However, infants should always be monitored while in their cribs. There’s so much more you need to learn.
There is one certainty. You want your newborns to have a good night’s sleep, and a quality mattress can help with that.
It’s important to measure the height of your crib’s frame and the mattress before making a purchase.
The information would also be useful in determining which of two possible sleeping arrangements is best for your child.
Your children are your greatest treasure, so it is imperative that you have a firm grasp on these fundamentals at all times.
A parent’s mind is constantly racing with ideas for how to make their child even more at ease.
Contents
How High Should Crib Mattresses Be For Newborn?
The only thing holding you back is the decision of how high to set the crib mattress.
Don’t stress! What I know, I’ll teach you. I understand the significance of this, especially for parents.
One level is more appropriate for infants, but both should be learned for maximum flexibility.
The question is, how tall should a baby’s mattress be in a crib?
Option #1. Keep it elevated
For a while now, this has been the best option you’ve been able to find. This one is crucial in the first few weeks.
An elevated surface, such as a crib, is appropriate for infants.
You’ll need to have your crib mattress at the highest point of your bed, so you’ll need to know how to raise theirs.
Those who prefer a thicker bed may consider creative mattress-raising options after making the initial investment.
Make sure you know the dimensions of a standard crib mattress to use as a starting point.
Which means you should have adequate knowledge to accurately measure a mattress.
If you don’t want to struggle when picking up or putting down your newborn, make sure the mattress is raised to an appropriate height.
Because infants are so vulnerable, you must exercise extreme caution when selecting any item, but especially their bed.
There are tried-and-true methods for safely raising the level of a crib mattress.
Nonetheless, before you buy a mattress, you should familiarize yourself with the industry norms for size. You should definitely be aware of that one.
Option #2. Lay it flat
Babies who are unable to roll over, spin around, or walk and jump should not use this option.
When your infants are old enough to start exploring their surroundings, you can lay your mattress flat on the floor of the crib.
This will prevent them from easily climbing in and out of your crib. If ever, it will be extremely harmful to infants.
Cribs are helpful, but if you have a lot on your plate and have to leave your baby alone for long periods of time, you may want to rethink your priorities.
Always better to be safe than sorry. Time flies, but remember that your babies are developing and growing.
Which means you’ll have to account for fluctuations in their energy and enthusiasm as they discover new things.
Expect them to start walking, crawling, and talking between the ages of one and two.
As a mother, you probably want to make purchases that will allow you to keep using the crib for as long as possible to maximize your savings.
If you want to use it until they are at least three years old, you should make sure it is large enough for them.
It is possible to avoid this problem altogether by implementing the first suggestion.
A crib mattress is all that’s required. In addition, you should be aware of how to ensure your infant’s security in a crib.
What Is The Size Of A Crib Mattress?
Baby’s crib mattress height is just one factor to think about when picking out the right size and type of bedding.
Your curiosity about the appropriate crib mattress size is understandable.
It’s a good thing because it’ll make them feel better and more at ease while they sleep.
They can get more rest and remain undisturbed for a short time. A crib mattress is useful, no doubt about it.
Still, it measures roughly 53 inches in length and 28 inches in width. Make sure it is the right color for your baby’s crib.
That’s the standard size, and you can have it made any way you like. The size should be accurate.
It’s not good for you, and it can cause serious injuries to your baby during pregnancy.
Benefits of a Crib Mattress Pad
Protection
A mattress protector for a crib or toddler bed is essential. This feature is especially useful for preventing nighttime accidents like leaky messes. By adding a mattress protector to the crib, you can rest assured that your baby is sleeping in a healthier environment. In addition, quilted tops and waterproof barriers aid in preventing spills and stains.
Convenience
Machine washable and dryer-safe crib mattress pads make cleanup a breeze. A crib mattress pad can be easily washed in place of the entire mattress, allowing the baby to return to sleep much more quickly after an accident. Having a spare mattress pad is also a good idea.
Comfort
Infants and toddlers can sleep more soundly on quilted crib mattress pads thanks to the extra padding and secure softness they provide.
Technology
In order to ensure that your baby has the safest and most advanced sleep technology available, many crib mattress pads are now technology-driven. Some crib mattress pads repel stains and odors to provide a cleaner, fresher sleeping surface for baby, while others with temperature-regulating fabrics can provide cooling comfort for your little one.
Natural Options
If you’re looking to spoil your little one with a touch of natural luxury, an organic cotton top is the way to go. There are a variety of absorbent and soft natural crib mattress pad options available.
The 9 Best Crib Mattresses for Babies and Toddlers
Best Overall : Newton Baby Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed
Our Favorites
- Cooling
- Easily wipes clean
- Light and sturdy
Disliked Features
- Some customers have complained of a strong plastic smell upon opening, but say it disappears after washing.
The Newton Baby Crib Mattress is the best option for a good night’s sleep. It has cutting-edge breath-through technology that eliminates the possibility of suffocation or carbon dioxide re-inhalation. This feature helps keep your infant at a comfortable temperature all night long.
The mattress and its cover, which can be removed for cleaning, are both machine-washable. Because it was made without any of the common allergen-causing materials like foam, glue, latex, or springs, parents can rest easy knowing their child is safe from harm while they sleep. Newton Baby is an environmentally responsible business because their products are made from recycled materials and are GreenGuard Certified, ensuring low chemical emissions.
Parents who have purchased this mattress have expressed their gratitude for its breathable construction and cooling properties, which have alleviated their concerns about their infant becoming too hot while sleeping. If you’re worried about your child’s safety, you can rest assured knowing that this option is the best choice. Though it’s pricey, a Newton Baby mattress can be used from birth through the toddler years.
Some reviewers have mentioned that there is a noticeable plastic odor when you first open the package. The good news is that washing seems to get rid of this problem.
Cover? : Yes | Warranty: Lifetime | Dimensions: 52 x 28 x 5.5 inches | Materials: Recyclable food-grade polymer | Thickness: 5.5 inches GreenGuard Gold Certification
Best Budget : Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress
We Appreciate
- Dense and bolstering
- Includes a case for safekeeping
- Excellent worth
Our Dislikes
- Before using, it must be fluffed and inflated.
The Graco Premium Foam Mattress is a great option for parents on a budget who still want to give their child a safe and comfortable place to sleep. This mattress has been tested for more than ten thousand chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) known to contribute to poor indoor air quality, and it comes with a removable, machine-washable cover that is both flexible and water-resistant.
The memory foam is breathable and has a firmness that is just right for infants. This mattress, which is compressed in a box for easy transport, will need a few hours to fully expand before it can be used. After that, you have a durable and comfortable bed that will last for many years.
Covered? : Yes | 6 Year Warranty | GreenGuard Gold Certified | CertiPUR-US Certified | Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 5 Inch
Best Organic : Naturepedic Organic Crib Natural Mattress
This Is What We Enjoy
- Wrapping in a waterproof membrane
- Natural and harmless
- Very firm
Disliked Features
- Potential for eventual submergence
When you buy a Naturepedic mattress, you know your child is sleeping on a safe, organic mattress free of harmful chemicals. This alternative, which does away with the need for conventional springs, is surprisingly light despite its durability. The flammability and sustainability requirements for farming and chemical emissions are met by the breathability materials.
Because of the sturdy construction and wide base, your baby will not roll to one side during the night. The waterproof lining keeps moisture out and critters like dust mites and insects at bay. In case of any accidents, you can easily clean your mattress by wiping it down.
Size: 52 inches by 27.5 inches by 6 inches; Contents: cotton; Depth: 6 inches; Protective Case Included? No Guaranteed for 8 years | GOTS, GreenGuard, UL certifications
Best Splurge : Avocado Organic Crib Mattress
Our Favorites
- Dual-sided
- safe and natural
- Strong and durable
Objections We Have
- Costly considering how little time it will actually be used
Choose an organic mattress, like this one from Avocado, to give your child peace of mind that they are not sleeping on chemicals or toxins. The breathable and comforting combination of latex, wool, and cotton makes it ideal for your infant’s first sleep environment.
Avocado claims to protect your child and the environment by sourcing its wool and cotton in India without the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. These natural components feel heavier and last longer than the alternatives, but their use results in a 28-pound mattress. The heavy weight and high cost of this option are justified, however, by its hygienic construction and two-in-one design suitable for infants and toddlers.
52″ x 28″ x 6″; GOLS organic certified Dunlop latex; GOTS organic certified cotton and wool; 6″ thick; covered; 25-year warranty; GreenGuard Gold and OEKO-TEX® Class 1 certified;
Best Convertible : Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer Crib Mattress
Our Favorites
- Remains reliable over time
- Consistently soft while still holding its shape
- Dual-sided
Disliked Features
- Its waterproof exterior is a little too flimsy for my taste.
When infants reach this age, they can switch to a softer crib mattress. This Moonlight Slumber mattress has a toddler side and a twin side, so rather than buying two, you can use it throughout your child’s development. Foam made from plants is extra-firm on one side, making it suitable for infants. The other one is filled with a supple foam that infants and young children will find irresistible.
The medical grade stretch knit fabric is highly durable and resistant to moisture, stains, odors, bed bugs, and dust mites. This mattress is safe for your infant because it does not contain PVC, phthalates, lead, antimony, vinyl, or any other chemicals that could cause skin or respiratory irritation while they sleep. In the event of an emergency, the waterproof case is a welcome addition.
Covered? : Yes | 8-Year Warranty | No Certifications | 52 x 27.5 x 5-Inch Dimensions | Medical-Grade Foam | 5-Inch Thickness
Best Breathable : Colgate Eco Classica III Eco-Friendlier Crib Mattress
Various Things That Appeal to Us
- Long-lasting
- Waterproof
- Environmentally-friendly
Disliked Features
- Initially, some people noticed a slight chemical odor.
If your baby rolls over onto their stomach during the night, you can rest assured that they will still be able to breathe if you use a crib mattress that allows air to pass through it. This option is a safe bet because it contains high-quality foam that has been certified as non-toxic and hypoallergenic, so your baby won’t have to worry about suffocation.
The mattress won’t absorb any liquids with the dual-sided option’s waterproof backing. The ‘eco-foam’ in Colgate’s Eco Classic Mattress has been infused with plant oils, as the product’s name suggests, making it an eco-friendly option. This is a must-buy due to its nontoxic, durable, and lightweight construction.
Covered? Yes | Lifetime Warranty | CertiPUR-US, GreenGuard Gold Certifications | 52 x 27.75 x 6 Inch Dimensions
Best Mini : Delta Children Serta SleepTrue Mini Crib Mattress
Our Favorites
- Containing no new materials and utilizing only bottle recycling
- Superior in thickness to alternatives offered by competitors
- A firmness suitable for infants
Disliked Features
- Rather inefficient at keeping you cool
A mini crib’s mattress must be specially designed to fit the smaller size while still meeting all of the required safety standards for standard crib mattresses. The Serta SleepTrue Mini Crib Mattress by Delta Children meets all our requirements, from its nontoxic construction to its waterproof cover and 10-year warranty.
When it comes to your baby’s comfort, nothing beats the four-inch-thickness and firm fiber core that are both made from recycled bottles. This mattress will last you for years, or at least until your child outgrows it, thanks to its two usable sides. This lightweight option is also convenient for traveling.
Thickness: 4 inches | Cover? : Yes | Warranty: 10 years | Certifications: GreenGuard Gold Dimensions: 38 x 24 x 4 inches | Materials: Fiber core, vinyl cover
Best Waterproof : Sealy Baby Firm Rest Waterproof Standard Toddler & Baby Crib Mattress
Our Favorites
- Durable
- Affordable
Disliked Features
- Making a racket under cover
To ensure a sanitary sleeping environment for your baby, it is essential to acquire a waterproof crib mattress or cover. It’s much simpler to clean up any accidents or spills that may happen. This Sealy option is highly recommended due to its waterproof, lock-stitched cover that is both antimicrobial and odor-resistant.
This innerspring option features heat-tempered interlocking steel coils to keep your baby comfortable and cool all night long. The heavy gauge steel border rods around the entire bed’s perimeter also prevent the user from sinking to any one side or becoming trapped. Even though the cover might make a little noise during the night, the extra cleanliness it provides is well worth it.
Cover? : Non-removable Dimensions: 51.63 x 27.75 x 5 inches Material: Polyester Thickness: 5 inches Cover? : 51.63 x 27.75 x 5 inches Warranty: 10 years Certifications: GreenGuard Gold
Best Innerspring : Kolcraft Pure Sleep Therapeutic 150 Waterproof Toddler & Baby Crib Mattress
Our Favorites
- Hypoallergenic
- Super-simple to clean up after use
- Waterproof
Disliked Features
- The sides aren’t as durable as competing designs.
The coils contained within an innerspring mattress give it a firm, solid, and long-lasting construction. Coils help keep babies from floundering or rolling to one side. Comfortable for toddlers because of the springiness that allows it to conform to their bodies.
The non-removable cover of this Kolcraft mattress is both watertight and stain-resistant, so cleanup is a breeze. You can’t take the cover off, but rest assured that it’s made of hypoallergenic, breathable fabric that’s perfect for your young child.
Cover? : Non-removable Dimensions: 51.63 x 27.25 x 5 inches Material: Foam Thickness: 5 inches Cover Lifespan: 10 years Certifications: GreenGuard Gold
What to Look For in a Crib Mattress
Size
In order to avoid the disappointment of having to return an ordered mattress, please verify the dimensions of your baby’s crib before placing your order. A typical crib’s dimensions are 28 by 52 inches. Your mattress should fit completely inside your crib with no room to spare. According to registered nurse Lindsay Albutt, this prevents your infant from becoming wedged between the mattress and the side of the crib. The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees with her suggestions, she says.
You’ll need a special-sized mattress for a mini or portable crib. Mini crib mattresses must fit inside a space that is only 24 inches wide and 38 inches long. Creating a secure and cozy nursery is the first step in providing a peaceful night’s sleep for your newborn.
Material
Foam, cotton, wool, and polyester are just a few of the materials used to make crib mattresses. The method by which a material is put together may be just as, if not more, crucial than the material itself. The components of the crib you choose should be chemical- and hazard-free to protect your child from potential exposure while they sleep. The terms “organic,” “non-toxic,” and “hypoallergenic” may help you find allergy-friendly products. This ensures that your child’s mattress will not cause allergic reactions or irritate his or her skin.
A mattress’s material can also have an impact on how warm or cold it stays during the night. If your infant tends to get hot easily, you may want to invest in a special mattress designed to keep them cool.
Firmness
Albutt says that putting babies to sleep on their backs, on a flat, firm surface, can help prevent SIDS. Seventy-two percent of the 3,400 annual SUIDS deaths, as determined by her study, occur in unsanitary sleeping conditions. Taking even simple precautions to ensure your child’s safety at night is crucial.
Mommywise creator Natalie Nevares says, “Firmness ensures that when babies inevitably roll over, they won’t suffocate.” This does not mean that comfort must be sacrificed. She goes on to say, “I don’t want my baby sleeping on the mattress if I wouldn’t want to sleep on it myself.”
Breathability
When looking for a crib mattress, Nevares prioritizes breathability alongside firmness. Most mattresses are designed so that a baby can continue to breathe even if they roll over onto their stomach. While some fabrics may be more breathable than others, it’s always preferable to choose lightweight and breathable products.
When shopping for a crib, avoid items with pillow tops or comfort tops, advises Elizabeth King, CEO and founder of Sleep Baby Consulting. She warns that “baby’s face can get trapped in these soft spaces, which can inhibit breathing.”
Sustainability
Crib mattresses may not be crucial to a baby’s safety or comfort, but they can be a selling point if they are made with eco-friendly materials and follow sustainable production methods. “I would suggest looking for a firm, Greenguard Gold Certified mattress when shopping for a crib mattress for your baby. According to certified sleep consultant Kaley Medina, “this certification ensures that the interior of the mattress is low in chemical emissions.” This means that both your baby and the planet will benefit from the use of safer materials.
Waterproof
Waterproof crib mattresses can be quickly cleaned by wiping them down or washing them in the event of an accident. Some of the items on this list have waterproof covers that are permanently attached and stitched together. While in other cases, the parts are detachable and can be washed and reused. Adding a watertight cover to any of the products on this list can make maintenance a breeze.
It’s important to remember that waterproof coverings don’t always sound great. Not everyone finds plastic or vinyl to be the most pleasant material for a good night’s sleep. If a watertight cover isn’t built into the mattress, it’s a good idea to do some research before making a purchase. While some mattress brands promote organic, non-toxic materials, the waterproof cover may be a different story. Having gone to the trouble of finding a non-toxic, organic, allergen-free mattress, the last thing you want to do is cover it with something that isn’t as clean or safe.
FAQs
How do you clean a crib mattress?
Most mattresses sold for use in cribs can be easily cleaned. Many of the choices on this list feature mattresses and covers that can be removed and washed in the washing machine on a weekly basis or right after an accident. There are also options with waterproof covers that can be easily wiped down to remove any stains or liquid. Before you dive in, make sure you read the care instructions so you can prepare for the inevitable spills.
Do crib mattresses make a difference in a child’s sleep?
When it comes to a child’s sleep, Medina and Navares both agree that the crib and mattress are not the most important factors. Still, it’s a good idea to start by making your baby’s environment as secure and pleasant as possible. Teaching a child to fall asleep without the aid of sleep associations or sleep props is, according to Medina, the single most important thing a parent can do to improve their child’s sleep. Making sure your baby is comfortable in their crib and that all safety measures have been taken will help immensely with this.
According to Nevares, “Sleep and growth go hand in hand. When they start getting enough high-quality rest, they will blossom rapidly. This means that finding the right mattress for your baby is just one of many things you can do to help him or her get a better night’s rest, all of which will have a positive impact on your child’s growth and development.
What do babies need to sleep?
A good flat mattress and a fitted sheet are necessities for a baby’s crib. The sheet should be as snug as possible on the mattress to avoid suffocation in the event that the baby rolls onto its stomach while sleeping. According to Medina, only the mattress and the fitted sheet should be in the crib with the baby at night. Other items, such as mobiles, blankets, stuffed animals, toys, bumpers, etc., can pose a risk to the baby’s safety while sleeping. In light of the fact that there aren’t many things a baby needs in order to get some shut-eye, it’s crucial that what little there is be of the highest possible quality and safety standard.
Conclusion
Our discussion of today’s topic is now complete. I really do wish I could have solved your problem and that you found this information to be extremely useful.
We figured out the solution to the age-old question, “How deep should a baby’s crib mattress be?”
It is my sincere wish that you will be a responsible parent to your child and that you will give serious consideration to the consequences of any actions you take.