Crib Mattress Size and Breathability
When purchasing a crib mattress, always ensure it fits precisely within its dimensions. A gap could increase the risk of entrapment or suffocation for your infant.
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Some mattress manufacturers market "breathable" models which claim to reduce rebreathing risks that are thought to contribute to SIDS; however, there is no evidence suggesting they are any safer than non-breathable models.
Size
Crib mattresses may seem like an innocuous purchase, but it should be one of the top priorities when expecting. Baby will spend much time there and must feel secure, so safety must always come first when selecting a mattress – including size and breathability considerations.
Standard crib mattresses are rectangular-shaped mattresses designed for infants from birth until they transition to toddler beds. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates them so they fit securely within a crib, and should not exceed 6 inches thick to avoid accidental falls when standing or crawling.
As part of a standard crib mattress, it is vital that no additional blankets, pillows, stuffed animals or bumper pads be included to block airflow properly or pose a potential risk of suffocation for babies if they roll into them.
Firmness
Selecting the proper crib mattress for your baby is one of the most essential purchases you'll make for them. Make sure that it adheres to federal regulations, fitting snugly into their crib without gaps that pose a potential suffocation hazard.
Make sure that the mattress is firm. Soft sleeping surfaces such as memory foam can increase infant suffocation risks and may contribute to SIDS. Therefore, low density memory foam mattresses should be avoided and regularly checked for indentations.
Firm mattresses provide resistance needed by babies as they learn how to roll over, push up, and even stand in their cribs. A firm mattress should fit tightly within its crib – no more than two fingers' width of space should exist between its edges and those of the crib's sides and the edges of the mattress itself, since babies sometimes shift while sleeping and could get trapped between these surfaces.
Breathability
Some brands offering breathable crib mattresses make claims that they reduce overheating, aid in avoiding suffocation and rebreathing (when babies breathe their own carbon dioxide back in), and may reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Unfortunately, Mamavation discovered there is no concrete proof to back these claims, suggesting they could actually be harmful.
Breathable crib mattresses don't provide a waterproof barrier, meaning bodily fluids may leak through and create mold, mildew and bacteria that is harmful for babies. Furthermore, frequent cleaning is required with most mattresses recommended being washed in a bathtub or shower exposing it further to potential bacteria and contaminants.
Look for a nontoxic, natural-fiber waterproof mattress made of safe materials like Newton Baby mattresses that offer breathability while remaining machine washable and machine dryable. Newton Baby offers standard crib-size mattress that fit within 1" from all edges of their crib's edges for easy fitment.
Safety
When selecting a crib mattress for your baby, there are a few safety measures you must keep in mind when making a selection. One key consideration should be selecting a firm mattress; firm mattresses provide resistance necessary for optimal skeletal development as well as lower the risk of SIDS.
As part of your search, be sure to look for a crib mattress with a snug fit – no more than 1" gap should exist between it and its edges; any larger gaps could allow babies to slip through and cause potential suffocation hazards.
Test the firmness of a mattress by wrapping some CDs around a milk carton (see image A). When finished, stack these CDs up one on top of another and place the lower carton on them – if any part of the carton touches the mattress it means it's not firm enough and should not be used – making this simple test invaluable in finding safe and comfortable crib mattresses for your child.