Creating a safe, cozy space for your baby starts with the right crib mattress. The choice is key to your little one’s sleep quality and safety, making it one of the most important nursery decisions. From certifications to composition to crib mattress height, there are a few essential factors to keep in mind before you buy. Here’s everything you need to know to choose your baby’s crib mattress in confidence.
How to Choose a Mattress for a Newborn
Safety and support are key when it comes to a crib mattress for newborns. Here are the major points to consider:
1. Firmness:
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) emphasizes that infants need a firm sleep surface. This helps prevent suffocation and provides proper support for their developing spine and bones. The supportive surface also helps babies learn to roll over and gain motor skills by offering a stable platform to push against. For long-term comfort, the Babyletto x Avocado 2-stage mattress can be flipped to the softer side when your baby reaches the toddler stage.
2. Fit:
The two-finger test is a reliable way to check for the snug, safe fit the CPSC recommends. Slide two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame–if you can fit more than two fingers, the mattress is too small and the gaps may lead to physical harm. The Babyletto x Avocado crib mattress’s universal fit ensures safety and comfort, with an option for mini cribs too.
3. Certifications:
Make sure your crib mattress is certified to meet high safety and environmental standards. The Babyletto x Avocado mattress holds these key certifications, guaranteeing top safety, quality, and comfort for your baby:
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GREENGUARD Gold Certified: ensures low chemical emissions to support healthier indoor air quality.
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MADE SAFE® Non-Toxic: verifies the mattress is free from over 6,500 harmful chemicals.
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CertiPUR-US® Certified: confirms the foam is low in emissions and free of harsh chemicals.
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GOTS Certified: guarantees organic cotton that is responsibly sourced and free from harmful pesticides and GMOs.
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GOLS Certified: certifies the latex is sustainably harvested, organic, and made to high environmental and social standards throughout production.
What Are the Different Types of Crib Mattresses?
Once you’ve covered safety basics, it’s time to explore mattress types and their benefits so you can decide which crib mattress is best:
1. Foam Mattresses:
Lightweight and easy to handle, foam mattresses are often the most budget-friendly option. A quality foam mattress should be dense enough to maintain firmness and support over time.
2. Innerspring Mattresses:
These are typically heavier and pricier, featuring layers of coiled springs for added support. Innerspring mattresses are known for durability and can often be used as your baby grows into toddlerhood.
3. Hybrid Mattresses:
Combining foam and innerspring, hybrid mattresses are designed to balance comfort with support. For example, Babyletto x Avocado's crib mattress pairs organic materials with a 2-stage design, offering a firmer side for infants and a softer side for toddlers to give them comfort at every stage.
How to Clean Crib Mattresses
Crib mattresses are exposed to spills, diaper leaks, and allergens, so regular cleaning is essential. Plus, keeping your crib mattress clean can help it last longer and provide a healthier sleep environment for your baby. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
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Remove Bedding: Strip off all bedding, including mattress protectors.
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Check the Care Label: This might provide instructions or tips specific to your mattress.
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Vacuum: Use a vacuum attachment to pick up dust and dirt (remember the sides and bottom!)
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Spot Clean Stains: Work a solution of 1 part dish soap, 2 parts hydrogen peroxide, and 1 part salt into the target area, allowing it to air dry before wiping away any residue. Avoid harsh chemicals as they may linger in the fabric.
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Deodorize and Disinfect: To freshen up the mattress, you can use a natural disinfectant like white vinegar diluted with water. To deodorize, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming it up.
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Air Dry: After cleaning, allow the mattress to air dry completely before reassembling the crib.
For more detailed tips, we love Avocado's guide on How to Clean a Mattress Naturally.
When to Lower the Crib Mattress
Adjusting the crib mattress height can be confusing because it’s based on your baby’s individual development. Here are some guidelines to help you decide when to make the switch:
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Highest Setting: Best for newborns and babies that can roll over for easy access.
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Middle Setting: Adjust the crib to this position when your baby can sit up to prevent falls.
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Lowest Setting: Move to the lowest position for maximum safety when your baby can stand.
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Toddler Stage: Designed to grow with your child, the 2-stage Babyletto x Avocado mattress features a softer side to mark the toddler milestone—just flip it and they’re ready to rest like a big kid.
For more details, the Cleveland Clinic provides insights on When to Lower a Crib Mattress.
To Sum Things Up
From safety standards to types and maintenance, many factors go into choosing the right crib mattress for your baby. Still wondering what crib mattress to buy? Check out Babyletto x Avocado’s organic, non-toxic mattress and our beloved, breathable bedding collection to complete your nursery setup. Remember, a good mattress means better sleep for your little one—and likely, more sleep for you too!
