Guide To Buy The Best Supportive Mattress For Your Baby
For most new parents, shopping for a newborn baby’s bed and mattress can be stressful. Often, you will ask yourself questions like; will my baby be safe? Won't they suffocate? Or will my baby be comfortable? However, there's no reason to fret; most moms-to-be have been in the same situation and still got over it. And what was their secret? They knew what to look out for before making a purchase.
Below are tips to guide you in making the right choice.
1. Big or small?
With various mattresses in the market, the first thing you need to consider is the size. A bed that's small in size may move back and forward, making your baby uncomfortable. Therefore, the most considerable allowance between the mattress and the crib should be one finger.
Likewise, a size that's too tiny is dangerous; your baby risks getting trapped in the small spaces between the cradle and the mattress, and this can lead to suffocation. On the other hand, an oversized bed would also be awkward. So, if you happen to be acquiring the mattress separately from the crib, pick a size that perfectly fits your crib size.
2. Consider the baby's age
Since your baby's sleeping needs will keep on changing as they grow. For a start, pick a single mattress, but a king-size or a double-sized bed would be ideal for the future. When I got my firstborn, choosing the best mattress for my boy was a challenge. Most boys are jumpy and playful, and my son was no exception. He could move, roll, and shift positions and, worse still, fall off the crib! To avoid this, I would advise you to choose a large size.
3. Be keen on the firmness
The firmness of the mattress affects the development of your baby's neck and the back. And what's more? Most babies switch positions when tired, and this makes a soft mattress dangerous. For this reason, the lullaby trust advises that you pick one that is flat, doesn't sag, and is protected by a waterproof cover.
If you opt for a soft one and your newborn turns over during sleep, the baby may end up suffocating. Just like any other bed, baby mattresses come with varying levels of firmness. For instance, Puffy vs. Nectar are two different types of mattress known to have different levels of sturdiness. Therefore, before purchasing any of them or any other type, check the stability by sitting on the mattress to confirm if it can provide the necessary support.
4. Method of cleaning
As a mom-to-be, you need ample time to rest and take care of your newborn baby. Babies urinate, salivate or spill milk and still look cute while doing all that! However, this makes the bed a vulnerable spot for germs and stains, and a waterproof mattress will save you time and effort in clearing the mess.
5. The type of mattress matters!
Newborn babies grow fast, and your baby will do so too. Therefore, consider the body support offered by the mattress bearing in mind that babies are fragile and require a bed that provides the best skeletal support.
6. Consider the existence of allergies
Some babies are born with allergies or Eczema, and others develop these as they grow up. As a new mom, you don't want to wake up to tend to your sneezing or coughing tot. So, a hypoallergenic mattress would be ideal.
7. Mattress material
In the past, some new parents have complained that they picked a mattress containing arsenic and phosphorous since they weren't careful enough. So, review the product to verify if it has any chemicals or synthetics incorporated. The perfect material for your baby's mattress should consist of natural fabrics like; organic wool, cotton, and bamboo horsehair.
8. What's the size of your crib?
Since your baby's mattress should snugly fit into the crib, check the size against the cradle, and ensure that there are no empty spaces. Most new parents do this by buying the crib first then later go for the mattress. You can also try this to be sure of the measurements.
9. Durability
The mattress cover also matters; it determines the strength of the bed. Most mattress covers come with antibacterial top-most coatings with anti-microbial properties. Such a cover decreases the adverse effects of germs and is also easy to wipe. So, if the bed comes with many layers, then it's a good pick.
Moreover, crib mattress reviews have it that mattresses with a multi-layer cover last longer than single-layer ones. So, multi-layer coverings like triple-layer vinyl or water-resistant fabric would suit you best.
10. The mattress quality
You can't afford to overlook the quality of the mattress. It's advisable to pick one from a manufacturer that offers a guarantee over their beds. Nowadays, you can get various varieties in the market designed with the most advanced technology. For instance; foam mattresses are cheaper, but this doesn't mean that they aren't suitable for your baby. They are usually made of high-quality foam to give your baby the desired comfort.
The spring mattress is durable and can compare to your spring one. It's made of coil springs to provide the desired support. Such a mattress is also breathable and allows excellent airflow to avoid overheating.
11. Consider the venting
At this point, you must have spotted your favoured mattress. Check out for tiny holes on the sides of the bed; these let air in and out. Mattresses with many vent holes smell better since they allow odours to escape.
12. What's your budget?
I believe you need to give your baby the best, but you remember there are other many things to be bought; this then makes the cost a crucial aspect. Examine the mattress firmness and quality and choose one that fits your budget. Baby mattresses vary in prices, so you can always find one that's affordable, comfortable, and safe.
Bottom line
Pediatricians advise that you purchase a new mattress for your baby. So, don't be tempted to pick a used mattress from a friend or buy a second hand one. All in all, when you go shopping, check the firmness, material, method of cleaning and ensure that it matches your crib size. Also, check customer reviews to learn more about the brand.
