How Long Is A Baby Crib Mattress

Why Does A Crib Mattress Need To Be Firm

Reasons why a crib mattress needs to be firm include:

• Safety Standards from the CPSC indicate that crib mattresses need to be firm
• There is minor SIDS risk if a mattress is not firm enough
• Firm crib mattresses provide proper Skeletal Support

You may also like to read our article: Do you need a crib mattress?

What About Bassinet And Cradle Mattress Size

Theres more good news here.

Bassinets, cradles, and mini-cribs are whats known as non-full size. But! Although theyre all different shapes, theres also a law that states that these beds must be sold with a mattress that fits them, so you wont have any extra shopping stress added to your plate, if you want your peanut to snooze in one of these.

But how do I know what size crib mattress to buy?

If you have a standard crib, just measure the inside, and buy a mattress that matches or is very slightly smaller than those dimensions. And if your baby is going to be catching their Zs in something smaller, the mattress will already be included when you buy it.

Mini Crib Mattress Size

They are smaller than the standard crib mattress. However, unlike standard crib mattresses, mini crib mattresses are not regulated. They come in a variety of different sizes, but the most common ones are 24 inches X 38 inches.

Since mini cribs are available in many different sizes, it is advisable to double-check the fit of your mattress before buying the product.

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Benefits Of Using Plastic Mattress Covers To Store A Crib Mattress

There are many benefits of using a plastic cover mattress to store a crib mattress. A plastic cover keeps the mattress safe from dirt, bed bugs and all kinds of spillage. Even if you accidentally spill something where you have stored the mattress, the plastic mattress will make sure that the liquid doesnt seep into the mattress.

Plastic mattress covers also protect the mattress against humidity and are easy to clean. On top of all these benefits plastic mattress covers are also an affordable choice.

There are, however, some drawbacks. The first drawback of a plastic mattress cover is that it blocks air flow. A plastic cover does not allow the air to move in and out, which is not a very good thing for the mattress. Especially if the mattress has some moisture inside. Apart from blocking air flow, if the quality of plastic mattress cover is not good enough, the plastic may tear, making the cover useless.

Plastic mattress bags with vent holes. Image from Universal Plastic.

Other Factors To Consider When Choosing A Crib Mattress

Besides dimensions, there are a few other essential factors to think through when purchasing a crib mattress.

First is firmness. Witkin notes that The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants sleep on a firm, flat surface that is covered by a fitted sheet, without any other bedding or objects in the sleep environment to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome . A mattress that is firm is better than a softer mattress, she says.

If you want to ensure some extra durability and safety for the crib mattress, Witkin likes to recommend a mattress that is easy to clean, comes with a waterproof/machine-washable cover, is made with non-toxic and environmentally friendly material, and is flame-resistant.

It can also be beneficial to look for a crib mattress that offers breathability. A breathable mattress can help keep your baby cooler during warmer months, explains Witkin. Organic cotton and wool are two breathable materials to look for in a crib mattress.

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Find The Right Storage Space To Store The Crib Mattress

The next step is to find the right storage space for the mattress. A good storage space for the mattress will be where the mattress can be laid down flat. Folding and crumpling up a mattress can destroy its shape and quality. Since crib mattresses are usually small in size, it should not be difficult to find a place in your house where it can be laid flat for storage. Ideally you should store the mattress in a store room or a garage, but if you live in a small home and you do not have enough space, you can also store it under your bed.

An overhead storage shelf in a garage is an excellent place to store a mattress. Image from .

How To Choose A Fitting Crib Mattress

You have to choose a crib mattress that fits perfectly into your crib. Pick a standard-size crib mattress for a full-size crib, a mini mattress for mini cribs, and a suitable model for a Pack N Play or travel crib.

What is the best mattress for a full-size crib?

Given the correct fit, choosing a fitting crib mattress for a full-size crib is the easiest. Inner measurements of full-size cribs and the size of crib mattresses are regulated by the government. Thats how any new standard-size crib mattress fits into any new crib!

U.S. regulations define:

• a standard size crib is a baby crib with the following measurements: 52 38 ± 58 inches in length by 28 ± 58 inches in width
• a standard crib mattress is a baby crib mattress with the following measurements: at least 27 1/4 inches by 51 5/8 inches and no more than 6 inches thick

However, if you are not sure, check it by yourself. Place the mattress into the crib and look for the gaps between the mattresss edge and the cribs frame. If there is a gap, place your fingers there. The gap shouldnt be wider than two fingers!

What is the best mattress for a mini crib?

Choosing the right crib mattress for a mini crib is a little more complex. The mini cribs measurements are not defined by the law, classifying all cribs smaller than a full-size crib amongst mini cribs.

Luckily in most cases, the mini cribs inner dimensions are around 38 inches by 24 inches, and most mini crib mattresses correspond to those measurements!

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Are Crib Mattresses Supposed To Be Firm

Some people prefer a very firm mattress, while others find them too stiff and uncomfortable.

That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a crib mattress. A firmer mattress will be less likely to sag and create a hazardous crevice, and it will also help to keep your baby from slipping down into the mattress.

Additionally, a firm mattress is better for your babys developing spine. However, you dont want the mattress to be too stiff, or your baby may find it uncomfortable. Look for a crib mattress that is labeled as firm.

a mattress that is too soft can cause your baby to sink into the bed and become trapped, while a mattress that is too firm can cause discomfort and joint problems in the future.

Lie Your Baby Down To Sleep On Their Back

Lie your baby down to sleep in their crib on their back, rather than their front or side, to greatly reduce the risk of SIDS. Once your baby can roll independently, even if they roll onto their front side as they sleep, they can find their own sleeping position and change positions if the one they’re in infringes on their breathing.

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Do You Need A Crib Mattress When Should You Replace A Crib Mattress The Ultimate Guide To Buying A Crib Mattress For Your Baby

Parents are always concerned about the well-being of their little ones, and they have lots of questions about many different topics. One of the common questions parents have is whether they need a crib mattress.

You need a crib mattress because they ensure that your baby sleeps well and grows properly, and they also distribute pressure evenly and lower the risk of your baby getting injured as it grows. While a lot of parents might sleep with their babies or use bassinets, these are not exactly the safest sleeping options for babies as they develop.

First of all, ensuring that your baby sleeps on a good mattress is vital in order to make sure that they grow properly. Crib mattresses offer good pressure distribution, which lowers the risk of the baby getting injured as it gets bigger. Babies need firm crib mattresses that support them when sleeping, so that they have healthy spine, bone, and body development.

Secondly, with a good, breathable crib mattress, you wont have to worry about your baby overheating. Its common for babies to sweat while they sleep because theres no air flow beneath them.

In this article, we will explain why a crib mattress can be beneficial for your little one, when crib mattresses should be replaced, and what type of mattress you should be looking for. We will also clear up some common questions that parents usually have about this topic.

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How Long Does A Crib Mattress Last

If youre like me, when it comes down to buying a mattress, you take the time to evaluate it to make sure its the best mattress for your needs. Many of the experts tell us that we should change our mattresses over a period of time. What about crib mattresses though? How do you find the best mattress for your baby and how long do crib mattresses last?

Crib mattresses tend to get more wear and tear and will typically last between 3 to 5 years. Lets face it, babies can be messy and mattresses can get stained and worn out a lot faster than an adult mattress.

There are things that you can do to get the most out of your babys crib mattress. You also want to keep your baby safe, so knowing when to change a crib mattress is important.

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Air Out The Crib Mattress

Keep your mattress in a well ventilated room with the fan on, or out in the open. The purpose is to allow as much air to pass through the mattress as possible. This will help you make sure that the mattress is completely dry. If any liquid has seeped into the foam, the process of airing will make sure that no dampness remains.

Removing dampness will keep your mattress safe from bacteria. Bacteria are likely to breed in wet mattresses and can decompose the material of the mattress. Damp mattresses are also prone to mold.

Apart from airing the mattress, we advise you to also use a vacuum cleaner which will not only help in cleaning the mattress but also help in drying it.

Airing the mattress to make sure its dry. Image from Delino

When Can Your Baby Sleep On A Soft Mattress

It is recommended to use a firm crib mattress for your newborn. However, there are soft mattresses that meet safety standards and can be used right after birth. Softer mattresses such as Newton baby are currently manufactured with new technologies, which make them safe and breathable. There are also convertible mattresses with dual firmness that you can flip anytime like this Milliard Crib Mattress: One side is firm for babies, while the other side is softer for toddlers.

Switching from a firm mattress to a softer one is associated with age, life situation, and preferences. Parents usually wait for the baby to become too big or too active to sleep on his crib to transfer him to a new bed with probably a new and softer mattress.

A baby can sleep on a soft mattress when he/she is:

• older than 12 months and has better motor control
• can roll over, crawl, and able to climb out of the crib
• has the dexterity to reposition when sinking into the mattress
• ready to transition to a toddler sized bed
• able to sleep on their side
• suffering from spine or back problems due to birth defects

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What Is The Standard Crib Mattress Size

Dreaming of your babys crib? Its a big purchase, and having it made up and ready for your little one is one of the big milestones in preparing for the day you bring them home.

When youre buying your babys crib, you also need a mattress, and getting one thats the perfect fit is important for their safety. So whats the deal with crib mattress sizes, and how do you get it right?

In this article

• How do you know that the mattress fits?
• What about bassinet and cradle mattress size?
• Does a standard crib mattress fit an IKEA crib?

The Baby Can Sleep On A Crib Mattress On The Floor Next To The Parents Bed

. It is very necessary for mothers and fathers both to have everything very handy and feasible to carry with them everywhere. This transition has a lot to do with mental. How long can baby stay in a mini crib.

Of course there are exceptions when they can sleep in a mini crib even longer. Often little ones can fit in mini cribs until its time to transition to a toddler or twin bedaround two- to three-years-old or when they start climbing the rails. Therefore where a baby would outgrow a standard crib around 3 years of age he might outgrow the mini crib.

While some toddlers are able to switch into a bed around 18. In short the mini crib age limit you can go for is under 2 years old. With a bassinet attached it can be used from the first day your newborn baby comes home up to about 3 years old.

Some may be 36 inches I guess it depends on the one you buy. A mini crib mattress usually measures about 38 inches long by 25 inches wide which is almost 20 inches shorter than the 59 inches of a standard crib. When should a baby be moved to a crib.

The main disadvantages of a mini crib is that the baby outgrows it much faster than a standard crib. Beccak12 ours was 38 inches and paperwork said to stop using at 36. Back to the Basics.

However there are other factors you have to be mindful of. Mini cribs are a popular choice for parents who need to pack light. How long can the baby sleep in mini cribs.

Gelato 4 In 1 Convertible Mini Crib Mini Crib Small Space Nursery Crib Design

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Would You Recommend Buying A Used Mattress

Generally, this is not recommended. Encountering a used bed thats free of stains isnt likely to happen, and if you see a stain on a mattress, you should avoid using it for your baby. Even if you dont see any stains, there could still be things lurking underneath that you cant detect. Since you werent the original owner, you have no idea what kind of adventurous life this bed led before meeting you.

How To Choose A Crib Mattress

Crib mattresses are similar to adult mattress, but with a few special considerations. Heres what to look for in a crib mattress:

• Firmness: Crib mattresses are firmer than adult ones in order to keep babies safe and to support growing bones while they sleep. Make sure the mattress is rated for infant use.
• Waterproof: Crib mattresses should have a vinyl or polyethylene surface to make them waterproof and resist mold. If yours is fabric be sure to use a waterproof cover.
• Fit: The mattress should fit snugly against the frame. You shouldnt be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib. If you choose a mini crib or bassinet, the same sizing rules apply.
• Materials: Some parents prefer mattresses made from natural and organic materials to avoid chemicals used in standard mattress production. .

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What To Look For In A Mini Crib

If a smaller crib is your best option, here are some things to look for:

CPSC standards

No matter what kind of crib you buy, make sure it meets the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission . From the width of the slats to locking mechanisms, the CPSC is the go-to source for safe and sturdy cribs.

Size

In this case, were talking about width as opposed to length. If youre working with extra tight spaces, you may want a crib thats below the standard width of 24 inches.

On the other hand, skimping on the width could make your baby feel a bit cramped. Not to mention, your baby may outgrow the crib sooner than you had expected.

Portability

The more narrow the crib, the easier it is to move from room to room. However, that may not be a concern if you live in a small apartment.

But if portability is important to you, a crib with wheels would be super helpful. Just make sure the wheels can lock so the crib wont move once your baby gets more active. There are also collapsible mini cribs, which are easy to take to the babysitters or grandparents.

If you’re in the market for a folding portable mini crib, this one is a simple but solid option and this one has more bells and whistles.

Versatility

Weve been saying all along that most babies outgrow their mini cribs by age 2. But there is a way you can get around that pesky little “rule.”

A convertible mini crib has features that can grow with your baby for the first few years of his life.

Can A Crib Mattress Be Stored Uncovered

You can store a crib mattress uncovered if you want to, but you will be doing so at the risk of it getting destroyed. When you store a crib mattress uncovered you are exposing it to the risk of:

• Being attacked by bed bugs.
• Getting dirty
• Being affected by changing humidity levels in the storage space
• Spillage
• Wear and Tear

If you need to store a mattress but you dont have a mattress cover, make sure that the place where you store it is clean and climate controlled. Another thing that you can do is to wrap the mattress in a bed sheet so that it gets some protection before you order a proper mattress cover for it.

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