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Babies spend most of their time sleeping, and we’d want to make sure that they rest comfortably and safely in their cribs. One of the best ways to give a baby a comfortable sleep is by using the perfect crib mattress. However, the choices you can find in physical stores or online platforms can be overwhelming due to the number of options. This is why it is essential to know the necessary consideration to find the best crib mattress for your little ones. Every kind of crib mattress has its own advantages such as being water-proof ,comfort or allergy-resistant.
In this article, we will be providing you with the details that you need to know about crib mattresses to find the most suitable choice for you.
Different Types of Crib Mattresses
First off, there are different types of crib mattresses, and depending on your preferences, you may like one more than the others. Their differences are mainly from the material that is used to make them, and that can mean differences in price, durability, and comfort. Here are the different types of crib mattresses:
- Foam Mattress
A foam mattress is a type of mattress that is made entirely from foam. The standard material used is polyurethane because of its durable and lightweight. You can do a quick test on the quality of the foam by pressing on it. It needs to be soft enough to provide comfort to your baby but not too soft that it doesn’t return to its original shape. An excellent foam mattress should be resilient and firm because this prevents the babies from suffocating. Usually, foam mattresses are the least expensive type.
- Organic Mattress
Natural and organic materials can also be used to make foam instead of synthetic materials. Cotton wool and coconut fibers are among the commonly used. Organic mattresses can provide the same level of comfort and firmness as the synthetic foam mattresses. You can do the same quick firmness check by pressing the foam. Since the processing of organic materials is more complicated, organic mattresses are generally more expensive than synthetic ones.
However, natural materials ensure that the bed does not contain harmful chemicals. Some foam mattresses even emit a strong odor, which can be a sign of toxic gases being released from the mattress. You can do an odor check on the mattress to detect any strong smell.
- Innerspring Mattress
The innerspring mattress is the traditional type of mattress that has springs inside the cushion. The metal springs are usually made of steel, which makes the mattress sturdy and firm. Crib mattresses made from thicker steel and more number of spring coils are even sturdier. It’s best to ask or look for these details when buying an innerspring mattress. The cushion can be made from either foam or organic materials. The innerspring mattress can be quite expensive, especially if you choose the thicker and more number of spring coils with the cushion made from natural polymers.
- Double-sided Mattress
A particular type of mattress is a double-sided mattress with a firm side and a soft side. The firm side is for babies, and the soft side is for toddlers. The price of the mattress can be twice as expensive as single-sided mattresses, although it’s a great way to save on having to buy another mattress for a toddler’s bed when the baby grows up. Care should be taken when placing the right side of the mattress in the crib. The firm side should always be the one used for the baby for safety purposes.
Choosing a Crib Mattress
Now that you know the different types of mattresses, it’s time to decide on which mattress to buy. The main things to consider are durability, safety, and price. Set your mind on how durable you want the mattress to be. If you want a long-lasting mattress, then go for the more durable types. If you want to have peace of mind with the safety of the baby, then go ahead and choose the mattresses made from natural materials. Lastly, check if the one you want is within your budget. Another factor to keep in mind is breathability of materials used in a mattress. If you want to keep breathable materials as a main factor,you may select one of these products.
You already know what type of mattress you want to buy. The specifics and other details come next. Here are what you should consider:
- Size and Fit
The mattress should fit the crib snuggly. Crib sizes usually correspond to mattress sizes, but it’s best to get the exact dimensions of the crib and check whether the mattress is too small. The baby may be trapped between the mattress and the crib if the mattress is too small. If you already have the mattress, the gap between the mattress and the side of the crib should not be bigger than two fingers.
- Surface and Cover
A crib mattress can have its surface made from vinyl, polyethylene or laminated ticking with nylon, which makes it waterproof. Some organic mattresses have cotton covers, and so it would be better to buy covers for it if you want to waterproof the mattress. Covers can also have vents on the side to allow the mattress to breathe. Lastly, good covers allow spot cleaning.
- Certification
In the US, the CPSC, ASTM, GOTS, and EWG issue relevant certifications for crib mattresses. You can look them up further online, and if you want those certifications, you can check the mattress you’re eyeing to buy and see if it has those certifications.
You’re all set! You have all the important information about crib mattresses. You can go to the nearest store that sells crib mattresses or go online to find the right crib mattress that is perfect for your baby, and that will give you peace of mind. You can also look for discounts or offers to get a good deal.
Final Thoughts
Doing a little research is essential to help ensure your baby’s comfort. Hopefully, the information mentioned above has made the decision making of choosing the best crib mattress easier for you.
