How to choose a crib mattress

The best crib mattress for your baby is one of the most important decisions you will make to guarantee safety for your newborn. The number one priority I tell my clients is to choose a FIRM crib mattress. Crib mattresses vary in manufacturer, materials and price, but if it isn’t firm, it isn’t safe. While adults prioritize a soft cozy mattresses for our own sleep, babies have different needs. A safe sleep environment prevents unintentional suffocation reducing the risks of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

For example, once a baby can roll over on their own, they may sleep on their tummy and the mattress should not allow their face to sink into a soft surface blocking their breathing airway. A firm mattress will provide a solid flat surface for back sleepers and tummy sleepers. Babies should always be put down on their backs to sleep for all naps and nighttime sleep until they have reached 12 months. If they choose to roll over on their own before 12 months, you do not need to move them back to their backs.

Is my crib mattress safe?

When testing out a crib mattress, press your hand flat into the mattress. Your fingers should not sink into the surface of the mattress. The mattress should be firm smooth surface.

Additionally, there are organizations that give certifications to crib mattresses made with organic and non-toxic materials. Choose a mattress made with CertiPUR-US® certified foams which are made without bad stuff like mercury, lead, formaldehyde, and phthalates, ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (”Tris”) flame retardants and have low volatile organic compound emissions for indoor air quality.

Standards of safety to guide your decision in buying the best crib mattress:

• The mattress should be very firm and should not sag under your baby’s weight. It should fit snugly, with no space between the mattress and the crib walls. (Note: Your baby should never sleep on a water bed, sheepskin, pillow, sofa, armchair, or other soft surface.) American Academy of Pediatrics
• Make sure your crib mattress is designed for your specific crib and that it fits tightly. Use a fitted sheet only—nothing else should be in the crib with your baby. American Academy of Pediatrics
• Choose a mattress made with CertiPUR-US® certified foams which are made without bad stuff like mercury, lead, formaldehyde, and phthalates, ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (”Tris”) flame retardants and have low volatile organic compound emissions for indoor air quality. Even better certifications include: Greenguard Gold, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard). More details here 3 Little Plums

Buying the best crib mattress

The good news is a “firm non-toxic crib mattress” google search will provide many options for all the organic crib mattresses on the market. If you want to narrow down all the choices for your baby’s crib mattress, Baby Center has a round-up of their top choices available on Amazon.com ranging in price from $100-$400.  Another resource for best crib mattresses is 3 Little Plums, a mom made blog about non toxic baby and child products.

For additional information about safe crib mattress recommendations or safe baby products, contact us at mandy@yourbabyconsultant.com.