How to Choose a Good Crib Mattress

One of the most important things you will buy for your new baby is a crib mattress. Because your newborn will sleep in the crib for a year and sometimes longer, it's essential to choose a safe and comfortable mattress.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Bassinet Accessories
• Bassinet Bedding Accessories
• Bassinets
• Crib Bedding Accessories
• Crib Mattresses
• Cribs
• Nursery Accessories
• Nursery Furniture

1. Measure the crib you're going to use. The mattress you choose should fit the dimensions of the crib exactly. A mattress that's spaced too far from the edges of the crib is dangerous: your baby could slip between the side of the crib and mattress.
2. Choose a firm foam or innerspring mattress. Foam mattresses come in different thicknesses and densities. Density is more important than thickness. Select foam mattresses with a density of at least 1 1/2 pounds per cubic inch. If the foam mattress doesn't indicate density, check the density or firmness of the mattress by pressing the tip of your index finger into the middle of the mattress. If your finger indents the foam easily, it's too soft. If you have to apply some pressure to indent the foam a little, it's dense enough. Innerspring mattresses measure firmness by the number of turns per coil. Look for mattresses with a minimum of 150 coils. You can measure firmness using the finger test also.
3. Look for breathable mattresses. Research indicates poor mattress ventilation as a cause for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Look for mattresses that have visible ventilation holes.
4. Find a fire-retardant mattress. Most infant bedding is fire retardant, but check just to make sure.
5. Shop around. Most major toy and department stores carry infant bedding. Prices and selection will vary significantly from store to store. Expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $140 for your baby's mattress.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask for a knowledgeable salesperson to assist you in your choice.
• Follow the same criteria check when borrowing or buying a used crib mattress. Place your infant to sleep on his or her back to prevent any complications due to poor ventilation.
• Do not lay comforters or loose blankets under your sleeping infant. Your baby's movements during sleep can cause the material to bunch up and create a suffocation risk.