A baby spends many hours in her crib, especially in the newborn stage. Unfortunately, cribs and mattresses are responsible for hazards that can lead to illness, injury or death of a child. Before buying a crib and mattress, careful research is needed to ensure the best type of bed for a baby. A healthy crib and mattress provide a safe and supportive environment for a baby to sleep.
Mattresses
Healthy mattresses are those that are safe for a baby to sleep on. According to Consumer Reports, the most important concerns for buying a mattress are its size and firmness. Soft mattresses are more conforming around a baby’s body and can put her at increased risk of suffocation. A mattress that is too small can leave room between its edges and the crib, resulting in the possibility of a baby getting stuck in between.
Crib Safety
Most cribs are made according to safety standards, but buying a used crib may mean having an old model that may not measure up. Crib slats should be less than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent a baby from falling out. The side rails should lock in the up position, with latches that prevent an older baby from releasing them and lowering the side. Older crib models may have lead-based paint, which can lead to exposure and potential toxicity. Avoid using cribs made before 1978.
Waterproof
Some mattresses come with a vinyl covering that provides a waterproof exterior to prevent liquids from soaking in. A mattress pad can provide cushioning against the vinyl and will keep moisture away from a baby’s body. Crib mattresses can harbor bacteria or fungus after several months of use. Some antibacterial mattress covers are available to protect babies from exposure to these germs.
Toxicity
Campaigns about prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) target potential causes related to cribs and mattresses. Dr. Jim Sprott, a New Zealand chemist, suggests that SIDS is caused from toxic levels of anti-inflammatory chemicals found on some mattresses. The chemicals react with a build-up of fungus that develops on the mattress after use. Wrapping a mattress with a polyethylene cover that blocks the chemicals from reaching the baby has shown success with reducing the incidence of SIDS in New Zealand.
Considerations
Parents should consult professionals who are aware of the dangers associated with unsafe cribs and mattresses. Some products have been recalled due to manufacturing errors or toxic exposure. These types of cribs are unhealthy and should be removed from the market. Parents who buy cribs and mattresses second-hand should research brands and labels thoroughly before buying to ensure the best product for their baby.
