The lowdown on crib mattresses Types of mattresses What to look for when buying Important safety notes What it's going to cost you The lowdown on crib mattressesA good mattress not only makes bedtime cozier – it supports your growing baby and keeps her safe. Consider cost, comfort, and durability, as your baby will probably sleep in a crib for up to 3 years.Browse dozens of cribs.Types of mattresses“Breathable” mattresses, made of materials that are supposed to allow a baby to breathe freely even if his or her face is pressed up against it, are getting more popular. Experts haven’t yet weighed in on their efficacy.What to look for when buyingDensity: You want high density so it’s firm enough to keep your baby safe while sleeping. Most foam mattresses don't list density on the packaging, but weight can be a good indicator. As for innerspring mattresses, manufacturers often equate the number of coils with firmness, but the gauge of the wire is just as important. Lower gauge means thicker wire, which is stronger and therefore firmer.
Look for a mattress with 135 or more coils and a gauge of 15.5 or lower.Weight: A typical foam mattress weighs about 7 to 8 pounds, although mattresses made of memory foam (an especially dense form of polyurethane) can weigh close to 20 pounds. Innerspring crib mattresses are heavier in general, weighing in at about 15 to 25 pounds. Keep in mind that you'll be hoisting up a side of the mattress, or lifting the whole thing, when changing your baby's sheet.Cleaning: Most traditional mattresses suggest spot-cleaning only. Some have removable covers that can be machine-washed. The innards of at least one crib mattress on the market can be hosed down in the tub once its washable cover is removed.Certification seals: Crib mattresses for sale in the United States must meet safety standards defined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society for Testing and Materials. (The Juvenile Products Manufacturer Association does not test or certify crib mattresses.) A manufacturer's claim that a product is organic can mean a variety of things, but look for an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification (a worldwide uniform certification), which assures you that certain flame retardants and heavy metals were not used to make the mattress.
Important safety notesNo matter what mattress parents choose, they should continue to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe-sleep guidelines and put babies to sleep on their backs on a firm, bare surface.What it's going to cost youCrib mattresses start at about $40 and can range to more than $350. Organic mattresses start at about $80 and can reach $400. Download our illustrated guide to crib mattressesAmerican Academy of Pediatrics. /English/ages-stages/prenatal/decisions-to-make/Pages/Choosing-a-Crib.aspx [Accessed May 2016]Consumer Reports. Crib mattress buying guide. /cro/crib-mattresses/buying-guide.htm [Accessed May 2016]Consumer Reports. /cro/cribs/buying-guide.htm [Accessed May 2016]CPSC. Learn how to put your baby to sleep safely. http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/cribs/ [Accessed May 2016]in bikes & ride-ons Action FiguresVideo GamesBikes & Ride-onsElectronicsBuilding SetsLearningGames & PuzzlesOutdoor PlayVehicles, Hobby & R/CPretend PlayArts & CraftsPreschoolMusical InstrumentsStuffed AnimalsCooking for Kids
Hot WheelsMinecraftLEGOStar WarsTransformersTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles DollsArts & CraftsBath, Beauty & AccessoriesPretend PlayBikes & Ride-onsElectronicsBuilding SetsOutdoor PlayLearningPreschoolGames & PuzzlesMusical InstrumentsStuffed AnimalsVideo GamesCooking for Kids Disney FrozenBarbieDisney PrincessMy Little PonyMonster HighDoc McStuffinsThe mattress your child sleeps on profoundly affects his or her bone strength and posture. It’s an important decision and, when the right product is chosen, it can last up to 10 years and provide your child the foundation he or she needs to grow up healthy and strong. Start here with our simple guide to children’s mattresses. Mattress buying begins when your child is an infant. Many cribs convert to toddler beds, but you’ll want to purchase a new, toddler mattress when your child reaches that stage. Avoid moving straight into a twin-size mattress as it may be too high and/or stiff and pose safety issues. If your older child is tall or you want to avoid your child outgrowing a mattress too soon, consider an extra-long twin mattress.
Many middle-school-aged children and teens prefer full- or queen-size mattresses, which can accommodate them well into adulthood on visits home. Children’s mattresses are essential to their bone growth and spine development. You’ll want to invest in the most supportive mattress you can afford. Bring your child with you when shopping for his or her mattress so that he or she can test them out for comfort. You should also test each mattress, as children often have trouble determining adequate support. A good rule of thumb: choose a mattress with at least 225 coils and a gauge of 13. The most common children’s mattresses are made from innerspring coils. They consist of a series of coils—or springs—which provide support, topped with comfort layers (various foams and fibers) to cushion the body. Memory foam, latex foam, or pillowtop mattresses also are good options for kids, as they have added cushion and support. Kids have accidents, and not only that—they are well known to jump on beds.
Be sure to add a mattress protector and cover to your purchase, which will help the mattress last longer. If your child has or develops allergies, consider purchasing him or her a synthetic-filled mattress, which will resist dust mites and allergens. You can also purchase microbial mattress covers, and be sure to wash sheets with an allergy-free detergent. Children's mattressesComfort isn’t the only quality that’s important in a mattress for small children. It also has to stand up to their every-night needs for several years. Our children’s mattresses have a breathable, pressure-relieving design for growing bodies, and removable, machine-washable covers for always-fresh sleep.Choose the Correct Size Most children transition from a crib mattress to a big bed between the ages of 2 and 3. You may opt to use your crib mattress and go straight to a toddler bed, but if you're considering longevity, it's best to focus on a twin-sized children's mattress, a twin XL or a full-sized bed.
A regular twin mattress is one step up from a crib mattress. These mattresses are ideal when you're looking to save space, and they work well if you have two or more children sharing a room. A twin XL mattress is slightly longer and is more likely to accommodate a teenager's growth spurts. A full-sized mattress is ideal for larger rooms and can sleep more than one child. This type of mattress is the same length as a standard twin-sized mattress, but it can usually accommodate a child well into adulthood. Children with allergies are often sensitive to synthetic mattresses. Synthetic mattresses can sometimes cause skin irritation, respiratory problems and other health issues. To prevent a possible reaction, choose an organic mattress or one made of natural materials, including cotton, organic wool, silk, natural latex and even bamboo. If you are unsure of the composition, read the manufacturer's label and look for any chemicals. Select the Right Support Type The most popular types of mattress support systems include innerspring coils and memory foam.
Innerspring open-coil mattresses are the most common. These mattresses feature a network of connected coils that allow pressure points to sink in but provide support to keep the spine from bowing. Innerspring pocket coils feature springs that work independently from one another. They are typically more expensive than standard innerspring coils, but they are fantastic at eliminating motion transfer. Innerspring mattresses are a good choice for children, because the weight of a child isn't enough to cause continuous stress to the coils, which can damage them and shorten the life of the mattress.Memory foam mattresses contour to the shape of the body, are hypoallergenic and last much longer than coil spring mattresses. The more expensive designs feature gel infusions that keep you cooler throughout the night. Latex mattresses are perhaps the highest quality and can last up to 30 years. Latex mattresses provide excellent support, but the cost is usually not practical for a growing child. Pick the Level of Comfort
All mattresses come in extra firm, firm, plush and ultra-plush. Ultra-plush mattresses are often referred to as pillow-top or box-top mattresses. Back and side sleepers generally appreciate a firm mattress, while a medium-firm mattress is perfect for stomach sleepers. Decide on a Durable Design Kids are notorious for accidents, and they love jumping on beds. Make sure to choose a kid's mattress that can withstand a little abuse. A mattress protector is always a good idea, regardless of the type of mattress you purchase, as it guards against stains and can be removed for cleaning. A simple platform bed works well in a child's room. This type of foundation lets you avoid using a box spring, which saves you money. If you're considering a traditional bed frame, you also need to purchase a solid box spring. Most high-quality mattresses have matching box springs, so you can purchase the two together as a set. When choosing a box spring, select one that's the same size as your regular mattress and fits snugly inside your bed frame.