There are many things to consider when buying a crib mattress for your baby. Here are some hints to help you make an educated choice.
Buying a crib mattress for your baby's crib is an important task. The good news is that most crib mattresses nowadays adhere to national standards, so you don't have to go out and buy the most expensive one available. On the other hand, you probably don't want to buy the cheapest one, either. There are also a few things you should keep in mind when purchasing a crib mattress. As of 2005, all crib mattresses are supposed to conform to federal fire safety regulations for bedding, so check that your mattress meets these qualifications, and if it does not state that it meets these standards, you should probably go with another brand of crib mattress.
The standard size for a crib mattress is 51 5/8 x 27 ΒΌ. A crib mattress should be very close to this measurement. A good way to tell if the crib mattress fits snugly enough in your crib is to see if you can place two fingers side by side between the crib and mattress. If you can, the mattress does not fit snugly enough. You will need to choose a different one that fits more tightly in your crib.
Although size is the most important factor when choosing a crib mattress, there are other things to consider, as well. Some experts suggest that square corners are better than rounded corners on crib mattresses, because they fit into the crib more snugly and allow the crib sheets to fit tightly around the corners. Crib sheets should never be loose fitting, because the edges that are not secure can come untucked and strangle or smother a newborn baby. Crib mattresses come in two types: inner spring and polyurethane foam. The inner spring mattresses tend to be more expensive, while the polyurethane foam ones are less expensive. However, one is not necessarily better than the other. Comparing the features of each mattress and determining what your budget will allow you to purchase is what most people do when deciding what type of mattress to buy.
Your crib mattress should definitely be hypoallergenic and have a surface that resists mold and mildew. It should have firm support and be able to be wiped clean. Most people also opt for a mattress cover. These come in a variety of styles, most of which are waterproof, to keep fluids from soaking down to the mattress. The flannel-backed mattress covers tend to be more comfortable and safe for the baby, however, the ones that have a type of vinyl covering work fine. Just make sure they also fit the mattress securely to prevent corners from flipping up.
Babies do not need bulky bedding. In fact, experts suggest that babies be put in their cribs with no coverlets at all or only a thin blanket that has been tucked securely under the bottom of the mattress so that it will not come loose. Never place pillows, stuffed animals or bulky blankets in the bed as these can pose a danger to your baby.
