Selecting The Best Crib Mattress For Your Baby

You certainly wouldn't like to spend 10 to 14 hours a day sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress. Yet if you have a cheap crib mattress that's exactly what is happening with your baby. Of course he or she can't tell you he's uncomfortable. So it makes sense to get him the best sleeping surface you can afford.

So what exactly should you look for in a good crib mattress? Well there are several factors you should consider. First is the type of support system. For many years parents have debated the merits of the primary two choices, foam and inner spring.

The foam mattress is typically a less expensive choice. If foam is your choice, pick the mattress with the highest density. We're not talking thickness here, we're talking about the greatest weight. A heavier foam will hold up better under weight and rebound to its intended shape faster when the weight is taken away. Be very cautious of extremely cheap foam. Most are made with a lower quality foam that can become brittle and even break apart on the inside of the cover. This will reduce support.

A foam mattress does have several advantages. As we mentioned they are less expensive, but they are also lighter and therefore easier to move. Changing the sheets inside the crib can be a challenge but it becomes easier with a foam mattress. Lighter is undoubtedly better. A foam mattress is also more resistant to allergens than an inner spring mattress. There are no coils to hold dust mites and other things that will make your baby sneeze.

Inner spring crib mattresses are modeled after the adult innerspring mattress. A good firm mattress will have a coil count between 150 and 180. Anything above this, and smaller gauge wires are likely being used. That smaller gauge reduces support. Innerspring crib mattresses provide great support but are heavy compared to foam. Changing the sheets becomes a difficult and cumbersome chore. But if you want the mattress to last through several children, an innerspring will last longer so it makes more sense.

Your mother probably called it ticking, and the outer covering of a crib mattress is another thing you should consider. The majority are covered with vinyl. The better the model, the more layers it will include. Fabric will feel softer and seem more natural, but it must be treated with chemicals due to federal standards for flame resistance.

Lastly, you need to consider the size of the mattress whether you choose foam on innersprings. It is important that it fit snug inside the crib. There should be no more than a finger space all around. This will make sure the infant will not become trapped and suffocate.

As parents, our job is to make our baby's life as comfortable as possible. He'll be spending a lot of time on his crib mattress. It just makes sense to invest in a good one.