Baby cribs are all the rage these days, and parents are meticulous when it comes to choosing the best one for their newborn. Color, design, and composition are all factors that are taken into consideration. However, selecting the right crib mattress for your baby is just as crucial. It’s essential to know how to choose a crib mattress.
Hoping to find the best crib mattress and knowing how to find the best are two different things. If you’re looking to buy a crib mattress for your baby, there are a few aspects that you should consider, as well as different types to choose from. In this article, we aim to educate new parents who don’t want to compromise on anything less for their little ones.
How to Choose a Crib Mattress: Exploring Different Types
Now imagine you are looking for a new crib mattress for your toddler, and the seller is trying to lure you by negotiating the price. Will you neglect the mattress quality in such a case?
Organic or Natural Crib Mattresses
Although there are many crib mattresses available in the market, you should try to look for organic and natural crib mattresses. They ensure your kid’s comfort and safety the best possible way.
Here are a few organic crib mattresses:
1. Coir Mattress
These mattresses are made up of coconut husk. They are great at reducing the moisture and increasing the ventilation. Coir is best at absorbing heat as well, so it keeps the skin of your toddler safe even in burning temperature.
You will find a coil layer, insulation pad, and a cotton outer layer in these mattresses. The combination of these layers provides softness to your mattress.
2. Bamboo Cotton Mattress
Bamboo is an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent. So is the bamboo cotton mattress. The bamboo fibers are also great at maintaining the temperature, so the mattress doesn’t get hot and sweaty while sleeping.
Generally, the bamboo cotton mattress is made up of bamboo and PVC. The combination helps maintain the shape of your kid’s spine. These mattresses can also resist the dust.
3. Latex Crib Mattress
Wondering how latex can be turned into a mattress? Well, latex is an elastic material. The latex mattresses are best when it comes to adjustability. The latex changes the shape according to the sleeping position, and this feature helps to enhance the blood flow in the whole body.
The latex mattresses are free from bacteria and dust as well. They are durable and have excellent moisture absorption capacity.
Other Types
Other than the organic crib mattresses, you may also look for the foam and innerspring mattresses.
1. Foam Mattress
Among the most commonly used mattresses in the world are foam mattresses because of their affordable price. The major component of these mattresses is polyurethane, making them firm and resilient. However, ventilation is poor; hence, you can get all sweaty if you are sleeping on it.
2. Innerspring Mattress
These mattresses provide stability and comfort. They are mainly combined with coils, which are responsible for their firmness, and polyfoam. These mattresses can adjust according to the body contours.
The innerspring mattresses can also ventilate the air and stays cool. So, if you are deciding to buy the innerspring mattress, look for the one with a higher number of layers.
What Is the Standard Crib Mattress Size: A Quick Look
While debating over how to choose a crib mattress and which material you should pick, finding the appropriate mattress size is also essential. There is no universal size for the cribs as you can change the interior and design according to your preferences. Similarly, the size of a crib mattress varies with the crib size.
That being said, according to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of the United States of America, the minimum size for a crib mattress is 27 1/4” x 51 5/8” while the maximum thickness should be no more than six inches. Nevertheless, you can also use the rule of two fingers to check the size of the crib mattress. If you can easily place your fingers between the mattress and the crib frame, you are good to go.
What you are looking for is a mattress for a pack and play? This guide carefully reviews all available options and sizes.
Important Features to Keep in Mind
Other than size and composition, you should also look for other important features of the crib mattress. The best crib mattress should offer all or most of the given aspects.
1. Firmness
If you think that soft mattresses are better than firm ones, then you are wrong. The soft mattress can cause suffocation and even death. On the other hand, firm mattresses are best at regulating the air and ventilation, as well as provide comfort to your kid and ensure their safety.
To check the firmness of your crib mattress, press its center and edges. If it snaps back after removing the hand, it is firm enough for your kid.
2. Depth
As mentioned, the standard depth of a crib mattress should not be more than six inches. Deeper mattresses are common nowadays, but they can impede the sleeping process of your newborn. As such, it is best to stick with the standard depth of crib mattresses.
3. The Price
If you think that a good crib mattress costs a lot of money, then you might be wrong. According to the surveys and Consumer Reports, a good quality crib mattress’ worth is somewhere between ninety to two-hundred dollars only.
4. Do Not Look for the Second Hand
When it comes to bedding and sanitation, it is best to buy the new one instead of sticking with the used one just to save a few dollars. You cannot guarantee the safety and reliability of a used mattress.
5. Density
Denser mattresses are always better. To check the depth, place your hands on either side of the mattress in the center. Then, press your hands together. If you cannot press deeper, then it is the right pick.
Investing in Your Child’s Sleep
When it comes to your child’s healthy sleep, you can’t overlook the importance of a good crib mattress. Newborns sleep for long hours to develop and grow. But if they are having trouble sleeping, an inefficient mattress quality can be one of the reasons.
If you want your child to grow and sleep well, take the time to invest in a good crib mattress. The best crib mattress should ensure your child’s healthy and safe sleep.
Kelly is a mom of 3 and has a degree in Psychology. She has been a parenting content writer for years. When she’s not managing projects at Lullabybot, she loves to get outdoors with her kids and her dog Bandit, and baking desserts on weekends.
