What Is A Crib Mattress?
A crib mattress is exactly what it sounds like — a mattress for your baby’s crib. However, it is much more than just a tool for comfort. A good crib mattress will provide your baby with the optimal haven when they are sleeping, support healthy bone growth, and will be comprised of materials that prevent incidents of discomfort or SIDS.
Obviously, choosing the right mattress is integral and demands much consideration.
When Should A Crib Mattress Be Bought?
Parents usually buy a crib and mattress before baby arrives, usually during the third trimester. This way, a proper sleeping place will be ready the moment your bundle arrives. A crib mattress should be bought at the same time as the crib purchase in order to ensure both fit properly and are an appropriate match.
When Should You Replace Your Crib Mattress?
A quality crib mattress should last up to three years. This is no accident — these mattresses are designed to last until the toddler years when your child is ready to transition to a bed.
The Different Types Of Crib Mattresses
There are different types of crib mattresses, each offering benefits to your baby.
Foam Crib Mattress
Foam mattresses are lightweight and usually less expensive than other types of crib mattresses. When purchasing a foam mattress try to find a model which is also waterproof and stain resistant — ideal components for those late night leaks.
Coil Spring Crib Mattress
Coil spring crib mattresses are much heavier than foam mattresses, but a quality coil spring mattress offers the benefit of durability and longevity.
A common misconception about these types of mattresses is that the more springs the mattress has, the more durable it will be. In actuality, the durability depends more on the thickness of the coils rather than the quantity.
Avoid bargain buys when it comes to this or any other type of coil spring mattress, as cheaper brands will often squeak and fail to provide the support of a firm, quality mattress.
Natural and Organic Crib Mattress
A quality natural and organic crib mattress is extremely beneficial, as it will be of a highly breathable quality and will not include chemicals or products that can be harmful to your baby. However, there are several cheap brands on the market that tout of being organic, when they really contain very few natural ingredients.
Finding a legitimate natural and organic crib mattress requires some research and asking plenty of questions before buying.
Memory Foam Crib Mattress
As with other memory foam mattresses, a memory foam crib mattress contours to your baby’s position. You probably have seen the commercials where a person will place their hand on the mattress and the mattress will hold that shape once the hand is removed.
The fact that the mattress holds a baby’s shape makes it a favorite amongst many parents, as this helps keep the baby warm and avoids discomfort. The only downside to these mattresses is that it can become too hot in warmer climates and cannot be flipped over.
What To Look For When Buying A Mattress
One thing that is crucially important when looking for a mattress is to see how firm the mattress is. A firm mattress will be able to support the baby properly and help with bone growth and development.
You also want to make sure that the mattress has not been previously used, has received good reviews by previous buyers, and that it does not contain harsh chemicals or additives. Mattresses that have other components listed as “hypoallergenic,” is flame retardant, has proper ventilation, and added protections against things like dust mites are highly recommended.
How To Prevent Dust Mites
Dust mites are the last thing you want your baby to encounter when fading off to dreamland. Many babies are allergic to these microscopic bugs, and just the thought of bed bugs is enough to make you cringe. Many mattresses have components that prevent dust mites, but there are additional steps you also need to take.
In order to prevent dust mites, be sure to regularly air out the crib mattress, wash the bedding, and freeze any non-washables to kill potential dust mites. The freezing kills the mites due to the fact these pests are attracted to humidity and can’t survive in dry air.
Sources:
http://www.naturalnewsblogs.com/basic-baby-care-safety-tips/
http://www.pickmybabycrib.com/crib-mattress-reviews/
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Dust-Mites/
