Deciding on nursery curtains and bedding sets sound a lot more exciting than buying a crib mattress but finding the best crib mattress that is right and perfect for your baby is important, as this will help her sleep comfortably and safely through the night.
Next to picking out the perfect crib and the cutest bedding, buying a crib mattress may seem like an afterthought. Yet, crib mattresses ensure that your baby not only sleeps comfortably but also that he’s safe while sleeping. The mattress should be firm so that if your baby curls up next to the side of the crib, he can’t become stuck between the crib parts and an ill-fitting mattress.
Keep in mind that this mattress will lull your baby to sleep and most likely stay with her through her toddler years (envision her bracing herself against the crib while jumping on the mattress). You may also choose to transfer the mattress to a kid’s bed. When you think about how much use you will get out of your baby’s mattress, you may not be so casual about deciding on the right one. Not to worry! Follow our guide to find the best mattress for your baby.
Crib Mattress Basics
When it comes to crib mattresses the most popular models come in two varieties: innerspring and foam. As the name implies, with an innerspring, metal coils are padded in the interior, similar to an adult mattress. Foam models are stuffed with—you guessed it—foam padding. There are varying degrees of firmness within both models. For instance, the coil count can be anywhere from 150 to 600 with an innerspring (often the more coils in the mattress, the more durable and supportive the innerspring unit). Foam mattresses come in high-density and regular varieties.
The standard size for a mattress is 51 5/8 inches by 27 1/4 inches, with the mattress thickness of no more than 6 inches. Most models come in 4-, 5-, or 6-inch thicknesses.
The exterior makeup of crib mattresses is all about durability. Most mattresses are covered in vinyl, with higher-end models offering quilted vinyl or even several layers of vinyl. Fabric binding seals the vinyl encasing. Side vent holes keep the air balanced so that as the baby moves the mattress stays level. The vents have the added benefit of allowing odors to escape.
Other features include hypo-allergenic, waterproof, flame-retardant, and bacteria- and stain-resistant properties in the exterior covering.
Choosing a Mattress
There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a crib mattress—the first thing is to check your store’s return policy. Many online stores offer warranty and return policy as well. While cribs and mattresses normally adhere to standard sizes, you can’t be sure you have a perfect fit until you give it a try. It should fit snugly with no more than two fingers width between the mattress edges and the side of the crib.
Along with the finger check, test the mattress for firmness. Consider more than that cushy feel you always prefer in a mattress; you need something that will hold its shape and stay flat. Push down on the center and sides of the mattress to test that the mattress holds its shape under weight. You can try this in the store but plan on doing a more thorough test at home.
Don’t hesitate to return a mattress if you don’t think it fits correctly in your crib, or if it’s not firm enough. Some 150 coil-counts are firmer than others, while some high-density foam mattresses might appear a better fit for your particular crib. Several reliable brands offer models that adhere to both federally mandated and stricter voluntary standards.
Innerspring Mattresses
Most parents opt for innerspring mattresses based on their durability and firmness. Innersprings come with layers of padding between the coils and the exterior. As an added bonus, the exterior covering of most innerspring mattresses is waterproof.
Some disadvantages to inner springs are that the springs tend to be noisier than their foam counterparts. Innersprings weigh more and are often more expensive than foam.
Foam Mattresses
If you choose a foam mattress you’ll probably be spending less on the mattress, but it may not last as long. Heavy toddler jumping may leave permanent lumps. But many parents find foam a comfortable—not to mention lighter—alternative to innerspring mattresses. When you’re changing your baby’s bedding in the dark, in the middle of the night, you might be grateful not to be lifting too much.
But be aware, foam mattresses have a history of exterior problems like leaks and tears.
Greener Alternatives
Looking to explore ecologically friendly mattresses for your family? You’ll be happy to learn there are a growing number of choices to consider. You can find organic cotton and wool innerspring mattresses. A growing number of companies are manufacturing natural rubber (in place of foam) mattresses as well. These products don’t off-gas and offer families all-natural, hypoallergenic, chemical-free options for baby beds.
Safety Issues
Again, look for firmness when deciding on a mattress. Firm mattresses prevent your baby from becoming trapped between the mattress and the crib sides. Gina Osher from The Twin Coach blog suggests that parents spend a little more money on a sturdy crib mattress versus opting for a flimsy, cheap model. That doesn’t mean buy the most expensive mattress. In fact, she advises parents that labels can tell you only so much. Although she came up with her own list of best crib mattress you can start, still, you have to get the mattress out of the package and test it to determine its firmness and that it fits properly in your baby’s crib.
While you’re looking for your mattress’s firmness, also check its height. Most mattresses are six-inches tall, but some models are shorter. Ill-fitting crib sheets can come loose and potentially strangle or suffocate a baby. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) admonishes parents to pick a tight-fitting crib sheet that overlaps the mattress and can’t be pulled aside. Always look for a crib sheet size that fits on the mattress in your baby’s crib. And by “fit”, meaning it can’t be pulled off.
Ready to Shop?
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to start shopping! While it’s not as much fun deciding on innerspring or foam as it is to decide between princess or teddy bear–themed comforters, in the end, the more important purchase will be what your baby sleeps on. The right mattress will keep your baby safe and snoozing—so that maybe you can catch a few Zzzs yourself.
I love children and watch for hours when they sleep. After all, my dreams have a lot to look after and nurture them. I will accumulate these experiences. Good article. thank you for that
This is a great article. I always find it hard to choose the write mattress and is so important for a good night sleep. I love the pillows from the photo.