Parents are always looking for ways to help support their new baby and one of the greatest ways you can do that is to choose the right baby mattress. Baby mattresses play a critical role in your baby’s health and sleep. There are a variety of baby cot mattresses available in the market today but a lot of confusion arises for new parents who are trying to choose the best one.
This article will help parents understand the key features to look for in the best baby mattress to ensure their babies’ comfort and safety.
Essential Features of the Best Baby Mattress
To start, it is important to know the key features and characteristics of the best baby mattress.
Safety Standards
The first thing you need to consider is baby mattress safety standards. There are several standards required across the country. The first is that the baby cot mattress has to fit snugly within the cot itself. There should be no more than 40 mm between the edge of the mattress and the sides or edges of the cot when the mattress is centred. The gaps should be less than the size of your finger.
Other safety standards extend to the firmness. A baby mattress needs to be completely firm and flat without any tilt or elevation. it should also have a strong waterproof cover that fits tightly.
You can verify the safety of the best baby mattress you choose when you look for certifications like GREENGUARD Gold and others relevant to baby mattresses.
Material and Construction
If you are looking at baby mattresses, it is incumbent upon you as the parent to check that there are no toxins or other harmful chemicals used in the materials for the baby mattress. For both adults and children, there are several toxins like formaldehyde and retardants that can get released over time from a mattress and get inhaled by your baby.
Given how long your baby sleeps with its face directly on a mattress, it’s important that you consider non-toxic materials such as:
- Organic cotton
- Latex
- Memory foam
You can also find hypoallergenic options that prevent your baby from increased allergies and unwanted long-term health effects.
For example:
- Memory foam uses high-quality polyurethane foam bases, and you can check on the emissions and other toxins in each design.
- Latex can be natural or synthetic. Natural latex is a renewable material that comes from the rubber tree. It doesn’t emit high levels of VOCs, and it’s resistant to things like dust mites and mold, which makes it very hypoallergenic. The caveat here is that this is only applicable to a 100% natural latex baby mattress. Synthetic latex might emit things like VOCs, depending on the material.
- Organic cotton won’t contribute to poor sleep through pesticides, and it is considered the most non-toxic choice, one that is also environmentally sustainable.
Firmness
Firm mattresses are essential for proper spinal development in babies. A firm mattress supports their growing spine and bones so that they remain properly aligned. Moreover, if you don’t have the appropriate level of firmness for your baby cot mattress, they are at risk of sinking into the softer mattresses and suffocating, particularly when they are young.
Babies don’t have the motor control necessary to stop themselves from sinking or to stay in the right alignment while sleeping, but their mattress can do it for them.
When you are looking into a new mattress you can check that your mattress has complied with Australian mattress firmness tests and it should have a label indicating the level of firmness and the age-appropriateness.
Breathability
Breathability is imperative for a baby mattress. The best baby mattress reduces the risk of overheating and improves air circulation which is essential for a new baby as they do not have the motor skills or communication skills to simply adjust themselves if they are too hot or change position when there isn’t enough air.
Waterproof and Easy to Clean
One of the requirements for baby cot mattresses in Australia is that they be fitted with a waterproof mattress cover that is very tight and snug. A waterproof mattress cover is very important to ensuring the longevity of your mattress. Given that this is a substantial investment it’s well worth protecting. More importantly, that waterproof cover makes it easier to clean so that your baby mattress can remain hygienic.
Size and Fit
All baby mattresses must conform to certain safety standards that extend to their size and fit. Parents need to know the importance of choosing the right size mattress for their baby cot to avoid those gaps that would otherwise pose a safety risk.
As mentioned, the mattress you choose should fit snugly when it is centred inside your baby cot, with no room bigger than a finger between the edges or sides of the cut and the mattress.
Additional Considerations
There are a few additional factors that parents should consider.
Durability
Durable mattresses are worth the investment because they are more likely to last through your baby’s early years. You can get away with a baby using a durable mattress for several years in a row and even set that mattress aside if you plan on having other children.
Price vs. Quality
As a parent it’s important that you are able to balance cost with quality. However, investing in a high quality mattress is incredibly beneficial because it has long-term ramifications with regard to your child’s development both physically and cognitively.
Babies rest a majority of their early months, so the right mattress is crucial. If you are able to invest in a high-quality mattress like a 100% natural latex mattress, you can increase the amount of support they get while they rest.
Eco-Friendly Options
There are eco-friendly and sustainable mattress options for environmentally conscious parents. As mentioned, organic cotton is one of the most environmentally friendly you can choose as is 100% natural latex.
Summing Up
Overall, choosing the right baby mattress ensures a safe and comfortable sleep environment. As a parent, you should consider all of the features mentioned above when making your decision. Rest assured that if you pay attention to labels and you are aware of things like firmness and size requirements, you’ll be able to feel confident in your choice of baby mattress.