Thursday, 15 August 2013

7 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Crib Mattress

If you are expecting, choosing crib styles and mattress for your baby can be daunting (because of the myriad of options available). This article will help you make an informed choice by looking at the following factors. And they are:

* Does the mattress have square corners? If possible, a baby’s mattress should have square corners to prevent the baby from becoming trapped between the mattress and the rail.

* Does the baby’s mattress fit your crib tightly? This is to prevent any space between the mattress and the crib (which would threaten your child’s safety). Most crib mattresses come in standard size, but read your crib’s instruction manual for more details. How do you know if your baby’s mattress is tight? If you can fit 2 side-by-side fingers between the side of the baby crib and the mattress, then the mattress is too small and poses a safety risk.
* How firm is the baby’s mattress? Because babies are still developing bones and muscles, they need a mattress that is very firm; to accommodate their growing muscles and antics as they learn to turn their heads, roll over, and push their upper torso up on their crib mattress. 
* What is the mattress made of? Inner-spring and latex mattresses are good for babies. Innerspring mattresses will retain their shape longer and can provide a high level of support during sleep. An Innerspring mattress is as firm as the number of springs it has. If you go with foam, ensure to opt for natural latex foam, which is less toxic (compared to petroleum-based ingredients). Then ensure the mattress is thick enough to provide even support. Also, ensure the mattress is allergen-proof to protect your child from dust mites and bed bugs.
* Can the crib mattress transition into a toddler bed? If it can, this saves you money as you don’t have to purchase a new mattress when your child outgrows the crib.
* What quality does the mattress cover have? Mattresses with good covers will be the most durable. You can also add a mattress protector that is waterproof to keep your baby's mattress in good condition.
* How durable is the mattress? Infants and toddlers spend over 50% of their time on the crib mattress so getting a good quality mattress is important. The durability of the mattress also saves you money as you get to use it for some years.

Conclusion

Choosing the right crib mattress for your baby would go a long way in ensuring he or she gets quality sleep in the early years. As parents-to-be, we should give careful consideration to crib mattresses as well as styles of crib and bedding because the safety and comfort of our kids would give us peace of mind. 

Hopefully, this article would help you choose the best mattress for the money both for your kids and yourself.

Watch This Video for Help In Choosing a Crib Mattress