Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.
New parents find it difficult to determine what crib mattress is the best choice for their baby. During the first months, babies sleep for around 17 hours daily, so purchasing a high-quality mattress is crucial for their comfort and health. With so many aspects to consider, like material, comfort, cost and safety, parents find this task one of the most daunting ones.
Even if some new parents are tempted to bring the baby into their bed, the safest place for them to sleep is in their own crib. A good mattress will support their fragile body as they grow and will make them feel comfortable.
Here are the most important factors that should influence your decision.
In This Post:
The Size of the Mattress
Any gap present between the mattress and the frame of the crib can pose a danger to the baby’s health. The mattress should fit snugly in the bed frame, with no free space on the sides. The government has standardized the sizes of cribs and mattresses, but some brands still produce customisable models, so it’s important for parents to double check the dimensions.
The Firmness of the Mattress
Parents may find a baby mattress comfortable, but it’s not the best choice because infants need more support than adults do. If the parents find the mattress comfortable under their hand, it is probably too soft for their baby and it will not properly support their growing body. A soft mattress can also increase the risk of SIDS because it can take the shape of the baby’s face in time.
A dual-side surface mattress is a great choice. During the first months of life, they will use it on the firm side and once the baby is 1-year old they can turn the soft wide upwards.
Waterproof Cover
It’s advisable to buy a mattress with a waterproof cover. Babies are gorgeous but during their first year they produce a lot of poop and pee, and they inevitably stain the mattress. If the mattress is not properly cleaned, it can pose health risks to the baby, so a waterproof cover will keep the crib germ-free.
The Emission Standards
Crib mattresses come with multiple certificates, but the most essential one is the Greenguard Gold one. Many chemical substances are dangerous for babies’ health and it’s important for the parents to choose one with a CertiPUR-US certificate. It guarantees that the mattress they use does not contain any chemicals or heavy metals. It’s always advisable to check what the top-ranked crib mattress is before purchasing one.
The Price
Just because a mattress is expensive, it doesn’t mean it will offer superior quality, comfort or safety. Some mattresses from famous brands are pricier than standard ones, but it doesn’t mean they are also better. It’ always a good idea to check the recommendations experts offer. One of the products they present will fit the established budget. The best piece of advice we can offer to new parents is to start their search early, to spend time to research different models and types of mattresses, and decide which one is the right one for their baby.