Which Way Up Does A Cot Mattress Go
Many mattresses are made to be reversible. Each side of the mattress will be specially designed to accommodate the needs of your rapidly growing baby.
That’s because a cot mattress might be used for five or six years, during which time your baby will more than triple in weight. Because of this, manufacturers often design cot mattresses with one side specifically for babies and the other for toddlers or children.
Typically, one side will have springs and foam designed to be sturdy, but gentle for a baby to sleep on for the first 12 months. The reverse side will have sturdier material to cope with a growing toddler.
The mattress should clearly indicate which side is suitable for what age group.
Don’t Buy cot mattresses – the ones to avoid at all costs
Kolcraft Pure Sleep Crib Mattress
The top-quality baby mattress from Kolcraft is available at a lower price when compared to similar products. What makes it listed among the best baby mattresses is the firm and comfy support.
These factors are what your baby needs as he or she sleeps and grows. The product consists of 150 heavy gauge steel coils, and the non-allergenic sleeping surface ensures the best quality of sleep.
The waterproof and breathable cover is lock-stitched, resistant to stains, moisture, and mildew. Moreover, you can clean it with no fuss. All you need is a damp cloth to wipe the sleeping surface to sanitize the sleeping surface.
Greenguard Gold certified the mattress for safety and quality tested. Your baby is sure to get a healthier sleeping environment for your baby because of low chemical emissions. The entire mattress does not contain any toxic fire retardants â it is phthalate and flammability compliant.
Made in the USA, the product comes with a 10-year warranty. It fits standard size cribs, and toddler beds in the U.S. Kolcraft, the brand behind the quality mattress stands behind all its products and is known for offering professional customer care and support.
Pros
The Best Cot Mattress Brands
As well as our tests, we also ask parents how happy they are with their chosen brand, so we can give you some insight into the best out there along with the ones to avoid.
Our tests have uncovered a sizeable difference in the best and worst. The best scoring brand in our tests has an average score of 79%, whereas the worst scores, on average, 17%.
The feedback from parents is varied too, with their top scoring brand having an 83% customer score, and the lowest only 59%.
We asked how satisfied they are with that brand and if they would recommend it to a friend. From these responses, weve compiled an overall customer score.
Have a look at the results for the biggest brands below.
While we haven’t tested any cot mattresses from Dunelm, Ickle Bubba or My First Mattress, you can see what parents told us about them and how they rank compared with other brands customer score.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the hidden results in the table below. If you’re not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.
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Correct Size & Fitting
An ill-fitting crib mattress is as dangerous as it is ineffective to use.
Going for a smaller than norm mattress, can result to the increasingly common cases on accidental entrapment or even suffocation.
It happens when the baby accidentally wedges an arm or leg in between the mattress and the cribs frame.
On the other hand, using a mattress slightly larger than the crib makes it difficult or inconvenient for one to regularly change sheets.
A rule of the thumb is that well-fitting or snug mattress should only leave only about 2 fingers of space between it and the wooden construction.
What Should I Do With A Crib Mattress After My Baby Has Outgrown It
Although some crib mattresses are designed to be flipped over for use by a toddler, most are meant to be set aside once your baby is 12 months old. Unsanitary mattresses should be disposed of, but those that are reasonably clean can generally be recycled. If the mattress is sanitary and in good condition, you may prefer to repurpose it in some way: as a pet bed, for your toddler to sit on when playing, or even as a kneeling pad in the garden.
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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
Is It Okay For My Baby To Sleep In A Car Seat
It is fine for your baby to fall asleep when they are in their car seat, but once you get home we would advise that you move your baby to their usual firm, flat surface to sleep. Our advice is that the safest place for your baby to sleep both during the day for naps and during the night is in a cot or Moses basket in a room with you for the first six months.
It is important to check on your baby regularly when they are asleep.
If your baby is being transported in a car, they should be carried in a properly designed and fitted car seat, facing backwards, and preferably be in sight of an adult. Be careful that your baby doesnt get too hot and remove hats and outdoor coats when you get in the car.
On long car journeys, stop for breaks so your baby is not in the car seat for prolonged periods .
Premature babies who may slump need particular care when travelling in a car seat.
Ask your car seat manufacturer if they have any safety advice about the specific model you are using.
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How To Test The Firmness Of A Crib Mattress Method 2
You may also want to assess the firmness of your mattress by using household supplies. So gather a ruler, a marker, 12 CDs, kitchen cling wrap, and two 1-litre cartons of milk squared bottoms. Now follow these steps:
- Wrap the CDs in kitchen cling wrap
- Measure and mark one of the milk cartons
- Arrange the cartons on top of the CDs
- Observe the overhanging portion of the carton
What Toxic Chemicals Do I Need To Watch Out For When Co Sleeping
Believe it or not, one of the worst places for being exposed to toxic chemicals is your bed. You spend around one-quarter to one-third of your life sleeping, so you are in close contact with whatever chemicals are in your mattress.
And when you think about the fact that infants sleep 12-14 hours a day, that really adds up! Youll want to make sure your mattress is non-toxic.
Conventional mattresses are usually made with polyurethane foam, which can release dangerous chemicals such as fire retardants and other additives. These chemicals are off-gassed from the mattress, meaning you can inhale them from the air. Plus, the concentration of these volatile organic compounds is much higher at right above the surface of the mattress .
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For these reasons, its better to choose mattresses with the following qualities:
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The 5 Best Kids’ Mattresses In 2021
When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission.Learn more.
When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
- Because children are lighter than adults, buying a kid’s mattress is a bit different.
- Mattresses for kids don’t need to be expensive, but some can be safer and more comfortable.
- The Nest Bedding Puffin is our top pick because of its support and ventilation.
- Find out more about how Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products.
Choosing a kid’s mattress is different from choosing one for an adult. Because children weigh less, they’re less likely to suffer from aches and pains as a result of a mattress that’s too firm or too soft, said Daniel Ganjian, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
Craig Canapari, MD, the director of the pediatric Sleep Medicine Program at Yale Medicine, agrees. Kids don’t put as much pressure on a bed, so most won’t need a high-priced mattress. “For a child, unless they are complaining that they are uncomfortable or that their joints hurt, I would not spend a lot of money on a children’s mattress,” Canapari said.
In addition to speaking with three experts, I researched reviews, including Insider’s mattress guides. The mattresses in this guide are supportive and comfortable but still affordable.
Graco Premium Foam Crib
Graco Premium Mattress is the best mattress choice for your baby or toddler. The famous Canadian brand has been an industry leader since 1945. It is known to manufacture some leading products when it comes to safe and comfortable mattresses for babies.
The mattress arrived in a lightweight box, all compressed for added convenience. Allow proper expansion of the mattress that is made of high-quality, breathable foam once you unroll it for two weeks. The mattress firmness is highly recommended for improved and safer sleep.
The 100% polyester removable mattress cover is easy to care for and clean as it is water-resistant and machine washable. It is a great way to keep the environment fresh, clean, and cozy for the baby. Greenguard Gold certified, the mattress has been rigorously tested and is free of any toxic ingredients and chemical emissions. It meets applicable ASTM International and CPSC Safety and thus a healthier product for indoor environments.
Pros
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How Should A Person Choose A Crib Mattress
People should consider the size of the crib and choose a mattress that fits it properly, with no gaps.
They may also wish to choose a mattress from a reputable brand. Looking for customer reviews from multiple online sources can help identify reliable brands and products.
Some companies also have third-party certifications, such as CertiPUR-US certification, which identifies products free from harmful chemicals. These certifications can help with identifying safe and high-quality products.
Nod By Tuft & Needle Mattress
The Nod by Tuft & Needle mattress was exclusively designed for Amazon. It is an 8-inch medium-firm memory foam mattress. It is designed with two powerful layers of polyfoam.
The Nod by Tuft & Needle is designed with two powerful layers of polyfoam. The first is the comfort layer, which absorbs and cradles the body for comfort and pressure-point relief. The second is the support layer that gives the bed stability and allows for equal weight distribution. Thanks to this construction, the mattress responds better to movement, and you dont feel as though you are stuck in the mud while sleeping.
Its simple, yet accommodating design makes it a win for all sleeping positions. This is good news for parents with young children whose sleep patterns are just starting to develop and may very well change in time.
The Nod is CertiPUR-US® certified and comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial, plus free returns.
Read our full Nod by Tuft & Needle Mattress Review to learn more. If you arent interested in the Tuft & Needle mattress, check out our list of the best Twin mattresses for more great options.
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How To Choose A Mattress For Your Kids
Choose your childs mattress based on size and material preference. Babies and toddlers typically require a crib mattress , while older kids usually require a twin, full-size or larger mattress if you prefer. Older kids can use both spring and memory foam mattresses and can choose the firmness of mattress based on personal preference. Special features like organic materials, waterproof design, pillow top, and more should be decided upon in regards to personal taste and special circumstances, like bed wetting, allergies, or support needs.
Newton Baby Crib Mattress
Newton brand is well famous for making the best baby mattress 100% safe and comfortable for infants. The 100% recyclable and breathable mattress offers a firm and non-allergenic surface for your baby. The innovative breath-thru technology improves air circulation and lowers the risk of suffocation and co2 rebreathing.
Your baby is sure to get an enhanced sleep quality as there are no sweaty backs due to overheating. The hypoallergenic mattress is highly recommended for your babyâs health and safety. The mattress feels cool because of the air circulation.
You will be glad to know this mattress is 100% washable, easy to clean and maintain. The pediatrician recommended mattress is the winner of numerous awards and is Greenguard Gold certified for the lowest emissions.
Made in the USA, this is the best solution for your baby as now he can sleep and breathe properly. Satisfied customers highly recommend this to any parents who are looking for that perfect mattress for their baby.
Pros
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The Best Mattresses And Bedding For Your Baby
With so many products on the market, it can be easy to get confused about what babies should sleep in or on. Remember, the safest mattresses for your baby are firm and flat and protected by a waterproof cover
The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their own sleep surface, in the same room as you, for at least the first six months. A Moses basket or cot is a safe place for a baby to sleep. Take a look at our product guide for help selecting bedding for your baby.
How We Made Our Picks For The Best Crib Mattresses
Several factors went into our choices for the best crib mattresses. We checked for potential recalls, certifications and ensured that these were safe options for your little one. The What to Expect editorial team also conducted research on popularity, innovation, design, quality, value and ease of use of crib mattresses, and sought feedback from pediatricians and other relevant experts. What to Expect staff and contributors also tested crib mattresses at home with our own families. Finally, we turned to the parents in the What to Expect community for their insights on the crib mattresses they know and trust.
Here, the best baby crib mattresses for your little one.
See registry advice and a custom baby gear checklist
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Sealy Baby Flex Cool Crib Mattress
Another example of the best mattress for a baby crib comes from the Sealy brand, which is well known for its premium quality products. The airy 2-stage design with 204 premium coils is an orthopedic mattress because of the high coil count and premium firmness.
What distributes the babyâs weight evenly is the sag steel vertical bars. The dual firmness mattress has a softer toddler side and a firmer infant side that offer the right support for the babyâs weight and contours mattress.
A waterproof lining keeps the surface of the water-proof. A PVC-free cover made of soft cotton keeps it clean and free of any mildew, and odor. Greenguard Gold certified the mattress is tested for safety and quality, creating a healthier sleeping environment for your baby.
Made in the USA, the mattress has been carefully designed and engineered to perfection. You will be glad to know the product comes with a lifetime warranty on artistry and materials. Sealy is an award-winning brand that stands behind all its products and offers excellent customer care.
Pros
A Healthy And Safe Sleeping Environment
You will come across a growing body of evidence as to how any chemicals left over from the manufacturing procedures can lead to health issues. The same holds for the manufacturing of baby mattresses.
Before buying a mattress, always check if it is approved and certified by the authorized bodies. Check websites like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association to know if certain products have been recalled.
For the health and safety of your babyâs health and safety, it is vital to know what kind of materials have been used to make the product. As infants and babies are highly susceptible to synthetic materials, check if the mattress has been Greenguard gold certified, PVC certified, and meets federal flammability standards.
It is highly recommended to avoid conventional petroleum-based mattresses, but if you must buy them, use a cover to act as a barrier against the chemical off-gassing.
It is best to go for CertiPur-US approved mattresses with a PVC-free cover for the optimum health and safety of your baby. Look for products with seals of approval that confirm no use of any harmful chemicals and metals in the making of the mattress, which can affect your babyâs health.
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