Choose a Baby Crib Mattress
Selecting a baby's first mattress can seem like an overwhelming task. There are a number of options available on the market today that have a wide variety of materials, sizes, and firmness. By understanding the differences and knowing what features are most important, you can determine how to choose a baby crib mattress that is right for your little one.
Steps
- Measure the width and length of your crib. Though standard crib mattresses are required to be a minimum of 27-1/4 inches (69.2 cm) wide by 51-5/8 inches (131.4 cm) long; some mattresses are larger to fit larger cribs. Purchase a mattress that fits your crib snugly.
- Check the firmness of the mattress you are purchasing. Your new crib mattress needs to be very firm to reduce the risk of your baby suffocating due to sinking into a softer surface. Assess-the-Safe-Firmness-of-an-Infant-Mattress-to-Prevent-Asphyxiation
- Decide whether you prefer a foam or an innerspring mattress.
- Foam options tend to be less expensive, but you must make sure that the foam is firm and dense and doesn't allow the baby to sink into the mattress.
- Innerspring mattresses typically cost more but offer higher durability. If you choose innerspring, select a mattress that has between 135 to 150 coils with a gauge lower than 15.5. These numbers should be found on the packaging. These guidelines are set by Consumer Reports and will guarantee the mattress you choose is firm enough for your baby.
- Consider purchasing a dual-sided mattress: usually one side is designed for babies and the other for toddlers, extending the mattress lifespan considerably.
- Choose a mattress with a very thick cover, which is also known as ticking. The best mattress options have multiple layers of laminate coating that's been strengthened with nylon. These mattress choices have the added benefit of increased durability, which means less chance of tears or holes.
- Verify that the mattress has been certified. This means it has met the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and is safe for use.
- Inspect the mattress for vent holes. A quality mattress should have small reinforced holes on both sides that allow air to circulate in and out of the mattress interior. These vents will help keep the mattress fresher by allowing odors to escape.
- Consider an organic mattress if you are concerned with the human-made chemicals, such as flame retardants that are in standard mattresses. Because these mattresses can be very expensive, and not all products labeled organic are truly 100% natural, make sure the one you choose has been certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This certification insures that the mattress is free of heavy chemicals and metals.
Tips
- Another way to test a mattress's firmness is to stand it vertically and squeeze it on both sides, as if to hug it. If the mattress squeezes easily, it's likely not firm enough.
- To check firmness of the mattress, push the mattress's center and around the edges. If you can see your hand print, or if the mattress pushes in easily, it's too soft for your baby. The right mattress should bounce back right away.
Warnings
- Never use an infant mattress that is too small for the crib. To determine if yours fits properly, slide your fingers between the mattress and the crib. If you can get more than 2 fingers in the gap, the mattress is too small and must be replaced to avoid risk of suffocation from the baby getting trapped.
- Avoid buying a used mattress unless you are 100% certain of its history.
- Avoid purchasing a used mattress. Body fluids from the previous child may have seeped into the mattress, which can cause mold or other fungus to grow. In recent studies, there has been some association of this fungus to an increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Related Articles
- Buy an Organic Mattress
- Assess-the-Safe-Firmness-of-an-Infant-Mattress-to-Prevent-Asphyxiation
