Considering that babies can spend up to three-quarters of their time sleeping, it's important that your crib mattress is cozy and safe when you put your child down for a snooze. Take a few minutes to review this guide and choose a mattress that will help everyone in the house get a good night's sleep. Why a crib mattress? In order to support baby's growing bones and provide a safe sleeping environment, today's crib mattresses are constructed to be firm. For this reason, it is important to only use a crib mattress for your infant. Test the firmness of a mattress by pressing the sides, middle and corners, which should spring back immediately. How can you tell if a mattress fits correctly in the crib? A mattress should fit snugly in the crib. If you are able to easily slide two adult fingers in between the mattress and the side of the crib, the mattress is too small for that particular crib. Excess room around the mattress allows for the chance of baby becoming trapped and injured between the mattress and the slats of the crib.
Can you continue to use the crib mattress when your baby becomes a toddler? Yes, you can use the crib mattress in a toddler bed once your child reaches the appropriate age. If you want the option of offering your toddler a softer bed, consider purchasing a dual firmness mattress, which has a firm side for infants and a less firm side for children one year of age and older. Always remember to review and abide by manufacturer's user's manual and instructions. What is an organic mattress? An organic mattress refers to the fact that the mattress materials are produced using certified organic materials. Types of Crib Mattresses When it comes to the construction of your crib mattress, there are two types from which to choose: *Foam mattresses are comprised of foam that is usually made from polyurethane, and they are the most lightweight option. When choosing from this type of mattress, check for firmness by pressing on the mattress, which should spring back readily.
*Innerspring mattresses feature a spring unit in the interior of the mattress that consists of steel coiled springs of varying quantities and thicknesses which tend to make this mattress type more durable.. Generally, the thicker the steel and the more springs used, the higher the quality of the mattress. Those beds that possess a border rod of steel that runs along the edges of the mattress also tend to be superior, as the rod keeps the edges of the mattress from sagging with use. What should you look for in a mattress cover? The composition of the mattress cover can impact how long the mattress will last. Also known as ticking, the cover should be waterproof or at the very least water resistant. Waterproofing on the surface of the mattress keeps stains and liquids at bay. Choose quilted vinyl or double- or triple-laminated ticking that is reinforced with nylon. Such material is also resistant to tears and holes, and some covers resist bacterial growth on the cover. Organic mattresses generally have cotton covers that are water resistant.
Why do some mattresses have what appear to be vents and others do not? Manufacturer opinions vary as to whether vents in mattresses are beneficial, which is why you will find both types on the market. Some crib mattresses contain either small eyelet vents or larger round vents on the side of the mattress to increase air flow and keep the mattress fresh. It is thought that the vents allow the mattress to breath, which puts less stress on the seams. The following accessories will enhance and protect your crib mattress. *Mattress pads add another barrier between inevitable moisture and soiling and the mattress, and pads make cleanup easier. If baby wets or soils the bed, you simply remove the pad and replace with a new one, rather than having to wipe down the mattress itself. Buying three helps ensure that you always have a clean mattress pad on hand. *Fitted sheets that are tight-fitting are another important addition to your create comfortable sleeping conditions for baby.
Keep three on hand. *Mattress encasements protect the mattress from soiling.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!