Choosing the first mattress for a baby can seem like a huge task. There are numerous options available on the market nowadays, with a large variety of materials, sizes and stability. By understanding the differences and knowing what the most important characteristics are, you can determine how to choose the right baby bed mattress for your little one.
Steps
Step 1. Measure the length and width of the bed
Although crib mattresses usually have a standard size of 70x130cm, some mattresses are larger to fit in larger cribs. Get a mattress that fits your cot perfectly.
Step 2. Check that the mattress you are buying is firm
Your new cot mattress needs to be firm in order to reduce the risk of suffocation your baby can run by sinking into a mattress that is too soft. There are simple tests you can do to check the hardness of the mattress (see the "Tips" section).
Step 3. Decide if you prefer a foam or spring mattress
- Foam options tend to be less expensive, but you need to make sure the foam is hard and dense and doesn't allow the baby to sink into the mattress.
- Spring mattresses usually cost more, but offer a longer shelf life. If you choose springs, choose a mattress that has between 135 and 150 springs with a calibration of less than 15.5 (these numbers should be found on the packaging). These criteria have been set by the Consumer Service and ensure that the mattress you choose is firm enough for your baby.
Step 4. Choose a mattress with a thick cover, which is also known as a cotton canvas
The best mattress choices have multiple layers of nylon-reinforced laminate covers. These mattress choices have the added benefit of longer durability, which means less chance of tears or holes.
Step 5. Verify that the mattress has been certified
This means that it must comply with the criteria established by the Consumer Service Safety Commission and that it must be safe for use.
Step 6. Check that the mattress has ventilation holes
A quality mattress should have small, reinforced ventilation holes on both sides, which allow air to circulate inside the mattress to the outside. These holes will allow the mattress to keep itself newer by letting out bad smells.
Step 7. Consider getting an organic mattress if you are concerned about man-made chemicals (such as the flame retardants found in all standard mattresses)
Since these mattresses can be very expensive, and not all products labeled as organic are truly 100% natural, make sure the one you choose has been certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This certificate ensures that the mattress is agent free. heavy chemicals and metals.
Advice
- To check that a mattress is firm, push on the center of the mattress and around the edges. If you can see your handprints or if the mattress pushes out easily, it means it's too soft for your baby. The right mattress should swell right away.
- Another way to check the solidity of a mattress is to stand it up and push it on both sides, as if you were hugging it. If the mattress squeezes easily, it is probably not strong enough.
Warnings
- Avoid buying a used mattress. The body fluids from the previous baby are most likely seeping into the mattress, which may have mold or some other fungus. In recent studies there have been associations between this fungus and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Never use a baby mattress that is too small for the cot. To understand if yours fits well, run your fingers between the mattress and the cot: if you can put more than two fingers in the hole, the mattress is too small and must be replaced to avoid the risk of suffocation of the baby, which could get stuck.
