Your baby’s sleep is very important because it helps his or her development, growth, and wakefulness. For that, you need to buy the best crib mattress to help them fall asleep faster. To offer your child a good quality of sleep, the mattress they sleep on must be chosen with care.
You should know that for an infant, this accessory cannot be bought based on the same criteria as for an adult. To avoid any risk of accidents, it is important to check the dimensions of the product. Also, a crib mattress should generally be firm enough for the comfort of its user.
Finally, it must have a removable and machine washable cover for hygiene reasons. Therefore, you must consider safety, comfort, hygiene, and well-being when choosing the right product. To help you in your quest, we’ve put together a list of the criteria to consider when selecting the best crib mattresses on the market.
Follow our guide to ensure you buy the most suitable crib mattress for your child.
How to Choose a Crib Mattress?
Below are features you should consider before buying a crib mattress.
Common types of mattresses
Besides the classic mattresses, you have several models with more high-end features and functions.
Evolution crib mattress
For example, there are some evolutionary models which have several interchangeable stages. There is a first stage that accommodates the baby from birth to 6 months. It is usually a wrap-around plate with a very soft coating and an anti-flat head part.
Then there is a second, softer plate for 6 to 24 months old kids. Finally, there is a denser support plate, a transitional product between the crib and the regular bed. In the same vein, you can find a model consisting of two parts. On one side, there is a softer side suitable for children up to 10 kg and a firmer side for those over 10 kg.
Reversible crib mattress
You then have the so-called reversible models. This is a double-sided product catering to the baby’s needs in both winter and summer seasons. So, in general, they feature a polyurethane foam core for the summer and a woolen ticking for the winter. Thus, your toddler can enjoy a cooler bed in the summer and a warm, cozy one in the winter.
Mattresses dedicated to newborns
Then you have specific mattress models tailored for newborns. They have an ergonomic shape and are slightly curved to cover your little one up to 4 months old. In the same concept, there are the mattresses with the top slightly rounded to avoid the flathead and recurrent regurgitation during the baby’s first months.
Removable mattress
Finally, for the sake of maintenance, there are removable mattresses. If the child is sweating or regurgitating a lot, this option is more than recommended. The cover is removable and is machine washable up to 40°. Otherwise, you must use an anti-dust mite mattress. This is because humidity and moisture promote the growth of dust mites and bacteria.
The Size
You need to choose the appropriate dimensions if you already have a bed. In general, you need a mattress of 60 x 120 cm or 70 x 140 cm for a standard rectangular bed. It is crucial to choose compatible dimensions to prevent the baby from getting stuck in a gap between the bed frame and the mattress.
Then you need to look at the density of the product. A crib mattress should be firmer than an adult mattress to avoid the risk of choking. We suggest a density of 20 to 22 kg/m3. If you opt for latex, you can go up to 55 kg/m3 while providing maximum comfort for your toddler. Indeed, it will not feel rigid due to its low weight and build.
As for thickness and weight, these are secondary criteria. But for a more precise choice, you can always consider them. In general, a crib mattress is 8 to 12 cm thick and weighs 2 to 4 kg.
The Filling
The filling of the mattress guarantees the baby’s comfort. There are four types of filling among which you will surely find the right one. First, there is the foam mattress which is the most popular option. This material is very comfortable since it is light and conveniently follows the baby’s body shape. In addition, it is more manageable when changing sheets.
Then there is the coconut fiber mattress, an ecological material that helps preserve the planet. Best of all, it’s breathable and prevents moisture build-up causing bacteria growth and mites. This is the ideal choice if high hygiene standards are among your top priorities when it comes to caring for your little angel.
Finally, the woolen mattress is recommended for lovers of natural products. It stands out because this material is both thermoregulatory and insulating. This product is perfect for babies who sweat a lot because it dries very quickly. Overall, this mattress offers a very soft heart.
The Cover Material
After the padding, you should focus on the mattress cover. It is in direct contact with your baby’s skin and must be made with a soft and natural material. Here are the most commonly used cover materials.
Bamboo fiber: First you have bamboo fiber which is highly recommended for babies sensitive to allergies. Also, this material has an anti-mite property.
Organic cotton: Organic cotton is also a good alternative. Beware of classic cotton as the manufacturing of it has much negative impact on the environment. Organic cotton is free from static electricity to ensure good quality sleep for babies. However, it should be noted that it is less absorbent than other materials.
Wool: Wool is very soft and therefore comfortable to the baby’s gentle skin. In addition, it helps regulate body temperature. This material dries quickly in case of heavy breathing.
Tencel: Finally, Tencel is also a 100% natural material. It has absorbent and breathable properties to keep cool in summer and warm in winter.
Conclusion
We advise you to pick the right mattress for your baby based on the criteria we mentioned in our guide. Most importantly, choose the right dimensions and materials to adapt the mattress to the box spring. Then choose a model that is firm enough to help prevent suffocation.
When it comes to hygiene and practicality, it is better to pick a removable cover that is machine washable. Finally, don’t forget to also consider the design side and the price point.