Your baby’s nursery should be one of the most vital places in your home because your little one needs all the safety and comfort for development.
There are a number of rules to follow when it comes to the environment your little one sleeps. You don’t need to co-sleep with your baby, the crib mattress must be firm, babies should always sleep on their back, etc.
In this article, our focus will be on the crib mattress. Does a crib mattress matter? Do mattresses need to be flat and firm for babies? What are the implications of using any type of mattress for babies?
Related Article: Is it safe to put two mattresses in a crib?
Table of Contents
Do Crib Mattresses Matter?
Yes! A crib mattress matters a lot because it is the best sleeping surface for babies that are less than 12 to 18 months old. Crib mattresses are designed to provide the necessary support needed for a child’s development.
The two key features of a crib mattress are firmness and flatness. The mattresses of kids change as they grow older. For a start (between 0 and 12 months), the mattress needs to be firm and flat.
Using a soft mattress for your little baby increases the risk of suffocation. Since babies can’t help themselves, making the crib mattress flat and firm is the best way to reduce the risk of SIDS.
If you are planning on using another mattress in a crib, the mattress must be flat and firm enough. Also, for you to use any mattress for a crib, the mattress must snugly fit the crib to prevent your baby from getting stuck in it.
The recommended gap between a mattress and the crib shouldn’t exceed 1 inch. Keep this in mind and save yourself and your baby from any mishap.
Related: Is a Crib mattress the same as a twin? (Read this first!)
Can I Use A Different Brand Mattress For A Crib?
Most of the cribs in the marketplace have a standard size with little variation. If you must use any mattress for a crib, the mattress and crib must be compatible.
As long as the mattress is firm, flat, and fits into the crib snugly, you shouldn’t worry about anything. However, if you are buying a mattress for a crib, it is better you get one from the same brand you bought the crib.
Related: How much are used baby cribs (Complete guide)
The Key Things To Look Out For When Buying A Crib A mattress
Since babies spend most of their time sleeping in their cribs, you want to make sure you are doing the right thing to prevent any case of SIDS.
If you have a crib and are contemplating what kind of mattress to buy for the crib, below are the key things to bear in mind when shopping.
Firm & Flat Crib Mattresses
Enough can’t be said about these factors because they are the two major things needed for a baby’s mattress. A baby’s spine and other organs need a firm surface as they develop. That’s what a crib mattress offer.
If you are planning on buying a used crib mattress (Which I strongly frown upon), you must make sure the mattress is still in shape. Don’t use a mattress with indentations for your little one because it is risky.
Also, if a mattress is not flat, it can hurt your baby’s back, which could lead to further complications.
The Mattress Must Snugly Fit The Crib
The standard measurement for a crib is about 28″ wide and 52″ long. Therefore, a crib mattress should be 27 to 28 inches wide and 51 to 52 long. The space between the mattress and the crib should not exceed 1 inch.
It is always better to buy the mattress from where you bought the crib to avoid any measurement issues.
A fitted mattress removes the risk of your little one getting stuck in between the mattress and the crib.
Recommended Article: What you should know about water playmats for babies
Waterproof & Breathable Crib Mattresses
The essence of having a waterproof crib mattress is to prevent body excretions from sipping through the mattress. Also, a waterproof mattress is easier to clean.
However, you must be aware of the fact that some waterproof mattresses contain some amount of chemicals that are harmful to children. Most mattresses that contain Vinyl are not too safe for babies.
Therefore, it would be better if you don’t expose your little one to the bare mattress. Always make sure there is a crib mattress cover and mattress sheet on the mattress, and they must be snugly fitted.
A breathable crib mattress is also a good one because it removes any risk of suffocation during sleep time. But if you are able to get a 100% cotton sheet that is breathable and comfortable, there shouldn’t be an issue with your baby’s sleep.
Read this: Are crib mattress covers safe?
Why You Need The Right Mattress For A crib – Final Thought
Choosing the right mattress that meets the standard safety measures is very critical because it can have an impact on your baby’s sleep. Avoid using a defective or non-compatible mattress for your little one’s crib.
As parents, one of the things we fear the most is realizing that our kids have some health challenges caused by human factors.
Since a baby spends about 16 hours sleeping, our focus as parents should be on our babies’ sleeping environment. Choosing and using the right crib mattress matters a lot and it should be treated with kid gloves.
