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Baby Crib Mattress What To Look For
What to Look for When Buying a Baby Crib Mattress
Together with the baby crib, the other most important item you need to purchase for the new baby is the baby crib mattress. Do remember that your child will practically live in the crib while at home, so you need to seriously think about your choice of a baby crib mattress, taking into consideration the various factors that determine the safety or non-safety of the product. When you have this carefully thought out, you will not only make shopping easier and less stressful but you can also have the assurance that your baby will be safe and comfortable in the crib.
The first concern when buying a baby crib mattress is usually the mattress size, although this aspect should not really be much of a problem these days because most baby cribs and baby crib mattresses are manufactured following standard sizes making them almost interchangeable. The problem arises only if the crib you are using is of a special or unique style such as that designed for twins or if you are buying a new baby cribmattress for an old crib.
At any rate, you need to check the fit of the baby crib mattress in the crib frame. Safety regulations require a snug fit of the baby crib mattress inside the crib, the parameter being two finger-widths between the mattress and the crib sides. If the gap is wider, the baby crib mattress is small and must be replaced. Choose a firm baby crib mattress because a very soft one can easily smother a baby. Besides, babies need a more solid surface to sleep on to help in the development of their spines.
To test a baby crib mattress for density or how firm it is, pick it up and place your two hands in the middle, on opposite sides, and try to squeeze. The more difficult it is to squeeze, the firmer the mattress is and will be safe enough for your baby to use. Furthermore, you may also have to choose between foam mattress and one with coils. This feature is not really of much importance since either can be firm in structure and safe for your baby. However, if price is a consideration, you will find that foam mattresses are comparably less expensive than coiled mattresses. And even if you are after which one is easier to use, you may want to go for the foam as it is lighter, hence easier on the back when you have to pick it up for cleaning or a change of sheets.
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