Mattress in a crib

What should be the mattress in the crib to ensure maximum comfort and healthy sleep for the baby? “This question is important enough to ignore.” Since the new man spends the first months of his life mainly in the crib, the conditions in it should be ideal. Otherwise, there will be a lot of anxiety of the baby, the nerves and worries of the parents, followed by inevitably fatigue and even a fraction of disappointment. In this article you will find all the necessary information to purchase a high-quality, comfortable and useful mattress so that all these “horrors” pass you by.

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Types of mattresses

All such products are divided into two main types:

• Spring loaded;
• Springless.

Let us consider in more detail what constitutes each of the species.

Spring mattresses

Already from the name it is clear that the product is stuffed with springs. But not so simple. Springs can be dependent and independent of each other. What is the difference between these models? - Let's figure it out:

• When choosing a mattress in a crib, preference should be given to independent spring blocks. In this design, each spring is located separately from each other in an individual case, and they work independently. Thus, pressure on a single spring does not in any way affect neighboring springs.

Important! Mattresses with an independent spring unit are considered orthopedic. During sleep on such a product, the baby's spine will not bend completely.

• The dependent spring unit is a structure of interconnected springs. Thus, the pressure on one spring leads to the deflection of a large part of the product. Such a model is cheaper than the option with independent springs, but it is categorically not suitable for a newborn.

Important! When choosing products of this type, it is worth paying attention to the number of springs. The more they are per square meter, the better.

Springless mattresses

Such models consist of fillers. Depending on which filler is used, crib mattresses have the following properties:

• Elasticity;
• Long term use;
• Orthopedics;
• No magnetic or electrical effect.

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How to choose a children's mattress by the type of filler?

The "filling" of a springless mattress can be made of synthetic or natural materials.

Important! Natural materials are definitely better than synthetic materials for the child’s body, but they are also more expensive.

Types of natural filler

There are a lot of such materials, so we will consider the basic ones, more or less suitable for the goal.

Coconut Coir

Products with such a filler have excellent moisture resistance, medium hardness, which is ideal for a newborn. It is also important that in such a natural material no harmful insects and bacteria start.

Important! The disadvantage of a coconut coir mattress is its high cost.

Seaweed

Such material promotes complete relaxation of the body during sleep, has a beneficial effect on the posture and health of the child. Especially useful filler for the respiratory system, as it has a specific aromatherapy.

Important! The disadvantages of algae, as the "stuffing" for the mattress in the crib is the lack of rigidity of the material, high price and short life.

Buckwheat husk

Such a filler has a positive effect on the circulatory system, as it massages the body during rest, and is also completely hypoallergenic.

Important! Unfortunately, finding a buckwheat husk mattress is quite problematic.

Horsehair

Often in the store you can find a product with pressed horsehair. It is quite practical, but due to allergenicity, it is undesirable to purchase such a mattress in a crib.

Natural latex

A similar material is made from the juice of trees growing in South America. The filler is resistant to moisture, has the property of being saturated with oxygen and at the same time resist the appearance of fungus. Such mattresses are characterized by a long service life.

Vata

This filler is the most inexpensive and common. But if you want to choose a really good mattress in a crib for your child, do not stop choosing this option. Vata quickly loses its original properties, gets lost, the mattress becomes uncomfortable and even dangerous for the baby’s soft bones.

Types of Artificial Fillers

Modern synthetics can be completely different, and among the proposed options it is quite possible to choose a safe and high-quality mattress in a crib.

Foam rubber

The simplest and most popular artificial filler is foam rubber. Such products take their original form even after a significant load. And their price is more than attractive and affordable.

But, despite this, pediatricians do not recommend purchasing such mattresses for children, since they are not moisture resistant, over time, pathogens develop in them. Also, such products begin to crumble over time and lose their aesthetic appearance.

Polyurethane foam

Such material is artificially created latex. It perfectly passes air, has, like natural latex, orthopedic properties, is absolutely non-toxic and hygienic. The cost of a mattress with such a “filling” is quite acceptable and affordable for most parents.

Important! Particularly popular are products with a mixed (combined) composition. So, one side can be stiff and used for a newborn, and the other is softer, it is used already for older children.

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What should be the mattress cover in the crib?

A cover on a bedding item can have the most diverse texture. On this, as well as on the filler, it is worth paying a lot of attention:

• It can be made of calico or chintz, but such materials quickly become unusable.
• The best option for mattress covers is jacquard fabric. It consists of 20-30% of synthetic fibers, and 80-70% of natural cotton. Such a fabric is breathable and hypoallergenic, unpretentious in care.

Important! The double-sided mattress cover is especially popular, one side of which is sewn of wool and comfortable in the winter season, and the other is made of light natural cotton for hot summers.

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How to choose a children's mattress in size?

The comfort of the child in the crib directly depends on the size of the mattress.

Important! The ideal thickness of the mattress for children under three years of age is considered by pediatricians to be 5 to 7 cm thick.

The standard sizes of children's mattresses are as follows:

• Length 120-140 cm - for children under 6-7 years.
• Length 160 cm - for children from 6 to 12 years.
• Length 180 cm - for adolescents from 12 to 16 years.

Important! Choosing a product is one whose perimeter is tougher than its middle part. The gap between the bed and the mattress should not exceed 3 cm, and the average height of the mattress is 14 cm.

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How to choose a mattress in a crib? Practical recommendations:

• It is desirable that the mattress cover, cover and filler were made from natural materials. Only a small amount of synthetic fibers is considered acceptable.
• For children from 0 to 3 years old, the best choice of filler for the mattress is coconut coir.
• For children from 3 to 7 years, you can purchase a product with latex as a filler. During this period, it is believed that the spine is almost formed.
• For a child of 12 years of age, you can purchase a mattress of medium or strong stiffness.

Important! From 12-14 years old, it is recommended to get qualified advice from an orthopedic surgeon, since it is during this period of growing up that children often have problems with posture.

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How to care for a mattress in a crib?

Having bought a high-quality and comfortable mattress for your child, you should take care of the proper care of it. This will help maintain its original appearance and properties for a long time:

• For children from 0 to 3 years old, it will be better to cover a new acquisition with an oilcloth mattress cover.
• Make it a rule to periodically turn the mattress over. Thus, you will provide additional ventilation to the product and extend its operational life.

Important! Soft-filled mattresses should be turned over every three months. It is necessary to change not only the side, but also the headboard with the foot. So you longer maintain the aesthetic appearance of your mattress, prevent dents and dents.

• Ventilate and vacuum the mattress periodically - at least once a month. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the product.

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Stock footage

Take seriously the choice of a mattress in a crib, because the health and quality of rest of your child depends on this to a large extent. If you can save on the purchase of some children's things, then it is better not to do this on the purchase of a mattress. So you will avoid many problems associated with the posture and well-being of the most expensive member of your family, provide him with a healthy sleep during his active growing up.