Newborn babies spend most of their time sleeping, so the crib mattress is one of the most important pieces of baby gear you can buy. In addition to buying a safe mattress, parents should also keep the crib safe for their baby by removing all toys, pillows, blankets and other soft bedding from the crib, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And always put your baby to sleep on his back to prevent sudden infant death syndrome.
Size
Federal law requires that crib mattresses be at least 27 1/4 inches by 51 5/8 inches with a depth of no more than six inches. When buying a crib mattress, check to see that it fits tightly in the crib. You should not be able to squeeze more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib. If your mattress fits more loosely than that, it is too small and could pose a danger to your baby, according to Consumer Reports.
Firmness
Firm mattresses are best for babies. To test firmness, squeeze or push down on both the edges and the center of the mattress. If the mattress feels too firm for your comfort, it is probably just right for your baby. Infants need a firm and solid surface to sleep on. In fact, some cases of babies dying from sudden infant death syndrome have been linked to bedding that is too soft, according to BabyCenter.com.
Foam vs. Innerspring
Crib mattresses are either foam or innerspring. Both types of mattresses are safe, but foam mattresses are generally less expensive than innerspring, according to BabyCenter.com. However, innerspring mattresses tend to hold their shape longer than a foam mattress. In an innerspring mattress, the number of coils dictates its firmness. Look for mattresses with at least 150 coils.
Mattress Cover
A mattress cover is an important feature on a crib mattress because babies often have leaky diapers at night. Look for a water-resistant mattress cover that is double or triple ticked along the edges to help keep moisture out of the mattress itself. Triple-layer vinyl mattress covers are better at keeping moisture out than those with double layers. And because it's probably inevitable that the mattress will get wet, look for mattresses that have vents placed throughout to allow air to circulate in and around them.
Safety Recalls
In the event a crib mattress is found to have safety issues, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with issuing a recall as part of its role in protecting the public from dangerous products. To check to see if your mattress has been recalled, visit the commission's website at cpsc.gov, or call the manufacturer or retailer.
