How to Choose a Baby Mattress

Even though choosing a mattress for your new baby is not near as exciting as picking out the baby crib and other baby products, it is a very important decision in terms of the safety and comfort of your baby. In the following discussion, we will review the issues you will need to consider when picking out the best baby crib mattress that meets your needs.

Types of Baby Crib Mattresses

Baby crib mattresses vary from expensive innerspring models to economical polyurethane-foam styles. One is not necessarily better than the other, given that they can both offer the same quality. Foam baby crib mattresses are usually less expensive than coil mattresses and just as safe provided they are of high quality. They are also usually lighter and easier to move around if you need to pick it up to change the sheets. The question, then, is how to tell whether a mattress is of high quality. Here are some tips that might help.

• Foam mattresses: In general, weight is a good indication of the quality of a foam mattress. As the weight goes up, the quality of the foam goes up because it means that the foam is denser. A second issue to consider is the firmness of the foam mattress. Generally, the firmer the baby mattress the better. Remember, one easy way to check the firmness of the mattress is to pick it up, place your hands in the middle on opposite sides, and squeeze. The harder it is to squeeze the mattress, the firmer it is. Lastly, you may want to consider the resiliency of the mattress. Resilience refers to how quickly it regains its original shape when the weight is removed from the mattress. A higher quality foam mattress will regain its shape quicker than a lower quality mattress.

• Mattress covers: Almost all mattresses have a vinyl cover. Cheaper mattresses will have only a single layer of vinyl cover or a quilted vinyl cover. Better mattresses have a double laminated cover. The best quality covers are triple laminated, nylon reinforced covers and hospital grade vinyl covers that use a thicker vinyl. Nylon is the best reinforcing material because it allows the vinyl to stretch and give without tearing. Keep in mind that some manufacturers use polyester or other type of reinforcing material. Nylon is still the best (and most expensive) in terms of preventing the vinyl from tearing when a toddler is jumping on it.

• Vents: There are pros and cons about vents which you will need to weigh. Most of the higher quality mattresses have vents. Vents allow the mattress to breathe and keep the mattress from bursting should your toddler decide to use it as a trampoline. However, vents also allow any airborne particles to enter the mattress. One good point is that vents are never near a baby’s face. There are two types of vents. Eyelet vents are small and usually circle all sides of the mattress in two or three rows. The second type consists of two larger vents on each side of the mattress. One type of vent is not necessarily better than the other.

Quality in Safety

One point of quality that’s the same across all mattress types is safety. A baby crib mattress should be firm and tight-fitting. You don’t want any space between the mattress and the baby crib walls. How much space is too much? If you can fit 2 side-by-side fingers between the side of the baby crib and the mattress, then the mattress is too small and poses a safety hazard. Most mattresses come in a standard size, 51.625 inches by 27.25 inches, which fits traditionally styled cribs. If your crib is a family heirloom, handmade or nonstandard in size, you’ll want to measure the interior carefully when it comes time to pick up a new mattress for your little one.

Make sure that any new furniture you pick up for your child has been tested and rate for safety, both in materials and construction. Older mattresses and furniture accessories could contain harmful materials or shaky construction, so it’s best to shop safe with trusted companies and organizations.

Final Words of Wisdom

With all of this information, hopefully you will be armed and ready to find a good quality baby mattress that meets your needs. Remember, price is not necessarily a guarantee that the mattress is of good quality. Just because a mattress costs a lot and has a long warranty does not mean that it is the best mattress. Read the label for specifications. Look into well trusted organizations in baby products like The Honest Company and if it doesn’t meet your requirements, then move on to the next mattress

Your little one deserves a good night’s sleep; it all starts with the right mattress. Now that you know what to look for, it will be easier than ever to find the one you need.