Your newborn will spend a ton of time sleeping, so it’s no surprise that choosing the right crib mattress is key. Although it seems like finding the right mattress should be a pretty straightforward decision, it’s not that easy because there are a lot of options.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what to look for in a crib mattress so that your baby can sleep safely and comfortably. After all, a good night’s sleep for them is a good night’s sleep for you!
Key Takeaways
Table Of Contents
- Choosing a crib mattress: Safety and fit
- Materials and health considerations
- Crib mattress features for usability and care
Choosing a crib mattress: Safety and fit
Of course, the most important thing you want to think about when choosing your baby’s crib mattress is safety. The mattress has to be the right size and shape for the crib, and it should be firm and breathable.
These things are part of safe sleep practices and can help reduce the risk of suffocation, helping your baby (and you!) get restful sleep.
Size and shape
The size and shape of your crib will guide the size of the mattress you should get. Basically, your crib will either be a standard size, where it accommodates a standard-size mattress (approximately 28 inches by 52 inches), or it will be a custom size or shape.
If the crib is custom-sized, the company selling the crib will also offer a corresponding mattress specifically fitted to go with it.
Whatever crib you choose, your crib mattress needs to fit snugly, leaving no gap that could endanger your child. When evaluating your mattress’s fit, you can do what’s called the two-finger test.
Essentially, if you can fit more than two fingers in the gap between the mattress and the crib rails, the mattress is too small for the crib.
Firmness and breathability
Once you’ve established that the mattress is the right size for the crib, it’s time to look at its firmness. Although you might like a soft and cushy bed, plush surfaces are unsafe for your little one.
Instead, babies should sleep on firm mattresses to help support their growing bodies and reduce the risk of suffocation. In order to test whether your mattress is firm enough, press down on it with your hand, and if it bounces back into place, it’s a-OK.
In addition to being firm, you’ll want a mattress that’s also breathable. Babies don’t have head and neck control at the beginning, so there’s a risk that they might roll over and get trapped face down.
Breathability helps with airflow, which means babies will be more comfortable and won’t overheat. Newton’s firm and breathable Essential, Original, and Waterproof Mattresses are great options because they feature breathe-through technology and are super easy to clean!
Materials and health considerations
When choosing a crib mattress, you’ll also want to think about the materials it’s made of. Some mattresses are made of foam or latex, while others are innerspring. Each type has its pros and cons.
For instance, foam mattresses are lightweight and easy to handle but can vary widely in quality. Latex mattresses are natural, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic, and innerspring mattresses tend to be firm and supportive. However, both types of mattresses can be heavier and pricier.
Newton’s mattresses represent the best of all worlds. Using no foam, glue, latex, or springs, our mattresses are made of 90% air (meaning they're super lightweight) and 10% food-grade polymer.
Flame retardants and other bad stuff
Because your little one spends so much time sleeping on their mattress, it’s important to make sure it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. Some to avoid include:
- Polyurethane foam
- PVC or vinyl covers
- Chemical flame retardants
- Formaldehyde or pesticides
- Phthalates
Opt for a mattress with low or no VOCs and no added flame retardants. You can also look for certifications like GOTS, GREENGUARD Gold, MADE SAFE, and EWG Verified, which confirm that the mattress has a lower chemical content.
Organic vs Non-organic crib mattresses
When mattress shopping, many parents wonder if they have to spend more and go organic in order to be safe. The truth is that the term “organic” can be deceptive.
For instance, many mattresses marketed as such aren’t completely organic and may even include toxic chemicals like flame retardants. Organic mattresses also might not have all the features that you’re looking for, like easy washability or breathability.
Instead of just choosing an option based on whether it’s organic or not, rank what’s most important for you and choose the model that is both safe and has the most features you’re looking for.
Crib mattress features for usability and care
Beyond safety and materials, there are practical concerns that might make the difference when choosing your crib mattress. These include how easy it is to clean, whether you need a waterproof or dual-sided version, and what sort of cute sheets can fit it.
Whereas these may not be the most important factors, they are nice to consider if you can!
Easy to clean
We mentioned earlier that some mattresses are washable, and that’s a good thing. Between the spit up and the occasional diaper uh-oh, babies can be messy!
Choosing a mattress like Newton’s that can be cleaned easily from cover to core will make it more convenient and hygienic on a day-to-day basis.
Waterproof
You also want to decide if you want your crib mattress to be waterproof. This can be a good choice if baby’s prone to diaper blowouts. And later, when your little one is potty training, it can be a real relief.
But don’t worry, even if you don’t get a waterproof mattress, you can always invest in a waterproof cover if you find that you need it.
Dual-sided
Some mattresses are dual-sided to accommodate both a baby and toddler. This means one side is firm, perfect for a newborn, and the other side has a little more plush for your growing toddler.
Having a dual-sided mattress gives your older child a choice in their preferred feel. Just be sure you have it on the firm side while your baby is still in their crib.
Bedding options
You want your nursery to look great, and so finding out that your chosen mattress has a nice selection of breathable, organic fitted sheets is also a big plus.
Whereas bedding for custom-sized mattresses can be limited, if your crib is standard-sized, you have lots of options when it comes to sheets.
Newtons’ mattresses pair perfectly with our Breathable, Organic Cotton Sheets (2-pack), made in cotton muslin, which come in a range of colors and patterns. Our sheets are hypoallergenic, machine washable, and designed to securely fit on any standard crib mattress.
Sleeping soundly with Newton
Now you know that when choosing a crib mattress for your baby, you need to consider the size, shape, and firmness of the mattress, its breathability, materials, and health certifications. You can also think about a few practical matters like cleaning and bedding options.
Our Newton Original, Essential, and Waterproof mattresses are top choices, thanks to our Wovenaire breathe-through technology. On top of that, our mattresses are easy to wash, GREENGUARD Gold Certified, and hypoallergenic.
When it’s time for bed, trust Newton for the ultimate in sleep safety and comfort.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a crib mattress be replaced?
Generally speaking, a crib mattress should be replaced every five years. However, if you spot your mattress sagging, feel lumps, or see holes or stains, you should replace it immediately.
What’s the best thickness for a crib mattress?
Crib mattresses vary from four to six inches thick. Always follow your crib manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum mattress height to ensure a safe fit.
What’s the 5-8-5 method for babies?
The 5-8-5 method for babies refers to a way of soothing a crying baby to sleep. It involves first walking with the baby for five minutes, then sitting quietly for eight minutes, and laying your baby down gently in their crib.
Some parents use this method to help calm their fussy little one into a deeper and more stable sleep.
