One of the delightful parts of expecting a baby is decorating your baby’s nursery, but one of the not-so-fun parts may be finding the best crib mattress since SIDS is on everyone’s mind.
With Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) being a legitimate fear of parents and expectant parents, it is very important to select the best crib mattress and just sleep gear in general for your newborn baby. In 2020 alone the CDC reported that there were about 1,389 deaths due to SIDS, about 1,062 deaths due to unknown causes, and about 905 deaths due to accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.
Additionally, a baby’s good health starts with good sleep. Therefore, creating an ideal sleep setting starts with choosing the best crib mattress.
With that said, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of finding the best crib mattress for your baby.
Criteria For The Best Crib Mattress Meet
Safety
Safety should be at the top of your mind when searching for any crib mattress. You want to avoid anything that is too soft and since you also want your baby to enjoy his sleep you do not want a crib mattress that is too hard. My first baby crib mattress was so hard that she wouldn’t sleep beyond half an hour. It was like spreading a blanket on a hardwood floor and sleeping on it. Ouch!
Crib Mattress Size
I cannot emphasize the importance of safety when selecting a crib mattress. The size of the crib mattress plays a role in its safety. For this reason, the dimensions of full-size cribs and mattresses have been standardized under federal regulations. That makes it easy to buy the two separately without worrying about fit.
In order to prevent head entrapment and suffocation between the mattress and crib sides, a mattress used in a full-size crib must be at least 27 ¼ inches x 51 ¼ inches, with a thickness not exceeding 6 inches. You should look at the retail box or packaging or assembly instructions for warning statements that highlight the dimensions.
Crib Mattress Flammability
Crib mattresses Manufacturers are subject to the mattress flammability testing requirements of16 CFR Part 1632 and16 CFR Part 1633. This law is called the “Flammability” or “Open Flame” test. All mattress sets must pass this test, including crib mattresses. This law has been in effect since July 1, 2007, and it requires mattress manufacturers to put their mattress design through a 30-minute test over an open flame. Hence, the name “Open Flame” test. If the mattress design passes the test, then it has been approved for sale. No crib mattress that hasn’t passed this test should be sold.
What else to Look for to Determine the Best Crib Mattress
Firmness
Although you want your baby to have a long comfortable sleep, always bear in mind that a firm mattress is better than an overly soft one, yes that hardwood floor, I know. But according to the experts, the firmer the better. Soft mattresses are a suffocation hazard for babies and increase the risk of (SIDS). You can test the firmness of a mattress by pressing on the mattress in the center and at the edges. When you release it, it should snap back immediately.
Non-toxic chemicals
It is quite obvious that crib mattresses should be free from toxic chemicals. Since the baby will spend his first few years in a crib making it as safe and as healthy as possible is key. I encourage parents not to avoid going cheap when it comes to crib mattresses if they can of course. If you can, try to invest in a mattress that is as organic as possible. Search for Global Organic Textile (GOTS) certification.
Depth and weight
Depth and weight is probably the last thing you think about when deciding on a crib mattress. But do remember that you will have to change the baby’s sheets quite often and who wants to be lifting 50 bounds every time to change a sheet? Coil-spring mattresses tend to be on the thicker side and thicker is good, between 5 to 6 inches deep and foam crib mattresses on the other hand are closer to 4 to 6 inches deep.
Air Permeability
In recent studies, it has been proven that infants and toddlers thrive both physically and emotionally in an oxygen-rich environment and most importantly it keeps the baby safe. In 2016, the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recognizes air-permeable mattresses as being safer than air-impermeable mattresses for infants.
Duration of use
Ok, so with safety out of the way we want a mattress that will also be durable, especially if you’re like me and want to have another one shortly after. But seriously though, you do want a crib mattress that will last. How do you find this? Well, some crib mattresses are reversible, with a firm side for babies and a slightly less firm, more cushioned side for toddlers. This means you don’t have to throw out a perfectly good mattress when your baby turns one.
What are the Best Crib Mattresses?
Considering the criteria listed above, I have listed some of what I believe to be the best crib mattress on Amazon.com to help you in your decision.
- Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress – GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US Certified, 100% Machine Washable, Breathable, and Water-Resistant Cover, Meets All Applicable Category Safety Standards
8. Dream On Me Twinkle Stars Crib & Toddler 117 Coil Mattress I Green Guard Gold Certified
