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.We’re not going to lie. Watching your little one peacefully snoozing in her crib, all angel-faced and cuddly, is one of the greatest pleasures of parenting. Whether you use a crib from day one or transition your baby into the crib later, you’ll be sure to get years of use of it, and even longer if the crib converts to a bed. In addition to a bassinet, using a crib is the safest place for your baby to sleep. It’s important to follow crib safety guidelines, no matter which brand you select. The space should be free and clear of stuffed animals, toys, bumpers, and blankets that can become suffocating hazards. Once you’ve got your crib setup, you can add a cute fitted sheet over the mattress and call it done. If you’re purchasing a crib brand new, it will automatically comply with current safety standards. It’s a whole other story though when looking at used models. You’ll want to check for recalls and make sure your crib was made after 2011.
Also, avoid cribs with drop-down sides (since 2007, seven million of these types of cribs have been recalled). You’ll also want to make sure the crib you select has at least a few adjustable mattress settings (allowing you to lower or raise the mattress). When your child is an infant, you’ll want a higher mattress that allows you to easily scoop them up; but as your baby grows, you should lower the mattress so he or she can’t climb out. Although there are still regular cribs on the market, many these days convert to a toddler bed and some later turn into a standard size bed frame (usually a double bed) as well. Some convertible cribs do require conversion kits to morph into different setups and those can be included with your crib purchase or an additional cost. Mattresses are also sold separately from cribs. Some families prefer to just use a mini crib (larger than a bassinet, but smaller and usually more portable than a standard crib) throughout babyhood before transitioning their child straight to a full-sized bed;
this is handy if baby tends to sleep in multiple locations or if you have limited spaces. Although you can use a crib for your baby from the get-go, many parents choose to have their newborns sleep in bassinets or co-sleepers, but typically transition their babies’ to a crib after three to four months. Even if you don’t plan on using a crib right away, consider putting one on your registry since it’s an expensive item that friends and family may want to pitch in to get for you. Depending on your child’s weight and height, you could use a crib until he is four or five years old. However, parents usually move their children into toddler or twin beds around two to three years old. But, if your kiddo is a climber, you’ll likely make the change sooner because of safety concerns. We asked thousands of real BabyList families about the baby products they love the most. We took the top cribs they shared with us and added our own research and insight. We think you and your little one will love at least one of these items, too.
BARGAIN BUYIKEA Sniglar CribWHY WE LOVE IT This simple, low-priced crib comes unfinished so you can paint it any color you want (if you’re up for it!). And, surprisingly, even at this price point you can still use it for a toddler if you move the mattress to the lowest setting and remove one side (so one side will be entirely open - no toddler rail to keep a child from falling out). “I love the simple Scandinavian style.” To prevent this crib from tipping over, it must be permanently fixed to the wall. WHAT BABYLIST PARENTS SAY “The Sniglar is affordable, light colored and bright! And I love the simple Scandinavian style.” -Caitlin D. “The Sniglar is inexpensive, good quality and has a slim profile. I needed to fit two in the same room for our twins.” -C.M. As crib until child weighs 50 lbs. Yes, converts to a toddler bed with included conversion kit. Two adjustable mattress levels. VINTAGE THROWBACK DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
WHY WE LOVE IT This sweet crib features intricate, traditional-style spindles on silver wheels so you can move it around or lock it in place. The surprisingly small price tag for such a find! While the name implies it can convert to three different configurations, there is really only two you can do without need to make an additional purchase. Either use it as a crib, or remove one side and set the mattress to the lowest level for a toddler-like daybed (but one side will be entirely open - if you want a toddler rail to keep your child from falling out, you’ll need to purchase the toddler bed conversion kit). “We are planning to move in the next year and we also have the nursery on the second floor. So we needed a crib that was easy to carry upstairs, assemble/disassemble and will be easy to take it with us to a new house. I also think the DaVinci crib looks really nice and classic.” -Amanda K. As crib until child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches; as a toddler bed until child weighs 50 lbs.
Yes, toddler bed conversion kit sold separately ($61.95). Four adjustable mattress levels. MOD FAVORITEBabyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib WHY WE LOVE IT This popular pick boasts sleek, but substantial good looks and it’s lower profile makes it easier for shorter folks to reach over into the crib. “modern looking yet timeless” If you’d like to use a crib skirt, parents report that a standard one doesn’t fit the Hudson due to angled metal brackets that support the frame. However, you can purchase crib skirts from Babyletto ($39). “We chose the Hudson because it’s modern looking yet timeless (seriously, why do all of the cribs these days look like the same style?), had as many adjustable settings as possible, was durable, and could be converted to a toddler bed.” -Lauren R.as toddler bed until child weighs 50 lbs. Yes, converts to toddler bed and daybed with included conversion kit. LONG-LASTING CLASSICPottery Barn Kids Kendall Crib WHY WE LOVE IT
With craftsman styling and solid wood, the Kendall is a sturdy, traditional pick that’ll hold up through an entire brood. The Kendall is pricier and only converts to toddler bed, not a daybed or full size bed as others do. “I wanted a white wooden crib and this one was very similar to what I envisioned. I read that it was Pottery Barn’s best selling crib, and it was a reasonable cost…We picked it up the next weekend and it was assembled in under 30 minutes. We have loved it!” -Sara P. Until child begins to climb or reaches 35 inches. Yes, converts to a toddler bed with conversion kit sold separately ($129). Three adjustable mattress levels. BUDGET SAVVY SELECTIONIKEA Gulliver CribWHY WE LOVE IT This lightweight, painted white crib is an economical choice and can also be used as a toddler daybed (like the IKEA Sniglar crib, one side would be rail-free). Like the IKEA Sniglar crib, the Gulliver also needs to be permanently fixed to the wall to prevent it from tipping over.
“Loved the sleek style and affordability. And, it was very easy to assemble.” -E. H. Until child weighs 50 lbs. SPLURGEWORTHY MULTI-TASKERStokke Sleepi CribWHY WE LOVE IT Although costly, the Sleepi crib has a 7-year guarantee on all wooden parts and can grow with your child up to 10 years old. It can transform into a bassinet (conversion kit sold separately), a toddler bed, and then into a junior bed with the purchase of a conversion kit. Or, after the toddler years, you can switch it over to a set of chairs for the playroom. The big bummer about the Sleepi is that you’re forced to purchase the mattress and sheets from Stokke because of the unique oval shape of the crib. “We love the way it grows from a bassinet to crib to bed to chairs. I also love the mattress! It’s firm and comfy and very thick. I’d sleep in it if I could!” -Marielle G. As crib until 3 years old; as toddler bed until 7 years old. Yes, converts to toddler bed and two chairs with no additional hardware.