Many people who've never had children, or are expecting their first child picture a baby mattress as something soft, fluffy, and welcoming - a cloud made solid. After all, babies are delicate, and should sleep on something soft. However, a soft, fluffy mattress is just about the worst choice for your baby. It offers too many hazards for a brand new infant, and you should choose something different. Here's a look at what you should really be looking for in a good quality crib mattress, and how to keep your baby both comfortable and safe.
The first thing to do is to make sure that you choose a mattress that's the same size as the crib. Mattresses should ideally fit the crib dimensions exactly. After all, newborns don't have a lot of motor control, and can easily slip between the mattress and the crib side if the mattress is too small. Make sure the sleeping surface goes right up to the edge to prevent accidents of this kind. If your crib is an odd size, you may be able to cut a foam mattress to fit, or have a custom foam mattress made.
The best choices for crib mattresses are either innerspring or firm foam. Foam should be reasonably high density - at least a pound and a half per cubic inch. If you can't find a density rating, try pushing your finger right into the middle. If the foam dents easily, your mattress is too soft and won't provide the support that a baby needs. You need to have a foam that takes a little bit of pressure to indent. Innerspring crib mattresses need at least a hundred and fifty coils, and can also be checked with your finger.
Choose infant bedding that's fire retardant to prevent problems, and shop for a good price without reduced quality. You can usually expect to pay between eight and a hundred fifty dollars for a decent crib mattress. Organic or hypoallergenic mattresses may cost more, but are becoming more popular among parents worried about their childrens' health. If you're considering a used mattress, make sure it's still in good condition. Worn crib mattresses have been linked with a great rate of accidents.
When you put your child to sleep, the room should be warm enough to allow sleeping with no blankets or one very light one. Do not put loose blankets or comforters under your child - a crib sheet should be enough. Put infants to sleep on their backs to prevent breathing problems, and make sure all toys and other objects are out of the crib. These safety factors are most important when your child is young, and become less vital as he or she gets older. The right precautions and the right mattress can help make sleeping safe.
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