There are some mattresses you can save a lot of money on,
but buying a cheap crib mattress is probably not your best investment. For a few more measly dollars you can buy a great crib mattress and fully protect your child. Here are some things to look for when deciding between a cheap crib mattress and other mattresses on the market. A good mattress for a baby doesn’t usually mean the softest one. Infants need solid, firm support for their growing bones. A soft mattress can actually suffocate a child, and increase the risks of SIDS. This is why mattresses made for adults or older children are too soft and can’t be used for crib mattresses. Remember when making a decision on whether or not to go with a cheap crib mattress, your child will be sleeping there for two or three years!
- Firmness Is Important In A Cheap Crib Mattress
The first thing you need to do after making sure a mattress is firm, is make sure it is the right size. A good rule of thumb is that if you can fit a couple fingers between the side of the crib and the mattress (comfortably) then the mattress is definitely too small and presents a real hazard to the youth. Laws in Canada state that a full-size crib mattress must be at least 27.25 inches by 51.5 inches and no more than 6 inches thick. Even a cheap crib mattress should meat those standards comfortably. I should reiterate that all of the literature coming out these days suggests that simply buying the firmest crib mattress available is a great idea. No matter how uncomfortable the mattress might seem to you, the baby will adapt, and you can rest easy (when your baby allows you to that is) knowing that your child is safe and at no undue risk.
– Foam Is the Cheap Crib Mattress Alternative
After checking the size and firmness of a mattress you should make a decision on which type of material to buy.
The two main types of crib mattresses are foam and innerspring. Obviously, given how we just talked about the importance of firmness, the innerspring is the more durable and firm of the two; however, if you are looking for a cheap crib mattress, then there are some decent foam ones on the market. Just be careful that you don’t by a layered foam cheap crib mattress, because these are exactly the type that babies often have trouble with and it also places them at an increased risk for SIDS.
Some final things to look for in your baby’s mattress include a good mattress cover. It should be triple-laminated for ideal wetness protection. It also helps the mattress become more resistance to tears. Also important is if it has proper venting on the sides of the mattress. Clearly a baby will produce odours and you don’t want these festering inside your mattress. Finally, you should check it is certified. Different mattresses go by different standards (organic crib mattresses for example have their own certification) so check which one is appropriate for you before you go. As long as you’re cheap crib mattress can meet all of these criteria, it should be fine to purchase, just don’t sacrifice quality for a few bucks.