A Bedtime Story: Choosing the Right Crib Mattress

Here at Colgate we know a good mattress not only means a cozy snooze for your baby, but also great support for their growing little bones. If you are just embarking on the crib mattress search, the first rule is the firmer the better. Soft sleeping surfaces for infants not only increase chance of suffocation, but is an often mentioned risk factor for SIDS.

After reading through our personal Buyer’s Guide, the first step is to determine if you want to lay your little one’s head on an innerspring or foam mattress. Check out the difference here:

Foam: Generally the lightest option and available in a variety of thickness, usually between 3 and 6 inches. Foam mattresses are high in density, about 1.5 pounds per cubic foot. An average foam mattress weights anywhere from 7 to 8 pounds. We usually don’t like to brag, but… Our foam mattresses have been rated #1 by leading consumer publications for over 15 years!

Innerspring: May be a bit more durable than foam, innerspring mattress quality depends on the gauge of the wire and the number of turns per coil.  The more layers, the better. The higher quality of these layers, the better the mattress!

Organic: Usually wool, these come in both innerspring and foam options.  Natural, organic, green or eco-friendly, whatever you call it, just remember- the firmer the better!

Once the construction type has been decided, review these other 4 factors to ensure your child is getting the best sleep possible!

Is it the right size? The mattress needs to fit snugly in the crib.

Is it firm? Too soft a surface can create suffocation and increase SIDS hazards. The firmer, the better!

Is the ticking (mattress cover) sturdy? For water resistance, look for double or triple laminated ticking reinforcement. Check out our Wee-A-Way and Natural Wee-A-Way Mattress Pad Cover- both waterproof, fits all standard size crib mattresses, and easy to clean!

Is it certified? Crib mattresses must meet safety standards defined by the CPSC and the American Society for Testing and Materials. Don’t forget, all of our Colgate mattresses are Greenguard certified regardless of model.

There you have it, a brief overview of crib mattress options. Don’t forget, here at Colgate we pledge to comfort parents by providing factual and relevant information so you can feel confident knowing your baby is going to get the best sleep possible.  Of course, the buying process can be stressful, so please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.