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Crib Mattress Buying Guide |
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Crib Mattress Buying Guide |
| Crib Mattress Buying Guide |
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Best Baby Products | crib mattress buying guide Crib Mattress Buying GuideBasics Types Features Accessories Safety Tips Cost Range Buying Tips Parents Favorite Basics A Crib Mattress is one of the most important purchases you will make for your baby. Not only will your baby spend more than 50% of his time on this mattress, it will provide the support he needs for his growing body. A quality mattress is key, considering your baby will use it until he is about 3 years old. A crib mattress should be made of high quality materials, be very supportive and meet the needs of both you and your baby. Types Foam: One major advantage of a Foam Mattress is that is weighs significantly less that an Innerspring/Coil Mattress. This makes it easier for a parent to lift the mattress to change sheets. A good quality from mattress features high density. High density measures the total amount of weight of the crib mattress. The higher the density of a foam mattress, the better. Innerspring/Coil: An Innerspring/Coil Mattress will last over time better than a foam mattress. The four major parts of an Innerspring/Coil Mattress are the innerspring unit, the insulator, the cushioned layers and the cover. The innerspring unit should have the most and thickest amount of coils, usually about 150 or more. Your mattress should also include a sturdy edge rod, which will provide edge support and prolong its life. The insulator prevents the soft cushioning from sinking into the many coils. The cushioned layers sit on top of the insulator pad and may be made of foam or natural cotton. Features Cover: The mattress cover, also called "ticking", determines the life expectancy of the mattress. Mattresses covered with a single layer are less expensive than those with multiple layers. Keep in mind that vinyl tears more easily than nylon. A good quality mattress should have a cover comprised of two or more layers. One layer should be made of a heavy-gauge nylon and bonded to a waterproof material. Heavy-gauge binding stitches should secure the top and bottom cover panels to the side panels. Firmness: Safety experts recommend a firm mattress for your newborn. A high density Foam Mattress will give you better quality and overall firmness. An Innerspring/Coil Mattress' firmness can be measured by the amount of coils it contains. Accessories Crib Bedding is available in many styles and collections to suit your individual needs and decor. A four-sided bumper should surround your crib to protect your infant from the crib rails. Crib Sheets are available in a wide variety of colors and are even included in collection sets. Your crib sheet should be fitted and fit taut around your mattress. Crib Wedges position your baby either on his side or back for support and help him breath easier while he sleeps. Sheet Savers attach to the crib railings and are used to 'save sheets' from frequent changing. Waterproof Mattress Pads, available either fitted or zippered, extend the life of your mattress and make it more comfortable for your baby to sleep. Safety Tips Do not place a comforter or pillow in a crib with your newborn. It poses a suffocation risk.
Never use any kind of plastic to waterproof the mattress. It too poses a suffocation risk.
There should be no more than two-fingers width between the edge of the crib mattress and the side of the crib. Your child could slip through, causing serious injury.
Every area of the mattress is a potential sleeping surface, so the mattress should be consistent in its firmness. Feel the mattress to see that there are no soft spots and that it is firm at the edges.
Look for a nylon-reinforced cover as it prolongs the life of the mattress.
Measure the crib for mattress size before you buy your mattress. Although most standard cribs measure 51 5/8 inches by 27 1/4 inches, some older cribs may have different dimensions. A crib mattress should also not be more than six inches high.
Check at edges and at center for any soft spots.
Vent holes should be located on either side of the mattress to allow odors to escape, keeping your mattress fresh. Parents FavoriteBabyU parents prefer Classica I Foam Mattress by Colgate. This firm foam mattress weighs only seven pounds and features a tough triple layer nylon reinforced cover. The manufacturer includes a 10-year warranty. While providing excellent support for your baby, its lightweight design makes it simple to change sheets and bedding.  Classica I Foam Mattress by Colgate OR |
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