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Sleep and Motherhood!
Those two words together seem a bit of a contradiction, don’t they? Whether it’s you and hubby trying to get some shut-eye or your new baby, sleeping is an absolute swear word in most “baby” households. As for your little bundle of joy, and we mean that in the most un-sarcastic manner, there are ways and means to get them to sleep.
For now we are going to focus on an integral part of any person’s sleeping arrangement. The Mattress! Why don’t you make a nice cuppa tea, sit down in that comfy highback and let us take you through the whys, the types, as well as the pros and cons of the best crib mattress on the market.
Before we dive into that, we feel we need to mention an important factor related to sleeping infants. It is not a subject that any Mom wants to think about, especially when you are high pregnant and waiting in anticipation for your new bundle to arrive. But we feel we wouldn’t be doing justice if we didn’t at least mention a few facts about SIDS.
SIDS
A buzzword that is always heard around new Moms or Moms-To-Be. Not to put a damper on things, but it is important to consider the facts around SIDS and sleeping babies.
What Is SIDS All About Then?
SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and is the leading cause of death in infants from 1 month old to around 1 years old. Even though there is much deliberation and many skeptics around as to whether an infant who dies whilst in their bed is in fact a syndrome, it is worth a look at nevertheless.
The reason why we are mentioning it is because SIDS generally relates to babies that have been sleeping, hence the popular term “crib deaths” Some factors that can influence a sudden infant death are:
- premature birth or low birth weight
- overheating from too much sleepwear or blankets
- sleeping on the stomach
- issues during pregnancy and/or bad health attention during pregnancy
- if the mother is younger than 20
- exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and after birth
- drug or alcohol exposure during pregnancy and after birth
- badly fitting or too-soft mattresses in the cot or crib
- badly ventilated cribs and/or mattresses
- missing immunizations
- no breastfeeding took place or for very little time
- having baby sleep in parents bed
| Crib Mattress | Competency | Price | Our Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dream On Me Spring Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress | B | $$ | |
| Colgate Eco Classica III Eco-Friendly Crib Mattress | A+ | $$$$$ | |
| Moonlight Slumber All Foam Crib Mattress | A | $$$$ | |
| Sealy Soybean Serenity Organic Crib Mattress | B+ | $$$ |
While all of these are not proven as reasons why SIDS occurs, there is definitely merit in considering them. However, we would like to direct your attention to the specific pointers related to mattresses. Let us go into this a little deeper, why don’t we?
What To Look Out For To Ensure You Buy The Best Crib Mattress
Firmness
FirmnessWe all have our preference when it comes to the firmness or softness of a mattress, as it is with pillows and chairs. Some like their mattress really firm but a really firm mattress can be uncomfortably non-pliable for our soft bodies and a really soft mattress can be too pliable, not giving enough support where we need it most.
When it comes to babies, seen as they cannot tell us their preference, we have assume. Their little bodies are, obviously, very soft, but in fact a lot more durable and adaptable than ours. It may have something to do with swimming around in a sea of amniotic fluid for 9 months, but babies don’t need a soft mattress to help them sleep. In fact, if you have not noticed yet, babies can sleep pretty much on any surface and anywhere. If they are tired, they will sleep.
However, having said that, and keeping with the issue of SIDS, a firmer crib mattress is best. Here is a good way of testing the mattress. You must be able to place your hand on the mattress, push in gently and it must spring back into place. That’s all fine and well if you are in a shop but if you are buying online, how will you know if the mattress is firm enough? While all manufacturers must adhere to the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, no matter the material of the item, there are definitely certain compositions that work best when it comes to mattresses.
Type Of Composition
Go either Spring or Foam.
Spring Mattresses
They tend to last longer and especially in the center area where the body normally lays. They are, however, a little more expensive and heavier to move and/or clean. But when wet they do dry quicker. (more on how to avoid wet patches later on).
Foam Mattresses
Generally they are cheaper but lighter in weight. Our suggestion is to go with the latex foam type as they tend to last longer in terms of give.
Organic Mattresses
For the earthy mom and dad, there are definite benefits to opting for this type of mattress. Non-toxic, chemical-free and Hypoallergenic are terms that come to mind when you think of organic. So if these are issues for you, then look at an organic mattress.
Size
As most cribs do not come standard with a mattress, you need to ensure you buy the correct size. The retailers of the crib should give you the exact measurements for the mattress to fit. Some do supply the mattress at an extra cost but you may not like their offering.
The mattress should fit very snug into the crib. You do not want baby’s legs, hands or worse getting stuck between the bars and the mattress. On a light-hearted side, check out this cute video of a toddler “escaping” from the confines of his crib.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDF0ibR__Lc
Warranty
While baby will only use the crib till around 1 and a half years of age, maximum 2 years, you only then need the mattress for that long too. So, most times a crib mattress has a warranty of around 3 years. But check just the same.
Waterproof and Free of Allergens
In today’s busy world we want ease and if this means that we do not need to be doing any 
more washing than is absolutely necessary, then that is a bonus. Check if the mattress you buy is waterproof. If not, purchase a mattress protector to avoid unsightly stains and eventually a stinky smell.
Further, most kids are allergic to something in the early stages, so check what allergens the manufacturer has claimed they have eradicated, like making the mattress PVC-free, hypoallergenic and phthalate-free, to mention a few.
Price
You do not need to spend a fortune on the best crib mattress for your baby. You already are probably spending loads on the actual crib, stroller and all the other baby extras you must just have. Remember baby will only sleep on this mattress till approximately 1 and a half years of age. My little guy only used his crib till he was 1 and then he went into a big boy bed with side protectors. But the choice is really all yours.
| Crib Mattress | Competency | Price | Our Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dream On Me Spring Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress | B | $$ | |
| Colgate Eco Classica III Eco-Friendly Crib Mattress | A+ | $$$$$ | |
| Moonlight Slumber All Foam Crib Mattress | A | $$$$ | |
| Sealy Soybean Serenity Organic Crib Mattress | B+ | $$$ |
So, What Is The Best Crib Mattress On The Market?
We have broken our favorites into a few category choices;
-
On A Budget
This is one of the cheapest on the market but you are still getting a good quality mattress here.
Dream On Me Spring Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress
TYPE
Spring, 80 interwoven heat-tempered coils, lightweight
FIRMNESS
Firm, but a little too soft for a new baby. It is better from 6 months onwards. For super comfort there are 2 hyper-allergenic layers
SIZE
52″ X 27″ X 6″ Thickness : 5″
WARRANTY
10 year limited warranty against manufacturers defects and materials. This mattress has passed the Federal Flammable Standards
EXTRAS
The anti-bacterial lock stitched binding assists in the prevention of mold, mildew and helps with odor control With the waterproof insulated layer, which is phthalate-free and triple laminated, you can be assured of no messy stains and smells from leaking nappies or milk bottles It is easy cleaning with a simple mild soap and water
While they promote that this mattress can dual for new baby right up to toddler, we feel it’s too soft for a new born. You may want to place another mattress under this one for more firmness, however this all depends on your preference and concerns
PRICE
A real bargain at $43
-
Best All Rounder
A long-standing company, that has produces some innovative products, you cant go wrong with Colgate.
Colgate Eco Classica III Dual Firmness Eco-Friendly Crib Mattress
TYPE
6” thick dual, orthopedic and light foam mattress
FIRMNESS
Another dual mattress, with one side catering for an infant with firm support and on the flipside a softer, more comfy feel for toddlers This mattress passed the GREENGUARD standards and boasts to be the best indoor air quality mattress. This means they have ensured there are no harmful air emissions.
Further, they claim that the foam is made from plant oils and is certified by Certi-PUR US, which simply means its safe foam (good for those SIDS worriers) and through and through organic
SIZE
51.7 x 27.2 x 6 inches Thickness 6”
WARRANTY
They don’t give their exact warranty terms but you can contact them to ask for this. We are thinking it must be at least 5-10 years as Colgate has been around for 500 years already
EXTRAS
On top of all that the covering has 10 000 volatile organic compounds and has a waterproof backing so you don’t need to worry about little accidents. There are mixed views on this mattress but overall it proves to be a well manufactured product with many plusses.
PRICE
A little on the high side but considering the benefits we are okay with $194
-
Double Deal
Who doesn’t like to get a two for one deal. Moonlight is offering just that with their dual mattress. Let us explain more.
Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Dual Firmness All Foam Crib Mattress
TYPE
Firm, high-density foam with CertiPUR Certification
FIRMNESS
As this is a dual mattress meaning the one side is for an infant (so a little more firmer) and the other side is for a toddler (a little softer) you have the best of both worlds here which means super comfort As this mattress is free from vinyl, polyethylene, PVC, phthalates and lead, you can rest easy on that front
SIZE
52.7 x 28.4 x 6.2 inches Thickness : 5″
WARRANTY
There is a Lifetime Warranty against manufacturers defects
EXTRAS
In addition the mattress is hypoallergenic, waterproof, fire retardant and has been treated with ultra fresh for antimicrobial protection It is also easily cleaned with a damp sponge
PRICE
Not the cheapest but for all you get we don’t mind the price of $196
-
Awesome Organic
In this day and age of going organic, why not go full tilt and take organic to your baby’s mattress?
Sealy Soybean Serenity Organic Crib Mattress
TYPE
Soybean firm foam
FIRMNESS
Using mostly natural and renewable soybeans which are grown by American farmers, you can be assured of a firm but comfortable mattress. With their CertiPUR-US Certification you will get a lightweight, durable and safe mattress
SIZE
27.2 x 5 x 51.6 inches Thickness 6”
WARRANTY
Sealy give a Lifetime Warranty on workmanship and materials
EXTRAS
Further, Sealy has used the GREENGUARD Certified Crypton Clean Sleep Technology, which means that the mattress is eco-friendly, waterproof and has an allergen barrier which helps with the longevity of the mattress No plastics, like PVC, vinyl, polyethylene and Oeko-Tex were used in the making of this mattress, so that is good news
The cover is made from 100% organic cotton, just to add to the overall eco-friendly design It is easy to clean with simple soap and water and they advise you to also use a Crypton clean solution to disinfect
PRICE
Not a bad price, given its organic through and through – $127
We know you will find the absolute perfect mattress according to your checklist, with all this information. You now have a very good idea what is out there. Pick and choose the most important factors for you and purchase your best crib mattress with confidence. Happy Hunting!
