline notably after a couple days. However, other chemicals may linger. GOTS prohibits the use of phthalates in mattresses, while Green Guard and CertiPur set limits on the most commonly used phthalates. Avoid flame retardant chemicals. The foam interior of a mattress may contain added flame retardant chemicals, such as halogenated fire retardants and antimony.
Nowadays, new crib mattresses are unlikely to have added chemical flame retardants in the foam, but check with the manufacturer to make sure. If the information is not readily available on the company’s website, call customer service. All mattresses must have a fire-resistant outer covering, but manufacturers can use safer materials such as wool or plant starch to ensure fire safety.If you’re purchasing a product that advertises organic cotton or wool, look for the GOTS label to ensure this claim has been verified. If price is an issue, you could pair a new organic mattress with a recycled crib.*For babies, a waterproof covering makes sense. Avoid mattresses covered with PVC plastic, which can contain harmful ingredients. Look for polyethylene or thermoplastic polyurethane film covers instead. If you purchase a non-waterproof mattress, you can purchase a non-vinyl cover to be placed under the crib sheet. And skip covers that claim to be antibacterial – they are an unnecessary chemical exposure.
*A note about used mattresses To lower costs and reduce waste, some families choose to purchase or borrow used mattresses. This has benefits as well as risks. The amount of chemicals released by a mattress declines over time, so a mattress that has had years to air out may result in much lower exposure for your baby. But older mattresses may contain harmful chemicals that are no longer used in new ones, such as some phthalates that were eliminated in 2009. Plus, the older the mattress, the more mold or bacteria may be hiding inside. Make sure any used mattress you consider has been well maintained, stored in a dry environment and is still firm. New mattresses are more likely to meet current safety standards. Consumer Reports recommends buying new. If you’re considering a used crib, first check out these important safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Look for a crib made after 2011, when new federal requirements, such as removing drop-sides, were enacted.