Do you have a newborn and want to train them to sleep in a crib from a tender age? This can give you enough time for you to rest while at the same time giving the child enough space for them to enjoy a goodnight’s sleep.
The mattress you choose for your child can, however, determine how easy it is for you to achieve this. Though the process of picking a crib mattress can seem tedious, it is a crucial step that you need to take with a lot of seriousness.
Toddlers spend a lot of hours resting in a crib. According to research, newborn babies can sleep for up to 18 hours a day.
You should ensure that you pick the right crib mattress to make them as comfortable as possible.
A good mattress can prevent the baby from crying all the time. Let the following guide you into picking a crib mattress.
Fitting
The right mattress for your child should fit appropriately inside the crib. Ensure that you choose one that does not leave gaps since this is dangerous for your child. It should also come in the right shape and size to prevent the limbs of a child from getting stuck on the sides or edges of the crib. This also allows you to tuck the child in comfortably.
Ensure that you also accompany the mattress with a blanket that is not too high, especially around the shoulders. A baby’s mattress should also be at least 8 cm deep to give the baby ample support as they rest. For you to test the fitting of a crib mattress, try placing it inside a crib available at the store and determine if it the right size. Doing this before purchasing the crib mattress can prevent you from disappointments after purchase.
Firmness
You should also figure out the right firmness level for a child’s mattress. The right one should be firm and not too soft.
Going for a very soft mattress for a toddler is wrong since this can conform according to the shape of your child’s face or head.
It can thus increase the risk of suffocation. When a child sleeps on a very soft mattress, they can also suffer from SIDS.
Quality
As you compare the different mattresses for babies available at the puffy mattresses, you should also focus on quality.
Regardless of the particular form of mattress you choose for your young one, quality is what matters most.
Going for very cheap mattresses for a baby is not the best decision since they may not be of the best quality.
For instance, cheap innerspring mattresses are known to come with edges that tear within a short duration.
Most of the expensive mattresses for cribs often feature thick coverings which are resistant to puncture.
They are also reinforced using laminates or organic cotton. This is an indicator that you have to spend more for you to get a quality crib mattress. If you are on a budget, you can still get a reasonably priced crib mattress that is not very expensive.
A mattress that is priced between $ 90 and $ 200 should give you great service for a couple of years.
Do Not judge a Crib Mattress By Its Cover
Though mattresses for babies have attractive covers, you should not use looks alone to determine if it is the right fit for the child. Every feature that matters in a crib mattress is on the inside and not on the surface.
Some of the mattresses marketed for babies look good and even feel great in stores but disappoint after a few nights of use. Even if you choose to buy a crib mattress from a reputable dealer, do not always pay attention to everything that a salesperson says.
Do your research before going shopping and use certain criteria when comparing mattresses for newborns.
Try to figure out the components of a mattress layer to determine how comfortable it will be for your child. Push down the desired mattress with your finger and see if it springs right up.
Young ones need a mattress that offers more support than an adult. You should, therefore, not be in a hurry and pick the first crib mattress you come across.
Get a New One
Some parents like passing on items such as blankets, clothes, and even crib mattresses to new parents when they no longer need them.
Though accepting a used mattress from a friend can help you save, it may not be the best option for your child.
Instead, you should save enough for you to buy a new crib mattress for your child. With this, you will not have to worry about sanitary issues.
Others often go for second-hand crib mattresses sold at certain stores. Choosing this option is also not advisable since you are not sure of how the mattress was cared for.
Second-hand crib mattresses tend to develop mold quickly due to low hygiene standards. Choosing a new one, therefore, not only gives you peace of mind but also allows you to clean it regularly to prevent your child from discomfort.
Buy a Mattress Cover
As soon as you get the right crib mattress for your child, you should consider accompanying it with a cover.
The tight-fitting cover should be waterproof to avoid the penetration of liquids through the mattress. It should also be easy to wash so that you can ensure that the sleep environment of your child is always clean.
Breathability
A good mattress for a baby should also have great breathability. This can prevent your child from feeling very hot while sleeping. A breathable crib mattress can regulate the temperature of the bed, preventing overheating.
Research reveals that overheating can cause SIDS in young ones. If you have a history of conditions such as asthmas or allergies, you should look for a hypo-allergenic cover for the mattress.
Washing this covet at 60 degrees can help you get rid of dust mites, which often increase the risks of allergies.
