The Best Crib Mattress – 2012 Edition

There are many things to consider when buying a mattress for your baby’s crib. Your baby is the most important thing in your life, so it’s important you buy the best for them. Here is a list of the most important aspects of a crib mattress and a list of the top 5 best selling crib mattresses.

1. Size - Size is very important when buying a crib mattress. It cannot be too big because it will not fit. If it’s too small it can lead to danger for your baby. If it doesn’t meet the edges of the crib, it leaves a gap where baby can get their fingers or head stuck. Most crib mattresses will be 51 5/8in long, 27 1/4in wide, and may not be thicker than 6in. A good test is to put your fingers between the mattress and crib. It should not be able to fit any more than your two fingers in the gap. If so, it can be dangerous and possibly lead to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). If you have a different sized crib, you must order one specifically made for you.

2. Firmness - You want your baby’s mattress to be the firmest you can find. If it feels soft to you – do not buy it. Baby’s are not able to move or know they should move like you and I. If it’s too soft, your baby might get caught in the material.

3. Material - Material is pretty important, but these days there really is only two different kinds to buy. You can purchase either innerspring or foam. Foam is made from polyurethane, so it is very lightweight. The only positive to that is that it is easier to change the sheets. Innerspring is just like the mattresses you and I sleep on. Made from springs, it’s very durable, but heavy. Innerspring is the most popular in the U.S because that’s what most adults choose. Both are very durable, usually have an waterproof, outer nylon covering, and are very firm.

4. Buy a new one -  Even when your neighbor, coworker, or friend suggests using or buying theirs – do not. You do not know how good of quality they took care of it. It’s important it’s not moldy or full of odors that may affect your baby. Also, the more it’s used, the more it could get damaged and cause danger to a baby.

If you keep these things in mind, you should be just fine. Here are the top five selling mattresses for your convenience!

1. DaVinci Twilight Ultra Firm Deluxe Crib Mattress, 6 inches

This DaVinci mattress is great for babies. It’s ultra-firm, which is exactly what you need for a baby. Remember, we want the firmest we can find! It has a triple laminated cover to make it extra durable and waterproof. It is lightweight, so easy to put sheets on or clean. It is also non-allergenic! Another great plus – it comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty. If anything goes wrong – no problem getting it replaced.

2. Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib Mattress, White

This great mattresses from Safety 1st is also a great choice. It has wonderful support so you don’t need to worry about baby suffocating. It is hypoallergenic and lead free. The tear resistant cover is super durable and also waterproof for any messes you may encounter. Fits all standard crib mattress dimensions and meets federal flammability standards. Very lightweight – only 8lbs!

3. Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Crib Mattress

Now, this is a crib made by Sealy that is made from foam. Is is very durable with it’s firm support for baby, it is made to reduce sag. This mattress is also waterproof and makes a mess a breeze to clean. Fits all standard sized baby cribs and can even be used as a toddler bed once your little own has grown. And for all you green-growers, this one is made with soybeans!

4. Sealy Baby Firm Rest Crib Mattress

This is a great innerspring choice made by Sealy. It is very firm and all steel borders give this mattress maximum all-sides support. Non allergenic, made with a anitbacterial laminate cover makes this mattress moisture and mildew resistant, stain resistant, and makes clean up quick and easy. This mattress comes with a 20 – year manufacturer warranty.

5. Serta Nightstar Extra Firm Crib Mattress

Serta makes our list with their extra-firm baby mattress. This innerspring provides superior support, fire-proof materials, and durability. It meets are safety and federal standards including fire-resistancy and size.