Baby Crib Mattresses
Choosing between baby crib mattresses may not seem like a big decision, but you want to give your baby the most comfortable sleep possible. While most cribs are made within a few sizes these days with little to no variation, the size thickness of mattresses varies greatly, as does the material they are made of. You want to find one that will fit into the crib with no gaps between the crib and the mattress, as well as one that is thick enough to give your baby a good night's rest.
Inter-spring, foam, and memory foam baby crib mattresses are the most common and they will be comfortable for your baby as long as you are choosy. No matter the type you choose, you need to find one that is firm enough to be supportive and comfortable for the baby. Mattresses that are too soft can prove to be a safety hazard for young ones, especially if they are soft or elastic enough to allow the baby's face to sink in. Simply pushing your hand down into a specific mattress model can give you a good idea how of firm it is -- if your hand has little to no resistance when pushed in, then the mattress is most likely not firm enough for your baby.
If you are looking into inter-spring models, be aware that they are more expensive than today's average foam model. However, they also tend to be much more firm. The more springs that a inter-spring baby mattress has, the firmer it is likely to be.
Foam baby crib mattresses are much lighter and slightly cheaper than inter-spring varieties, though that is not because they are any worse for he baby. The smaller price is due to the lack of inclusion of the springs in most cases. However, it is important to know exactly how firm a foam mattress is before purchasing. With memory foam mattresses, it may be difficult to check the firmness. However, a good foam density will make an average baby memory foam mattress around 7 lbs to 9 lbs.
You may want to invest in a mattress that comes in multiple layers. These types tend to be more durable, and some even offer anti-microbial covers to keep germs from soaking into the mattress itself. A multiple layer mattress is a good investment if you want to be able to keep it long after your baby has grown out of it as well.
There are several choices when it comes to a mattress for your baby, but know what you need as well as the basic facts about baby crib mattresses. A good mattress can be the fine line between a good and bad sleep for your baby.