Buying Guide to Crib Mattresses
When you are expecting your baby, there are so many purchases you need to make. You need a crib, changing table, baby swing, clothes, diapers, carseat-the list goes on and on. But one decision that is more important than you might realize is the purchase of the baby’s crib mattress. Think about it-what does a baby spend most of the first year of their life doing? Sleeping. And that sleep will most likely occur on the crib mattress. In fact, your baby will probably sleep on his or her crib mattress until around four years of age. So buying a crib mattress is a very important purchase!
The first thing expecting parents need to know is that not all crib mattresses are created equal. There are two main types of crib mattress: foam mattresses and inner spring mattresses. Neither type is better than the other, but there are definite things to look for to find a good, quality mattress, no matter which type you choose.
Let’s look at foam crib mattresses first. Quality foam is determined by three factors. The first factor is density. Density can be determined by the weight of the mattress, and the heavier the mattress, be more dense and better the foam. The second factor is how firm the mattress is. Again, the more firmness a mattress has, the better the quality. The final factor is how quickly the mattress regains its shape. This is called resiliency. You want to purchase a mattress that springs quickly back into shape after you remove pressure.
The more commonly available type of mattress is the inner spring crib mattress. The inner spring mattress has many layers. The most important layer is the innermost layer, the one with the coils. Many new parents thing that the coil count is the most important factor in determining the quality of the mattress. While this is an important factor, a high coil count does not make a quality mattress. What makes a quality mattress is a mattress with the most steel. The coil count is only one factor in determining how much steel a mattress has. One important feature to look for is the border rods. These steel pieces encircle the edges of the top and bottom of the mattress. They provide extra support and weight distribution. It is very important to look for a mattress with border rods. Border rods will extend the life of the mattress and help prevent sagging. When you are looking at coil count, look for the thickness of the coils as well as the count. For the inner spring coils you want a 13.5 gauge coils, even if this means sacrificing coil count.
The second layer of the inner spring mattress is called the insulator pad. The purpose of this layer is to prevent the top of the crib mattress from sinking into the coils. The highest quality insulator pads are made from coir fiber, a fiber made from coconut shells. Lower quality pads are made from cloth. The third set of layers is the cushioning layers. These are they layers that make the mattress feel soft to the touch. These layers can be made of cotton or foam. It is important that these still provide a firm feel to the mattress.
Now, both foam mattresses and inner spring mattresses have mattress covers. Most mattresses have covers made of vinyl. The highest quality cover is going to be a triple laminate vinyl. If you can find a vinyl cover that is made of nylon, this is the best way to go, because it allows the cover to stretch and form to the mattress underneath.
Now that we have covered the technical aspects of buying a crib mattress, how is this going to help you when you are at the store ready to make your purchase? The first thing you are going to need to do is decide which of the two types of mattresses you are going to buy. If you decide to go with the foam mattress, choose one that is heavy, firm, and springs back quickly after you press on it. If you decide to buy an inner spring mattress, look for one with 13.5 gauge coils. After that, check the product tag to find the types of materials the mattress is made from. If the tag is unclear, it is probably not a good quality mattress-move on. Keep in mind that you can always ask a sales associate for clarification as well. No matter which type of mattress you buy, remember that you need to buy a firm crib mattress. This helps to reduce the risk of death by SIDS.
When buying a crib mattress, it is important to know what to look for. Do not be persuaded by brand. Many companies purchase the rights to the name of a famous mattress maker. Just because the mattress carries the name of a famous maker does NOT mean that it was made by that brand. This is a marketing ploy used by the crib mattress manufacturers. It is better to make your decision based on what makes a quality mattress.
It is tempting to not put a lot of thought into buying a crib mattress. Keep in mind, though, that your baby will spend most of the first four years of his or her life on this mattress. While it does not add anything aesthetically to the nursery, it is one of the most important purchases you will make as you prepare for your new arrival! Make sure you make an educated decision!
