Congratulations, you have a new baby on the way and it’s time to start outfitting your nursery with all those important pieces that will make your little one feel right at home. While furnishings, colors and décor are always fun to pick out, it’s also important you take some time to properly research what your newborn will spend 18 hours a day on during his or her first few months – the all-important crib mattress.
While there are lots of brands and different options on the market including coil spring, organic and polyurethane, it may be time you took another look at memory foam. You know how much you fell in love with your memory foam pregnancy pillow during those last few months so it should come as no surprise that your new baby may also benefit from that same cozy, supportive comfort. Although several years ago, memory foam was panned for fear your little guy might sink into its cell foam construction never to be seen again, the truth is that memory foam is super dense and designed to support the weight of an adult body. So, your baby will rest comfortably and safely without any need for worry. Better still, memory foam is hypoallergenic and anti-microbial for improved hygiene. And who doesn’t want a continually clean, fresh sleeping environment for their newborn?
But before we explore the many benefits of a memory foam crib mattress, lets examine a few buying tips you should be aware of before you begin your search for the perfect brand and style of bed for your new family member
Size and Fit
Whether you plan to bring your baby home to a smaller bassinette or a full-sized crib that he or she will grow into over the next year, you will want to ensure you have the right fit of mattress. The rule of thumb is that you should not be able to fit your two fingers (2 inches) between the side of your crib mattress and the frame. If you can, the mattress is too small and your baby runs the risk of slipping between the mattress and crib frame and becoming injured. Play it safe and either look for a different mattress or choose a different crib design. Tip: a standard crib measurement is a minimum 27 1/4 inches by 51 5/8 inches. Something to keep in mind if you’re buying on-line.
Shop for Quality
The phrase “you get what you paid for” applies and if you decide to save a few dollars by purchasing an inexpensive mattress, you’ll learn rather quickly that many of the cheaper models have super thin vinyl coverings that are considered waterproof however have trim than can become brittle, crack and tear over time producing sharp edges. Although your baby won’t be using this mattress for the long haul, invest in a product that is safe, is comfortable and that allows you both to get a good night’s sleep. And always opt for a better, quality cover that is not only waterproof but will also be resistant to rips and tears.
Safety First
All crib mattresses sold in the United States or Canada must be certified to prove they meet that country’s safety standards and this will be evident on the mattress packaging or tags attached to the side. Keep in mind that cribs and cradles manufactured prior to 1986 will not meet the mandated safety regulations so if there is a favorite crib that has cradled generations of relatives before you, it’s time to say no thanks. Spacing on rails and bars has been tightened up over time because babies grow, become active, like to explore and can be caught and injured between rails. Never try to alter an old design to make it safer, the risk of a fail is just far too great.
Splurge for New
Everyone knows a friend-of-a-friend who has a gently-used mattress that they claim is as good as new. When it comes to your newborns bedding, know when to say thanks, but no thanks. In spite of their best intentions, you don’t know how sanitary this item is, if it was stored in a basement or whether it was properly sanitized after the typically messy wear and tear that can happen with young babies. If not thoroughly cleaned, bacteria can be growing beneath the cover, invisible to the human eye. Remember, your newborn’s face will be laying on the mattress for hours each day, so skip the second-hand stores and friendly donations; invest in new.
Why a Memory Foam Crib Mattress?
Super Hygienic
The millions of dust mites that hide in your own coil-spring mattress cover and its soft inner stuffing are also comfortable settling in to your baby’s bed and that’s where memory foam is an ideal choice for your new crib mattress. In addition to being easy-to-clean, anti-microbial and hypoallergenic, memory foam’s composition doesn’t allow dust-mites to burrow into its tight cell foam construction. So, your baby’s bed remains fresh and free from allergens.
Quiet Comfort
Unlike the typical crib and toddler mattresses that can often have a squeaky inner-spring construction and crinkly vinyl waterproof covers, memory foam crib mattresses are silent. It doesn’t matter how often your baby rolls over during the night or nap time, he’ll never be awakened by the noisy rustle or clammy feel of a plastic mattress cover. So, you’ll both be able enjoy a quiet, restful sleep.
Extra Firm
Experts agree that a firmer mattress is a must for a young baby and when it comes to choosing a memory foam crib mattress, this means you’ll be looking for a heavier weight, high density option. Quality brands such as the My First Mattress Premium Foam Crib Mattress tops the list when it comes to offering the all-important extra firm high-density foam construction that is solid enough for your little one to sleep safely, yet soft enough for him to feel warm and cozy.
Versatility
Many memory foam crib mattresses are now designed with the growth of your little one in mind. Super versatile features such as the Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer’s dual-firmness model that allows you to flip the mattress over and transition from the firmer density side that is ideal for babies, to a softer, lower density side that will make your toddler actually want to curl up and enjoy his afternoon nap.
Easy Clean
Baby’s are messy and while tossing their bedding into the wash deals with surface issues, it’s important your little one’s mattress also be properly cleaned and sanitized from time to time. With memory foam, you can simply spray the mattress down using water and a baby-safe laundry detergent, wipe it off with a damp cloth and then blot it dry. It dries quickly and is ready for action – and a sleepy baby – much more quickly than if you were trying to sponge-clean a fabric-covered coil mattress.
Safe, Supportive Comfort
Just like the full, queen and king-sized versions enjoyed by mom and dad, memory foam uses the warmth of your child’s body to shape to his contours and provide, cozy, supportive comfort regardless of how often he moves around in the night. And when little ones sleep better, so do their parents.
Environmentally Friendly Options
For eco-conscious families who want to extend their environmental commitment through to their new baby’s living space, options such as Sealy’s Soybean Foam-Core Crib Mattress deliver. This all-natural crib mattress is made with renewable soybeans that are free of harsh chemicals and toxins and its super lightweight construction makes changing sheets quick and easy. For those still committed to coil construction, the Naturepedic No Compromise organic crib mattress offers 150-coils and uses 100% certified organic filling and cover material for a comfortable, cozy and environmentally sound sleep.
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