Sure Start Speke

Expectant parents often obsess over every detail of a new baby's arrival. They carefully consider the physician or midwife and where the child will be born. They put much thought into what the child will wear on the trip home, agonizing over every detail of the fabric. They spend countless hours decorating the nursery, hoping to make it a special haven for their little bundle of joy. However, more often than not, they are clueless when it comes to selecting a mattress for crib use.

Selecting a crib mattress is not as simple as it may seem. What an adult may desire for themselves is not always the best choice for a baby or small child. Just as safety is a priority when selecting a crib, it must also be taken in to account when deciding on a mattress.

A tight fit should be achieved when the mattress is placed inside the crib. I should not allow for any movement and there should be no visible gaps. Badly fitted bedding is often a cause of injury to a sleeping infant.

The padding should be dense and firm to the touch. Nylon coverings tend to offer more resistance than vinyl or other coverings. Although coil mattresses are firmer, they are not necessarily safer. They are also much heavier and cost more than their foam counterparts. Just make sure that it is not too soft. Overly soft surfaces can make it difficult for a baby to move of free itself from certain positions.

Be sure to check the list of materials on the label before purchasing a foam mattress. Low quality foam and fibers are often used making for a product that does not last over time. Also check what country the item was made in. Allergens may be higher in products produced in certain countries. Some countries also do not have high manufacturing standards therefore they produce low quality products.

Be willing to purchase a lesser known brand. Just because crib mattresses may have the same name as a nationally recognized brand does not mean that they are of the same quality. Although they me be licensed by the same manufacturer, often times they are made by different companies and with different materials. Make sure to purchase from a retailer that has a good reputation and works with quality manufacturers.

Some may want to avoid chemicals by buying organic. Be careful of manufacturer claims that their product is organic. Check that any manufacturer making such statements have obtained global certification and are listed as a supplier of organic items.

If you are considering buying used, or using items passed down, do so with caution. Older mattresses may have are less firm and may already been broken down to the point that they are unsafe. They are also a haven for germs and bacteria, which if passed on to another child, could pose a serious health threat such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Selecting a mattress for crib use does not have to be a chore. Arming yourself with the information needed by knowing the standards and what to look for. This will ease the burden and allow you to put more focus on the baby inside the crib.