Due to the many warnings parents receive regarding child safety, choosing the right crib mattress can be daunting. The following criteria will help you make an informed decision.
Materials
Crib mattresses are usually rated the same as those for older children and adults: inner spring, memory foam, latex, or a hybrid (a combination of multiple materials). Parents who want an organic or all-natural mattress should look for natural or organic latex mattresses. Again, you’ll want to look for GOTS or GOLS certifications as well as GREENGUARD Gold as both GOTS and GOLS refer to the organic and natural ratings.
Memory foam tends to have the greatest amount of off-gassing. So, if you want to get a foam mattress or foam mattress, make sure it has at least CertiPUR-US certification.
“Some mattresses that you can order online have replaced fiberglass as a cheaper alternative to chemical flame retardants,” explains Stoeber. She continues, “There are concerns that fiberglass can transfer from the mattress, especially if you take off the cover. Exposure to fiberglass can cause skin and respiratory irritation and rashes, as well as damage to home and property.”
Once again, Stoiber stressed the importance of transparency, adding that “it’s a red flag if a company doesn’t disclose exactly what it’s using.”
Certificates
If your focus is on a non-toxic crib mattress, you can’t ignore the testimonials. At a minimum, you want a mattress with GREENGUARD certification. This is the best option, because it is backed by UL – considered one of the most comprehensive independent standards and monitoring organizations in the United States. And again, for foam mattresses, look for the absolute minimum CertiPUR-US certification. When it comes to textiles and organic fibers, give priority to those with GOTS, GOLS or OEKO-TEX certificates.
While there are other accreditation organizations, the ones listed above are the most common and reputable. Just remember that certification does not mean that outgassing has not occurred. These labels simply mean that the amount of VOC emitted is below levels considered hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
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Research has shown that A firmer mattress will reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)so if you’re buying strictly a crib mattress, you’ll want a firm option.
Dual-use mattresses (the reversible models with the infant and toddler side) have different firmness levels on each side – the child’s size being a little softer. These mattresses are a great option for parents who don’t want to replace models in just a couple of years.
durability
The life span of a crib mattress is much shorter than other mattresses. Usually, you will find that manufacturers specify an age or maximum weight. At a minimum, the crib mattress should be compatible with newborns up to three years of age.
As mentioned, reversible models will provide more durability and a longer shelf life.
price
Crib mattresses can vary greatly in price. Consider your budget and the number of years you will have from the mattress you choose.
safety
The last thing you want is a crib mattress that’s too small for a crib, or a mattress that’s too high even when the crib is set to the lowest position, or in the retrieval menu. So, be sure to measure the internal dimensions of your child’s bed (especially the height).
Keep in mind that eventually, your baby will start to pull himself up on either side of the crib. Therefore, if the mattress is too long, this poses a risk as your child may be able to bend to the sides and fall. Of course, always check the CPSC call-up list to make sure your intended rank is not listed.
Maintenance work
Look for features like machine-washable, water-resistant and/or stain-resistant covers to make it easier to maintain and protect your child’s bedding core from getting dirty or damaged. Alternatively, if you choose a mattress that does not have those built-in features, you can invest in a crib mattress cover.
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