While it might not be the most “fun” kind of baby shopping, shopping for your infant’s mattress is an important task that requires careful consideration. For their first year of life, babies spend quite a bit of time sleeping! You’ll want to know the qualities of a good mattress to help you know what to look for when buying a crib mattress.
Keep reading to learn how to choose a crib mattress for your little one!
Importance of a Crib Mattress
Babies spend over 60% of their first years sleeping, making a crib mattress the most utilized baby product ever! A good crib mattress is of utmost importance for the health and safety of babies.
A baby crib mattress provides optimal comfort for the little ones during their sleep. A comfortable sleep environment contributes to their overall well-being and development.
A high-quality crib mattress offers the necessary support for a baby's growing body. Infants' bodies are still in the early stages of development, including their skeletal structure. A good mattress provides firm support, ensuring proper alignment of their spine and bones. This helps in the healthy growth and development of their musculoskeletal system.
Safety is another critical aspect when it comes to crib mattresses. A well-designed mattress reduces the risk of accidents or injuries during sleep (they should help promote safe sleep habits!). It should fit snugly within the crib without any gaps or spaces around the edges. This prevents the baby from getting trapped or suffocated between the mattress and the crib. A firm mattress also reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by creating a safe sleeping surface.
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Crib Mattress Safety Standards
How to ensure your crib mattress meets safety standards?
When crib mattress shopping (or making sure your current crib mattress meets safety standards), it is important to look that the crib mattress has been certified by safety organizations, such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These certifications indicate that the mattress meets specific safety guidelines and standards.
Another certification to check for is that the baby crib mattress is certified as GreenGuard Gold. This means that both the item and its manufacturing process were strictly tested and reviewed for over 10,000 chemicals and VOC emissions.
How to check that your baby's crib mattress fits correctly?
Another important safety feature to look for are the fit and size of the mattress. Make sure the mattress fits snugly within the crib without any gaps or spaces.
To check that the crib mattress fits correctly in the crib, follow these steps:
- Measure the Crib: Start by measuring the interior dimensions of the crib. Measure the length, width, and height to determine the exact size of the mattress that will fit snugly.
- Choose the Right Size: Select a crib mattress that matches the measurements of your crib. The mattress should fit tightly with no gaps or spaces between the mattress and the crib sides. It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the appropriate mattress size for your specific crib model.
- Test the Fit: Once you have the mattress, carefully place it inside the crib. Push it to the corners and edges to ensure a proper fit. There should be no space between the mattress and the crib frame. Check for any gaps or areas where the mattress may be too small or too large.
- Check for Snugness: Press down gently on the mattress around the edges to see if it fits securely. A properly fitting mattress should not move easily or shift around within the crib. It should be snug and stable.
- Follow Crib Guidelines: Refer to the crib's manufacturer guidelines and assembly instructions to ensure that you're placing the mattress correctly within the crib. Some cribs have adjustable mattress heights, so make sure you position the mattress at the recommended level according to your baby's age and development.
- Regularly Inspect and Adjust: Regularly check the mattress fit to ensure it remains snug and secure over time. As your baby grows, you may need to adjust the mattress height to maintain a safe sleep environment.
Other safety features the crib mattress should have are good ventilation and breathability, reducing the risk of overheating and promoting safe sleep. And choose a firm mattress for your baby's crib. A firm surface helps reduce the risk of suffocation and provides optimal support for the baby's spine.
Firmness and Support
Choosing the right firmness in a crib mattress is essential for your baby's safety and comfort. When choosing the right firmness for your baby always follow safety recommendations and guidelines. Outside of that, it's a good option to ask for recommendations from friends, family, reputable online sources, and even your pediatrician! Other things to consider are the age of your baby, quality of the materials, and personal preference!
As time passes and your baby is actively sleeping on their new crib mattress, it is important to check for signs of wear and tear, possibly sagging in the mattress. Start by visually examining the mattress, looking for tears, holes and frayed edges on the cover or seams. Inspect the surface of the mattress for signs of unevenness, sagging or indentations. Next, look for any noticeable stains and take a sniff to see if you can find any noticeable odors. Stains could indicate spills or accidents that may have seeped into the mattress layers. Lingering odors may be a sign of mold or mildew growth, which can compromise the mattress's hygiene and safety. Lastly, listen for squeaking sounds when applying pressure, if your mattress has an innerspring construction. Excessive noise or squeaking could suggest damaged or worn-out springs.
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Materials and Construction
You may be asking yourself, Do mattress materials have toxic chemicals in them? The answer is, sometimes yes. When crib mattress shopping it is important to choose a non-toxic crib mattressto help reduce the risk of chemical exposure to your new baby. By selecting a non-toxic crib mattress, you minimize their exposure to potentially harmful substances, such as flame retardants, phthalates, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals have been associated with various health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, hormone disruption, and developmental disorders.
When choosing a non-toxic crib mattress look for certifications, such as Certi-PUR-US, GreenGuard Gold, or Oeko-Tex Standard 100. These certifications ensure that the materials used in the mattress meet strict standards for low chemical emissions and are free from harmful substances.
The construction of the crib mattress is also an important piece. Look for mattresses made from high-quality materials. The core or support layer of the mattress should be sturdy and durable. If it's an innerspring mattress, ensure the coils are strong and evenly distributed. For foam mattresses, check for dense and resilient foam that provides adequate support.
Types of Crib Mattresses
Just like adults, baby crib mattresses come in different varieties. It can be overwhelming to understand the differences, so to make it easy for you, we have listed the pros and cons of the most common types of crib mattresses!
Innerspring crib mattress: features steel coils covered by a layer of foam, padding, and fabric.
PRO: Innerspring mattresses feature a core of steel coils covered with layers of foam or padding. They tend to be more durable and provide good support for infants. Innerspring mattresses typically have good breathability, allowing air circulation for temperature regulation.
CON: Innerspring mattresses can be more expensive compared to foam mattresses. They may also be heavier and less portable. Some lower-quality innerspring mattresses can have noisy springs or uneven support.
Foam crib mattress: typically made from polyurethane and ranges in thickness from 3” to 6” inches.
PRO: Foam mattresses are generally lighter and easier to maneuver. They are available in various thicknesses and densities, offering options for different comfort levels. Foam mattresses are often more affordable.
CON: Foam mattresses may have a shorter lifespan compared to innerspring mattresses. Cheaper foam mattresses can lose their shape and firmness over time. The AAP highly advises parents to avoid memory foam mattresses of any kind, including mattress toppers. Memory foam mattresses can create a pocket indentation, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Organic crib mattress: specifically designed for cribs that is made with organic and natural materials.
PRO: Organic crib mattresses are made from natural materials such as organic cotton, natural latex, or wool. They are free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, and synthetic materials, making them a healthier and eco-friendly choice. Organic mattresses are often hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mold.
CON: Organic mattresses tend to be more expensive compared to traditional options. Additionally, the availability of organic mattresses may be limited, and they may have specific care instructions, such as dry cleaning or spot cleaning only.
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Size and Fit
Who knew crib mattresses were available in different sizes and shapes! Don't worry, we are here to help you navigate through this and choose the correct size and fit. Start off by measuring the crib mattress, measure length, width, and depth (thickness). The standard crib mattress is approximately 52 inches (132 cm) long, 28 inches (72 cm) wide, and 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) thick. Next, compare the measurements of the mattress to the standard crib size, or the crib you have already purchased. The mattress should fit snugly inside the crib without any gaps or spaces along the edges. To determine if the fit is snug, follow the steps above in this article under "crib mattress safety".
Crib mattresses can cost a pretty penny depending on the material, certifications, thickness, and quality. When looking for a crib mattress, find one that can last as your child grows. Consider the size of the mattress and how well it will accommodate your child's growth. Choosing a mattress with standard dimensions that fit a toddler bed or twin-size bed frame can provide longevity and save you from having to replace the mattress too soon.
DreamWeave Breathable Crib Mattress
Dual Sided Crib Mattress for Infants & Toddlers
Our breathable baby mattress is significantly more breathable than a traditional crib mattress. The innovative design features our fully breathable DreamWeave™ core and a cover made from multiple layers of breathable quilted 3D mesh. Made with only baby-safe materials, this hypoallergenic crib mattress is also 100% washable to prevent germs. 100% recyclable, making it a great eco-friendly baby mattress choice.
Safety Reminder: Always place your baby on their back for sleep. Never use soft bedding such as loose blankets, bumpers, pillows, and positioners in the crib. Mattress core is not to be used without mattress cover.