The number one thing parents are concerned about is the safety of their little ones. Since babies are going to be spending more than half of the day sleeping, adequate safety measures must be put in place.
You want to ensure everything is done right to give your baby the comfort and safety he or she deserves. For this reason, there are dozens of questions you want answers to.
Are crib mattresses safe? When is the best time to use a crib mattress for infants? What are the likely causes of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)? These are some of the questions we’ll be looking at in this article.
Related: Is a crib mattress the same size as a twin?
Table of Contents
Are Crib Mattresses Safe?
A crib mattress is usually safe for babies as long as the mattress is firm, flat, and free from external objects such as pillows, bumpers, blankets, etc.
A few months old infant needs a flat and firm surface for sleep. This is important for early-stage development.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, putting your baby to sleep on his or her back can reduce the risk of SIDS.
Most of the cribs you see on the market have undergone safety tests before being released for use. Cribs are designed such that they provide comfort and safety for infants.
However, whether you are using a breathable crib mattress or a non-breathable crib mattress, it is always good to use a sheet on it.
Do not place your little one directly on the mattress, especially a mattress that is made from plastic and contains some amount of chemicals.
If your child is already rolling over, he or she could stick his or her face to the plastic surface. That could lead to suffocation. Therefore it is recommended to use a crib mattress cover and a sheet for maximum comfort and safety.
Related article: Are crib mattresses waterproof? (Read this first!)
Using A Crib For A Newborn – Is It Safe?
There is no safety concern whatsoever in using a crib for a newborn. However, you must make sure the crib is free from any other objects such as bumpers, pillows, blankets, etc.
Typically, it is recommended that babies stay inside a bassinet for a few months after birth before transitioning to a crib. This is because a bassinet is portable and tends to offer an environment that is similar to the womb.
However, most parents prefer to use a crib from the get-go as they feel it is more spacious and convenient. It all depends on what you want. Some pediatricians even recommend using a crib for newborns.
As long as the crib mattress is firm and flat, you shouldn’t have any issue using it for your newborn. But if you want something portable and lightweight for a start, then go with a bassinet.
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What Is The Recommended Age To Start Using A Crib For Babies?
If you want to follow the general standard, it is recommended to start using a crib for your baby at about 4 to 6 months after birth.
At that stage, babies are no longer tiny and some babies might have outgrown the bassinet. Bassinets come with weight limits, which determine when to transition from a bassinet to a crib.
However, the growth and development of babies vary. If your baby is still sleeping comfortably inside a bassinet and he or she is still within the weight limit, you don’t need to rush the transition process.
While a baby outgrows a bassinet at 3 to 4 months, it might take another baby 6 to 7 months. Once you understand the basics, you’d know the right time to transition.
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Likely Causes Of SIDS With Crib Mattresses
If you want to drastically reduce the risk of SIDS, you must stick to the general safety rules for babies during sleep time. below are the likely causes of SIDS for babies;
- Sleeping on a mattress that is too soft
- laying your little one to sleep with his or her face facing downward
- Placing other objects such as pillows, bumpers, blankets, etc. inside the crib
- Using a sheet that is loose and not well-tucked
- Overheating
All these things can be easily controlled to prevent any mishap from happening.
Buying A Used Crib Mattress – Is It Advisable?
It is not advisable to buy a used crib mattress because, over time, the mattress loses its shape and firmness. As a parent, you don’t want to use a mattress that is soft and uneven for your little one.
However, if you must buy a used crib mattress, you should know its history – when it was bought and how many kids have used it.
In some cases, you could be lucky to get a mattress that is almost as good as a new one. But if you notice any deformity with the mattress, please steer clear from it.
While it is still okay to buy a used crib (if all the parts are still intact), I wouldn’t recommend that you buy a used mattress, except for a few special circumstances.
Read this: How much are used baby cribs? (Complete guide)
Top 3 Safest Crib Mattresses On The Market
If you are looking for the safest crib mattress to buy for your little one, you don’t need a long list of items to make your choice. We have researched the top 3 mattresses you should consider buying on the market.
$299.99
$89.99
$67.75
$399
Conclusion
Using a crib mattress for your baby is completely safe as long as it is still firm and flat. Also, make sure the sleeping environment is free from items such as pillows, bumpers, and blankets.
During hot weather, make sure the crib is well-ventilated to avoid overheating. If you can follow these simple safety guidelines, you shouldn’t have any safety concerns about a crib mattress.
