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]Top 5 Compared: The Best Crib Mattresses For Your Baby You don’t like to get too hot — or too cold - -when you’re sleeping, right? The same goes for baby.
The Sleepi Crib Mattress ensures a comfortable sleep with a special water-resistant cover and a durable, non-toxic Damask cloth cover. It even comes with waterproof backing (so drool and sweat won’t ruin baby’s mattress!). Just be sure to buy the Stokke Sleepi Crib too, since this mattress was made to fit with it. We love getting a good deal, so when we saw just how many years’ mom and dad can get out of this Serta Perfect Nature Mattress, we were pumped! One side is made for baby, and when you’re ready, just flip it over and it’s ready to go as a toddler bed. For less than $100, the Kolcraft Pure Sleep Therapeutic 150 Mattress gives you everything you’d ever want (and need!) for a comfortable night’s sleep for baby (like a coil-interwoven spring system, a waterproof cover, hypoallergenic design and the right combo of comfort and firmness). How’s that for a dollar well spent? Bumpers are a no-no, but the raised, firm sides on the SafeSleep Breathable mattress offers added support for baby without putting baby at risk for SIDS.
Plus, it’s breathable and free of harmful chemicals, so that should help you get some peaceful sleep yourself. You won’t believe this, but the Coco Mat from NaturalMat is made from only certified organic coir (from coconut husks around the world) — which makes it 100 percent natural, organic and safe. But that’s not all: It’s also wrapped in lambswool, lavender, lemon and eucalyptus. So, if we had to imagine baby sleeping on a cloud, we’d definitely picture this! There’s no price-tag on ensuring your baby’s safety while she sleeps, which is why we love the Naturepedic Organic Ultra 252 Seamless Dual Firmness Mattress. It’s eco-friendly (made without vinyl, PVC, phthalates, lead and antimicrobial biocides) and comes with a heavy duty interior — so even after years of use and reuse, the mattress’ firmness never fades! And what’s not to love about a company whose motto is: No compromise? Let’s be honest: Diaper blowouts at 2 in the morning aren’t anybody’s favorite, but when it comes time to strip the sheets and put new bedding in baby’s crib, you’ll be thankful you bought this Lullaby Earth Super Lightweight Baby & Crib Toddler Mattress.
It weighs just seven pounds (yes!) so you won’t break a sweat changing sheets. Plus, More from The Bump: More About How to Buy a Crib Mattress 10 Cribs We Love Are Crib Bumpers Safe? About Best Sellers in Crib MattressesHere you can discover the best Crib Mattresses in Amazon Best Sellers, and find the top 100 most popular Amazon Crib Mattresses.This weekend (13-15 May) The Baby Show comes to Birmingham, selling everything you need to kit out your bump, baby or bedroom. Get ahead of the crowds with our pick of the best cots and cribs. Preparing to become a parent is a daunting task and as countless “helpful” colleagues or “well-meaning” friends will have no doubt told you, many a sleepless night lies ahead. But can you can ease the burden by choosing the right bed for your new arrival and trying to establish a bedtime routine as early as possible. From baskets to bassinets and cots to cribs, baby beds are a booming market and one it can be hard to navigate, but make your choice early and stick with it - there is no right or wrong answer so don't be swayed by the multiple opinions that are on offer.
Some parents choose a simple Moses basket for the early days, and there is no reason not to. You can place the basket on a stand in your bedroom at night time and carry it around the house during the day. A bedside crib or pod that latches on to your own bed is also a good option for the early days as it keeps your newborn close while removing the safety risks associated with it allowing it to sleep in your own bed. It is also a good option for breastfeeding mothers who have undergone surgery during the birth as it allows you to feed the child from the comfort of your bed. Traditional rocking cribs make beautiful nursery pieces as well as offering the soothing rocking action that should help your little one to drift off. But for something more durable – and that won't need replacing in a few short months – opt for a convertible cot that can be adapted to meet your child's changing needs. Adjustable mattress heights allow your child to grow and still stay safe while optional add-ons can increase the size as your baby becomes a toddler.
Many cots feature removable sides for when your child gains in independence and can climb in and out by themselves and some even convert into full junior beds. While certain designs may seem on the expensive side, if they last more than a couple of years try to view it as an investment. Don't get carried away with cute cribs and beautiful baskets that will only last a few short months - by all means buy them, but don't over spend as this is an area where you can afford to keep costs down. If you want to splash the cash, save it for a high quality convertible crib. 1. Obaby Lincoln Sleigh Cot Bed: £299.99, Argos This convertible white cot features a beautiful curved, sleigh-like design and is constructed from solid wood. It has three adjustable mattress heights, teething rails that will protect your baby’s teeth if they do decide to start gnawing on it and, when required, it converts into a stylish junior bed. 2. Stokke Sleepi Oval Crib: From £575, Stokke This attractively-shaped oval cot is designed to do exactly what your child will: grow.
And while it does come in at the pricier end of the market, the wooden design adapts from a newborn’s crib to a toddler’s cot, then into a junior bed suitable for children as old as 10. So, it should be viewed as an investment. An extension kit (sold separately) increases the size, a wall can be removed for when your little one is big enough to get in and out by themselves and the mattress (sold separately) height is adjustable. 3. Ikea Gonatt Cot: £150, Ikea If you’re brave enough to assemble your own, Ikea offers a range of affordable, reliable cots. Among them is this traditional shaped cot with a modern-looking light grey finish. The mattress can be set at two different heights as your baby gets bigger and one side can be removed as they get older. The drawers underneath are a useful storage solution and the rounded edges make for an attractive design. 4. Mamas & Papas Kingston Oak Cot: £399, Mamas & Papas This traditional looking cot-cum-toddler bed is available in oak or white/oak and is suitable from birth up to about four years of age.
It converts from a newborn’s cot into a daybed and later a toddler bed. Matching furniture – including a wardrobe and dresser/changing table – is also available, meaning you can give your entire nursery a makeover to match. 5. Snuzpod 3 in 1 Bedside Crib: £199, Cuckooland This bedside crib is ideal for newborns and especially helpful for new mothers who have undergone a caesarean birth or other surgery as it allows you to breastfeed your child without leaving your own bed. It also offers the reassurance of having your baby sleeping next to you without the risk of actually having them in your bed. The three-in-one design includes a bedside baby crib that attaches to your bed, a stand-alone crib and a removable rocking bassinet that can be used around the home. Suitable up to six months. 6. Mamas & Papas Oxford white cot/toddler bed: £699, Mamas and Papas This is another option from the top end of the market, but it does have the benefit of adapting to your growing child’s needs while offering a useful storage area in the form of a drawer underneath.
The simple yet stylish design means it will go with even the boldest of nursery themes. Suitable up to about four years of age, sides and bars can be removed as your child develops and the cot mattress (sold separately) can be set at two different heights. 7. White Company Ercol Devon Cot Bed: £695, White Company If two mattress height settings aren’t enough for you, the White Company has a solution: three. It does come with an inflated price tag but this solid oak piece will serve your baby from birth until way past the terrible twos. The painted white trim softens the wooden design and the side panels can be removed to transform it into a junior bed, complete with footboard. 8. Marks and Spencer Loft Finley Cot Bed: £299, Marks and Spencer The Finley forms part of M&S’s Loft range of furniture which is designed for smaller living spaces – ideal if you are struggling to accommodate all your new arrival’s accessories. The cot features adjustable mattress heights and later converts into a little bed.
The design features a smart white lacquer finish with timber turned handles and feet and offers great value for money. 9. Poco Crib: £119.99, Not On The High Street This cute beech wood crib is a money and space-saver and the stand (available in a choice of coco or white) folds up easily, making it extremely portable. The padded crib and mattress cover are washing-machine safe and the design offers a modern alternative to a traditional rocking crib or Moses basket. Suitable from newborn up to six months. 10. Lil’Gaea Rocking Cradle Newborn Crib: £329, Not On The High Street Eco-conscious parents will love this newborn rocking crib that is lightweight enough to carry around the home. This dainty design is constructed from eco MDF and solid wood and finished with non-toxic water-based paint. Suitable for babies aged up to four months, the crib features a magnetic rocking motion that can be set to stop it from rocking once your baby has fallen asleep. Mattress and bow detail sold separately.