How To Choose Your Cot Mattress
For everyone who had a fussy baby, you know its usually one of a few things. Hunger is probably the first thing you think of when a baby cry. They need to a nappy change, or they are tired, and they need to sleep. Tiredness is what we will discuss in this blog post.
A Newborn baby typically sleeps between 16 to 17 hours a day split into intervals of 2 4 hours at a time, its integral to a babys happiness. So, youll want a mattress that creates a safe and comfortable environment for your baby. Heres how to choose the best mattress for your child.
Firmness
What To Look For In A Crib Mattress
Shopping for baby essentials requires a lot more research than your purchases. Below, we’ve highlighted important factors to consider when buying the best crib mattress for your bundle of joy.
Crib mattresses are similar to adult mattresses but with a few special considerations. Heres what to look for in a crib mattress:
- Firmness: Crib mattresses are firmer than adult ones to keep babies safe and support growing bones while they sleep. Make sure the mattress is rated for infant use.
- Waterproof: Crib mattresses should have a vinyl or polyethylene surface to make them waterproof and resist mould. If yours is fabric, be sure to use a waterproof cover.
- Fit: The mattress should fit snugly against the frame. You shouldnt be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib. If you choose a mini crib or bassinet, the same sizing rules apply.
- Materials: Some parents prefer mattresses made from natural and organic materials to avoid chemicals used in standard mattress production. .
Not All Mattresses Labeled As Organic Are Necessarily Non
Another major misconception: an organic label only implies that instead of polyurethane the crib mattress is filled with organic cotton.
The covering could your conventional PVC or even a complex vinyl-enhanced exterior.
Note that this does not mean that it is not safe for use. On the contrary, the vinyl makes it durable and water resilient enough to allow easy usability.
Even so, most organic cotton backed mattresses still contain artificial flame retardant materials which, of course, are not that green as most would have us believe.
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Snuzsurface Duo Dual Sided Cot Mattress
A brilliantly thought-out piece of kit – the best cot mattress overall, according to our testers
Star rating: | Dimensions: 120 x 60 cms, 140 x 70 cms
| Pros |
Before you can use the SnuzSurface mattress, you need to let it settle and breathe for seven days. This is because it needs to reform its proper shape after being vacuum packed for transport. This can be a little frustrating. However, it is at least nice to look at while you wait – the stylish mattress comes in a deep purple and brilliant white design.
When you can eventually use it, youll see it doesnt just boast good looks. Its been created with two differing supports: one for a newborn and the other for a toddler. To change these, simply unzip the mattress from its mesh cover and swap it around.
Our tester Charlotte tried out both supports on her baby. Overall, she was surprised by the difference they made to her daughter’s sleep. She kept waking up on the firmer, newborn side, but she much preferred the softer support that allowed her a bit more movement in her sleep.
But the innovation doesnt stop there the mattress is covered with a removable 3D mesh. This is is fully washable, so you can confidently get rid of those nasty dust mites. But more importantly, it’s fully breathable, allowing for good air circulation at night.
Keep The Bassinet Bare
When you lay your baby down to sleep, the bassinet should be bare. That means only the bassinet mattress, a fitted sheet if needed, and your little one.
While they may seem cute or cozy, toys, baby pillows, blankets, crib bumpers, and the like can all prove to be choking and suffocation hazards. And if you have a fitted sheet on your babys bassinet mattress, be sure that it fits tightly.
Once your baby is in a crib, the same rule applies. Outfit their crib with a fitted sheet like our Organic Cotton Sheets and nothing more! These supremely soft sheets are made with all-around elastic to guarantee a safe, snug fit on any crib mattress.
With 100% breathability, our muslin sheets offer superior airflow to keep your baby comfortable all night long. Choose from multiple classic patterns to fit your nursery theme.
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Let Baby Sleep In Their Own Bed
According to the NHS, there is an association between co-sleeping with your baby on a bed, sofa or chair, and SIDS.
It can be tempting to cuddle little on the sofa all evening, but being a parent is tiring and you run the risk of dozing off too.
If that happens, your baby is at a much higher than average risk of SIDS, so you should always take your sleeping baby and place them in their basket, crib or cot to sleep on their own when they drop off.
It’s especially important not to share a bed with your baby if you or your partner are smokers, have recently drunk alcohol or have taken medication or drugs that make you sleep more heavily.
Learn more about safe co-sleeping.
Crib Mattress Standards & Certifications
Safety is a huge factor when picking out a crib mattress. If you are purchasing your crib mattress in the US, it must meet safety standards set by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society for Testing and Materials.
According to the BabyCenter, the Juvenile Products Manufacturer Association does not test or certify crib mattresses.
There are some additional well-known certifications to take a look at if youre looking for a crib mattress that is made with organic or natural materials.
Mallmo/Shutterstock
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Graco Premium Foam Crib And Toddler Bed Mattress
This GREENGUARD Gold-certified mattress is light and affordable. It features a removable cover that is hand washable.
This mattress comes conveniently rolled up. However, people must lay it out flat within two weeks of purchase and allow it to expand over 72 hours before use.
The foam mattress is firm and contains no lead or phthalates. Its material consists of antimicrobial and antistatic substances.
Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Mini Crib Mattress
This crib mattress is suitable for both newborns and toddlers. People can flip it depending on what they require. For example, the infant side consists of firm, high-density foam, while the toddler side uses cool gel memory foam.
The mattress is nontoxic, hypoallergenic, and resistant to odours and stains. It is also polyvinyl chloride -free and eco-friendly. It is GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning that it contains no harmful chemicals.
The manufacturer states that there are no indentations or stitching, which are possible sources of germ buildup.
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Naturalmat Quilted Spring Mat
A high-quality, environmentally friendly mattress thats worth the price tag – the best premium cot mattress according to our testers
Star rating: | Dimensions: Multiple, including made to measure
| Pros |
The NaturalMat Quilted Spring Mat is unrivalled when it comes to environmental credentials. Its hand-made in Devon from organic lambswool and natural latex, coconut fibre and cotton. As a parent, this is genuinely something I lose sleep over, said our tester Amelia. I want to buy products that I know will help towards preserving the planet for my childs future. I love knowing where the product was made, what it was made from and that it wont end up in landfill in the future.
Unlike most cot mattresses that are brilliant white, the NaturalMat has a more natural colourway. While this could be off-putting to those who find chemical protection and white bedding more appealing, the quality of this product is second-to-none, according to Amelia. Her daughter Olga agreed – she consistently got a better nights sleep on this mattress than any of the others mattresses she slept on.
Its chemical-free, non-toxic and naturally fire retardant. The cotton mattress cover boasts an OEKO-TEX®-certified hypoallergenic treatment to protect against bed bugs, dust mites, mosquitoes and moths. It also has a five-year manufacturers guarantee.
The Best Mattresses And Bedding For Your Baby
With so many products on the market, it can be easy to get confused about what babies should sleep in or on. Remember, the safest mattresses for your baby are firm and flat and protected by a waterproof cover
The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their own sleep surface, in the same room as you, for at least the first six months. A Moses basket or cot is a safe place for a baby to sleep. Take a look at our product guide for help selecting bedding for your baby.
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Safe Sleep In A Bassinet
Part of keeping your baby safe while they sleep is choosing a safe bassinet and bassinet mattress. Once you have that checked off your list, be sure to follow safe sleep practices day in and day out regardless of whether your baby is sleeping in a bassinet or in a crib.
While we already mentioned one of the safe sleep recommendations: sharing your room with your baby, there are a few additional recommendations well discuss here.
What Are Some Other Benefits Of Buying A 100% Certified Organic Mattress
- Made from rubber tree sap, which means it doesnt come with harmful chemicals or emissions.
- No off-gassing , so theres no risk of breathing dangerous fumes .
- CertiPUR-US certified, which means its safe for your baby.
- It is also more durable than traditional foam mattresses are and doesnt require as much maintenance over time to keep it in good condition.
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Benefits Of Using A Bassinet
Bringing your little one home from the hospital is a memory that youll never forget! But once you get home, theyll need somewhere safe to sleep. You have two options: a bassinet or a crib.
Hint: take a look at our Bassinet Vs. Crib: Whats The Difference And Which One Is Best For Your Baby? article for an in-depth comparison and breakdown of the two.
What are some of the advantages of using a bassinet for your newborn?
What Are The Types Of Crib Mattresses
There are different types of crib mattresses to choose from, but what matters most is getting a quality one. Which type you end up buying is more a matter of personal preference. Here are the options:
Innerspring mattresses: This traditional mattress type has steel coils inside, which makes it resilient and sturdy. Above the coils, innerspring mattresses have layers of different cushioning materials, such as polyester, cotton or foam.
Youll see innersprings described by their coil count and steel gauge . Some models also have metal border rods that provide stability around the edges.
Innerspring mattresses can be pricey, especially if youre looking into higher coil count. Reliable brands range from $80 to $300. These mattresses also tend to weigh more .
Foam mattresses: These are typically made from polyurethane, a foam resin. Foam mattresses can be a great choice because theyre lightweight and durable, and are also usually the least-expensive mattress option.
When choosing a foam crib mattress, you want to make sure its resilient. Test this by pressing your hand on the mattress and seeing how long the surface takes to regain its shape .
Also, look for a mattress that has a higher density, which makes it firmer. You can test this by how heavy it is or by squeezing the sides of the mattress .
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Our Advice For Using Second
It can be common to use a second-hand mattress either from friends and family, or from your previous children. There is some research that found an increased chance of SIDS when using a second-hand mattress brought in from outside of the family home, although the link is not yet proven.
To help reduce this risk, if you are using a second-hand mattress make sure the mattress you choose was previously completely protected by a waterproof cover, with no rips or tears and is in good condition. The mattress should also still be firm and flat to keep your baby sleeping safely.
Whats The Best Mattress Topper For Pregnancy
If you dont have the budget to upgrade your mattress during pregnancy, consider adding a mattress topper to the mix. A topper can help soften up a too-hard mattress or firm up one thats too soft and lacks support.
The best choice depends on the state of your mattress and what type of feel youre aiming for.
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How Firm Does A Crib Mattress Need To Be And How Do You Test Firmness
Infants spend around 40% of their time sleeping. Its therefore important to invest in a suitable mattress. Choosing a firm mattress can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome . But how firm does a crib mattress need to be?
A crib mattress needs to be firm enough that it does not conform to the shape of your infant’s head, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. More specifically, a crib mattress should be between 8 and 10 on the mattress firmness scale. A crib mattress needs to be firm because infants lack motor control in their early stages of development and may sink into a too soft mattress and suffocate.
Related articles:
- How can you make a cot bed more cozy?
How To Choose A Baby Mattress
- Make sure that there are no sharp edges on the mattress and that it fits well into your childs crib or bed without any spaces left in between. Gaps can be dangerous, as they pose a risk of entrapment .
- Youll need to make sure that the mattress you choose is the right size for your childs bed or crib.
- Your child will be spending many hours on their new mattress, so youll want to make sure its comfortable. Look for a mattress that is soft yet firm , and avoid those with too much cushioning as they might cause your child to sink in when they roll over .
- The material the mattress is made of will affect how long it lasts. Mattresses made of organic materials like cotton or wool tend to last longer than those made with synthetic materials.
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