Top 10 Best Crib Mattress Reviews and Buying Guide 2020

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Best Crib Mattress For Newborn Buying Guide

Introduction

When you’re a new or expecting parent, you’re inundated with things you need to buy for your newborn baby. One of the more important you’ll make is a mattress for your baby’s crib. This is particularly true, because babies can sleep between 16-18 hours each day. Since they’ll inevitably spend so much time in their crib getting their much-needed rest, it’s safe to say that shopping for your baby’s crib mattress is a big undertaking.

This big shopping decision can be overwhelming and even daunting for some parents. With an innumerable set of options to choose from and many variants to consider, including mattress material, comfort, cost and safety rating, it’s easy to why parents don’t know where to begin.

The first step is to commit to finding the safest and most comfortable mattress possible for your baby. Once you’ve made that commitment, you can begin your search. Lucky for you, we’ve done the legwork of compiling the things you need to consider when shopping, researching the differences between mattress types, highlighting safety guidelines and comparing top mattress brands. Every newborn should have the safest and most comfortable bed as possible. This guide features all the information and details you need to make the most informed decision possible when it comes to your baby’s mattress. It also includes product reviews of the best crib mattress for newborn and the best organic crib mattresses.

Why Is Choosing the Right Crib Mattress Important?

Because this is where your baby will spend a lot of his or her time, choosing the best crib mattress for newborn is extremely important. Your baby’s crib is where they’ll be able to rest and grow. The right mattress is not only safe for your baby, but it’s also supportive to help your baby stay comfy. When your baby is comfy, your baby is happy. When you pick the right mattress, you won’t have to worry about your baby waking up because their mattress is uncomfortable. Finally, and maybe the most important reason for choosing the best crib mattress for newborn is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

What Qualities Do the Best Crib Mattresses Possess?

When it comes to deciding what a good mattress includes, there’s a wide variety of things to consider. If you’re not lucky enough to have access to a comprehensive guide to finding the best crib mattress for newborn, it’d be easy to get lost. There are a wide variety of different mattresses available at different price points. Many parents, in an effort to save money, choose mattresses based on price point. Even though price is an important thing to consider, it shouldn’t be the only area you review. Here are the most important things to review when you’re choosing the best crib mattress for newborn :

1. Mattress firmness:

Even though you may prefer a soft, plush mattress, these types of mattresses aren’t safe or supportive enough for your baby. Soft mattresses are a choking risk for your infant, as it can mold to the shape of your baby’s face, increasing the risks of SIDS. In lieu of choosing a soft mattress, opt for a firm mattress. These mattresses will provide ample support for your baby’s changing body. So, even though a firm mattress might seem uncomfortable to you, it’s essential for your baby’s safe development.

2. Mattress fit:

If your baby’s crib mattress isn’t the right fit for their crib, it can pose a huge risk to your baby. Make sure to take measurements before you start shopping. There should only be enough space between the mattress and the crib for two fingers. The mattress should fit flush to the crib’s sides, though. If you have any questions, be sure to ask a store associate for help.

3. Mattress cover:

Let’s face it, babies aren’t the cleanest. From diaper blowouts to spit up, your baby’s mattress will get wet and dirty. If your mattress doesn’t have a waterproof cover or if you don’t purchase a separate cover, you run the risk of having to either purchase multiple new mattresses or risking moldy and germ-ridden mattresses. To avoid this, make sure to purchase a mattress that comes with a waterproof cover, or to purchase a separate waterproof cover for the mattress.

4. Environmentally friendly mattresses:

Eco-friendly mattresses are ones that haven’t been treated with potentially dangerous chemicals, making it a safer option for your baby. Additionally, you’ll be protecting the environment when you choose this type of mattress.

5. Mattress price:

Just because a mattress is more expensive doesn’t mean that it’s the best option out there. While some expensive baby mattresses will be higher quality, it doesn’t mean that they all will be. Branded baby products in general are more expensive. Generic names are just as good, if not better than some of these branded names. As long as you carefully review every one of your options, price shouldn’t be your deciding factor.

6. Mattress safety:

Safety should be the primary consideration you look at when you’re shopping for the best mattress for newborn. Mattresses have standards with which they must comply. When you’re shopping be sure to look for USA crib safety standards, federal flammability standards and GREENGUARD certifications.

Are there different types of mattresses?

When it comes to crib mattresses, there are a wide variety of mattresses to choose from. Here are some of the main categories include:

1. Foam mattresses:

These mattresses typically weigh less than other types of mattresses and are four to six inches thick. They’re usually made out of polyurethane foam. Here’s how they measure up in terms of considerations:

• Support: You can find a foam mattress’s support in the foam’s weight in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). The higher the number, the denser and more supportive the mattress.
• Firmness: Foam mattresses can range from soft to very firm. The vast majority of infant crib mattresses are at least rated medium firm or firmer. Remember, a firm mattress is the safest option for infants.
• Price: Foam crib mattresses, like normal mattresses, tend to be less expensive.
• Edge support: Foam mattresses tend to offer less edge support than other mattress options.

2. Innerspring mattresses:

Featuring steel coils in their support core, innerspring mattresses are heavy, especially if they include organic comfort layer materials. With at least one cushioning layer and an insulator pad, your baby will rest in comfort, even with supportive springs within the mattress. Here’s how these mattresses measure up in terms of considerations:

• Support: An innerspring mattress offers targeted support to your baby, depending on how your baby’s weight is distributed on the mattress. Because of this, they’re more supportive than foam mattresses.
• Firmness: Unlike foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses tend to be firm or very firm. Posing a minimal rollover risk, these mattresses are very popular.
• Price: Innerspring mattresses tend to be more expensive than foam mattresses.

3. Organic mattresses:

Any mattress that has been certified through the Global Organic Textile Standard is considered an organic mattress. The vast majority of these mattresses are foam models, but there are some innerspring mattresses that can be organic mattresses. Here’s how these mattresses stack up in terms of considerations:

• Support: If your organic mattress is an innerspring model, it will likely provide ample support. If it’s a foam mattress, its support will depend on its density.
• Firmness: Organic crib mattresses typically are either a single- or dual-firmness surface. The best organic crib mattress will have at least one side of these mattresses are firm enough for an infant.
• Price: Organic mattresses are usually at the top end of the scale when it comes to price.

Which is better: spring or foam mattress?

As previously mentioned, there are usually two categories of mattresses, spring and foam. Just like many adults, babies are fine to sleep on both types of mattress, provided that they’re firm. Both types have benefits and drawbacks to consider. Here are the biggest contention points between the mattresses:

• Spring: If you’re looking for a mattress that’s durable and can withstand use for years to come, a spring mattress is the best choice for you. Despite their durability, spring mattresses aren’t as budget-friendly as foam mattresses. Moreover, spring mattress tend to be heavier than foam mattresses, posing a potential difficulty for a parent to change the bedding and flip the mattress.
• Foam: With a lower price point, foam mattresses are a good option for short-term solutions. While they won’t last as long as spring mattresses, you can save extra cash upfront, but will likely spend more in the long-term if you choose a foam mattress. A foam mattresses’ lightweight composition can make it easier for parents to change bedding.

How big is a crib mattress & Are all crib mattresses the same size?

Federal law in the United States mandates that any baby crib mattress be at least 27 1/4 inches by 51 5/8 inches. The maximum thickness of these mattresses per federal law is 6 inches thick. These laws were developed after stringent safety testing, which found that babies can sink down into thicker mattresses, posing a suffocation risks. Thick mattresses have also been proven to be warmer, which can pose a risk of overheating to a small human who can’t regulate their own temperature well.

Outside of these federal regulations, crib mattresses can come in a variety of sizes. This is where your due diligence comes into play. You’ll need to ensure that the mattress you choose fits snugly within your crib. If you choose a mattress that doesn’t fit, there will be potentially dangerous gaps around the perimeter of the mattress. The good news is that as long as you measure your crib, it should be easy to find a mattress that fits your crib safely. Don’t forget to measure before you start shopping.

Are used crib mattresses safe?

While some hand-me-down baby products are perfectly acceptable and safe to use, a used crib mattress isn’t always the best option. Whenever possible, try to purchase the best crib mattress for newborn.

Because babies often produce and secrete germs, especially in their crib, if a used mattress isn’t properly washed, infectious germs can linger on and in the mattress.

If you’re considering purchasing or using a used crib mattress, be sure to check for the following things to ensure it’s as safe as possible for your baby:

• Mattress fit: Above all else, make sure that the used baby mattress you’re looking at actually fits in your crib. Even if it’s in pristine condition, if it doesn’t safely fit in your crib, it won’t be safe for your baby to use. If it doesn’t fit, do not purchase or use it.
• Staining or odor: Carefully review the used mattress and look for visible staining or odors. If the mattress shows visible staining or emits an odor, it’s a safe bet that you shouldn’t risk your baby’s health with this used mattress.
• Mattress firmness: Remember, a soft mattress can pose a risk for your baby. That’s why it’s important to check a used mattress’ firmness. If the mattress is worn or has dips or flat areas in its body, it won’t be safe for your baby and won’t support his or her body.

Safety Considerations for Baby Mattresses

Here are some key safety considerations when you’re shopping for a baby mattress. If you choose to review any points of this guide, this section is highly important:

• Whenever possible, avoid a second-hand mattress: As discussed in the above section, a second-hand mattress poses many health and safety risks. While not all used mattresses are risky, the vast majority are. Thoroughly inspect any second-hand mattress before you purchase it.
• Keep the crib bare: Aside from your baby’s mattress and a fitted sheet, there shouldn’t be anything else in the bed. Having the cute pillows and stuffed animals within the crib may look aesthetically pleasing, but they pose a serious suffocation risk to infants.
• Have your baby sleep on their back: Babies should always be placed on their back when you put them in their crib to reduce the risk for SIDS.

In Conclusion

Hopefully, we’ve managed to de-mystify the confusing process of purchasing a first mattress for the newest addition to your family. You now know all the tips and tricks that come into play when shopping for the best crib mattress for newborn or the best organic crib mattress. No matter what model you finally plump for, you can now go and make a great purchase, confident that you’ve got all the important points covered. Your little one will definitely benefit from the thought and care you have taken over this important decision, as it will not only keep them perfectly safe at night, but also support their bodies. So, to you: happy shopping. And to your baby: sweet dreams!

Top 10 Best Crib Mattress for Newborn

Last update on 2021-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API