Are all crib mattresses waterproof? Can I use a mattress pad or protector for a waterproof mattress? These are some questions most new moms seek answers to.
Babies and toddlers spend most of their time in cribs. For this reason, parents need to do all it takes to make sleeping safe and comfortable for their little ones.
In this article, we shall be focusing on waterproof mattresses for kids. Are there waterproof and non-waterproof crib mattresses? Are waterproof mattresses safe for babies? These are some of the topics to talk about.
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Table of Contents
Are Crib Mattresses Waterproof?
Although most crib mattresses are waterproof, there are quite a few organic non-waterproof mattresses out there. You have to decide which one you want for your kids.
Organic non-waterproof mattresses have no PVC plastics for waterproof function. However, they are made of non-toxic materials that are safe and provide the best sleeping surface.
If you are using an organic mattress, you would need to get a waterproof mattress pad or protector to cover the mattress. This way, the mattress will be free from diaper leaks, spit-up, or any spill.
On the other hand, waterproof mattresses are made of plastics that prevent the penetration of leaks from babies. Although waterproof mattresses contain some level of chemicals, they are made to pass through a series of safety tests.
Most new crib mattresses are waterproof while the old mattresses are organic and free from any chemicals.
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Do I Need A Mattress Protector For A Waterproof Mattress?
Although it is easy to clean a waterproof mattress if your baby messes it up, getting a mattress protector is essential. With a protector, you don’t need to ever bother about cleaning stains from the mattress.
Again, when you clean a mattress, it becomes wet and damp, which makes it a breeding ground for bacteria and germs.
If you decide not to use a mattress protector for a waterproof mattress, over time, there would be watermarks and some traces of tough stains. These may make the mattress look unkempt and not suitable for use.
The sleeping surface of your little one should get as much attention as possible. You should do everything possible to keep it clean.
Therefore, when you are buying a waterproof crib mattress, you should also buy mattress protectors and sheets. The safety and comfort of your little one should be your top priority.
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Are Waterproof Mattresses Safe For Babies?
Waterproof mattresses are safe for babies if and only if you don’t lay your child on the bare mattress. You should always use a mattress pad and a sheet made from cotton.
The waterproof feature of a mattress means that it contains some plastics and chemicals. No matter how little the quantity of these chemicals could be, they might subtly affect your baby over time.
Babies have delicate organs, and it is the responsibility of parents to protect their kids from harmful substances.
Even though there are safety requirements to meet before a manufacturer releases his product, most of these safety measures are not very strict and can be easily met.
Another reason you shouldn’t use a bare waterproof mattress for your baby is because of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Your little one’s face could stick to the rubber surface of the mattress, which could lead to suffocation.
Therefore, just ensure the mattress is covered with a protector and a mattress sheet and there won’t be any safety problems.
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How Many Fitted Sheets Do You Need For A Crib?
You should get as many as 3 to 5 fitted sheets for your baby’s crib. This way, no emergency situation would leave you confused.
If you want to be conservative, you should have 3 sheets. When you remove the dirty sheet, you need to replace it with a fresh sheet. Anything could happen to the fresh sheet in hours and a backup would be needed.
Also, you don’t want to leave a sheet for weeks without changing it. You should practice replacing a sheet after 2 to 3 days. This way, you are ensuring that your baby will be free from skin irritation that might be caused by dirty sheets.
Conclusion
You need to understand that there are waterproof and non-waterproof crib mattresses for babies. While waterproof mattresses are considered to be safe by safety standards, they still contain some chemicals.
Therefore, whether you are using a waterproof or non-waterproof mattress for your little, a mattress protector and a clean sheet are needed. This way, you are sure of the safety and comfort of your child.
