Let’s talk about baby bed mattresses.
If you are a new or expecting parent, you can agree that nothing is more important to you right now than making sure that your child is safe and comfortable. One area to really make sure you keep them safe and comfortable is in the crib. A baby has many special needs, so simply going out and buying any old crib and mattress could potentially endanger your child. It is important to do a little bit of research so you can find the best mattress to keep your newborn happy and healthy. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a baby bed mattress.
Crib Size and Mattresses
The size of the crib is something that probably seems simple enough, but should be looked at carefully. It is actually fairly common for crib sizes and mattress sizes to not mesh up exactly.
The mattress you should be looking for is one that will fit perfectly in the crib and not leave any extra space between the mattress and the bars of the crib. This is such an extremely important concept to remember because if a mattress is too small and crevices form around the mattress, a child could easily fall in between the mattress and the crib, or get a hand stuck. This is not a scare tactic, but it should be an important factor when looking for the best mattress for your newborn’s crib.
In almost every case, you’ll want to buy your mattress together with the crib itself to make sure that they match and fit together perfectly.
Mattress Firmness for Cribs and Baby Beds?
Many adults prefer a mattress that is very soft and that conforms to body. As it turns out, this can be harmful for a newborns development. Even though adults find a soft mattress appealing, the best mattresses for newborns are reasonable firm. This allows them to have the maximum level of support while still keeping them comfortable.
The Cover of a Baby Bed Mattress
When it comes to the covers, a multi-layer cover is a good option if you are looking for durability. It may happen that a one-layer cover becomes worn out or compromised by diaper accidents. There are also some crib mattresses that come with an anti-microbial layer, which is very helpful when it comes to protecting your infant from germs. When buying a crib mattress make sure to check if the cover is sealed and if the plastic seems to be sturdy. A completely sealed crib mattress is a good option if allergies are common in your family.
Brand of Baby Bed Mattress – Is It Really Important?
When looking for mattresses, you will probably run across many different brands and types of mattresses. Some will be inner coil and some will be foam. But is the actual make of a mattress important in this case? As it turns out, the make of a mattress seems to be less important for an infant, as long as it is still the proper size and correct firmness.
When it comes to new parents, many of them ask how to buy the best mattress for their infant. Just remember that a good baby bed mattress is essential to the proper development of a newborn, so quality should be a priority. But don’t worry too much about breaking the bank. A fairly high quality baby bed mattress usually costs only a fraction of what an adult bed may cost.
Here are some Baby Bed Mattress Brands:
http://www.kolcraft.com/products/crib-mattresses-and-pads/
http://www.moonlightslumber.com/
Want to Learn More About Baby Bed Mattresses?
Business Week has an eye opening article about crib safety. “Each year in the United States, nearly 10,000 children under the age of 2 arrive in emergency rooms with injuries suffered while in cribs, playpens and bassinets, a new report shows.”
Consumer Reports provides helpful, well researched tips on choosing a crib and mattress. “Size and firmness are the main concerns. If a mattress is too small, it can leave gaps in the crib that could trap and endanger your baby. If a mattress is too soft, it can conform to your baby’s shape, causing a risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).”
About.com has these tips on buying a baby crib mattress. “Buy a new crib mattress, if possible. That way, your baby will be protected by the most current flammability safety standards. Buying new also ensures that the mattress you buy is sanitary. If you buy a used mattress, you don’t know how it was cared for or stored. Mold can grow within improperly stored crib mattresses, and bacteria can fester on the surface from liquids (diaper leakage, spit-up) that weren’t properly cleaned up. So buy a new mattress, especially for your first baby. If you take care if it and it stays firm, you can save it for your next child.”
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