Are Crib Mattress Pads Safe

What To Look For In A Crib Mattress Pad

If you’ve decided to shop for a crib mattress pad, keep the following things in mind.

The crib mattress pad should be waterproof. This is the entire purpose of a crib mattress pad, so if you don’t buy one with this feature, it’s kind of a waste. After all, these products are meant to protect mattresses from stains. The best way to do that is by ensuring nothing seeps through them in the first place.

It should be firm and thin. Skip the plush pad, as it won’t be safe for a newborn and could pose a suffocation risk. You may think a crib mattress feels uncomfortable and to adults it probably is but it’s just what babies need.

It should be tight-fitting. There should be no risk of the crib mattress pad coming off, as that happening could cause your baby to become tangled and result in further dangers, as well. If a design like a fitted sheet will cause you to worry, consider buying one that’s zippered it should still be easy to put on and remove, but won’t come loose randomly.

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What Are Crib Bumpers

Crib bumper padswhich are often readily available and included in crib bedding setsare cotton pads that go around the edge of the crib. Originally, they were developed to keep a baby’s head from falling through the slats of the crib.

But, cribs today are designed with the slats closer together, so there’s really no need for crib bumper pads any longer.

Yet, many parents opt to use them anyway because they like the way the bumper looksespecially if it matches the crib bedding set and makes for a nice coordinated nursery. Other parents opt for bumper pads because they are worried about their baby hitting their head on the side of the crib or extending their arms or legs through the slats and getting injured.

However, a serious injury is not likely to occur even if your baby puts their arms and legs through the crib slats. They will either remove their arm or leg from the slats or make enough noise to alert you for help. In fact, crib bumpers pose a greater risk to injury or even death than they do at preventing a few minor bumps.

Are Crib Mattress Protectors Safe

A crib mattress pad is similar to a fitted sheet, and is sandwiched between the mattress and the top sheet. The key to a good mattress pad is picking one that covers the three Ss: soft, silent, and safe.

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Why A Waterproof Mattress Cover Is Important

A waterproof mattress cover is important because it helps keep your childs sleeping environment clean and free from bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens. It also prevents liquids and stains from seeping into the mattress, which can cause damage over time. In addition, a waterproof mattress protector can provide a comfortable sleeping surface for your baby by preventing them from feeling the cold or hardness of the mattress directly.

Should You Buy A Crib Mattress Pad

Preparing for a new baby can be overwhelming, especially if its your first. You likely have a checklist of things to buy, and wont think of others until the need for them actually arises. But one thing to make sure you consider early on is whether or not you want to buy a crib mattress pad.

Guidance can be split on these items, with some people stating that newborn babies should only have the bare minimum in their crib. But what about when your baby grows older? If youre thinking of buying a crib mattress pad but arent sure where to begin, check out our guide below.

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What Is The Most Comfortable Crib Mattress

There is a negligible difference in comfort levels between safe crib mattresses.

This is because all safe crib mattresses are of relatively equal firmness.

While the idea of a soft crib mattress is appealing because we want our babies to be cozy, they simply arent safe.

Your babys comfort is important, but his or her safety is MORE important.

comfortable safe

An infants ability to wake easily is what protects them against SIDS.

Placing a baby to sleep on a plush surface suppresses this important life-saving mechanism.

Cpsc Warns Against Baby Mattresses Pads That Make Unfounded Claims About Reducing Sids

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers that certain baby mattresses and mattress pads encourage the potentially deadly practice of placing babies to sleep on their stomachs, and claim that the products reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome . Despite the claims, CPSC is not aware of any evidence that proves that babies can safely be placed to sleep on their stomachs on these products, or that using the products will reduce the risk of SIDS. Parents and caregivers should never put babies to sleep on their stomachs, whether on these products or any others. The following products make the claims through their advertising and marketing, including their instructions and packaging. Due to the efforts of CPSC, these firms have stopped manufacturing and distributing the products. CPSC also has requested that retailers stop sale and remove the products from store shelves immediately.

• Recalls from around the world

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

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When You Should Get A New Mattress

If youre not getting a good nights sleep, if youre waking with aches and pains, or if youre just not comfortable in bed, it may be time to get a new mattress. Think about where youre hurtingif you wake up with shoulder or back pain, or hip, knee, or other joint pain, your mattress may not be properly cushioned or supportive for you. Also, if your current mattress sags visibly or has a permanent indent in the shape of your body, its likely time for a new one. And if you find that you sleep better away from home , thats another red flag.

If you consistently wake up with neck pain, your pillow might be the culprit.

Now, before you plunk down hundreds or thousands of dollars, youll want to rule out a couple of things. If youre plagued by neck pain, your pillow might be the culprit, and you may want to consult our guide to the best bed pillows. And if you have a new supportive mattress that just doesnt feel cushy or soft enough, you may be able to improve it by adding a good mattress topper.

Simple ways to make your bed more comfortable

• After 300 hours sleeping on 17 models, weve chosen four memory-foam, latex, and fiber-filled mattress toppers that we think will work for most sleepers.

What Is The Return Policy

Most online mattresses come with a free trial period of about 100 days or so, if you buy it directly from the company. You might be required to try a mattress for 30 days before you can initiate a return, though. Third-party retailers, such as Amazon, department stores, and mattress stores, might have their own rules, whether you purchased the mattress online or in a brick-and-mortar store.

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Biloban Zippered Crib Mattress Protector

For a little bit of added protection, consider this Biloban zippered cover. It completely covers the entire mattress to really prevent any leaks from getting through. The top surface and all four sides are waterproof, meaning that even if liquid goes down the side of the mattress, it isnt getting to the mattress. The bottom isnt waterproof, but it is very breathable to allow for sufficient airflow. It feels soft and plush and fits snugly around the mattress.

Is A Waterproof Crib Pad Necessary

Keeping your baby safe and comfy on their crib mattress means that the mattress needs to be breathable and protected from all the products your baby may produce. Instead of settling your baby on an old-style vinyl crib mattress, a breathable mattress and mattress pad will keep the baby much safer as they grow more mobile.

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Do I Need A Baby Mattress Protector

We touched on a similar notion in our recent piece titled “do you need a mattress protector?”

In a very literal sense, no, you don’t NEED a mattress protector and we wouldn’t consider it an absolute necessity.

But, considering how many messy accidents are likely to occur in your baby’s bed, a mattress protector will make cleaning it a lot easier, as well as provide some other added benefits which we’ll get into in a little bit.

It’s important to note here, although mattress protectors do offer a range of benefits, there are some important guidelines you should follow to keep your baby safe.

The Mattress Remains Clean

Having just entered the world, babies are very prone to mishaps and messy incidents and regardless of how well you secure the nappy it wont always save you.

When such an incident occurs you dont want those bodily fluids seeping into the mattress as over time, the mattress will stain and develop a terrible odour.

A mattress protector does exactly what its name suggests, keeping those fluids above the sleeping surface and your babys head free from smelly odours.

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New Zealand Does It Differently

Dr. James Sprott, a scientist from New Zealand, completed research in 1996 that confirmed and expanded a study done by a British Dr. Richardson in 1994 :199-204). They both found what they believe is a link between mattresses and SIDS .

Their toxic gas theory is actually alarmingly simple:

When flame retardant chemicals commonly applied to all mattresses react with common household fungi in the mattress, toxic nerve gasses are produced which hover low above the mattress near the babys face.

Theres a very succinct step-by-step explanation of how SIDS occurs according to the toxic gas theory here, including the catalysts of phosphorus, arsenic and/or antimony . We went over the risks of flame retardant chemicals in adult and child mattresses when we launched the How to Get Healthy Sleep series, but this one is by far the most terrifying.

In an unrelated study from Scotland published in the British Medical Journal, 2002, researchers discovered that Routine use of an infant mattress previously used by another child was significantly associated with an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Correlation does not equal causation meaning there is not proof that something in a used or older mattress actually contributes to unexplained infant deaths but it may lend some credence to Richardson and Sprotts theories. Older mattresses would likely harbor greater bacterial and fungal growth, increasing the risk of creating the toxic nerve gas.

Are Mattress Protectors Safe For Newborns

Yes, a mattress protector is safe to use on your baby’s bed, as long as you follow some simple but incredibly important guidelines.

As long as you follow the above, a mattress protector is perfectly safe to use.

With that, let’s get into the benefits of a mattress protector!

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Best Waterproof Crib Mattress Protector Usa

A waterproof crib mattress protector is a good investment for your babys safety. It keeps the crib mattress dry and prevents water and moisture from seeping through. Most of these mats have an elastic bottom layer and a comfortable, breathable top layer. Some are even machine-washable! The material used in these mats is skin-friendly and extra soft. You can even put them in the washing machine!

You should look for a crib mattress protector thats machine washable and doesnt shrink. The best waterproof mats are made of 100% cotton and are machine-washable. The fabric should be tumble-dried on low heat, and if you dont want to wash them, you can dry them on low heat. You can also find travel-friendly ones. Aside from being machine-washable, these pads are free of harmful chemicals. Some of them also come with a one-week guarantee.

A waterproof crib mattress protector should be made from 100% cotton terry cloth. It should not have any PVC or vinyl and should be safe for your childs health. A waterproof mattress pad should also be a high-quality product. It should be able to withstand multiple washings and drying cycles. The materials used for these mattresses should be of the highest quality. It should be safe for babies and can withstand hundreds of washing cycles.

When Should You Buy A Mattress Cover For Your Baby

Some parents wait until their baby starts to crawl or walk before purchasing a mattress cover, but it is actually best to buy one as soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital. This will help keep the mattress clean and free from any harmful bacteria or viruses.

There are many different types of waterproof mattress covers available on the market, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. If you are looking for an organic option, there are also cotton mattress covers that are safe for babies.

Remember to always read the care instructions carefully before washing or cleaning any type of mattress cover. Some covers can be machine-washed while others must be hand-washed only.

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Your Baby Checklist: Crib Mattress Pad Or Baby Bed Protector

As most parent know, when you have a little one that sleeps in a cribit is so important to make sure that this sleeping space is both safe and comfortable. Additions to your baby checklist like organic sheets and soft and comfortable bedding are always smart choicesbut there are other accessories you want to add as well. Most importantly, this includes introducing a baby mattress pad or mattress protector to your childs crib. A mattress pad will help keep your childs crib mattress safe and protected. After all, babies are known for making a few spills here and there.

Our 2021 Guide to the Best Crib and Baby Covers, Protectors and Pads includes:

• Infant mattress pads

• Baby bedding and sheets

• Natural and Organic crib pads

A baby mattress protector or pad will help keep the mattress safe from stainsso you dont have to worry about this like staining, moisture-build up, mold or bacteria forming on a damp mattress. Crib mattress pads also make cleanup easywhich is something that any parent can appreciate. While infant mattress pads are important, not all baby mattress pads are crated the same.

You want to make sure that you are getting a natural or organic crib pad or protector that is moisture-resistant, yet breathable and of course made with eco-friendly, organic, safe and natural materialsso you dont have to worry about introducing chemicals or toxins into your babys crib.

Should A Crib Mattress Be Waterproof

It is important to know that a crib mattress should have a waterproof covering to prevent bacteria from building up on it. You should purchase a waterproof cover to protect the mattress from occurrences such as soiled diapers, poop, and urine. Babies are notoriously messy. The best way to prevent bacteria from developing on a mattress is to use a waterproof mattress pad.

A good mattress pad should fit snugly against the frame of the crib, so there should be no space between the two pieces. Another important consideration is the sizing, because you should avoid having your childs crib overly snug. If you have a bassinet, then you should also get a smaller mattress to prevent excessive sweating.

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Vinyl/pvc Avoid It Completely

Vinyl is dangerous on two levels. First PVC is a known human carcinogen. Second, the plasticizers that are used to soften the hard PVC plastic and make it flexible enough to use as mattress protectors or pads are phthalates. Every day we learn more about how toxic phthalates are, especially to babies and childrens small, developing bodies.

Phthalates make up 30%-40% of the weight of the vinyl surface, and have been linked to:

• reproductive harm
• kidney and liver damage

Even more alarming, they are weakly bound to the vinyl and leach or off-gas into the surrounding air, to be breathed in.