A baby spends around 16 hours a day in her crib. It’s very important to ensure that she sleeps well, devoid of any harm, and that the mattress is comfortable and durable. New parents need to be aware of essential tips to buy a crib mattress.
Please Remember
~ Crib mattresses must adhere to the safety standards prescribed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) of the United States.
~ An important point to be taken note of is, what kind of crib mattress to buy. Popular varieties include innerspring and foam mattresses.
~ Exercise triple caution when it comes to purchasing second-hand crib mattresses, to avoid the occurrence of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Ask Questions
Question as many people as possible before buying a mattress. Prepare a ‘guide to buy a baby mattress’, and use it at all stores. Keep probing the saleswomen, and be sure about the properties, pricing, and other details concerning the mattress.
Check Mattress Design
Both, innerspring and foam mattresses are safe choices. One of the best mattresses for a baby is a foam one with a high-density polyurethane foam core. The core must weigh an average of 1.5 pounds per cubic foot. A higher number indicates a heavy core, while a lower number indicates a lighter core. Innerspring mattress coils are made of recycled polyester. Higher the number of coils, firmer the surface. The mattress must have protection mechanisms that support the toddler’s movements.
Check Organic Content
Choose a mattress with organic content. Of course, the entire mattress is never totally organic, but at least make sure it doesn’t contain unnecessary steel or plastic. Verify the percentage of organic content from the manufacturers.
Check Chemical Usage
Ensure that the mattress contains the ‘GREENGUARD Certification’. This is to make sure the mattress contains a very low amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The certification ensures that the mattress has been lab-tested and is free of dangerous chemicals.
Check Mattress Weight
The mattress needs to be lightweight, since it’ll be changed regularly. An average of 10-20 pounds should be the right weight.
Check Mattress Price
This is one of the most important things to remember while buying a crib mattress. Foam mattresses are generally lightweight and expensive. Of course, there’s no compromise when it comes to the baby’s comfort. But do remember that a high price does not always indicate the best quality. Ensure that the mattress is fairly priced and comes with a warranty.
Check for Essential Properties
Buy a mattress with that extra layer of protection. A crib mattress must be waterproof even if you plan to use a mattress pad. Most regular waterproof mattresses have a high level of VOCs, so choose an organic and Eco-friendly waterproof pad/cushioning. A non-vinyl waterproof pad will do as well.
