Are you welcoming your bundle of joy? Congratulations! It is the start of a wonderful journey, but it also includes some restless and sleepless nights. So, one of the most important aspects of preparing for your newborn’s arrival is choosing a baby mattress. While it is not as exciting as choosing a pushchair or toys, careful consideration is still needed. An infant sleeps for more than 18 hours a day so you should choose the best mattress that promotes good sleep. However, there is a lot of confusing information that makes the choice challenging, so here is a guide to help you buy the best mattress for your baby.
Types Of Baby Mattresses
There are many types of baby mattresses, but they are broadly categorized into the following types.
- Innerspring mattress: These mattresses are good if you want a durable, supportive mattress. They have coils inside and offer better support compared to others, but they are heavy and more expensive. The support they provide makes the expense worthwhile.
- Foam Mattress: These are lightweight and are a great choice for those who want a mattress that offers quick cleaning. They are lightweight and make it easy to lift and change sheets or move them around. Plus, they are typically affordable.
- Organic mattresses: These are made from natural materials and are environment-friendly. One of the best organic mattresses is the cotton mattress, as it is of great value for money, comfortable, and free of chemicals.
- Dual-Side Mattress: As the name indicates, these can be used on either side and are ideal for long-term use. The firmer side can be used for infants, and the softer side can be used for toddlers, which is perfect for a growing child.
Size Of Baby Mattress
Various brands offer various mattress sizes. Some typical sizes in inches are Small (33” X19”), Bumblebee (34” X 21.5”), Rapunzel (46” X 23”), and Large (51.5” X27”). If you have to choose a bed and mattress, measure the inside of the bed frame and the mattress and find a compatible choice. To make sure the baby is safe and does not fall between the spaces, ensure that the space does not exceed more than 3 cm in total.
Thickness Of The Mattress
The baby mattress thickness varies from 7 to 13 cm based on the brand you purchase. Anything less than this thickness means that it can affect the longevity of the mattress. Also, make sure that the thickness is not too high, as it is unsafe for the baby. Another factor to consider is the mattress’s firmness. Newborns and infants should sleep on a firm mattress to prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). This firmness reduces the risk of it and also ensures breathability so that the baby sleeps comfortably and cool at night.
Choosing Between Synthetic Or Natural Materials
Synthetic mattresses like memory foam mattress are popular in the bedding industry, but natural materials are considered less harmful to babies. While foam mattresses are more affordable than latex, fiber, etc., they can cause skin irritation to some babies. However, many brands use hypoallergenic covers to prevent skin allergies.
Natural materials like cotton, natural latex, etc., are healthier and more breathable, but the major disadvantage is that they are priced slightly higher compared to synthetic materials. They are also heavier and make changing sheets a challenging task. Ultimately, the choice depends on budget constraints and the preferences of parents. Rest assured when you choose reputed brands, as they ensure safety standards are the same for both materials.
Safety Standards
Parents should be aware of some safety certifications and standards before purchasing a baby mattress. The Bureau of Indian Standards, BIS, is the primary safety standard that you should look for. Having this mark indicates compliance with Indian standards. Another well-known certification that is good to have is the OEKO-TEX certification, which guarantees that the core material used in the mattress does not contain harmful chemicals.
Budget
Before making the purchase, set a budget that considers the quality and cost of the mattress. Among the prime aspects to consider when setting a budget is safety and quality. The cost vs. quality consideration will help you realize that it is better to spend slightly more than intended if it gives you peace of mind concerning the safety of your baby. However, you should balance the cost and quality and not assume that higher cost means higher quality. Choose reputed brands like Wakefit as they offer high-quality mattresses at affordable costs and are an investment and not an expense.
Other Features To Consider
- Ensure that the mattress you purchase is waterproof or has a waterproof cover, as accidents are likely. Since cleaning is also an issue in such cases, the cover should be easy to remove and clean so that there is less stress on this matter.
- The next feature to consider is whether it is hypoallergenic. Babies are prone to germs as their immune systems are still developing, and that can harm their health. To safeguard them, choose a mattress that is resistant to allergens for the little one’s health.
- Safety is another feature to consider. When you choose a crib or bed, look for a mattress that fits right and has no gaps at the edges. This prevents your baby from getting hurt when they roll around at night.
Buying A Mattress On the Internet
Choosing the best mattress is critical, and so are the services offered by the brand you purchase on the internet. Here are a few points to consider to make the purchase journey on the web hassle-free.
- Check the delivery terms and conditions.
- Determine the product warranty period and what it covers and does not cover.
- Whether they help dispose of the old mattress.
- Free trial period and return policy
- Customer service responsiveness
- Customer reviews and brand reputation
Choosing the best baby mattress is of great importance as it affects the safety and health of your little one. Consider the above factors and make the right choice so that the baby sleeps safely and peacefully.