How to choose the ideal mattress for your baby
Index
One of the most beautiful parts of waiting for a baby to be born is setting up the room. Thinking about the decoration, the furniture, organizing the first clothes... All the preparation is done carefully and, above all, thinking about the tranquility and well-being of the baby in the first moments of life.
Comfort and safety are two keywords that should characterize the rest of our babies.
During the first 5 years of life, babies and children spend at least half the day in a sleep environment. Therefore, products that are part of the rest have to be safe, since it is in this environment that babies and children spend most of their time.
More than ensuring comfortable bedding or the most ergonomic pillow, it is essential to prioritize the choice of ideal mattress for the baby. After all, in the first years of life, babies spend as much - if not more - time sleeping than awake!
The importance of baby sleep
Sleep is essential for the good development of the baby, since it is through it that several essential stages of growth take place. Good sleep hygiene in babies allows for their good brain development, consolidation of memory and attention, the release of hormones crucial to growth, among others.
A National Sleep Foundation recommends that newborn babies (from 0 to 3 months) sleep between 14 and 17 hours while, from 4 to 11 months, babies should get between 12 and 15 hours of sleep a day.
However, most of the time - and to the misfortune of all parents who read us! - this temporal space is not materialized. Due to feeding needs, the baby's sleep is divided into shorter periods, mainly at night.
Healthy sleep habits are a great help in the physical and psychological development of babies. Allied to this is the choice of a good mattress!
How to choose a crib mattress?
The best baby mattress depends on several factors, such as age and sleep habits. Since the first months of a baby's life are essential for a healthy development, there is nothing better than providing them with a cozy, safe and peaceful resting environment. The crib where you will spend most of your time needs a quality mattress and that, at the same time, guarantees comfort and safety.
But in the end, how to choose best baby mattress? This doesn't have to be a complicated task, but it does have to be conscious! Follow our tips for making the right choice.
Important factors to consider when buying a baby mattress
- Size
The mattress must always respect the size of the baby's crib. There must be no space between the mattress and the rails of the crib, as this can compromise the safety of the baby during rest.
Inappropriate mattress dimensions - such as mattresses that are too small in relation to cribs - was one of the many aspects targeted by the European Commission's study. This study led to the elaboration of new safety rules, based on the safety of newborn and young children's rest products.
The most common mattress measurements are 60x120 and 70x140 and, when choosing, it is important to know the exact dimensions of the crib so you don't make a mistake when buying the mattress.
- Mattress Type
Regarding the material of crib mattresses, and similarly to adult mattresses, there are two main options: foam mattresses and the spring mattresses.
The most popular type of model is, without a doubt, the foam mattress: it offers greater stability and safety, while respecting the curvature of the baby's spine. For babies who sleep on their sides, the memory foam mattress it's the most popular option!
- Firmness
The firmness of the mattress is also one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a crib mattress. Babies need to sleep on mattresses that are firm, and that they do not “sink”.
This recommendation of looking for mattresses with a harder consistency may seem strange, mainly because, as a rule, we associate a baby mattress with something soft and fluffy… but it's not quite like that! A soft mattress that “sinks” can lead to serious and sometimes fatal accidents such as suffocation.
Very soft mattresses "sink" the baby's body, which can cause pain and malformations or, in more serious cases, result in fatal accidents such as suffocation.
The firmness of a mattress can be tested by pressing the center and edges, and the mattress should return to its original shape once this pressure is relieved.
- Density
The issue of density is the one that can raise the most doubts when choosing the ideal mattress. The density of a mattress refers to the amount of foam used in its manufacture, which varies depending on the age and weight of the baby.
For babies and children up to 3 years old, mattresses with density 18 (identified by code D18) are the most suitable. Mattresses with density D18 are firmer but, at the same time, comfortable for the baby's spine.
From 3 years old, the mattress density must match the child's age and weight. The rule is simple: the more weight the mattress needs to support, the more density it has to be!
- Material
In order to provide your baby with adequate rest and, at the same time, take care of their health and well-being, it is important to pay attention to the type of material of the crib mattress.
This must be breathable it's composed by hypoallergenic materials, protecting the baby from respiratory problems and possible allergies. As it is breathable, it allows for greater air circulation and flow - ideal for preventing moisture and dust mites.
The best mattresses for babies
Baby on the way and still haven't found the perfect mattress? Our crib mattresses are sure to be the perfect choice for a safe, healthy and comfortable sleep.
Our crib mattresses contain hypoallergenic fibers for a better adaptation to the baby's body, constant maintenance of the mattress temperature and they do not cause allergies.
You'll want to meet them!
Used crib mattresses? Never!
Reusing the mattress from one child to the next is no problem, as long as it is in good condition and has not lost its firmness.
On the other hand, when it comes to buying a used mattress from a stranger, the case already changes! Purchase used mattresses it's never a good idea, especially not when it comes to children's mattresses. In addition to being unhygienic, it is likely to have its firmness and shape compromised.
In addition, studies have found a link between the use of used crib mattresses and sudden infant death syndrome. One study carried out at the Royal Hospital in Glasgow, and published in the renowned British Medical Journal, found this relationship.
The conclusions drawn from this study found a significant link between the use of second-hand mattresses and deaths, particularly with mattresses used by children from a different household. Thus, children who slept on used mattresses were more prone to the syndrome.
According to scientists, this relationship may be due to the presence of bacteria in the mattress, resulting from exposure to urine, saliva and milk.
Regardless of facts, studies or assumptions, it is best to avoid buying a used baby mattress from strangers. Prevention is better than cure!
Crib mattress cleaning and protection
With regard to the sleep of babies and children, it is almost inevitable that small accidents happen, because diapers do not always hold up all night!
If the child still wets the bed at night, it is important to choose a mattress with waterproof properties and protect the mattress with a protector for greater hygiene and preservation.
Mattress protection is always essential, but when it comes to a baby or child mattress, this should be a priority!
Protect the mattress with a protector and/or waterproof sheet will simplify (a lot!) the life of all parents. Even if liquid spills, such as drinks or small pee, do occur, cleaning will be easier and the risk of damaging the mattress will be greatly reduced!
Our recommendations
Investing in waterproof protective accessories allows the use of the mattress to be the best and most hygienic as the baby grows. Do you already know our favorites?
- Waterproof Aloe Vera Crib Protector
Made with 80% cotton fabric with Aloe Vera treatment, our crib protector combines waterproofing and breathability.
Ensures mattress protection against liquids and has Sanitized® treatment, effective in eliminating mites. It also has an excellent thermal capacity and is machine wash resistant.
- Crib Sheet Breathe Waterproof
Our sheet protects the mattress against liquids and allows your baby's skin to breathe providing a sweat-free rest.
It is waterproof and breathable, with excellent thermal capacity and comfort, being composed of an extra-soft touch with 100% organic cotton fabric.
You can discover this and other essential products for your baby's rest in our childcare category.
At Colmol, our priority is the satisfaction of those who seek to improve their nights rest through effective and quality products. our team of Sleep Specialists provide personalized advice on a daily basis, adapted to the needs of each client who comes to us.
If you are looking for this specialized help, you can contact us directly at::
- Call the number +351 300 600 110
- Or send us your questions to the email suporte@colmol.pt
We are always available to help you… and your sleep 🧡