If you are expecting a baby and have thought about buying a crib mattress, we want to congratulate you and tell you that you have made a very good decision. Newborn babies can spend up to 18 hours a day sleeping and during the first months a baby is very fragile and vulnerable, which is why it is more important than ever to pay attention to their resting environment.
The choice of the crib mattress is very important to ensure the comfort and safety of the baby in their first months of life. Below, we leave you some things to consider before buying a mattress for a crib.
Size and shape
The crib mattress usually has a lower height or thickness than crib mattresses. While in crib mattresses we can find heights ranging from 8 to 12 cm, the crib mattress usually has a height between 5 cm and 8 cm. In addition, the crib mattress models from Ecus Kids are available in a carrycot shape to integrate properly into the cradle, one of the most used crib options in the first months of the little ones, or even in some strollers.
The most commonly used measurements for the crib mattress are 50x80 cm, 90x50 cm, and 75x52 cm. Carrycot mattresses are available in sizes of 75x40 cm and 72x33 cm. In some of the models, we can manufacture the mattress to measure, both in the square shape of crib, and in the rounded shape of carrycot. Many moms ask us for it when, for example, they have inherited an old cradle or crib that does not have standard measurements.
For safety, and in order to avoid entrapments, it is recommended to measure the interior space of the crib before buying the mattress. Once placed in the crib, we can fit two fingers between the crib and the mattress. If they fit, the mattress is too small for the crib and it is better to opt for a larger size.
Core of the crib mattress
The cores of the crib mattress can vary depending on the model and brand. The most commonly used cores are made with HR foams of different densities and firmness.
When choosing the best crib mattress, we must consider that it is a mattress firm, which does not mean that it is hard. It should be suitable for the baby's weight to provide good support, but at the same time it should not exert pressure on the baby's head. A firm mattress will prevent any risk of suffocation, even if the baby changes position and lies face down during the night.
Breathability and hygiene
Keeping the baby dry is essential, which is why we will choose the crib mattress taking into account aspects that favor breathability and prevent the appearance of dampness, such as 3D fiber fabrics. Also, many foam cores, such as those in the Ecus Kids Care Mini crib mattress range, create air channels that facilitate air circulation in all directions, avoiding the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Another important feature for maintaining optimal hygiene is that the crib mattress can be easily unzipped with a zipper to wash each of its parts separately, both the fabric and the foam. It is important that they dry very well before being placed back in the crib in contact with the baby.
Hypoallergenic treatments
The prevention of allergies in newborns is crucial. Be careful when considering the option of acquiring a used crib mattress that has been inherited from another baby, as well as not being the most hygienic solution, an old mattress may contain dust mites and lead to unwanted allergies. There are crib mattresses on the market with antibacterial treatments such as the AEGIS treatment that includes the fabric of our Care Mini mattress.
It is also essential to carry out proper maintenance of the mattress, among other measures, airing it every morning and when changing the sheets. This can help prevent dampness and the proliferation of bacteria and mites.
Certificates
Both for crib mattresses and for crib mattresses, there are certificates that ensure quality standards in their manufacturing and the safety of the materials and fabrics used. It is also advisable that no harmful substances have been used during the manufacturing processes of the fabrics, for this reason many crib mattresses have the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification that provides safety and peace of mind when choosing the ideal crib mattress.
Also check if the crib mattress has a health certificate. The mattresses from the Care range of Ecus Kids have been tested in a laboratory and have a health certificate for the prevention of plagiocephaly and suffocation, granted by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) and with European validity.
Use of mattress protectors
For a proper maintenance and preservation of the mattress for a longer time, especially when the baby is unwell or there is a risk of leaks, it is advisable to use a mattress protector that fits the size of the crib mattress. In this regard, elastic bands are very useful.
Look for a mattress protector that incorporates a small layer of waterproof fabric. We have the Soft protector, made of very soft tencel fabric, which keeps the baby always cool and dry while minimizing the properties of breathability of the mattress.
