Crib mattresses should fit tightly to prevent suffocation and increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). According to experts, two fingers should fit easily between the edges of the mattress and its edges in your crib.
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Mattresses should also be firm to provide babies with the necessary resistance as they learn how to push up, turn over, and stand in their cribs.
Innerspring
One of the most exciting parts of getting ready for a new baby is selecting the ideal crib. While choosing paint color and bedding patterns are great, choosing a safe mattress for your newborn's health and safety must also be prioritized.
No matter if it is new or used, always verify the dimensions against manufacturer specifications for a snug fit. Any gap greater than an inch on either side poses serious entrapment and suffocation risks for your baby.
Your crib mattress's core type also plays a vital role in how it fits together with its base. Innerspring mattresses feature various coil gauges to offer different levels of comfort and support, with higher gauge numbers providing more flexibly and longer lifespan.
Consider purchasing a crib mattress equipped with Wovenaire technology for optimal rest. Such mattresses ensure adequate airflow to reduce heat and moisture build-up for a more restful night's rest.
Foam
Although a crib's shape does not influence its ability to accommodate different mattresses, mattress size does. In North America, all cribs – modern, traditional, convertible, and nanny cribs alike – must fit standard size mattresses; however some cribs may need different or additional mattresses.
Too-small mattresses pose serious suffocation and entrapment risks to babies. Crib mattresses must measure at least 6 inches deep.
Firmness is another critical consideration, since soft mattresses may increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). To verify a mattress as firm enough, press into it with your fingernail; it should spring back immediately. Breathable mattresses help promote airflow to keep sleep disruptions from heat to a minimum; such mattresses typically feature organic coconut coir, rubber natural latex or CertiPUR(r)-US foam for improved airflow – however these varieties tend to cost more.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses, commonly seen in 3-in-1 cribs that convert into twin beds, use both foam layers and coils for support. As these hybrid mattresses tend to feel softer and more buoyant than innerspring models, they're best for light individuals or side sleepers seeking pressure relief; stomach and back sleepers also often benefit from them due to the additional support offered by coils.
Many hybrid mattresses provide exceptional edge support due to the coil cores' ability to limit perimeter sinkage, allowing users to take full advantage of all surface areas of their bed, ideal for couples or individuals who tend to sit or sleep close to its edges.
If you are using a shaped crib, make sure that its mattress fits. Since shaped cribs typically don't come with standard measurements, use a tape measure to make sure that the mattress fits snuggly inside it. Unless the crib came equipped with its own mattress, you will have to purchase one separately; try and find one that offers comfort while meeting flammability regulations as this will provide optimal sleeping conditions for baby.
Other
When selecting the ideal crib mattress for your infant, several key aspects should be kept in mind. First and foremost is meeting government safety standards while fitting securely in your crib – no more than two fingers should remain between edges and frame – as well as firm enough to support your infant without leaving an indentation that could cause suffocation or SIDS risks. Furthermore, any pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals which block air flow could pose a risk to SIDS risks should also be eliminated as possible sources.
Parents often prioritize finding a waterproof mattress that can be washed thoroughly from cover to core, such as Lullaby Earth's Healthy Support Waterproof Crib Mattress with chemical-free waterproofing that makes cleaning up spills and accidents simpler. Other options may include flippable mattresses designed specifically for infants, with one side designed specifically for them, while softer sides are best suited for toddlers; or organic cotton versions that are hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals.