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Finally we had fixed up the baby crib which was passed back to us from our relative after we passed to them 3 years back. The baby crib which could be converted to a toddler bed was still in good condition after 4 years. The only thing that we need to get for the baby crib is the mattress. As baby’s bones are softest and growing faster than any other time, baby will need extra support for their growing bodies more now than they ever will later. Therefore, choosing a good mattress is important.
Here are some of the factors that need to consider when choosing a baby crib mattress:
1. The size of the mattress.
- The mattress should fit fairly tight inside the crib. There shouldn't be an obvious gap between the crib frame and mattress, and we shouldn't be able to push more than one finger down in between the mattress and crib frame. Remember to measure the inside of the crib and measure against the crib mattress. This is to prevent accidents like baby’s head, hands or legs to be trapped.
2. Mattress should be firm.
- Push down on the mattress and see how much your hand sinks into the mattress. The more resistance, the firmer the mattress. Babies need a more solid sleep surface since they can't move themselves out of positions where their face sinks into the mattress if they get turned over.
3. Types of Mattress
- Foam Mattress
o Made of Polyether or Polyester
o Cheaper
o Lighter this made it easier when changing of mattress sheets.
- Choosing Good Quality Foam Mattress
o The weight of the foam mattress, the heavier the mattress = the denser the mattress
o The firmness of the foam mattress, the firmer the mattress the better. Pick up the mattress and try to squeeze the mattress from both sides, the harder to squeeze the mattress, the firmer it is.
o The resiliency of the foam mattress, the faster the mattress is able to regain its original shape when the weight is removed, the better the mattress is.
- Innerspring Mattress or Coil Mattress
o Keep shape longer and can last longer
o More expensive
o Heavier
- Choosing Good Quality Foam Mattress
o The number of coils or springs, the more coils or springs (usually more than 150 coils), the firmer the mattress is.
o The mattress which has border rods surrounding the edges of the mattress. The border rods provide a better weight distribution over the surface of the mattress and avoid sagging over time.
o Layers on top of the spring, which add cushioning and softness to the mattress and to prevent the cushion from sinking into the mattress over time.
4. The Mattress Cover
- Multi-layer covers are more durable. It is best to have nylon reinforcement within the layer, in this way; it will last longer as it can give it the right kind of stretch and ability. Some of the crib mattresses also have anti-microbial and anti-allergic cover which could be worth investing for.
5. Vents
- Most of the better quality mattress has vents as vents allow the mattress to breathe and prevent the mattress from bursting when the child jumps on the mattress. It will keep the mattress smelling fresh by venting out the odor. However, the vents might allow airborne particles to enter the mattress.
Finally, a good point to consider when choosing the mattress, it does not mean that a high cost and has a long warranty means a good mattress. It is important to read the label for specifications and choose the mattress that is best for the baby.
Well, hope we could be able get the right mattress for the baby so that baby is able to sleep well. So do you get a good mattress for your baby?
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I think it's really important to note that a new crib mattress should be natural as well. I know that as a first time mom, I was considering budget over quality...but with all of the news reports out there about how cheaper mattresses can not only irritate a baby's skin, they can even increase the risk of SIDS, I wasn't going to take any chances.
Plus, with all of the great manufacturers out there who've begun to realize that mothers are looking for better mattress options, there are some great opportunities to get high-quality crib mattresses for a good price. That means that even if you're feeling the pinch of the recession, you can still get a mattress that will help your baby (and you!) get a good night's sleep.
For new parents, I highly recommend using the Crib Mattress Guide , which is a resource that I stumbled across when I was researching crib mattresses that would be perfect for my new bundle of joy. It outlines everything that you could ever want to know about crib mattress shopping, so be sure to read up on it before making that expedition. It'll make everything a whole lot less stressful, I promise!
We discovered when shopping for our crib mattress that a natural or organic crib mattress isn't a cure all solution. Materials that are natural such as wool or natural rubber/latex often cause allergic reactions from babies. If you go organic or natural you should choose a mattress made from a material with low allergenic properties like organic cotton. I recommend the website Crib Mattress Help for more information about choosing a crib mattress.
Remember, just because something is labelled as organic or natural it does not mean it is always suitable for your baby!
It's extremely important to buy a crib mattress that fits the crib perfectly. I can't stress that enough. My wife and I bought a mattress that almost fit the crib, but had a small gap and our son once had his legs stuck in that gap. Not life threatening, but very scary, especially for new parents!
We were given an old mattress from a relative and almost used it but my husband and I discovered it was a much better idea to purchase a new crib mattress as the one we were given wasn't a perfect fit for our baby's crib and we were also concerned about some minor tears in the mattress. In the end we bought an organic mattress because we wanted the best for our baby and she'll be sleeping on it for several years.