How to Choose a Baby Mattress
The crib is one of the largest items you will purchase when you are shopping for your baby. The decision on the right crib can take months, but do not focus solely on the frame while you shop. The mattress is often the most overlooked part of the crib purchase, but the mattress is just as important as the rest of the crib. Your baby spends a lot of time on that mattress for the first years of their life, so make sure you have the best possible product.
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Instructions
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Decide if you would prefer to have an innerspring mattress or a foam mattress. If the mattresses are good quality, then which type you purchase will simply be a matter of preference. There are no added safety benefits to your child if you choose one over the other.
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Weigh the mattress if you are considering a foam one. Generally, the heavier the foam is, the better the quality of the foam. Other ways to test the foam is the press down on the mattress and see how quickly it recovers its original shape. The faster it recovers, the higher the quality of the foam. You also want to make sure the mattress is a little on the firm side.
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Ask a sales representative about the steel used to make the coils if you are considering an innerspring coil mattress. Also, check the tag for the mattress specifications. If the tag does not provide you with the required information, move on to a new one. Remember, the number of coils is not necessarily a sign of quality. If the coils used on the mattress are poor quality metal, the mattress will not last long. Another thing to look for is border rods. Border rods give extra support around the sides of the bed. These rods make it less likely that the mattress will sag over time and help the mattress keep its shape once your baby is only enough to hold on to the bars and walk around.
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Ask the sales representative how many layers of vinyl cover the top of the mattress. The more layers of vinyl the mattress has, the higher the quality. Three is the highest number of layers. For added quality, ask if the mattress has nylon reinforcing. The nylon allows the material to stretch without tearing.
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Measure the length and the width of the mattress carefully. You want to ensure that it fills the crib entirely without leaving any gaps. You absolutely do not want your baby rolling into a crevice between the crib bars and the crib mattress.
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