Should You Forgo A Toddler Mattress And Upgrade To A Twin Instead
Mattress firmness and pressure relief needs change as your child grows older. Toddler mattresses are on the firmer side since a toddlers developing musculature requires extra support. School-age children can sleep on a softer model with deeper cradling. Pressure points start to develop more as children grow, so plusher comfort layers help reduce tension.
More developed toddlers are sometimes better off going directly to a twin bed, which they can use for several years. A less expensive toddler mattress might be more suitable for kids still prone to bedwetting, especially one with waterproofing.
Important Crib Mattress Safety Guidelines
Safe sleep habits are one of the best ways to lower the risk of SIDS, so its imperative to always place your baby to sleep on their back in a crib without bumpers, pillows, blankets, or other soft bedding. Toys and stuffed animals are another no-go for babies in cribs. When in doubt, remember: Back is best.
A well-designed crib mattress is a firm mattress that exactly fits the shape of the crib.
According to the CPSC, gaps between the edge of the mattress and the crib frame should not be bigger than two fingers, as it can be a safety hazard. In other words, your babys bed should not be easy to make!
Lastly, you should always check to make sure a mattress has not been recalled before using it.
When considering which crib mattresses should make the cut, we considered quality, price, safety features, and reviews from real parents like you. All measurements below are in inches.
What Is The Standard Toddler Mattress Size
The standard toddler mattress is the same size as a crib mattress. The specific dimensions are 27 ¼ inches x 51 inches, give or take.
Before shopping for a bed for your child, its important to consider the size of their room. You might also want to ask yourself a few questions, such as:
- Where do I plan to place the bed in the room? Will it fit comfortably?
- Will there still be room for other important furniture ?
- Can I place the bed away from plugs, wall sockets, and other potential hazards?
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Best Portable Or Mini
This mattress is designed specifically to fit portable or mini cribs.
It provides a blend of support and airflow due to its interwoven steel coil core wrapped with hypoallergenic foam. The reinforced vinyl cover is waterproof, antibacterial, and may prevent mildew and odors. The manufacturer states that it is easy to clean with mild soap and water.
It has a 2-stage design that features a more firm side for infants and a softer side for toddlers.
The Dream On Me Portable Crib Mattress retails for $44.99.
The dimensions of this mattress are 24 x 38 x 3. It weights 3.5 Ibs. Customer receive a 10-year warranty.
flippable to suit either infants or toddlers
Best Washable Mattress: Newton Crib Mattress
- Best For: Washable
What I Loved About This Newton Mattress
The GREENGUARD Gold certified Newton Crib Mattress can start off as an infant crib bed and last through the toddler years.
First of all, Ive never seen anything quite like this mattresss core material, which Newton describes as 90% air and 10% food-grade polymer. The spaghetti-like arrangement of the polymer does an incredible job of creating a firm yet buoyant surface.
You can literally smush your face up against the mattress and breathe in and out. The waterproof cover is also entirely breathable. This superior airflow, which has performed impressively in third-party testing, is a major benefit for parents that have general or child-specific nighttime suffocation concerns.
To maintain breathability and simplify cleanup and laundry, you can use this mattress without a fitted sheet. The cover is machine washable and the core can be washed in the shower.
What I Didnt Love
My only complaint here is the way the different versions of this mattress are presented on the companys website. Make sure you know which model youre gettingthe original version is actually higher-priced than the essential model. Plus, of the four models, only the waterproof version is dual-sided, so it would be easy to get mixed up and not completely understand which product youre buying.
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When To Flip A Crib Mattress
Many babies are ready to have their crib mattress flipped around 12 months old. However, your baby may be ready earlier or later than this, it just depends on factors like their weight, growth, and development.
Its a good idea to check with your pediatrician before flipping your crib mattress, or deciding to add extras, like a pillow.
Sealy Baby Firm Rest Crib Mattress
Best Preemie Crib Mattress
This coil mattress is reinforced for extra support. It has an awesome anti-sag system that evenly distributes your babys weight. This helps with posture for the developing skeletal system and ensures that a premature baby wont get too entrenched in the mattress.
The mattress comes with a hospital-grade antibacterial cover that makes it easy to keep clean. Its also hypoallergenic, which is critical for premature babies. At 13 pounds, it is lighter than many coil mattresses but still provides the extra firmness needed for a preemie.
Pros
- Ultra-firm mattress is good for premature babies.
- Tested for flame retardants and other chemicals.
- Lightweight for a coil mattress.
Cons
- The stiff waterproof layer is louder than some other options.
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Best Toddler Mattresses To Buy In 2022
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CHOOSING the best toddler mattress for your child is about more than just sleep its about your childs development.
A good nights sleep has a direct impact on your childs happiness, cognitive performance, learning, and memory.
At toddler age, your childs spine grows rapidly and the best toddler mattress should be able to support it. Its worth investing in a top-quality mattress.
There are many types to choose from, including foam, innerspring, latex, hybrid, and dual-sided mattresses.
Weve rounded up 12 of the best toddler mattresses that will meet your childs needs.
Best For Calming Sleep: Colgate Zenbaby 2
- Best For: Calming Sleep
What I Loved About This Colgate Mattress
The Colgate zenBaby is a dual-sided infant-to-toddler transition mattress that goes the extra mile to provide comfort for sensitive young sleepers. Colgate is family-owned, handcrafts their mattresses, and earns both CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certifications.
The surface of the infant side is made with extra firm eco foam. This side is also made with KulKote, a nontoxic coating that keeps surfaces cool. The toddler side is supported by microcoils that provide a slightly softer surface thats still quite firm.
Both sides feel cozy but appropriately firm for their age groups.
The cotton cover isnt removable. Rather, its made with a waterproof backing for spot cleaning.
What I Didnt Love
Since the cover isnt removable, its smart to pair this mattress with a washable cover or pad. Theres nothing unusual about that, but some of the other high-end mattresses offer removable covers or washable cores.
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What Are The Different Types Of Toddler Mattresses
There are five types of mattresses: foam, hybrid, innerspring, latex, and dual-sided.
Dual-sided mattresses are popular because they can be used for both infants and toddlers. So when your child grows or you have a second baby, you don’t necessarily have to change the mattress it’ll save you money and hassle.
Foam mattresses are also common and typically contain polyfoam to provide firmness for infants while memory foam mattresses are recommended for slightly older children. They tend to be lightweight and thin, making them fairly inexpensive.
Hybrid mattresses contain a combination of layers – a good option if you want a variety of benefits from different types of materials.
Innerspring mattresses have metal support coils. They’re durable but might make crinkly sounds.
Latex mattresses last a long time and are eco-friendly, but they can be quite expensive.
Is A Toddler Mattress The Same As A Crib Mattress
Toddler and crib mattresses are generally the same size, though their firmness levels sometimes vary. Toddler mattresses often have a slightly plusher feel since older babies dont require as much support as infants.
A crib mattress rests in a taller bed frame, while toddlers can safely sleep closer to the floor. Toddler beds also dont need front rails on the frame.
Read Also: Do Foam Mattresses Last Longer Than Spring
What To Look For When Shopping For A Crib Mattress
When considering what crib mattress, youll want to consider:
- Quality. Will this mattress stand the test of time? Remember that your little one will be spending many hours sleeping on it.
- Price. What does your budget allow? Crib mattresses are small, but they can be rather pricey.
- Safe size and fit. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, youll want a firm, if not hard mattress. It shouldnt indent when the baby is lying on it. Youll also want a mattress that is an exact fit for your crib frame to prevent injury to your baby. If its not firm and doesnt fit the frame, its not a safe choice for your baby or your crib.
- The cover. Crib mattresses typically come with either a fabric or vinyl cover. Fabric covers are more breathable, but vinyl covers are more resistant to punctures, leaks, and stains.
- Used vs new. With a used mattress, you run the risk of not knowing about bacteria, mold, and stains. Its better to buy new.
When Is It Time To Change Mattresses
Toddlers who have outgrown their crib can move to either a toddler or twin size mattress. Most children make the transition somewhere between 18 months and 3 years of age. Speak with your childs pediatrician if you have questions about the appropriate time to transition from a crib to a larger bed.
Dual-sided mattresses are designed for either infants and toddlers or toddlers and older kids. Each side has a firmness level specific to a developmental stage. Twin beds are more expensive, but theyll fit your child much longer than a toddler mattress.
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What To Look For In A Toddler Mattresss
While searching for the most suitable mattress for your toddler, youll often come across the terms flippable or dual-sided. This describes a mattress model with a different construction on each side, so that it can adapt to your growing childs needs. Considering that a high-quality mattress can last several years, shoppers may want to choose one that will also comfortably fit a young child, and not just a toddler.
In addition to breathability and support, waterproofing and ease of care are significant factors to consider, since this is a more accident-prone age. Well break down these and other important features to be mindful of while shopping for your toddlers mattress.
In addition to breathability and support, waterproofing and ease of care are significant factors to consider, since this is a more accident-prone age. Well break down these and other important features to be mindful of while shopping for your toddlers mattress.
PricePrice can vary substantially when it comes to toddler mattresses. Dual-sided or flippable mattresses will typically command a higher price-point, since they are meant to last longer and grow alongside your child. Other features like organic covers, waterproofing, and washability may also increase the price.
Sleeping PositionBack sleeping is considered to be the safest sleeping position for toddlers, which is why medium firm to firm mattresses are the best fit. As your child grows, back and stomach sleeping are also considered to be safe.
Dourxi Crib Mattresss Safety
Dourxi baby crib and toddler mattress have been tested for durability, quality, firmness, and chemicals. The mattress is free from toxins and chemicals!
The foam is CertiPUR-US certificated, which means it doesnt pollute the indoor air. It is also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which means almost the same. The difference is that while GREENGUAR provides security for the whole mattress, CertiPUR certification ensures that only for the mattress foam.
The mattress is also free of lead and phthalates and meets all federal flammability standards.
THE VERDICT
Dourxi baby crib and toddler mattress has a good value for the price. Yes, some organic crib mattresses might have little more firmness for infants, but Dourxi passed all firmness tests, so everything should be OK.
I dont think you will get a cheaper organic baby crib mattress. Besides that, this is not its only feature that usually adds up to the price.
The mattress is also dual-sided, with all needed certifications, which is great!
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Affordable Crib Mattresses And Pads
Youve selected the perfect crib to match the perfect décor in your perfect new babys room. Now its time to select a crib mattress. Sams Club carries multiple crib mattresses, all at low, affordable prices from brands you trust.
Crib Mattresses
There are many things to consider when selecting mattresses. First, it is necessary to pick out the right size. Luckily, most cribs and even toddler beds have a standard size that fits most crib mattresses. As long as you dont have a custom-made crib or one of an unusual size or shape, a standard crib mattress should fit.
In terms of softness, infants and toddlers have different needs. Sams Club carries a crib mattress that has one firm side to provide support to infants and one cushy side to give a little more comfort for toddlers. If you are trying to create an organic atmosphere in your babys room, you can also select organic or biodegradable mattresses that have breathable bamboo covers to prevent overheating.
Crib Mattress Pads
No matter which mattress you choose, its a good idea to cover it with a mattress pad. First, a pad offers extra layers of padding for comfort, but most importantly it is waterproof. Protect your babys mattress from leaky diapers, spilled bottles and more with a durable pad. Most pads are 100% lead, PVC and phthalate free for your babys health and safety.
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What Is A Nontoxic Crib Mattress
As the name implies, a nontoxic crib mattress poses a low risk of releasing toxins. In particular, this centers around off-gassing, a common scenario in which manufactured items slowly release volatile organic compounds into the environment as they air out over time. VOCs are often created during the manufacturing process and can be formed in the foams, fabrics, or plastics used in many standard mattresses.
In truth, most items in your home release VOCs, including electronics, clothing, carpeting, furniture, wall paint, and appliances. That said, inhaling elevated levels of VOCs can be particularly irritating for somenamely young infants or people with compromised respiratory systems, or known chemical allergies.
“Volatile organic compounds are harmful to both short-term and long-term health,” Stoiber explains. “In the short term, they can be linked to respiratory irritation and increased asthma symptoms. In the long term, they are linked to more serious health harms, such as cancer. They are more common in mattresses made with polyurethane foam.”
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Newton Crib Mattress Review: Hands
Sitting at the top of our annual reviews of the best crib mattresses, the Newton crib mattress brings innovation and convenience to an entirely new level!
We put the Newton crib mattress through our hands-on testing, evaluating comfort, off-gassing, durability, firmness, weight, crib fit, ease of use, breathability, and washability.
Overall, we came away with a very positive impression, and think this mattress could be the perfect addition to your nursery!
The Newton has nearly everything you could look for in a crib mattress, plus some serious convenience features that make it stand out against the competition.
These include Greenguard GOLD certification, a completely washable and breathable cover and core, design and manufacturing in the USA, and lightweight but comfortable construction well-suited to both infants and toddlers.
For parents looking for the perfect combination of quality and sensibility, the Newton crib mattress is a top choice.
What Is The Best Mattress For A Toddler
A toddler spends most of the day sleeping, so it’s important to choose a high-quality mattress for your child.
The best toddler mattress is one that is safe, comfortable, long-lasting, and meets your budget. It will support your child’s growth in their early years definitely a worthwhile investment.
There are many options out there at varying price points, so before going shopping, you should think about exactly what you look for in a toddler mattress.
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Why You Should Trust Us
Were committed to helping people of all ages sleep better. Young kids have different mattress requirements than adults, and we make sure that comfort and safety are top concerns when assessing toddler beds.We understand that families have different budgets and priorities, so we test a variety of mattress types with a range of price-points. Parents are busy enough as it is, so we hope to take some of the stress out of buying a new bed for a toddler.
Dourxi Dual Sided Comfort Memory Foam Crib And Toddler Mattress
- Dourxi Dual Sided Comfort Memory Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress, $109.99 from Amazon – buy here
This reasonably-priced crib and toddler mattress is incredibly soft and quiet. It has airflow holes in support core foam to help with ventilation and heat regulation.
Like other dual-sided toddler mattresses, it has a soft side and a firm side, which can be flipped over as your child transitions from the infant to the toddler phase.
Even though Dourxi instructs buyers to wait 72 hours for the mattress to fully expand, many verified buyers said they didn’t need that long, and plenty of repeat buyers pop up in the reviews!
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