How to Choose the Best Baby Mattress

Babies are cute and cuddly but they can also be loud and smelly. Let’s face it, getting a new baby is daunting. Exciting, yes. But daunting. Especially if it is your first one! Your head is probably swimming with all the info you’ve been taking in to make sure you are the best parent possible. Clothes, formula, nappies… And now you have to pick a baby mattress as well! If your due date is close, setting up the nursery is a top priority. But don’t stress. The Mattress Warehouse has your (and your baby’s) back. Our sleep experts know that a mattress can impact your little one’s development. Hence this guide to baby mattresses. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about choosing a mattress for your baby.

What is a Baby Mattress?

A baby mattress or crib mattress is specially designed to fit into a baby’s crib whether it be round or rectangular. They tend to have a waterproof cover (or be fluid-resistant) to protect the mattress from any spills and to help clean the mattress. Crib mattresses can be made of foam, latex or a combination of foam and springs. The right crib mattress will keep your baby’s spine and bones aligned while also providing cushioning for your child’s developing body. Baby mattresses prioritise safety features with hypoallergenic fabric woven into the fabric of the mattress.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Baby Mattress

Hanging mobiles can help lull your little one to sleep.

1. Safety first

Safety always comes first, especially when children are involved. That is why you should ensure that your baby mattress fits perfectly into the crib so that they don’t stick their little limbs into the gap and injure themselves. Moreover, your baby’s head must not be able to sink into the mattress as this could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

2. Size and shape

Most baby mattresses come in a standard size of 140cm x 70cm x 10cm. Likewise, there are generally two cot sizes in South Africa and you get cot mattresses for those sizes:

• Standard Cot: 120cm x 60cm x 10cm
• Large Cot: 132cm x 66cm x 10cm

However, custom-built cribs can also come in different shapes and sizes. So if you opt for one of those, you’ll have to get a mattress that fits the shape you chose. But that shouldn’t be a problem, as most custom-built cots come with a mattress.

Even though your mattress might sound like the right fit for your baby’s crib, you still need to make sure it has a snug fit. You can test the fit of the mattress by placing two fingers between the mattress and crib frame. It should be a tight squeeze. Any more than that and your mattress doesn’t fit properly.

3. Firmness

As grownups we might like soft mattresses but a baby should never sleep on a soft surface. Choosing a firm mattress is much safer for your little one (as mentioned above in the safety section) but that does not mean the mattress has to be rock-hard. If the mattress immediately bounces back when you push your hand down into it and release it, then it is firm enough.

4. Materials

The most common materials in baby mattresses are foams, latex foams, and coil springs. With modern sleep technology, most mattresses are breathable to allow for better airflow through the mattress and less heat buildup so that your baby doesn’t get too sweaty. Non-allergenic or hypoallergenic materials are a plus, as they reduce irritation on sensitive skin and clogging up of airways.

Try to avoid materials like polyurethane foam, flame-retardant chemicals, and vinyl, as they may release toxins that are harmful for your little one.

5. Cleaning

As we all know, babies are pretty messy and will have quite a few accidents on their mattresses. For this reason, it is important to be able to quickly clean your mattress. So when looking to buy a baby mattress, look for one that is easy to clean with a fluid-resistant or waterproof cover.

Find the Right Type of Baby Mattress

There are four types of baby or cot mattresses.

1. Memory foam

Memory foam mattresses are popular for toddlers and are extremely comfortable. They support and conform to your child’s body shape for additional comfort. These mattresses are also lightweight which makes it easier to move them around. 

They are not the best choice for newborn babies, as you don’t want your baby’s face to be able to sink into their mattress, as this poses a threat of suffocation.

2. Coil Sprung

Coil Sprung mattresses are an old favourite for babies because they are more supportive than foam mattresses. They are also more durable than foam mattresses and as such may work out cheaper in the long run. 

One thing to keep in mind is that over time the mattress wears out and the springs may start poking through the fabric, hurting your baby. This should not be a problem if you only have one child, but if you intend to use the mattress for a string of kids it may start wearing out towards the end.

3. Pocket Innerspring

Pocket innerspring mattresses are similar to coil spring mattresses but the springs are not connected. Instead, each spring is individually nested in its own foam pocket to provide optimal pressure relief. These mattresses are extra supportive and durable.

The Sealy Cot Mattress is a pocket spring baby mattress that will fit perfectly in a large cot (132cm x 66cm x 10cm). Keeping in mind that your baby will grow at an alarming rate, buying a large cot off the bat is probably a better choice than buying a standard cot only to upgrade a year or two later.

The Sealy Cot Mattress comes with a waterproof cover.

• Current Price: R2,799.00
• Weight Capacity: 50 kg
• Warranty: 1 Year guarantee

4. Organic or Hypoallergenic

Organic mattresses are becoming more popular as they are made with natural materials that are free of harmful chemicals and toxins. One downside is that these mattresses are quite heavy and difficult to move around.

Common questions about Baby Mattresses

Can I buy a used baby mattress?

Buying a used mattress at a discounted price may seem like the right move but it may be dangerous to your baby. The safest thing you can do is to buy a new one but if you really want to buy a used one then you have to look it over with extreme care. Check to see if there are any bedbugs, discoloured patches, small holes or loose threads. Also, remember to make sure that the mattress will fit in your crib. 

When should I buy a crib mattress?

If your baby is going to start out in a bassinet or bedside sleeper then it is good to have your crib mattress ready when your child is four months old. If your baby is starting out in a crib then you can buy the mattress in your second trimester.

When should I replace a baby mattress?

Taking care of your baby mattress means that it can last up to five years, but there are signs to look out for when it’s time to get a new one. These signs include indentations, holes, loose threads and stains from liquid soaking in.

If you want to keep your mattress in good shape then you need to wash it regularly and clean up any spills before they soak in. It is also important to keep the mattress out of sunlight because it will cause the mattress to break down sooner.

Find a Baby Mattress at The Mattress Warehouse

Now that you know what to look out for in a baby mattress, you are ready to start shopping. Check out our excellent mattresses for your little one that are guaranteed to provide them with the support they need. And keep in mind we deliver to all big city centres in South Africa, so you don’t have to set foot in a store to get your baby the mattress they deserve.