There's no doubt about it: having a baby is expensive. After buying a stroller, crib, clothing, feeding supplies, diapers and other essentials, your wallet can quickly empty out. It's natural to begin looking for ways to save money on all the items you need for baby, and one way is by buying used items. While some used items are good news for your wallet and your new baby, there are some safety concerns to consider; this is especially true when it comes to used crib mattresses. When buying a used crib mattress, you cannot be 100 percent sure of the care or abuse it went through while being used previously. An infant can be particularly dirty due to diaper leaks or spilled milk; all of these things can collect on a crib mattress and lead to moisture and mold growth if not cleaned properly. In addition, if the crib mattress was not kept in a cool, dry place, moisture can seep into the mattress, harboring bacteria and fungi growth. If you have a crib mattress that was used for an older child in your home, and you know that it was well cared for and stored properly, it likely poses no risk to your baby.
While the standard crib mattress is at least 27 1/4 inches by 51 5/8 inches and no more than 6 inches in height, not all cribs are made to these exact specifications and an ill-fitting crib mattress can pose a significant health risk. , a proper-fitting crib mattress should not have enough space between the mattress and the sides of the crib to fit two fingers snugly. A crib mattress should be firm to properly support your baby and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A used crib mattress might lose some firmness and could develop dips and bulges due to improper use or storage. Additionally, the condition of the mattress is vital. Do not use a mattress with tears, exposed springs or filling, or one that smells of mildew or dampness. In the November 2002 “British Medical Journal,” a study was published by Scotland researchers that provided a possible link between the use of a pre-owned crib mattress and infant death from SIDS. The study found that an infant was up to three times more likely to die from SIDS when using a secondhand crib mattress.
While the study did not find a firm cause-and-effect relationship between the use of an old mattress and SIDS, it did find sufficient evidence to warrant concern when accepting a used mattress from someone else’s home. Gain 2 pounds per week Gain 1.5 pounds per week Gain 1 pound per week Gain 0.5 pound per week Maintain my current weight Lose 0.5 pound per week Lose 1 pound per week Lose 1.5 pounds per week Lose 2 pounds per week Things You Should Buy New for a Second Baby How to Paint a Baby Crib How to Convert a Crib Into a Full Size Bed How to Clean a Crib Mattress What Is Better a Trifold or a Bifold Wallet? What Is Better, a Money Clip or a Wallet? How to Turn Crib Into Toddler Bed Is Flame-Resistant Clothing Safe for Children? Safety of Crib Netting Safety Issues in Children's Clothing How to Clean Used Newborn Baby Furniture How to Use Breast Pumps for a Second Child A Hospital Packing List for an Expecting Mom
Things to Pack for a Baby When Going Into Labor The Disadvantages of Mini Cribs How to Arrange a Master Bedroom to Include Crib & Baby Storage Should Baby Cribs Be Slightly Elevated on One Side?If you’re working with a tight nursery budget, dropping a couple hundred dollars on a crib mattress can be a painful experience, especially if you already have a recently vacated mattress on hand. But a used crib mattress - even those used by close family members and friends - may not be as safe as you think.A baby’s mattress must be firm. Overtime, the surface of an old crib mattress can settle and become soft and uneven, putting your little one at risk. Re-enforced edging, which stops the edge of the mattress from caving down under your baby’s body weight, can also weaken with time. Without a firm edge, your little one could become trapped between the mattress and the crib rails, which could result in injury or even death. As if that wasn’t scary enough, studies have suggested a possible link between used crib mattresses and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
One 2002 study published in “British Medical Journal” found that an infant was up to three times more likely to die from SIDS when using a secondhand crib mattress. Researchers believe the link may be attributed to respiratory problems related to harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, mold, mildew and fungus, which may be hidden at the core of a used mattress. If you purchased the mattress new for an older sibling, and if it appears to be clean and in good condition, you may be able to reuse it, provided it meets the following standards: To see if your potential mattress is a good fit, try the "two-finger" test. There should be no more than two finger-widths of space between the side of the mattress and the crib frame. Any larger and your baby may become entrapped between the two, resulting in injury or suffocation.The mattress surface should appear firm and even. If you notice any sagging or signs of body contouring, the mattress should be replaced. Press your hand into the center and around the edges of your mattress.
When you remove it, note how quickly it regains its shape. A firm and resilient mattress will snap back into shape without conforming to the imprint of your hand.The overall frame of your mattress should be in good repair. If you can find any evidence of a broken frame or support bars; if your mattress rattles when moved; or if you can feel the springs sticking up through the cushioning, do not use the mattress.Just because a mattress looks clean doesn’t mean it is clean. Experts normally advise against using a secondhand mattress due to a lack of intimate knowledge regarding its past. Even a close friend or family member may forget to mention an accident or two, especially if the mattress appears no worse the wear. That said, no one knows your mattress’ history better than you. If you’re planning on reusing your existing crib mattress, be honest with yourself. If it ever experienced a good soaking, you should probably move on.Does your mattress stand up to a thorough inspection?