Apart from lots of love and a well-balanced diet, the other essential requirement that your growing infant needs is a good, deep and restful sleep. Whereas most baby cribs are built specifically to optimize your child’s comfort and safety, very few are pre-fitted with an appropriate baby mattress. This means that as a parent or guardian, it’s up to you to do some research and find the right one for your child.
Selecting the best crib mattress.
There is a lot more to making your new purchase than people think. If you took a quick glance at the baby mattresses available on the market right now, you would already know that the choices of crib mattresses are overwhelming. Before committing to buying, read through the Best Mattress Reviews available online while taking a closer look at these factors:
The types of crib mattresses.
Crib mattresses are generally named after the material that makes up the majority of their core. They vary from costlier innerspring models to more economical polyurethane foam styles.
Foam baby mattresses are typically lighter and easy to move around when you must pick them up to change sheets. If you would like to purchase a foam mattress, choose one that regains its shape faster after being pressed on. This will help your baby to change his sleeping position easier.
Innerspring mattresses are usually more durable than foam ones. Choose one with thicker springs which makes the mattress firmer. A good innerspring mattress should also have an insulator layer to ensure the cushioning layers don’t sink into the coils. The best insulator is coir fiber pad made from coconut shells. An insulator made of fiber pad or cloth pad, won’t hold up with time.
By taking the time to learn about the benefits and potential problems associated with each material, you can make a more informed decision as to which crib mattress is best for your baby.
Support and Firmness.
When it comes to a baby’s development, you definitely want a crib mattress with ideal support. In order to support baby’s growing bones and provide a safe sleeping environment, the crib mattress must be firm. Test the firmness by pressing the sides, middle and corners, which should spring back immediately. If the mattress doesn’t have the proper support, there is that risk that a baby could roll over onto their stomachs and not be able to get back over because the mattress has indented under them.
Mattress Cover.
Cheaper mattresses will have only one layer of vinyl cover or quilted vinyl covers. Better quality mattresses have double laminated covers. The best covers are triple-laminated, nylon-reinforced covers or hospital grade covers which have a thicker vinyl.
Make sure the cover of your child’s crib mattress accomplishes two things: it should protect the mattress core and keeps the insides from falling out. Choose a waterproof or a non water-absorbent cover. If it has a removable cover, make sure it is washing-friendly.
Air Flow.
Most crib mattresses have small vent holes. Look for models that have multiple vent holes, because due to increased chances of diapers leaking, mattresses without a good ventilation will tend to smell funny after some time of usage.
Crib Mattress Dimensions.
If you’re purchasing a crib mattress, you need to make sure it’s the right size! To do this, you have to know the size of your crib:
- Standard Sizes. Most baby cribs are “Standard Size,” and this is 51 5/8″ by 27 1/4″ by 6″ (max).
- Convertible Cribs. Most convertible cribs measure “4 in 1.”
- Mini Cribs. Mini cribs are a popular choice with many parents to save space (and they’re cheaper!). Usually, they are 38″ long by 24″ wide.
The mattress should fit tightly in the crib you place it in. Should there be any space left between the mattress and the crib, this could lead to suffocation or a danger of your child being trapped.
Weight.
It’s recommended to get a lighter mattress as it will aid in lifting it more easily. The crib sheets need to be changed every week and you need to lift the mattress each time you change the sheet. So a bulkier mattress will make your work more difficult.
Resiliency.
The crib mattress you select should have great resiliency. To test this, press the middle section of the mattress using your hands. The time taken to recover its initial form is the resiliency of your mattress. A quick form restoration indicates good resiliency, which is what you would like the mattress to have.
Cost.
As much as you would love your little angel to be comfortable when sleeping, you can only buy what is within your budget. But, the best thing is that crib mattresses come in various price ranges, and so you will always find something affordable for you. It is crucial to consider the cost and you should take into account things like whether you intend to use it in future for another baby.
Other things to consider:
Buy New.
Buy a new mattress, if possible. For one thing, it ensures the mattress is sanitary. If you get a used mattress or accept a hand-me-down, you won’t know for sure how it was cared for or stored. Mold can grow in improperly stored crib mattresses, and bacteria can fester on the surface from liquids (diaper leakage, spit-up) that weren’t properly cleaned up.
Choose One That Grows with Your Baby.
When purchasing a crib and mattress, you will find that it’s a huge investment. That’s why sometimes parents decide to purchase a crib and mattress set that will grow with their baby. There are cribs you can purchase that have the option of turning into a toddler bed. This means you won’t have to purchase a new bed or mattress.
It’s usually an afterthought, but the mattress that your baby sleeps on is an important consideration. Not only can it determine the quality of sleep your baby gets, but it can potentially pose safety concerns if it’s not chosen well. Firm, well-fitting and comfortable crib mattresses are the key to a happy, healthy baby. We hope this article will make the decision on what crib mattress to purchase a lot easier for you.
Photo/Pixabay
THERE ARE MANY MATTRESSES AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET. IT’S REALLY TAUGHT TO DECIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR MY BABY.THANKS FOR HELPING TO DECIDE THE BEST MATTRESS FOR MY BABY. REALY HELPFUL GUIDE.THANKS FOR SHARING THIS NICE BLOG.