Selecting the right crib mattress for your baby requires both accurate information and diligent shopping. Taking the time to learn the hallmarks of a good mattress and making sure the one you buy includes them will yield many health and safety dividends for your child. Some factors you’ll want to consider as you look at crib mattresses are the mattress type (materials and style), construction quality, safety features, and your family’s specific needs.

Mattress Type

The first thing you’ll want to determine is which mattress type would work better for you and your baby: foam or innerspring. The type you choose will depend on several factors: among them, your baby’s safety and comfort, and your convenience. Both types are comfortable and safe for baby when you select a mattress of the proper size, firmness, and construction quality (factors we discuss in the Mattress Safety section below).

Innerspring mattresses generally weigh quite a bit more than foam mattresses, which can make changing sheets more difficult, particularly for those with back problems. If mattress weight is a concern, you might prefer to go with foam, which is much easier to handle. If not, either type should work well, depending on your preference. Mattress Insight shares helpful tips and guides about the healthy mattress.

Crib mattresses also come in conventional or convertible types. Conventional mattresses are of identical firmness on both sides, whereas convertible mattresses, also known as dual-firmness mattresses, are firm on one side for baby’s safety and softer on the other for greater comfort once baby becomes a toddler. Convertible mattresses preclude the necessity for purchasing a new mattress once baby outgrows his crib and is ready for a toddler bed. This can save you money down the road, though the initial purchase price will be higher than that of a conventional cribbed.

Mattress Safety

Mattress safety is a critical area that warrants a conscientious study and careful consideration before you buy. Several factors that affect the safety of your baby’s mattress follows:

1. Fire retardance: Manufacturers are required by law to use fire-retardant materials in constructing crib mattresses. However, as a careful shopper, you’ll want to double-check to make sure the mattress you choose has included this feature. Buying a new rather than used mattress can also help ensure that its fire-retardant qualities are in no way compromised, as they might be if improperly cared for by an earlier owner.

2. Size/fit: The dimensions of the mattress in comparison to the crib also play a critical role in infant safety. The mattress should fit snugly against the sides of the crib, allowing no more than one finger to fit between mattress edge and side of the crib. The thickness must never be greater than 6 inches. While U.S. law mandates the minimum dimensions of a crib mattress, it’s always best to check the size of the crib you plan to use.

3. Firmness: Infants require firmer mattresses than children or adults. Since very young babies may be unable to move into a safer position to prevent suffocation, mattresses must not be soft enough for baby’s face to become buried in the mattress material, thereby obstructing baby’s airway.

4. Construction: Quality construction methods can also help keep your infant safe and healthy. Vents found on the mattress edges allow for airflow within the mattress, helping to prevent the growth of unhealthy mold. Be sure the mattress you choose has a sufficient number. Also, check for sturdy seams that appear as if they will remain intact and keep the mattress sealed for the duration of its use. Never purchase a mattress from an establishment that is unwilling to make a full disclosure of all materials used in its manufacture.

5. Certification: To make sure the mattress you buy is safe, look for one that’s certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). JPMA uses rigorous standards to ensure the safety of a wide variety of products manufactured for children.

Special Considerations

Allergies: If allergies run in your family, you’ll want to make sure baby’s mattress is fully sealed, encased in an anti-allergy cover, and/or made from organic materials. While organic mattresses are more expensive than synthetic ones, they are well worth the price for anyone with major health concerns.

Your baby’s mattress is one of the most important investments you’ll make in his or her health, safety, and comfort. Be sure your choice is an informed one.

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