What size mattress do your cribs take? Our cribs fit the standard crib mattress size. For the best fit in a DaVinci full-size crib, we recommend the Emily II Crib Mattress.All interior crib dimensions and mattress sizes are regulated by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), and manufacturers are required by law to adhere to these standards.With that being said, some mattresses will fit better than others. Much of the reason for this is the varying density between mattresses.By law, a crib mattress is required to be at least 27.25” x 51.625” when measured from binding edge to binding edge.The interior of a crib can be between 27.375” and 28.625” wide, and 51.75” and 53” long, depending on the manufacturer and crib style. This can result in some space between the mattress and the inside of the crib.Firm mattresses will generally provide the snuggest fits as they do not compress as easily. Although a mattress may be slightly smaller than another, if it is denser it will likely fill the space better.
To determine if your mattress is a good fit, the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) recommends that there should be no more than two fingers width, one inch, between the edge of the mattress and the crib side. What is a 3-in-1 convertible crib? What does 4-level mattress support mean? Do your cribs come with mattresses?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).
No doubt you’ve bought mattresses before so buying one for your new baby can’t be too difficult, right? But babies have concerns adults don’t: SIDS prevention, leaky diapers, constantly changing sheets. What’s a parent to do? Read on for our primer on buying a crib mattress: Types of crib mattresses There are basically three types of crib mattresses: foam, coil and combination coil/foam. Foam mattresses are lighter than those with coils, making it easier to change the sheets in the middle of the night when Junior reenacts the Great Flood in his crib. Foam mattresses typically weigh less than eight pounds, while coil mattresses can top 20 or 30 pounds! Another plus: foam mattresses are less expensive, usually $100 to $160. Coil mattresses can be pricey, with some models running $200+. Two-in-one mattresses (foam on one side, coil on the other or firm foam on one side, softer foam on the other) are also expensive at $200 or more. Most adults sleep on coil, so new parents often think that’s the best mattress for baby.
Plus many baby stores (and even chains like Babies R Us) only sell coil mattresses, claiming that coil is superior to foam. One salesperson even told a parent that foam mattresses aren’t safe for babies older than six months! Another salesperson actually told a parent they should expect to replace a foam mattress two to three times during the two years a baby uses a crib. Neither of these claims are true. Bottom line: either foam or coil mattresses are fine . . . but we prefer foam because they are lighter in weight. And hence it is easier to change sheets in the middle of the night. What about “natural” mattresses? These are mattresses that claim to use a variety of natural ingredients like coconut fiber, horse-hair and organic cotton filling in their mattresses. They also tout organic cotton covers or food grade polyethylene covers. And still others may be “all natural, organic” but use non-toxic food grade foam filling. Most of the time, you’re paying a lot more for the all natural and organic mattresses.
We have found no credible scientific evidence that natural or organic crib mattresses are any safer for your child to sleep on than conventional mattresses. That said, we realize many parents are trying to reduce their baby’s exposure to environmental toxins—and considering how much time a baby spends sleeping, going organic for a mattress may make sense. There are a few reasonably priced options we’ll mention in our review of recommended mattresses. Which one is right for you? The key goal you want for any mattress is a firm surface. Babies who sleep on a too soft mattress (think futon) can be at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Some stores pitch 2-in-1 mattresses, with a firm foam side for babies and a softer coil side for toddlers (the risk of SIDS drops after one year of age for various reasons).Our take: these aren’t necessary. A toddler can sleep on a foam mattress just as easily as a newborn. Once they transition out of a crib into a twin bed, then you can switch to a coil mattress.