Journal Entry

Crib Mattress, Crib Mattresses

Most parenting groups estimate that a baby will use their crib mattress up until at least two or three years of age, meaning that the crib mattress is almost as important a consideration as the crib itself. Some cribs come with a mattress, while others do not. Even if your crib does come with a mattress, you may end up buying another one anyway since some included mattresses can be pretty cheap. There are several crib mattress choices any new parent will need to make, which range from selecting the mattress materials to choosing the mattress style.

First, let’s look at crib mattress materials. While some parenting forums may tell you differently, there is really no right or wrong answer to this question. The most common type of crib mattress is the foam mattress. This is essentially a sheet of forma, varying in thickness and usually covered in either vinyl or cotton. It has the benefit of being lighter and more affordable, but some parents maintain that foam mattresses are less durable and may need to be replaced within your child’s infancy. This is the type of mattress that is sold with most (but not all) crib sets. Alternatively, there are the heavier and more costly spring mattresses. These crib mattresses are basically miniature versions of a real mattress. A spring crib mattress is more likely to retain its shape for longer and some parents’ off-set the cost of a durable spring mattress by using it for multiple babies. Finally, these days some eco-conscious manufacturers have produced organic crib mattresses stuffed with materials like organic cotton or wool. These mattresses tend to be more durable than the foam mattresses but not as firm as the spring mattresses. This choice is ultimately up to the new parent.

There are some additional crib mattress tips to keep in mind when buying a new crib mattress. First, read the outside label to make sure that the crib mattress is flame retardant. Any crib mattress should be, and this is mostly a concern when buying no-brand crib mattresses. Similarly, don’t forget to have your crib measurements on hand. Standard cribs measure 51 5/8” X 27 1/4”, but some models or custom cribs could require different sizes. The mattress should fit into the crib very snugly, allowing no space between the crib wall and the mattress. Finally, it’s totally worth it to pay a little extra for a vented mattress. Babies are cute, but oh so stinky, and these vents help a crib mattress “breathe” and stay fresher smelling for longer.