Buying a Baby Crib Mattress: The Inside Story When you're outfitting your baby's crib, do your homework and test mattresses for fit and firmness. You've picked out a crib, but where do you even start to select a baby crib mattress? Mattress shopping may not be as fun as selecting the crib itself, but it's an important purchase. Just think: It's normal for newborns and infants to spend 15 to 17 hours per day sleeping, according to the National Sleep Foundation. You don't want your baby spending that much time on any old thing. A standard crib mattress is typically sold separately, so here's what to look for when you're crib mattress shopping.Mattress MattersThere are certain characteristics you should be looking for when mattress shopping -- and other factors that don't matter as much.Keep an eye out for these qualities: FirmnessA firm baby crib mattress is part of the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines for safe sleeping, as it reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation.
A mushy mattress can conform to your baby's shape, which increases the potential for your baby to rebreathe carbon dioxide, a leading risk factor for SIDS. Crib mattress firmness can vary, so trek to the baby superstore or boutique and put mattresses to the test."When your hand is pressed firmly into the mattress, it should spring back immediately when you lift your hand," says Laura Reno, the program director of family support for SIDS organization First Candle. This test applies to both foam and innerspring mattresses, both of which can do the job. Don't skip this important step. In general, think brick. A mattress that seems too hard for you isn't too hard for your baby. Snug FitThe mattress you select should fit tightly in the crib, according to the AAP and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). "You shouldn't be able to fit two fingers between the mattress and the crib on any of the crib's four sides," says Nikki Fleming, a CPSC spokesperson. To prevent head entrapment and suffocation, a standard crib mattress size is about 27 inches by 51 inches.
Thickness can't exceed 6 inches. A snug-fitting crib mattress can prevent your baby from getting wedged between the mattress and the crib. If possible, pair the mattress with the crib you're buying and purchase them together so you know they're a good fit. No Dual FirmnessA dual firmness or convertible innerspring mattress has an extra firm side for infants and a cushier standard or memory foam side for toddlers. "Don't buy in to the memory foam craze," Reno says. "Soft or padded is never good for a baby on any product, but especially a mattress." The potential to rebreathe carbon dioxide and raise the risk of SIDS is there, even for toddlers.Nice But Not NecessaryWhen it comes to selecting a safe crib mattress, firmness and fit are the two most important factors to consider, say both Reno and Fleming. For your baby's safety, skip the bumpers, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals and sleep positioners. There should be nothing in the crib except your baby and a tight-fitted sheet. "Bare is best," Fleming says.
Beyond firmness and fit, there are two more major crib mattress features you may consider: All-Natural Products And Eco-FriendlinessEco-friendly or organic mattresses are made from plant-based components, such as certified cotton covers, shredded coconut shell, natural latex and plant oil. These elements are pricey to produce. Be prepared to pay up to three times as much for an organic crib mattress as a conventional one. If you decide to go this route, the same rules apply. The mattress should be firm and fit snugly in your baby's crib. Greenguard CertificationA crib mattress that has been Greenguard certified means it has been screened for over 10,000 chemicals and has passed Greenguard's rigorous standards for indoor air quality. It won't emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air your baby breathes. VOCs have been linked to asthma, allergies and lung infections in infants, according to the American Chemical Society. If you'd like to buy a Greenguard-certified crib mattress, visit the website for a complete list, as well as information on other baby products.
Sandra Gordon, an award-winning content provider in Connecticut, helps new parents gear up safely and for less on her blog, Baby Products Mom. Like what you see here? community for free and meet others like you.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!