Standard crib mattress sizes make a fantastic choice for newborns through toddlers, designed with specific guidelines in mind and will fit most 3-in-1 cribs.
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Crib mattresses should be firm enough to prevent your baby from sinking in and risking suffocation, and you can test its firmness by pressing down on it – it should spring back quickly when pressed upon.
Size
Crib mattresses are specially designed beds designed to meet strict safety standards for infants and young children. Firmer than regular mattresses, crib mattresses aim to reduce risk of SIDS or other sleep issues in babies while being no thicker than 6 inches so as not to place baby too close to its sides in its crib bed.
Standard and mini cribs provide two basic choices of cribs. Although most standard mattresses should fit both styles, it's important to double-check that there are no gaps wider than two fingers' width between your mattress and crib frame – such gaps could pose serious suffocation risks for your child.
Breathability is another essential feature of a crib mattress that enables your child to rest cool or warm without overheating, helping alleviate allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions. Breathability also improves circulation while encouraging overall health and growth in their young lives.
Firmness
A standard crib mattress must be firm enough to prevent an infant from sinking into it and suffocating, decreasing their risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) while helping develop good sleep habits in their child.
Crib mattresses should also be breathable to keep an infant cool during sleep and should not contain stuffed animals, pillows, blankets or bumper pads that obstruct airflow and increase risk for SIDS.
Home tests of firm mattresses can be carried out easily at home by pressing on its center and edges with pressure; if it springs back immediately, that indicates a good choice. Furthermore, it is also essential that it fits within the regulated interior dimensions of 28 by 52 3/8 inches with an allowance for up to 5/8 inch variation either way – this helps avoid injuries caused by objects like pacifiers getting trapped between the mattress and crib frame and becoming trapped or stuck therein.
Safety
Choosing a crib mattress size that's appropriate is essential to baby safety. A thick mattress puts infants at risk of falling out, while airflow through it ensures cooling comfort during sleep time.
Crib mattresses should also be durable. Unlike adult mattresses, crib mattresses are specifically designed to last five years or more with proper care. The highest-rated crib mattresses will use fire-retardant materials with strong seams; you can test its strength by inserting two fingers between seams – they should not tear easily!
While standard crib mattresses have specific dimensions, there may still be some variance from mattress to mattress. When purchasing online or secondhand mattresses it's a good idea to check their dimensions first as these could potentially be worn-out and dangerous for infants.
Cost
A standard crib mattress may cost anywhere between $100 and $500 or more. What matters most, however, is meeting safety regulations; weight and breathability should also be considered when making this purchase decision.
Foam mattresses are among the most popular choices available and tend to be lighter and cheaper than their innerspring counterparts. Some come equipped with waterproof covers that make cleaning and maintaining easy. It can also make changing sheets less cumbersome. Foam mattresses make great options for new parents who don't want the hassle.
Foam mattresses should be firm and snugly fit into the crib to reduce risk of entrapment and suffocation, with no gaps greater than an inch between it and the mattress preventing entrapment and suffocation. Blankets, pillows or toys that could obstruct airflow should also be avoided to further minimize risks. Furthermore, ensure your mattress has been certified GREENGUARD which verifies that it contains no toxic chemicals which could potentially pose dangers to baby.