How To Choose The Right Crib Mattress Size?

Babies, even the most tranquil ones, do move during their sleep, and finding a crib mattress with the correct dimensions is essential to help prevent accidents that could lead to suffocation in a newborn infant. The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission regulates the size of both baby cribs and crib mattresses. The interior crib size needs to be 28 x 52 inches, while the crib mattress needs to be 27.25 x 51.25 inches, making sure that there are no more than 1.25 inches between the edge of the crib and the mattress.

Cribs mattresses that comply with these dimensions are suitable for infants and newborns and can be used for cribs that can be transitioned into toddler beds.

What Certifications Should a Crib Mattress Have?

Since infant health is such an important issue for our society, there are several government-regulated certifications for diverse baby products. GREENGUARD certification, for example, regulates interior home products for low emissions of VOCs. A crib mattress with GREENGUARD certification will then abide by strict chemical emission limits, which are obviously important for babies who spend long hours of days and nights in contact with that mattress.

Crib mattresses can be made from several different types of materials. While organic cotton crib mattresses are the most natural and healthiest option, these can be more expensive than other mattress types. If you opt for a foam crib mattress, it is important to find an option that abides by the CERTIPUR-US© certification. This will assure you that your baby mattress does not contain any toxic flame-retardants or formaldehyde and has low VOC emissions.

Be cautious of mattresses made from soy or other plant-based mattresses - a similar green-washing practice has been witnessed in the spray foam industry. Typically, these mattresses only contain a small percentage (under 20%) of actual soy, and the rest is usually a stew made primarily from petroleum-based chemicals. These mattresses also typically cost less to produce than regular mattresses but are usually offered at a premium, as the 'eco-friendly' angle is promoted.