This article will help you decide which baby mattress to choose...
Choosing a mattress for an adult is complicated. If you opt for a low-quality model, you’ll save money at the expense of poorer sleep quality, which will become more apparent as time goes on. But for a baby, the decision is even harder to make, since a baby’s body is much more sensitive to a poor-quality mattress, and you’ll have to rely on your own judgment to choose a baby mattress that meets your baby’s needs. It’s very important to ensure that your little one’s sleeping area provides optimal comfort. The mattress is one of the most important factors in determining whether their sleep is restful. So, which baby mattress should you choose?
What are the key factors to consider when choosing the right baby mattress?
The first factor to consider when choosing a baby mattress isn’t the comfort it offers, but its size: safety comes first. This means that no matter which crib you’ve chosen, you must ensure your baby can’t hurt themselves by sliding off the side when they roll over while sleeping or move around during the day. So pay special attention to the size.Typically, a baby mattress measures 60 by 120 centimeters, 70 by 140 as the baby grows, or 33 by 72 for a small baby. To choose the right baby mattress, you should also check the thickness, which should be between 10 and 12 centimeters.
Which Baby Mattress to Choose: The Options
A good mattress is the most important part of your baby’s bedding for ensuring a good night’s sleep. There are several types of baby mattresses, but they can be grouped into three categories.
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Foam mattress
Which baby mattress should you choose based on your budget? If you’re looking for an inexpensive mattress, a foam mattress is a good choice, but keep in mind that these are synthetic. You can find options with polyurethane foam and/or memory foam padding. Depending on the brand, standard-sized mattresses come in various thicknesses. Also pay attention to the density and firmness, as well as other important features (hypoallergenic, dust-mite resistant, antibacterial, machine-washable cover, etc.).
If possible, avoid choosing a baby mattress with foam that is too soft. This could lead to suffocation or even sudden infant death syndrome.
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Spring Mattress
As the name suggests, a spring mattress features a spring core. On top of the springs is a layer of foam that protects your baby while providing balanced support for their spine when they sleep on their back. Unfortunately, this foam is usually synthetic. Overall, spring mattresses are firmer. However, it’s important to note that this type of mattress is not recommended for very young children, as the metal springs promote the proliferation of magnetic fields. These fields can cause insomnia in infants.
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Organic Mattress
Which baby mattress should you choose if you want a natural mattress? These types of mattresses are made from organic, all-natural materials. For example, you can find mattresses made of natural latex, wool, organic cotton, and coconut fiber. Organic mattresses can be either spring-based or non-spring-based. They are very hygienic. Many parents buy them to protect their child’s health, since they’re free of chemicals. For that reason alone, a 100% natural latex mattress is the best choice for babies—and even for adults! The Kipli baby mattress is not only made of 100% natural latex, but it’s also organic! As with solid wood children’s beds, opt for wood for greater durability.
What criteria should be taken into account?
Now you know which type of baby mattress to choose. But there are other factors to consider as well to ensure your baby gets the best possible sleep.
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A. Size
Before you go to buy a mattress for your little one, be sure to note the size of their crib. Typically, the standard size of 60x120 centimeters is the most widely available in baby stores. However, you shouldn’t take the size of a mattress that’s smaller than these measurements lightly. If the mattress is slightly smaller than the crib, there will be a gap along the sides that could be dangerous for your baby. Even if you choose a standard size, be sure to check carefully for this small discrepancy, as there are always slight variations among different products.
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B. Firmness
Firmness is a very important factor to consider when choosing a baby mattress. However, for older children, a mattress of normal firmness is perfectly suitable. Be sure to buy a firm mattress. You can check the firmness by pressing your hands against the mattress. A spring mattress is certainly very firm. But as mentioned earlier, it isn’t really suitable for children. Foam mattresses come in a wide range of firmness levels and can meet your needs. Natural latex mattresses offer just as many options. High-end and hypoallergenic, they provide good ventilation and wick away moisture. So even if your baby sweats a lot—which happens quite often—they won’t feel any discomfort.
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C. Density
A children's mattress should generally have sufficient density, since denser mattresses are firmer. They won't sag under your baby's weight.
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D. Flexibility
This criterion refers to the mattress’s ability to retain its shape when you press down on it. When a mattress cannot return to its original position after you’ve pressed it with your hands, it means it lacks the flexibility desired in a baby mattress. For an infant, this feature is important. On memory foam mattresses, your baby leaves an indentation while sleeping. If the mattress lacks flexibility, your little one might not be able to change positions while sleeping. A natural latex mattress, on the other hand, is both flexible and firm, making it the ideal choice for a baby.
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E. The Cover
The cover has a significant impact on your baby's sleep quality. We recommend avoiding synthetic fabrics and opting for natural materials. It's important to make sure the cover is removable and washable, as this will be a key consideration during use.
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F. Breathability
Breathability is a very important factor, especially when it comes to mattress hygiene. In fact, a mattress that isn’t very breathable (such as those made of synthetic foam) promotes sweating but also prevents moisture from being properly wicked away, leading to bacterial growth. The cover must also be breathable to allow for proper air circulation. This ventilation is essential for keeping the mattress odor-free and hygienic.
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G. Certification
The mattress you are considering buying for your child must be certified. To ensure the product’s quality, check for OEKO-TEX certification. If it is a natural latex mattress, make sure it complies with the EUROLATEX standard.
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H. Maintenance
As a general rule, mattresses can only be cleaned occasionally. This will leave an odor that makes you feel uncomfortable. However, there are mattresses with removable, washable covers. But if you choose a natural latex mattress, you have nothing to worry about. It’s easy to maintain—a few old-fashioned home remedies will do the trick: white vinegar, baking soda, or ammonia, among others.
We hope this article has been helpful to you.
Of course,
The Kipli Team