Best Type of Crib Mattresses of 2023
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Babies sleep around 10-20 hours per day, and this time is significant for their development, which is why the mattresses or the designated spot that they sleep on matters the most.
Choosing the best crib mattress for your newborn's crib is simpler than selecting a mattress for adult, because all infants need the same thing for safe sleep: a good sleeping environment, a firm surface, and a safe crib mattress free from chemicals- a great place to start.
There are a lot of crib mattresses out there, but how do you know what the best crib mattress is for you? Here is our step-by-step guide to help you find the best mattress.
First, know the difference between a Traditional and Organic crib mattress
Traditional mattresses are made with petroleum-based foams known as polyurethane or memory foam which are often soaked or sprayed with toxic fire retardants such as formaldehyde, making them highly flammable.
These are often coated in vinyl, which is waterproof but is associated with health risks as it contains chemicals, and pounds of glue and apart from that will emit volatile organic compounds VOCs that off-gas into the air.
Constant exposure makes them vulnerable for these reasons:
They spend a lot of time sleeping
Their fragile systems are developing
They can't easily detoxify
Bedtime is for regeneration and recovery
This means our babies are more susceptible to harsh and undesirable side effects of the material and chemicals they are exposed to. By replacing a conventional mattress and prioritizing a mattress with natural ingredients, you can drastically reduce child exposure to harmful chemicals as they sleep.
While there are a lot of organic crib mattress brands on the market- from cotton and wool to affordable organic crib mattress lines from larger manufacturers. But when it comes to comfort and quality, be aware that not all crib mattresses are created equal. Let's get into the basics!
What type of Crib Mattress is best for Toddlers?
Some aspects of shopping for your baby or toddler's crib will be similar to shopping for your personal bed. The basic types of crib mattresses come in two main categories- foam and innerspring.
Foam Crib Mattress
The structure of a foam mattress is not as complex as the coil mattresses' structure. However, it tends to be popular, and equally effective in providing firmness and sufficient support to your child.
While you want to avoid memory foam for a crib mattress because of safety issues, there are plenty of regular foam crib mattresses that are considered safe by regulators. Typically, you will want to buy a foam crib mattress that is specifically designed for a crib.
Plus, to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation, it is important to pick a foam crib mattress that is designed for infants. It should be firmer as opposed to softer.
Innerspring Crib Mattress
These coil and innerspring mattresses are made of a combination of materials, including the metal coils that support the mattress and provide its firmness, along with inner materials like foam and latex. These are available in firm and plush options.
Better innerspring mattresses have more coils of better thickness!
Important: Never buy a mattress, if you don't know its exact structure. If you are selecting it online you must go through the description about what's inside!
A major safety hazard for your little one is sleeping on a soft, fluffy surface. This means that your baby should never sleep on a bed or a couch, and you should choose a firm crib mattress that is green or organic.
It might not sound appealing to you but remember that it is the safest way for them to snooze. As a part of sleeping baby safe, it is advised to use a firm surface that meets safety standards. By firm, we don't mean rock-hard or super uncomfortable mattresses. (We will get into it later)
Organic and Green Cotton & Wool Toddler Mattresses
These handmade mattresses act as natural fire retardants and fits a standard crib frame. These are extremely comfortable, offering peace of mind. They are also USDA and GOTS-certified cotton and wool mattresses- so you don't have to worry about potentially harmful chemicals.
Our Cotton and Wool "Toddler Mattress" is recommended because:
Certified materials
Breathable and durable
Helps to reduce suffocation risk
Eco-friendly
Quality material handmade in the USA
Crib Mattress Size
Standard-size crib mattresses are regulated by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Plus, a go-to choice for most parents because they are big and don't outgrow your toddlers quickly. The standard dimensions measure at least 28x54. While it is on the costly side, it will serve you for years to come. And if you wish to switch your toddler's bed, you can purchase the same bed frame and it would fit snugly against the frame of your crib.
Just reduced in size a mini-size crib mattress is a smaller version of a full-size mattress. Although it has many of the same features as the traditional standard-sized mattress, it can come in handy and tends to be useful if your nursery is short on space.
If you are looking for a mattress for your particular mini crib, be sure the dimensions you choose match the interior dimensions. You want to ensure that there is no gap between the perimeter of the mattress and the crib where the mattress is centered.
What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Crib Mattress
There are a few things to consider when you are choosing the best crib mattress for your baby:
Certifications
Safety is a huge factor when picking out a crib mattress. And there are a few different certifications that you can look for when choosing an organic or natural mattress. Including:
USDA or the United States Department of Agriculture provides certification that the raw materials used in the production of the mattress are produced using methods that preserve the environment and avoid the use of synthetic materials and chemicals such as pesticides or formaldehyde.
GOTS or Global Organic Textile Standard is a standard for textiles that signals that it is made from 95% of organic fibers. According to the GOTS website, the textiles can only be GOTS certified if they contain a minimum of 70% organic fibers. This standard is used to certify a completed mattress and certify the final product as organic, this includes from harvesting of raw materials, up to labeling in order to provide a credible assurance to our ed customer.
Firmness
A toddler's mattress needs to be extra firm in order to keep babies safe, prevent SIDS, and support growing bones while they sleep. You would not want your baby rolling onto their face on a soft cushion. So making sure a mattress is firm and flat should be the first thing to look for, regardless of whether your baby is a back or tummy sleeper.
Make sure the mattress fits correctly
While most crib mattresses on the market are standard-sized, there are also many mini cribs and bassinets on the market now that may better suit your family. So with many options available, you need to make sure the crib mattress fits snugly against the frame of your crib.
Invest in quality
If you go by the cheapest foam and innerspring mattresses they have thin vinyl coverings and edgings that can tear, crack, and dry out over time. As you go towards quality, coverings tend to be thicker, puncture-resistant, and fine organic or wool that has more or better gauge, quality cushioning and made of much denser and quality foam. Still, you don't have to spend a fortune as the crib mattresses at Maine Bunk Beds start at $375.
Safe materials
When choosing a mattress, a non-toxic crib mattress should be made of organic materials. Many states have legislation over sleep products and their flammability, flame retardants that can be highly toxic. These toxic flame retardants are found in couches, mattresses, clothes, and many other products like our bedding and then are absorbed by our skin. You don't want your baby to inhale such chemicals or sleep on a highly flammable mattress.
Avoid a second hand mattress
There are plenty of reasons for this: for one it is related to hygiene and sanitary. Old and worn mattresses- especially those with foam or padding are breeding grounds for bacteria that may impact your baby's health. Plus, you won't be sure how it was cared for or stored.
If you buy a new one for your child and keep it clean, it can be used for a long time. These also don't offer firmness and make for an unsafe sleep environment for babies. Because of the dangers associated with mold and bacteria, as well as wear and tear, it is best to avoid a used mattress, especially if you are unknown of the history of the product.
Conclusion
A crib mattress should provide your little one with everything they will need while sleeping- which includes good support, comfort, a safe manufacturing process used, proper ventilation, etc! If you find yourself looking at different materials- make sure you pick out all-organic cotton or wool which is going to offer your child everything and much more.