Standard Crib Mattress

A: The standard crib mattress size is 52" L x 27" W. The mattress is typically 5" - 6" thick and should not be thicker than 6". They are designed to fit snugly inside USA-standard full cribs, which have dimensions averaging within 5/8" of 52" L x 28" W. There should be no gaps larger than two fingers wide between the mattress and the crib.

A: Breathable crib mattresses are great, but they should also be waterproof so that the inevitable messes can be cleaned simply by wiping the surface. This will prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, mildew and fungi more effectively. Check to see if the breathable crib mattress is fully waterproof or just “water-resistant,” as this can make a big difference in keeping it hygienic. Of course, you’ll also want to check that the waterproofing materials are non-toxic.

A: It’s critical to make sure that if a crib mattress is breathable, it’s also waterproofed to maintain the ultimate hygienic safety for your little one. Breathable crib mattresses feature a removable, washable, breathable cover that allows your baby to breathe right through the surface, while also helping to dissipate heat and moisture for less sweaty backs, and a much better, safer sleep. When accidents happen, simply remove the cover and toss it into the washing machine. Then, wipe clean the non-toxic waterproof surface of the underlying crib mattress.

A: Yes, the cover encases and protects the crib mattresses. They’re often made of vinyl or cotton knit. Look for waterproof, tear-resistant covers that are hypoallergenic.

A: Many crib mattresses have 2 sides, which is a nice feature that will set you up through toddlerhood. The infant side is extra-firm, and the toddler side is cushion firm

A: Memory foam is dense, durable, soft, and helps evenly distribute weight. It’s not safe for infants because it’s too soft, but it’s safe for toddlers who need more cushion and comfort.

A: A waterproof crib mattress is safe and easy to keep clean. This is an important feature, especially for small children. Some crib mattresses are waterproof, can be cleaned with mild soap and water, and are certified safe and free of toxins.

A: If possible, you should buy a new crib mattress. An improperly stored mattress can grow mold or become a breeding ground for bacteria. Some older crib mattresses used PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) — flame retardants that can interfere with thyroid function. If you buy a new crib mattress, you can use it again for future children so long as you store it properly in a clean, dry location and it stays firm.

A: Whatever mattress you choose, keep it clear of pillows, toys, blankets, and other objects to prevent suffocation. You should not use crib bumpers. Even the best crib mattress can be unsafe if suffocation hazards are present.

A: Safety
A baby’s mattress must be firm. Soft mattresses are associated with an elevated risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Over time, the surface and shape of a crib mattress can settle and become soft and uneven. Reinforced edging (which stops the edge of the mattress from caving down under your baby’s body weight) can also weaken with time. Without a firm edge, your little one could become trapped between the mattress and the crib rails, which could result in injury or even death. However, if you purchased the mattress new for an older sibling, you might be able to reuse it. It is safe for your baby if it is clean, in good condition, and meets these safety standards.
Proper Fit
Mattress size matters. Most cribs use a standard-sized crib mattress, but you will also find those that do not. An ill-fitting mattress can pose a serious safety hazard for your child. To see if your potential mattress is a good fit, try the "two-finger" test. There should be no more than two finger-widths of space between the side of the mattress and the crib frame. Any larger and your baby could become entrapped between the two, resulting in injury or suffocation.
Frame Integrity
The overall frame of your mattress should be in good repair. If you find any evidence of a broken frame or support bars, the crib mattress should be replaced. Additionally, if the mattress rattles when moved or if you can feel the springs sticking up through the cushioning, do not use the mattress.
Cleanness
Just because a mattress looks clean does not mean that it is clean. Experts often advise against using a secondhand mattress because you don't have intimate knowledge of its past. Even a close friend or family member might fail to mention an accident or two—especially if the mattress appears no worse for the wear. Be sure to inspect the mattress for bed bugs, small, flat, reddish bugs that subsist on blood. These tiny creatures are experts at staying hidden during the day, so look in the mattress seams and any other possible hiding places near the bed. If you do find bed bugs, it's best to pass on the mattress. If you already own the bed, it's usually best to call an exterminator.
Additionally, check the mattress for signs of mold. Crib mattresses are often covered in a waterproof coating, making mold less likely. Mold commonly grows in damp, wet, or humid conditions, so if the mattress (or room it is in) has been exposed to moisture for an extended period, it may have mold. Even if you don't see mold, it could be there. A musty odor is a telltale sign of mold or mildew, which in the initial stages of growth may be invisible to the naked eye.

A: First things first: Get that waterproof mattress cover! It’ll make cleanup so much easier. You can wipe the waterproof cover with a damp cloth or sponge and soapy water and let it dry before putting clean sheets back on. Don’t use harsh cleaning products or bleach, which might be bad for the waterproof layer. Some mattress covers allow machine washing, then tumble drying on low. Wash it as needed—in other words, when your baby has any kind of accident. You can use whichever laundry detergent you typically like. Ideally, your crib mattress cover is good enough that you won’t need to clean the mattress itself. If a stain happens to get through to the mattress, soak up any liquid with a dry rag, spot clean the mattress with soap and water, then let it dry before putting the mattress cover and sheets back on. Check the product instructions, though, for guidance on your specific crib mattress.

A: Not all cribs are standard-sized, such as mini cribs or oval cribs. The mattresses that fit those, obviously, will not be standardized, either. Instead, each nonstandard crib should be sold with a mattress that fits it, i.e., it leaves no more than a ½-inch gap between the mattress and the crib perimeter.

A: In keeping with the AAP safety guidelines, the highest setting is just for those first few precious newborn months, before babies can sit up, roll over, or pull themselves up to a crawl. During this time, keeping the crib mattress at the highest setting will allow you easy access to your tiny newborn, and make all of those late-night feedings and nap transitions just a little bit less of a juggle.
As soon as baby begins to show signs of rolling over, sitting up, or pushing themselves up onto their hands during tummy time, it’s time to lower to the second setting. Not sure you’ll get the timing right? It’s okay to err on the side of early! The only downside of having the crib mattress height a bit lower is your comfort and convenience. And as baby’s safety is ALWAYS our top priority, we’d recommend lowering to that second setting at the very first signs of your baby being able to move around on their own. It’s likely this will happen somewhere between 4-6 months, but every baby is different! Watch yours for signs of independent mobility and go ahead and adjust as soon as you see them!
The next milestone you’re watching for is baby’s ability to pull to standing. As soon as you see your little one attempting to pull themselves up to standing on, lower your crib mattress to the lowest position. It’s best to be a little ahead on this one - a lot of babies learn to pull up IN their cribs and having the mattress on the lowest setting means that you’ll be prepared if they happen to hit this milestone in the middle of the night! For most, but not all, babies, this milestone will happen between 6-8 months - remember, it’s okay to err on the side of early!

A: Generally, the time to flip the mattress to the toddler side is between 9-12 months. What you need to look for is the baby's development and milestones. If the baby has full head control and is rolling over voluntarily it is safe to flip the mattress over to the toddler side.

A: There is some research that found an increased chance of SIDS when using a second-hand mattress brought in from outside of the family home, although the link is not yet proven. Generally we would advise it is safest to have a new mattress for each baby.

A: Soon-to-be parents often spend months deciding on the perfect crib and the cutest bedding for their new child, and they then purchase the crib mattress as an afterthought. The fact is that while those sheets with dancing teddy bears are fun to buy, the crib mattress is a very important purchase because it’s where the majority of a child’s growth and development will occur. An infant will spend up to 70% of his or her time on the crib mattress and a toddler can spend up to 50% of his or her time on the crib mattress. Because a child will spend the first three to five years of his or her life sleeping and playing on this same crib mattress, purchasing a quality crib mattress is an extremely important decision for soon-to-be parents.

A: The minimum size is 27 1/4” x 51 5/8” and not being thicker than 6 inches. Cribs are also regulated, but their interior dimensions have a “plus or minus” tolerance from the standard 28 x 52 3/8 rectangle. Therefore, depending on the specific crib and mattress combination, the mattress may be either very snug or moderately snug in the crib. We strive to manufacture our mattresses for a tight fit in the crib, and not at the minimum.

A: Here are three particular qualities to consider when identifying a high quality foam crib mattress:
● Total weight of the mattress (also referred to as density) – Generally, the heavier the mattress, the better the mattress.
● Firmness – Most medical experts recommend that you put your baby on as firm a mattress as you, the parent, feel comfortable putting them on.
● The reputation of the actual mattress manufacturer, not just the name on the label.