Best Crib Mattress Reviews and Buying Guide
When it comes to improving the comfort of a baby in their crib, most parents are interested in creating a haven of comfort and rest.
The idea is to have your baby sleep as undisturbed from the outside world as possible. Undisturbed sleep not only helps the baby sleep well, but help the parents sleep better also.
There are many different factors that can contribute to the establishment of a place like this.
One of these factors that are directly under your influence is related to the sort of materials used for your baby’s bedding.
Baby bedding is made up of the sheets, blankets, crib, pillows, and cushions used to build a great sleeping spot for your child, but probably the most important part of baby bedding involves choosing an appropriate crib mattress.
What is the Best type of Crib Mattress to Buy?
Finding the right crib mattress for your child will depend primarily on your circumstances, but there are several clues that can point you in the right direction.
Most doctors recommend firmer mattresses for young children. The reasoning behind this is based more on common sense than on expert advice of those in the medical professions.
As you might have realized, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out which option to choose with all the different bedding products that are thrown your way, each probably marketed with their own unique brand of sales pitching.
A crib mattress may look and feel like an ordinary mattress, with the exception that it will usually be much smaller and designed to fit a universal-sized crib space.
The best crib mattresses are available in a broad range of materials and designs, which typically include innerspring, memory foam, and latex. It is also possible to find water beds and air beds designed specifically for very young children.
Why does my baby need a firmer crib mattress?
Very soft beds tend to sink in, and this is especially true with low density memory foam and regular foam sometimes used in cheaper models of baby mattresses.
A mattress that sinks in under your baby’s weight could cause problems when your baby tries to move around at night.
If the foam is especially soft, your baby might have trouble getting out of an uncomfortable position.
As you can see, behind the basic logic involved when parents purchase exceptionally soft crib mattresses for their youngsters, the reality is that the softer the mattress is, the more uncomfortable and possibly even dangerous the sleeping situation of your baby becomes.
Firmer mattresses provide much more support for your baby, so he or she will not have too much trouble moving around in their sleep. Additionally, if the baby is old enough to walk, a firmer mattress will make it easier to move around within the crib while standing on both feet.
For this reason, if you are interested in purchasing the best crib mattress, consider innerspring mattresses or memory foam mattresses that have an exceptionally high density.
The 6 Best Crib Mattresses for the Money
1. Sealy Soybean Foam-core Crib Mattress Reviews
If you’re looking for a mattress that grows along with your infant, then there’s no better choice than the Sealy Soybean Foam-core Crib Mattress.
This mattress provides all the support infants need while they sleep. Furthermore, the Soy based foam gives this mattress improved durability and limited sagging as compared to other mattresses. It’s also extremely light which makes it easy to change the sheets and clean easily.
All parents want the best for their infant, and the fact that the Sealy Soybean Foam-core Crib Mattress is one of the safest mattresses, with CertiPUR-US certification, tipped the scale heavily in its favor. The mattress has been tested for durability, indoor emissions, and it contains no mercury, lead, or any heavy metals.
Besides that, the cover and bindings do not permit allergens to cling to the mattress. You’ll sleep easy at night knowing that your infant is sleeping safely on an almost completely organic mattress!
>>Click here for more information from Amazon<<
Here are the benefits of the Sealy Soybean Foam-core Crib Mattress:
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The foam core of the mattress is made entirely of Soy and it gives the Soybean Foam-core Crib Mattress improved durability and offers firm support which is highly recommended for child mattresses.
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The Sealy Soybean Foam-core Crib mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, which means it contains no lead, heavy metals, or mercury, and has also been tested for durability. You can feel confident that the mattress doesn’t have contaminants that may be harmful to your child.
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Due to its light weight, moms can easily change the crib sheet without any help, and the square cut corners also allows for a snug fit in all cribs, without any gaps.
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The cover and binding are water resistant and can be easily wiped clean in case your baby’s diaper leaks or in the event of other accidents. This allows for easy cleaning and maintenance of the mattress.
Disadvantages of the Soybean Foam Mattress:
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A few parents have reported that the Sealy Soybean Foam-core Crib Mattress has a distinct plastic smell, due to its cover. This problem seems to have been resolved by Sealy as customers who have recently purchased the mattress reported on the improvements.
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Some parents expressed concerns about the plastic cover on the mattress. Most later realized however that it is designed to make the mattress water proof and block allergens and it also makes the mattress easier to clean.
Naturepedic organic crib mattress 150
Comfort and safety for the infant is what all parents look for in a crib mattress. The Naturepedic organic crib mattress 150 is an organic crib mattress that gives the satisfaction to the baby.
It is made entirely out of natural and non-toxic materials, and instead of polyurethane foam it uses organic cotton filling. On the outside, the polyethylene waterproof surface is extremely pure and meets food contact standards as well as preventing moisture penetration.
It also prevents all dust mites from being able to break through the surface! These features combined make the Naturepedic Crib Mattress an excellent choice for parents looking for the safest mattress for their child.
Recommended by the “Healthy Child Healthy World” national children’s advocacy coalition, and winner of numerous other awards, the Naturepedic organic crib mattress 150 is one of the healthiest mattresses available.
>>Click here for more information from Amazon<<
The filling is organic cotton, the fire treatment of the mattress is non-toxic, and it uses no allergenic materials, so it creates a safe and chemical-free sleeping environment for your infant.
Here are the reported feedback of the
Naturepedic organic crib mattress 150:
Here are the benefits of the
Naturepedic organic crib mattress 150:
Disadvantages of the
Naturepedic organic crib mattress 150
- A few Moms felt the mattress was a bit heavier than the standard crib mattress. This is likely due to the density of the organic cotton filling and the orthopedic inner spring which is what provides the firmness in the mattress recommended by doctors.
There have been a few reports from parents who discovered that the mattress lost its firmness after only a couple of months of use. However, these seem to be isolated issues and may be due to a bad lot, as when parents facing this issue contacted Naturepedic, they immediately got a replacement mattress that was much better than the original one they’d bought.
Colgate Classica I Foam Crib Mattress
There’s a reason why the Colgate Classica I Foam Crib Mattress is recommended by medical experts! The level of comfort and support this crib mattress provides, due to the extra firm foam, is one of the best in its class.
The Classica I is very lightweight, has an orthopedic design, and a triple layer wet proof cover. These three key factors are what make the Colgate Classica I Mattress a stand out in Crib Mattresses and a great addition to any baby crib.
For over fourteen years the Colgate Classica I Foam Crib Mattress has been recommended by several popular baby and consumer products publications. It provides the support recommended for your infant by Doctors with its extra firm foam.
The foam is also hypoallergenic which helps to prevent irritation and allergic reactions. With its Tear-resistant reinforced vinyl cover, eyelet vents, and adherence to both Federal flammability and CPSIA safety standards, the Colgate Classica I Foam Crib Mattress is considered top-of-the-line in form, features, and function.
>>Click here for more information from Amazon<<
Benefits of the Colgate Classica I Foam Crib Mattress:
The orthopedic style extra firm foam of the mattress provides increased support for your infant. This feature is highly recommended in a crib mattress by Medical experts.
Safety is a key feature of the Classica I. The foam is hypoallergenic to prevent allergens from affecting your infant. It also features eyelet vents which maintain the freshness of the mattress. It also meets both Federal flammability and CPSIA safety standards.
The Colgate Classica I Foam Crib Mattress is very lightweight and waterproof which makes it very easy to maintain. It can be easily lifted when changing sheets and spills or other accidents can easily be wiped clean.
Although lightweight, the Classica I is also very durable. It’s triple layer reinforced vinyl cover make it tear resistant. Many parents report it being used for many years and by multiple siblings.
Reported disadvantages of the Colgate Classica I Foam Mattress:
- Some parents felt the Colgate Classica I Foam Crib Mattress was too firm. These reports were isolated however and most parents reported their children slept well on the mattress and they were happy with the firmness of the mattress.
- A couple parents reported that the waterproof surface causes the sheets to slide at times. This issue was very infrequently reported and resolved by purchasing a properly sized crib mattress sheet.
Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress
If you are looking for a high-quality mattress for your newborn baby that will serve your family for many years, you may want to consider buying the Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress. This mattress offers good value for money hence affordable.
Moms have highly recommended this mattress on the Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress reviews, describing it as reasonably priced and offering the most important qualities that every mother cares about: safety, comfort and durability.
The Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress measures 52 by 28inches and fits U.S standard- sized infant cribs and toddler beds. Its construction resembles that of an adult mattress which is why it’s able to bear up to the weight of an infant.
The heavy gauge interwoven steel coils and full perimeter border rods ensure the mattress remains firm and holds it shape even after many uses. The mattress is also well padded with 3 non-allergenic layers providing comfy support as your baby sleeps.
The filling is organic cotton, the fire treatment of the mattress is non-toxic, and it uses no allergenic materials, so it creates a safe and chemical-free sleeping environment for your infant.
Benefits of the Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress:
The Sealy Mattress is vertically supported with 204 steel support bars so that your baby’s weight gets evenly spread out. This reduces the chances of the mattress sinking in and ensures your baby will have a firm sleeping base. This also protects your infant’s face from getting smothered by a sagging mattress, ensuring their safety.
You won’t have to worry about the mattress caving in or getting warped out of shape. The entire perimeter of the Ultra Rest Mattress is lined with strong border rods. This compact mattress will serve well in a multi-child household for many years to come.
The Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress is a safe mattress to use having passed flammability and toxicity tests. It is certified to meet child safety standards so that your child can sleep safe and sound, out of harm’s way.
The easy-to-clean, wet-proof vinyl laminate cover provides a water-tight barrier to liquids and stains. This will protect your infant from the dangers of bacteria growth, mold, mildew and odor that could lead to infections.
From Users
Some users felt the mattress would have been firmer however most reported that their babies slept comfortably and safely in the mattress when they began using it.
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Serta Nightstar Extra Firm Mattress
Moms and dads often find it a challenge to find a baby crib mattress that has a firm sleeping surface, of which, they may want to consider purchasing the Serta Nightstar Extra Firm Mattress.
This mattress is designed with special features that prevent sagging so that babies and young infants can play and sleep on a firm and comfortable mattress. One Serta Nightstar Extra Firm Mattress review after another recommend it as an affordable and quality crib mattress that meets safety standards.
The Serta Nightstar Extra Firm Mattress measures 53.3 x 28.2 x 7 inches and will fit most standard crib and toddler frames. You can use it with newborn babies and children weighing up to 50 pounds so it’s bound to serve your family for many years.
In addition to being durable, the Serta Nightstar also has a pretty vinyl cover embossed with the Serta sheep cartoon character.
Benefits of the Serta Nightstar Extra Firm Mattress:
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- The Serta Nightstar Extra Firm Mattress is designed with heavy duty coils and full perimeter border wire which provides an extra-firm support. This means the mattress will not sag or bend out of shape even if your child stands on it.
You can be assured of a hygienic environment for your infant because the Serta Nightstar Extra Firm Mattress is fitted with a laminated cover that provides antibacterial and antimicrobial protection.
This mattress meets State and Federal safety standards and is made of exclusive material that reduces the risk of flammability. This makes it a safe mattress to use with your young ones.
The Serta Nightstar Extra Firm Mattress has a vinyl cover that resists moisture and reduces the chances of staining hence easy to clean and maintain.
Here’s the disadvantage of the Serta Nightstar Mattress:
- Some moms and dads found the Serta Nightstar Extra Firm Mattress was a bit larger than their crib dimensions which made it a tight fit. However, this turned out to be an advantage as kids could not get their hands stuck between the mattress and the crib.
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The mattress is firm in the corners, edges, and sides, just like an adult mattress, yet with a comfortable medium-firm sleeping surface for your infant.
The Sealy Perfect Rest Crib Mattress has everything required for a safe good night’s rest. In almost every Parent submitted Sealy Perfect Rest Crib Mattress Review, parents mentioned how this mattress distinguished itself from others by having enough firmness hence safe for their child, and very comfortable to allow them sleep better.
The Sealy Crib Mattress also meets or exceeds all phthalates standards set forth by the CPSC, so parents can take comfort in knowing this harmful chemical common in crib mattresses is non-existent in the Sealy Perfect Rest.
There’s a reason why the Sealy Perfect Rest Crib Mattress is also considered one of the sturdiest mattresses on the market. It uses 150 heavy gauge interlocking coils which are heat tempered to give them more strength and durability, and the all-around border rods keep the edges, sides, and corners as firm as possible.
The Sealy Perfect Rest also utilizes two non-allergenic sleeping layers, which help to ensure your baby doesn’t have an allergic reaction to the mattress, and also is key to making the mattress very comfortable to sleep on.
>>Click here for more information from Amazon<<
Benefits of the Sealy Perfect Rest Crib Mattress:
The Sealy Perfect Rest offers the doctor recommended firmness without sacrificing the comfort of sleeping on the mattress. Parents can rest assured that their child is both safe and comfortable.
The mattress does not contain any phthalates commonly found in crib mattresses. This ensures your baby is not impacted by this harmful chemical.
The Sealy Perfect Rest uses 150 heavy gauge interlocking coils and all around border rods to keep the sides, corners and edges firm. This enhances the durability of this mattress and prevents the sagging that can occur over time.
The Perfect Rest’s waterproof vinyl laminate cover resists stains and moisture. Cleaning is also as simple as wiping it with a damp cloth. This makes maintenance for this mattress extremely easy.
Here’s the reported disadvantage of the Sealy Perfect Rest Mattress:
A few parents expressed concerns that the mattress is too soft as medical experts recommend a firm mattress. This mattress is medium firm and while it is softer than an extra firm mattress it is not considered hazardous. It is a great option for infants or toddlers that have difficulty sleeping on Firm or Extra-firm mattresses.
How to Choose the Right Crib Mattress for Your Baby
New parenthood is a magical time, and many are determined to get their baby the best of everything. With resources like the internet available, as well as word of mouth from experienced parents, worried parents can set their minds at ease by doing their due diligence on various items for baby and nursery, such as crib mattresses. Here are some tips on how to choose the right crib mattress for your baby.
Remember, a baby spends nearly two thirds of its life sleeping so you want to make sure you get a good crib mattress.
The Right Fit
Make sure the crib mattress into your crib snugly. Measure your crib so you know exactly what size of mattress you will need. Make sure that there are no gaps between mattress and crib which your baby could roll into. Even if there is a gap, you can fill it with some sort of stuffing or cloth to keep it and baby safe.
Firm but Not Too Firm
You want to make sure that the baby will not be at risk of smothering, but you also want the surface to be comfortable for baby to sleep on and not too hard. Get a good cover for the mattress, this will protect your baby from any chemicals that the mattress has out gassed.
When you purchase a crib, mattress make sure to:
- Let it air out for a while to get rid of some of the chemicals and smell
- Test it occasionally to see that it maintains an even consistency and hasn’t developed any lumps or unevenness
- Use natural cleansers or soap to clean
How much will I need to spend for a quality cot mattress?
Babies bring a lot of joy into the world, but they also bring along a good deal of additional expenses that can often leave parents anxious and tempted to settle on a lower priced alternative. However, when it comes to purchasing a crib mattress for your baby, you should realize that it is a relatively long-term investment in the health of your child.
There is no reason to settle for a cheap foam mattress when you can purchase a reasonably high quality crib mattress for around $100. In any case, it would be a good idea to spend some time searching through various stores that sell crib mattresses.
The Internet is a good place to start, as there is a good opportunity to search through many infant mattresses, get information on which are better for your baby. Sometimes, you are also able to find exclusive discounts that cannot be found at local mattress stores, especially if you’ve found a certain model of baby mattress that you wish to buy.
If you are trying to get the best bang for your buck, try comparing prices between every store you can find that sells a crib mattress model that you have been interested in. Chances are that you will encounter a good deal of price variation, and you can use this to your advantage by snagging the better offer.
The Best Location for a Crib
Cribs are by far the most dangerous item in the nursery, causing the highest rate of child injury. Knowing where (and where not) to put the crib will make a huge difference in the safety and well-being of your child.
Where to Put the Crib
The first few things you should consider are:
- The Sleeping Zone
- The Tiptoe Factor
- Changing Convenience
Your nursery should be divided into three specific zones: The Sleeping Zone, the Changing Zone and the Feeding Zone. The crib, not surprisingly, belongs in the Sleeping Zone, designated solely for sleeping. The crib should not be flush with any wall, in fact: Make sure that the crib is at least one foot away from all walls or furniture.
A shorter pathway from door to crib will lessen the probability that your footsteps will disturb the baby as you’re making the sneaky sojourn back from the crib after putting the baby down to sleep. Put the crib close to but not immediately adjacent to the changing table. This increases the convenience factor during changing time before or after bed or naptime.
Temperature
It’s better to have the child in a place where there are no drastic fluctuations in temperature. Keep the crib a safe distance away from:
- Windows — The crib should be far enough away from any windows so that sun or chilly drafts don’t disturb him.
- Vents — Look for vents in the room and ensure that they don’t blow directly on the crib. A direct blast of air that is too hot or too cold is not good for the baby.
Hazards
There are three main hazards that a well-place crib can avoid:
- Strangulation, suffocation or cut off circulation
- Getting stuck
- Items that may cut, bruise, or be eaten
NOTE – Keep the crib away from any sort of cord, rope, or string hanging from window treatments, as the baby can grab and become tangled up in the cords which can cause injury or strangulation. Although it might be handy to have needed items close at hand such as shelving or stacks of baby items, keeping them directly next to a crib is dangerous. If the baby climbs or falls out of the crib, she can become wedged between the crib and other item.
Likewise, having a crib up against a wall can cause the same problem if it gets separated from the wall. Make sure that there is nothing within reach that a child or baby can grab and pull down or into the crib, such as light cords or items on shelves, toys, supplies – anything. If it’s within reach, the baby will grab it and try to eat it, and potentially harm herself with it.
What Everyone Ought to Know about Standard Crib Mattress Sizes
Get the right crib mattress for your standard crib. A wrong crib mattress can easily cause your infant to suffocate! Read below for the standard crib mattress sizes and an easy to follow summary at the end…
Standard Size Crib Mattress
You’ll be hard pressed to find a crib mattress that won’t fit a standard crib size, but manufacturers do vary on the length and width of the actual mattress.
The thickness of the mattress isn’t as critical to the safety of your child, but you need to have a crib sheet that fits very well. Your crib sheet should go over the corners of the mattress so you can tuck it underneath without any slack. If your mattress isn’t slack, your child can crawl underneath the mattress and suffocate!
Your crib mattress must have the following depths to be standard:
- Smaller than or equal to 6 inches
- Foam mattresses: Between 4 to 6 inches
- Coil mattresses: Between 5 to 6 inches
4 Crib Mattress Dangers that Kill
Many parents overlook these four dangerous aspects of buying a new crib mattress. The crib is the only place that you’ll leave your baby unattended, so you must be extra-confident your baby will not suffocate.
Important things to watch out for are mattress firmness, plastic coverings, unseen dangers, and sleeping position.
1.Soft Mattresses Suffocate
Soft mattresses are dangerous for your baby. As the baby gets older, they will compress the mattress more and become enveloped within the mattress.
The mattress needs to be firm with sharp corners, because any gaps in the corners can allow your child to slip in and suffocate. Laying your child to sleep in a soft crib mattress is like submerging her in quicksand.
There are two tests you can do when shopping for a crib mattress that won’t suffocate your child:
The “Squeeze Test”: Hold the mattress between two hands and try to push your hands together. If you can easily compress the mattress, do NOT buy it.
The “Two Finger Test”: Place the crib mattress into your crib and try to put two finger-widths between the crib and the mattress. If you can fit two finger-widths in the side, do NOT buy the mattress
Remember: soft and loose mattresses lead to suffocation!
2. Plastic Coverings Suffocate
The plastic covering can suffocate your child. Many uninformed parents keep the plastic covering on because it’s a waterproof (read: urine-proof) layer between your child and the mattress. Is a little convenience worth the risk to your child in the bed?
Remove all plastic covering! Don’t use a plastic covering for your crib mattress, because your baby can easily suffocate. There are crib mattresses that are water-resistant and do not use a plastic covering.
3. Dangerous Crib Mattresses Get Recalled
How often have you head in the news about a manufacturer defect that causes a dangerous crib and crib mattress? Be sure your send in your warranty and registration card. When your mattress or crib gets recalled, the manufacturer is required to alert you.
Don’t let laziness be the cause of SIDS.
4. Baby Sleeping on Chest cause SIDS
A baby sleeping on its chest is one of the leading causes of SIDS. Always place your baby on its back onto a firm crib mattress. Studies have shown that this greatly reduces the chance of SIDS.
Conclusion
These dangers are the most overlooked part of setting up your child’s crib. Be aware, and keep your baby safe!
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Patrick Mahinge
Patrick Mahinge, the chief editor at MTBNZ.org is a serial webpreneur who also enjoys mountain biking.
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