As parents, setting up a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your kids is very important. You want to ensure everything is done correctly and your little ones are free from any health hazards.
However, selecting the right products could be sometimes daunting and exhausting. This is because there are a lot of things to be knowledgeable of.
In this article, our focus will be on crib mattresses. Are all crib mattresses breathable? Breathable vs. non-breathable mattresses – Which is better? These are some of the things to know before choosing a crib mattress.
But before we go into details, it is expedient to talk about what a breathable mattress is. This might be useful for beginners’ parents.
Related Article: Are crib mattresses waterproof? (Read this first!)
Table of Contents
What Are Breathable Mattresses?
A breathable mattress is one that is made with materials with pores. The porous surface of the mattress makes it possible for babies to breathe through them.
A baby of about 12 months old has every tendency to start rolling over face down. When this happens, the baby can still safely breathe, thanks to the porous surface of a breathable mattress.
Again, a breathable mattress fosters moisture and heat dissipation, thus reducing the sweat on your baby.
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Are Crib Mattresses Breathable?
Not all crib mattresses are breathable. Non-organic mattresses are made with plastic surfaces for waterproof features, thus making them not breathable.
Breathable crib mattresses are usually organic mattresses that have porous surfaces.
However, this does not in any way mean that buying a waterproof crib mattress would affect your baby’s breathing. All you need is a breathable sheet that is clean and snugly fitted.
Therefore, you can either buy a breathable or non-breathable crib mattress. Whichever one you go for, you should be fine because these products have gone through some critical safety tests.
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Can Babies Breathe Through Non-Breathable Mattresses?
A baby can breathe through a non-breathable mattress as long as there is a snugly fit cotton sheet on the mattress. Waterproof mattresses are usually non-breathable because of the materials used for the top surfaces.
Does it mean waterproof crib mattresses are not safe to use? Not at all. As a matter of fact, most of the new crib mattresses in the marketplace today are waterproof.
When using a non-breathable mattress or a waterproof mattress, ensure you have on it a mattress pad and a breathable sheet. You shouldn’t have any problem using a mattress that is well prepared for a baby.
What Are The Chances Of Suffocation With A Non-Breathable Mattress?
There is a slim chance of suffocation with a non-breathable mattress because babies are not usually placed on a bare mattress. Also, even if you use a breathable mattress, it doesn’t completely rule out the issue of suffocation.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome can be caused by different factors. There is no clear evidence that points to either a breathable or non-breathable mattress as the cause of suffocation.
As long as your baby’s sleeping surface is clear of bumpers, blankets, and pillows, and the sheet is snugly fit, you should worry less about a breathable or non-breathable mattress.
The truth is, most parents prefer the waterproof mattress (which is usually not breathable) for their kids. Therefore you shouldn’t be scared of suffocation when using a non-breathable mattress.
Just ensure the sleeping surface is firm and safe for your little one. Whether it is a breathable or non-breathable mattress, it makes little or no difference.
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How To Identify Breathable Mattresses?
Organic mattresses are usually breathable while most waterproof mattresses are made from non-breathable plastic materials.
Also, if you check the label on the mattress, some manufacturers let buyers know what they are getting.
If you want to buy a breathable mattress, simply go for an organic one that is made from safe materials. Most waterproof mattresses contain chemicals such as Vinyl, which might affect a baby if exposed to it over a long period.
But with a sheet on the mattress, there is no cause for concern when using a waterproof or non-breathable mattress.
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Can Babies Sleep On Stomach On Breathable Mattresses?
It is always safer to place a baby on his or her back during sleep hours. Peradventure your baby rolled over face down, you should not worry about returning him or her to the original position.
One way or the other, the baby will find himself or herself in a comfortable position.
If your baby hasn’t started rolling over, you should always place him or her with is back in the crib. This is the recommended way babies ought to sleep to have it safe.
Whether it is a breathable mattress or a non-breathable mattress, the best sleeping position is sleeping on your back. This will reduce any risk of SIDS.
When Is The Appropriate Time For Babies To Sleep On Their Stomachs?
As parents, you should always place babies on their backs for as long as 12 months from birth. This way, you have drastically reduced the risk of suffocation.
Leaving a few months old baby to sleep on his or her stomach is not safe and shouldn’t be allowed. Most babies start to roll over at about 4 to 6 months. This is why parents should be watchful of their babies when they sleep.
Since babies’ organs are still delicate and developing, you don’t want anything that will obstruct the respiratory tract. The bedsheet should also be breathable and clean all the time.
