How to Choose the Best Crib Mattress for Your Baby
Time to read 3 min
How to Choose the Best Crib Mattress for Your Baby
With multiple options for baby mattresses available, safety and comfort should be the deciding factor when choosing the best crib mattress for your baby. As a general rule of thumb, go for a firm, flat and supportive mattress. Meeting the official safety standards and certifications must also be taken into consideration.
Here’s a comprehensive list on what to look out for.
1. Size matters
This may be a given, but you’ll be surprised to see how many people overlook this.
Common mattress sizes for baby cribs include 130 x 72cm (Standard US size), 140 x 70cm and 120 x 60cm. There may be +/- 2cm discrepancy but likely to be negligible depending on the thickness of the mattress protector and crib sheet.
Getting your mattress size right is dependent on your baby crib size. We recommend getting both your crib and mattress at the same baby store to make sure it’s the right fit, and to enjoy any crib + mattress bundle sale they may have!
Make sure you can stick no more than two fingers in the space between the mattress edge and the crib frame- anything wider may become a health or suffocation hazard to your little one.
2. Firm is the way to go
Getting an ultra-safe and durable baby crib is a waste if you pair it with a non-compatible mattress. Having a firm, flat and supportive mattress is crucial to developing your newborn’s delicate backbone and motor skills.
Getting a firm mattress is the bare minimum, but an extra-firm one would be ideal for babies, especially for newborns. There are also soft-medium firmness options but might put babies at higher risk of infant suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Save the cushier options for when they reach toddlerhood. Having at least 8-10cm thickness ensures good support to last your baby through the long night.
Online research may not accurately depict the firmness you feel in real life, so do pop by your preferred baby store to check the mattress out in person if possible! Popular baby mattresses include Hatchling Waterproof Mattress (Extra Firm) and Babyletto Pure Core Mattress (Extra Firm), both of which are available for viewing at Hatchery Crib’s showroom.
3. Safety first
Safety is the utmost concern when it comes to baby products. When browsing for baby mattresses, make sure they have a certified safety label, non-toxic, phthalate-free, and hypoallergenic. Make sure to keep the crib free of objects to prevent the risk of suffocation.
Some internationally recognised safety certifications to look out for are:
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification: One of the world's best-known labels for textiles test for harmful substances. Every component of an article has to comply with the strict OEKO-TEX® test criteria and the standards are constantly updated at least once a year based on new scientific information or statutory requirements.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): GOTS is a standard for textiles made from organic fibers. The standard “defines high-level environmental criteria along the entire organic textiles supply chain and requires compliance with social criteria as well.” Textiles can only be GOTS certified if they contain a minimum of 70% organic fibers.
GREENGUARD GOLD Certification: Tested for over 10,000 chemical emissions and VOCs, undergoing rigorous scientific testing to meet some of the world's most stringent chemical emissions requirements. It contributes to cleaner indoor air, creating a healthier environment for your baby to sleep, play, and grow.
4. Waterproof mattress protector
Babies are prone to leaks, so getting a waterproof protector is much needed to protect your mattress. Some mattresses come with a waterproof cover, while others are waterproof (no need for waterproof cover)- keep in mind that you will still need to put a crib sheet over the protector.
Due to the nature of the waterproof material, there may inevitably be a slight crinkly noise when there’s movement on the mattress. You can also get an additional cover to switch out when the other is in the laundry.
5. Price
Babies spend an average of 12-14hrs a day sleeping, so it’s worth investing in a good one. Certified baby mattresses may be costly due to the premium materials and fabrics used to ensure it’s completely safe and durable in the long run. You can purchase directly from a certified baby store so you can have constant access to their customer care and warranty services
Need more advice?
If you have any more concerns, talk to us! In addition to mattresses, we carry baby furniture, highchairs, strollers and more! Shop online or visit our virtual showroom to find out more.
