Safety and convenience are the two most important considerations when choosing a crib mattress for your baby. Crib mattresses come in various styles now, each with a selection of widths, materials, and price points.
Table of Contents
However, buying a mattress for a crib is not the same as buying an adult-size mattress. Your baby needs strong support to protect its growing bones and reduce the risk of them suffocating.
Additionally, if there are spills, you’ll want a mattress that is easy to clean. You can also like the one with two sides so your child can use it from infancy through toddlerhood.
What Is the Lifespan of a Crib Mattress?
Mattresses for cribs typically last three to five years. But that can change depending on several variables, such as how much use and abuse it endures and what material it is composed of.
According to some experts, a mattress made of low-density foam may not last as long as an innerspring since it can lose its structure. Depending on the number of coils and the metal’s hardness, innerspring mattresses often have a longer lifespan.
Everything boils down to the mattress’s construction quality. The better the mattress is made, the better it will withstand the typical baby mess.
Which is preferable, new or old crib mattresses?
Used baby mattresses are more affordable and environmentally friendlier than new crib mattresses but are not as safe. They might have damage that makes choking or suffocating risks possible. These items may also contain undetectable amounts of bacteria and mold.
In light of this, purchasing a new crib mattress is advised to ensure it is sanitized and secure whenever it is practical.
How to choose a crib mattress
- Check the fit
Your baby should not be in that area if there is more than a two-finger gap between the mattress and the crib framework. Wide gaps increase the danger of damage and inhalation.
- Cost
The price of a decent mattress ranges from $90 to $200. You might need to pay more than $200 if you want a mattress made entirely of natural materials or one with an allergen-reducing cover, for instance.
- Optimal growth
Children outgrow things quickly. Select a reversible crib mattress with a hard and soft side so you will not have to purchase a new one once your child turns one. Mattresses that offer the right amount of relaxation and support are safe for toddlers to sleep on.
- Changing a crib mattress
Always verify the warning label on the crib for the appropriate dimensions before replacing the mattress. The crib may be older or have undergone modifications if there is no label. Replace the crib totally if you’re unsure.
How to Clean a Crib Mattress
Your choice of type and model for your crib mattress will affect how to maintain it because a waterproof mattress requires quite different maintenance than one that can be washed. When in doubt, always follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
In the same manner, numerous crib mattresses can be delicately cleaned. To get rid of as much dry material and dust as possible, start by vacuuming the mattress’s edges and sides. Applying baking soda or another non-toxic stain remover now may be a good idea if there are any stains.
The mattress should next be scrubbed or spot cleaned in a pail of warm water and a baby-safe detergent, followed by a freshwater rinse. Use a soft brush or a cloth, but avoid wetting the mattress with water or detergent. Lastly, use a soft towel to dry the crib mattress and leave it to dry in a well-ventilated area.
7 Top crib mattresses
Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic Crib Mattress
The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic Crib Mattress is popular among parents who prioritize organic and non-toxic materials for their baby’s crib mattress. The mattress is made with 100% organic cotton fabric and filling, providing a natural and safe sleeping surface for your baby. It offers a dual-firmness design, with a firmer side for infants and a slightly softer side for toddlers. This allows you to use the mattress from infancy through the toddler years.
The mattress has a food-grade polyethylene waterproof surface, which is easy to clean and a barrier against spills and accidents. The organic cotton material and breathable design help promote airflow and reduce the risk of allergens, ensuring a comfortable and safe sleep environment.
Naturepedic mattresses are certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and GREENGUARD Gold, ensuring they meet strict standards for organic materials and low chemical emissions. The mattress is made in the USA with attention to detail and craftsmanship, offering durability and long-lasting performance. It fits standard crib dimensions (approximately 27.75″ x 52″ x 6″), so you can easily find compatible crib sheets and bedding.
Nestbedding Stork Certified Organic Crib Mattress
The organic cot Stork mattress from Nest Bedding ticks all the right boxes for the happiest (and safest) nights. The fabrication of Nest’s mattresses takes place in an eco-factory in northern California, and the latex, cotton, and wool used are GOTS, GOLS, and GREENGUARD GOLD certified.
On request, Nest also provides oval-shaped cot mattresses so your kid may have the greatest sleep possible. Although the cost is slightly more than average, financing with a 0% APR is available.
They employ knit and woven organic cotton textiles that have not been bleached to make a premium external cover. No chemical treatments are used. Organic wool comes from New Zealand, a country with the best standards and laws in the world.
The Stork organic latex cot mattress is made from the finest organic latex on the market, as certified by the GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard). Free of synthetic fillers, then covered with an organic cotton and wool outer layer.
Sealy Cozy Rest 2-Stage Crib and Toddler Mattress
The Sealy Cozy Rest 2-Stage Crib and Toddler Mattress is a popular choice among parents looking for a versatile mattress that can be used throughout their child’s early years. The mattress offers a dual-sided design with different firmness levels. One side is firmer for infants, providing the recommended support for their developing bodies. The other side is slightly softer and more cushioned for toddlers.
The mattress features a waterproof cover that helps protect against spills, stains, and accidents. It can be easily wiped clean, making maintenance and clean-up hassle-free.
It is designed with a high coil count innerspring system that provides optimal support for your baby. The coils are made from durable steel and help promote airflow for a cool and comfortable sleep environment.
The Sealy Cozy Rest mattress is certified by Greenguard Gold for low chemical emissions, ensuring healthier indoor air quality and peace of mind. The mattress has secure edges that provide extra support and stability, making it safe for your child and preventing them from rolling off the mattress. It is designed to fit standard crib dimensions (approximately 27.25″ x 51.63″ x 5.75″), making it compatible with most standard cribs and crib bedding.
TEMPUR-DREAM™ 2-STAGE CRIB MATTRESS
The innovative Tempur-Dream 2-Stage Crib Mattress technology lessens motion transfer while safely responding to your infant for individualized comfort and support.
Unique Tempur-Response Memory Foam delivers pressure-relieving comfort that has been engineered and safety-tested. You can relax knowing your baby is resting on a safe surface since the materials have passed the toughest chemical and air quality testing (including being Greenguard Certified).
The CozyFresh Waterproof Fabric Cover for the Tempur Dream is gentle, delicately quilted, and breathable on a baby’s skin. Additionally, it is quiet, so if they move, it won’t wake them up. The waterproof liner keeps the infant and mattress safe, and the cover’s top and bottom feature 360-degree zip-off designs for simple cleaning.
To further guard against leaks and allergies, the mattress also incorporates a waterproof encasement that encircles the inside. This distinguishes the two phases (firmer side for newborns, softer side for toddlers) and enables the baby to use the mattress securely while the zip cover is being washed.
Therefore, the most cutting-edge baby mattress available for newborns and toddlers is the Tempur-Pedic® Tempur-dreamTM 2-stage waterproof standard crib/toddler mattress. It is designed with two comfort levels and is devoid of dangerous chemicals.
Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Crib and Toddler Mattress
The Sealy Soybean Crib Mattress is a great, small mattress for your baby or toddler. It fits well in your favorite crib or toddler bed.
Crib mattresses include cushioned layers inside that give your youngster comforting support and firmness. A cotton wrap around an infant or toddler’s core makes them feel safer and more comfortable at night.
This award-winning mattress’s sturdy, enduring, yet compact foam foundation is made from renewable soybeans. Toxins like phthalates, lead, mercury, or formaldehyde are absent in the foam. The waterproof, stain-proof cover guards against liquid spills and allergies.
Polysleep The Baby Mattress
The Polysleep Baby Crib Mattress offers a dual-firmness design, with a firmer side for infants and a slightly softer side for toddlers. This allows the mattress to adapt to your child’s needs as they grow. The mattress features a top layer of breathable, open-cell foam that promotes airflow and helps regulate temperature for a comfortable sleep environment.
It has a removable, washable waterproof cover that protects the mattress from spills, accidents, and allergens. The cover is made from hypoallergenic material to create a safe and clean sleep surface.
It has a removable, washable waterproof cover that protects the mattress from spills, accidents, and allergens. The cover is made from hypoallergenic material to create a safe and clean sleep surface. The Polysleep Baby Crib Mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, free from harmful chemicals and materials. It meets safety standards for flammability and is designed to provide a safe sleep environment for your baby.
The mattress cover is machine washable, making it convenient to keep the sleep surface clean and hygienic. It fits standard crib dimensions (approximately 27.5″ x 52″ x 5″), ensuring compatibility with most standard cribs and crib bedding.
Ecosa Cot Mattress
The Ecosa Cot Mattress offers adjustable firmness with a unique design that allows you to flip and rotate the layers to customize the firmness level according to your baby’s needs. One side is firmer for infants, while the other is slightly softer for toddlers.
The mattress features multiple layers of high-quality foam, including a breathable memory foam layer, which provides optimal comfort and support for your baby’s growing body.
The Ecosa Cot Mattress is made from hypoallergenic materials that are resistant to dust mites, making it a suitable choice for babies with allergies or sensitivities. The mattress is also treated with an antibacterial agent to prevent the growth of bacteria.
The mattress comes with a waterproof and removable cover, which is easy to clean and helps protect the mattress from spills and accidents. The cover is machine washable for convenience. It is is CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring that it is made without harmful chemicals and meets strict standards for safety, emissions, and durability.
The mattress has a ventilated design that allows for improved airflow, helping to regulate temperature and keep your baby cool and comfortable during sleep.
FAQS
What kind of mattress is best for a baby?
Selecting a foam crib mattress for infants is crucial to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation. Instead of becoming softer, it ought to be firmer.
Why do babies need a firm mattress?
An infant requires a solid, even surface while sleeping to enhance development. This is crucial as the baby starts moving around in the crib more. As babies start to push up, turn, and finally stand in the crib, they require a solid surface to offer resistance.
What is the best thing for a newborn to sleep in?
Place your infant in his own crib or cradle to go to sleep. While it’s okay to share a room with your infant, never a bed. Avoid using pillows with anti-roll properties or nests as sleep positioners. They might interrupt your baby’s breathing.
How long is a crib mattress good for?
Though some claim longer, the majority are made to endure for around five years. The five-year guideline should be kept in mind; lower it if the bed had a difficult existence and raise it if you have taken proactive care of it.
Conclusion
An infant can sleep more securely and comfortably on a firm crib mattress that fits the crib appropriately.
Brand and product research is crucial because different mattresses have different characteristics and requirements. People could also want to look into reliable companies and goods with good ratings.