Tag: Dream on Me

Your baby deserves nothing but the best when it comes to safe sleeping, which is why it’s important to be picky when choosing the crib mattress that your baby will (hopefully) sleep on every night. Aside from a mattress that meets your quality standards, it’s important to note that picking the right crib mattress is not the same as choosing a mattress for yourself.

Instead of opting for plush, pillowy-soft surfaces, it is recommended that you opt for a firmer mattress to prevent a suffocation hazard. Since crib mattress sizes are standardized, you don’t have to worry too much about finding the right dimensions, unless you’re using a mini crib.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

When you’re shopping for a crib mattress, there’s a lot to think about: materials, cleanability, price, and design. And while the sizing is standard, elements like the type of mattress, quality of materials, and external fabrics are not. You want something that’s going to be durable and safe, as well as fit your budget.

Type of Mattress and Materials

There are a few types of crib mattresses — innerspring, foam, and wool or cotton fill. They’re all really good options, and it’s mostly a matter of cost and choice, but I will note that foam and wool-filled crib mattresses like the Avocado are soon to be the bulk of the market.

Babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface for the first year of their life, so you’ll want a mattress that won’t form to their body while sleeping. If this is a coiled mattress, the more coils, the better.

Lastly, most mattresses are dual-sided like the popular Nook mattress. One side is ultra-firm for newborns and infants when they’re at the greatest risk of suffocation, and the other side is a bit more plush and comfy for toddlers whose real nighttime issue is just getting them in the bed at all.

Cleanability

How cleanable a mattress is depends on the cover. Vinyl is the least expensive material available for crib mattress covers, and it’s also the easiest to clean. However, it can be prone to puncturing and tearing. There are also woven covers that are more durable and aren’t as likely to have metal emerge through the surface. Covers made from cotton and other natural fibers are the most durable and breathable options, but they also tend to be the most expensive. And note that you’re going to need a mattress protector with a woven cover.

Cost

There is a great mattress at every price point, from under $50 to over $600. There will be a significant difference in the materials used, but note that these mattresses aren’t expected to last for 20 years like adult mattresses are. You can definitely pick something less expensive if you want or need to.

HOW WE CHOSE

Many mattresses today are made with durability in mind — we spoke to parents who use these mattresses and the manufacturers that make them to balance expertise and real-life use. We examined weight, cost, and ease of shipping with these other factors to determine the best crib mattresses on the market right now.

We also evaluated the safety standards set forth by the CPSC and made sure all our picks meet their criteria. So, you can feel confident that our best crib mattress picks will be safe for your baby.

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