Features of mattresses for a baby crib and the nuances of their choice

One of the most crucial choices parents will make for their child is selecting the ideal mattress for a baby crib. A baby’s health and well-being depend greatly on having a cozy and secure sleeping environment. Knowing where to begin can be overwhelming due to the abundance of options available.

A better understanding of the characteristics of various mattresses and knowing what to look for can facilitate decision-making. Every element, from the kind of material to the degree of firmness, contributes to making sure the mattress fits your baby’s needs.

This post will discuss the essential features of baby crib mattresses and provide helpful advice on selecting the right one for your child. In this manner, you can rest easy knowing that your infant will have a cozy and secure place to sleep.

Varieties

There is a wide range of products available in modern baby stores, particularly when it comes to crib mattresses. Skilled sales representatives highlight the benefits of each item they show a customer, failing to mention that certain models have drawbacks of their own. Therefore, each parent should be aware of the current varieties, features of this or that filling, and their benefits and drawbacks in order to avoid purchasing a mattress that could endanger their child’s health.

Children’s product manufacturers today have created many different mattress models, with double-sided mattresses being particularly popular. These models have two sides, one for cold winter days and the other for hot summer ones, making them suitable for year-round use. Wool is used as the first filler. With its ability to repel water, this material is the best insulator available. Well, cotton or jacquard plays the part of the filler on the "summer" side. Certain manufacturers substitute latex and coconut fibers for cotton and wool.

The demand for spring-block mattresses is still high. Contrary to what some parents think, they are perfectly fine for infants. Yes, because they can deform, spring mattresses cannot be deemed durable. And yet, the child will feel at ease using this particular mechanism.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of all the varieties of children’s mattresses that are available, though. Transformer models that are thickened and thinned, heated goods, and much more. There is a high demand for bumper mattresses. First of all, the low price is alluring. Second, you don’t have to search everywhere for crib soft walls.

Anatomical models are something that some pediatricians advise young parents to look at. However, don’t forget to specify exactly what the filler consists of.

Regarding the latter, by the way. Choosing mattress models with natural filling is advised by experts. They can be used on babies as early as the first few days of life and do not trigger allergic reactions. For instance, pressed coconut fibers, or coir. This material’s strong bactericidal qualities are one of its key characteristics. The qualities of high-quality processed buckwheat husk are comparable. Reviews for bamboo fillers are equally favorable.

Orthopedic

Regardless of what anyone says, a newborn baby’s first year of life cannot be spent sleeping on an orthopedic mattress. The crib should contain a springless model with a unique rigidity indicator. This is crucial information for new parents to know because, in reality, babies sleep with their parents rather than in their own beds. For this reason, a mattress with a medium rigidity parameter is appropriate for an adult bed. If not, the weight of an adult will press against the sleeping base, causing the baby to roll off and not rest on a flat surface.

It is best to completely give up on spring mattresses and switch to ones with elastic filling.

Foam rubber

These mattresses are only meant to be used temporarily, like on a trip to the country or a visit. It is then simple to fold into a tiny bag and roll up. It is not possible to use foam mattresses permanently. Because this material can’t hold its shape and absorbs all liquid that enters, an environment that is conducive to the growth of dangerous microorganisms occurs inside.

Cotton

In the USSR, these mattresses were quite popular. Soviet people had not even considered using coconut filling, and there were no orthopedic models available at the time.

The reasonable cost, eariness, and lightness of cotton mattresses are without a doubt their benefits. However, the product’s advantages cannot be linked to a feature like moisture absorption. The cotton base of the mattress absorbs things like bottle milk, liquid baby vomit, and diaper leaks. This causes the crib to smell really bad, and it can be very hard to get rid of the stench.

And there’s still another disadvantage: the cotton foundation crumples and compacts very quickly, which is very undesirable for kids.

Coconut

This kind of mattress is best suited for young children. The fiber from coconuts is full of beneficial qualities; it is water-repellent, ventilated, hypoallergenic, and does not take in smells. Fungi or parasites will not flourish in such circumstances.

Well, the technology used in the manufacture of mattresses has an impact on functionality. When coconut fibers are pressed into plates, they are frequently sewn together. However, after a while, the material starts to crumble, which accelerates the product’s wear. For this reason, when purchasing a coconut mattress, make sure to look over the certifications that come with it and choose a model in which latex connects the coconut fiber plates. A design like that will provide its young owner and his parents with faithful service for many years.

Cocoons

A highly distinctive, well-liked, and pricey version of a kids’ mattress. These sleeping place base models are designed for infants up to four months of age. This oval model is highly ergonomic. You can rock the baby with it on your knees if needed, or carry it around the house. A newborn placed on such a mattress is positioned with its head slightly tilted forward and its legs bent, above the body, in an orientation that closely resembles the intrauterine position.

The cocoon mattress comes in a variety of fabric and filler options, but all versions are extremely expensive. While some mothers who have given birth to multiple children confidently claim that they managed without this product, others argue that it is the only means of putting an end to sleepless nights.

Struttofiber

Because this name is rarely heard outside of specialized settings, the majority of parents are unaware of the subject matter being discussed. Struttofiber is a wool and polyester oil blend.

Winter-summer double-sided mattresses are made of this material. This type of layer is non-allergenic, breathable, and regulates body temperature. The product’s price is its sole drawback.

Latex

A firm foundation is necessary for newborns to sleep on. Unfortunately, latex mattresses are not able to claim to be of that caliber. Children as young as three years old can use them. Natural latex products need to meet ventilation requirements; to do this, circulation rods are positioned all the way around the mattress.

Others

In addition to the described options for children"s mattresses, there are other varieties that can also be found in almost every store. First of all, it is worth getting acquainted with the "horse air" variation. The material itself is elastic, allows air to pass through, repels various odors. However, if the baby has sensitive skin, then he may develop an allergic reaction. Polyurethane foam mattresses are no less popular. They are very similar to latex mattresses, but there is an artificial filler inside. But even the absence of natural material allowed manufacturers to achieve durability, strength and hypoallergenicity from the finished product. Due to the use of artificial filler, the cost of a polyurethane foam mattress is much lower than its latex counterpart.

Pediatricians, however, advise against using these models during a baby’s first year of life. They are not as hard as a small creature would need.

Indeed, there are plenty of crib mattresses available. Almost every day, manufacturers nowadays introduce new models of sleeping bases to the market. By adding bactericidal impregnations to a wide range of materials, fillers considerably lower the likelihood of fungal formation.

It is crucial to take the baby’s growing body into account, as well as comfort and safety, when selecting a mattress for their crib. The key is a firm, breathable mattress made of materials that promote health and shield against allergies. Additionally, make sure the crib fits snugly to prevent gaps, and give cleaning convenience top priority to effectively clean up after regular spills.

Sizes and hardness

When choosing a mattress for a baby crib, parents should be guided by several basic parameters. These are size and rigidity. And first of all, you should understand the overall dimensions of the described sleeping product. The size of the mattress should be a couple of centimeters smaller than the parameters of the length and width of the bed. For example, if the latter on the outer sides of the ribs is 122×62 cm, then the mattress should be 120×60 cm. If you try to put a 125×65 cm specimen, the sleeping place will end up in folds and bumps that will interfere with the child. Well, if the mattress turns out to be much smaller, there is a chance that the baby will get hurt.

Crib manufacturers now provide a large selection of products with a range of sleeping place sizes, from standard to samples with unusual length and width characteristics. Both 160×80 cm and 170×60 cm are these. Other measurements include 180 by 80 cm, 160 by 70 cm, and 125 by 75 cm. Accurately measuring the sleeping area’s dimensions is crucial.

The child’s age determines the mattress’s height. You may want to look at models that are 5–10 cm thick for babies. And you can start selecting options with a height of up to 20 cm for those who have outgrown the 1-year threshold.

The firmness of the mattress is the second factor considered when making a decision. The foundation on which a newborn baby sleeps should be sturdy and free of bends and deflections. In this instance, spring and orthopedic models are useless. Such a "fragile" baby should never sleep on a mushy one as this could lead to scoliosis or bad posture later on.

The surface of the mattress is an additional, but no less significant, consideration when selecting a kids’ mattress. Natural materials, like jacquard, should be used to construct this portion of the sleeping base. If the package comes with a detachable waterproof mattress pad, then this is truly a blessing from heaven. Parents typically have to buy this sleeping area accessory separately.

Popular manufacturers

• Consul is a Russian brand that has been producing bedding for children of all ages for several decades.

• Ormatek is a leader in the furniture industry, which has managed to diversify its range with products for sleeping. The brand"s catalog presents many variations of mattresses for children up to 12 years old.

• DreamLine is a group of companies that specialize in the production of sleeping products. The manufacturer"s mattresses are made taking into account the physique features of modern children.

• Askona is a company that is distinguished by the fact that it tests each type of mattress produced, but this is not done by ordinary people, but exclusively by the best pediatricians of the Russian Federation.

• Violait is a manufacturer known not only in the Russian Federation, but also in neighboring countries. The company"s catalog presents more than 40 variations of mattresses for children of all ages.

What to consider when choosing?

Pediatricians advise parents not to put soft mattresses in their children’s beds until the child is three years old. The baby should sleep on a hard surface until he turns one year old, as this will prevent future back issues. Experts advise parents to look for double-sided, springless models with varying degrees of elasticity. The child should sleep on the hardest side until his legs strengthen and he can start to walk. Coconut coir would be the ideal filler. A further benefit of springless mattresses is the lack of static, which is bad for developing bodies.

The mattress can also be turned over once the child is between two and three years old. It is ideal that the sleeping surface be less rigid during this time because the baby’s skeletal system is changing. Furthermore, softer mattresses generally help babies sleep better, as many parents have observed.

Regretfully, in spite of the many expert recommendations, young parents who are shopping for a mattress for a newborn often overlook the directions and pay close attention to the salesperson, whose job it is to close the sale. That is not something you can do. Since we are discussing a baby, his parents ought to be well-prepared.

A list of considerations that should be made when selecting a mattress has been compiled as a helpful resource for soon-to-be parents.

• Smoothness of the surface of the sleeping base. It will be uncomfortable for the baby to sleep on a mattress with bumps or pits. Such unevenness can negatively affect a comfortable rest. Only a flat mattress will give a few hours of peace to the baby and his parents.
• Appropriate rigidity. It is important for the baby that the surface is rigid. A soft mattress in the first year of life will bring a lot of problems in the future. A child may develop scoliosis and other diseases associated with unevenness of the spine.
• Strength and duration of operation. As experienced parents advise, it is better to spend money once and purchase a high -quality mattress than to throw money away every year and buy less high -quality products.
• Filler and cover material on the mattress. In this case, we are talking about the naturalness of the raw materials used. Artificial components can cause an allergic reaction in a child.
• Ease of mattress carem. Since the baby will spend most of the time in the crib during the first year of life, the mattress will definitely get dirty, this could be a spilled mixture or a natural "leak" from a diaper. If the above problems do not arise, the sleeping place must be cleaned and shaken out regularly. Parents should think through the stages of mattress care in advance.
• Antibacterial impregnation. Some pediatricians claim that the industrial impregnation of the mattress does not bring anything good, while others assure that this treatment is a guarantee of the absence of harmful microbes and fungi. In this case, the choice is up to the baby"s parents. If there is no impregnation, you can treat the mattress yourself using special products.
• Sizes. The dimensions of the mattress should correspond to the sleeping place, as well as the shape. The standard size of a baby bed is 120×80 cm. In the case of a round mattress design, it should be 120×60 cm. It is important to measure the dimensions of the crib correctly before going to the store.

Asking the seller for an original certificate for the product with seals is necessary when selecting a specific type of mattress, as copies are easily faked.

Feature	Description
Firmness	A firmer mattress provides better support for a baby’s developing spine.
Breathability	Look for breathable materials to reduce the risk of overheating.
Hypoallergenic	Choose hypoallergenic mattresses to prevent allergic reactions.
Waterproof Cover	A waterproof cover helps protect the mattress from spills and accidents.
Size	The mattress should fit snugly in the crib with no gaps for safety.
Durability	A durable mattress can last through multiple years of use.

A baby crib’s mattress selection is crucial for the growth and comfort of your little one. To guarantee a healthy sleeping environment, the mattress needs to offer adequate support and be composed of materials that are safe and breathable.

Think about things like size, cleaning ease, and firmness when choosing a mattress. To avoid gaps, the crib should fit tightly, and a waterproof cover can shield the mattress from spills and mishaps.

Purchasing a high-quality mattress guarantees your child receives the necessary sleep during these formative years, fostering improved development and wellbeing.

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