Find a Better Crib Mattress: The Surprising Key to Baby's Deep Sleep

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Deciding on nursery curtains and bedding sets sounds a lot more exciting than buying a crib mattress, but finding the right crib mattress is important for your baby to sleep comfortably and safely through the night.

Next to picking out the perfect crib and the cutest bedding, buying a crib mattress may seem like an afterthought. Yet, crib mattresses ensure that your baby not only sleeps comfortably, but also that he's safe while sleeping. The mattress should be firm so that if your baby curls up next to the side of the crib, he can't become stuck between the crib parts and an ill-fitting mattress.

Keep in mind that this mattress will lull your baby to sleep and most likely stay with her through her toddler years (envision her bracing herself against the crib while jumping on the mattress). You may also choose to transfer the mattress to a kid's bed. When you think about how much use you will get out of your baby's mattress, you may not be so casual about deciding on the right one. Not to worry! Follow our guide to find the best mattress for your baby.

Crib Mattress Basics

When it comes to crib mattresses the most popular models come in two varieties: innerspring and foam. As the name implies, with an innerspring, metal coils are padded in the interior, similar to an adult mattress. Foam models are stuffed with—you guessed it—foam padding. There are varying degrees of firmness within both models. For instance, the coil count can be anywhere from 150 to 600 with an innerspring (often the more coils in the mattress, the more durable and supportive the innerspring unit). Foam mattresses come in high-density and regular varieties.

The standard size for a mattress is 51 5/8 inches by 27 1/4 inches, with the mattress thickness of no more than 6 inches. Most models come in 4-, 5-, or 6-inch thicknesses.

The exterior makeup of crib mattresses is all about durability. Most mattresses are covered in vinyl, with higher-end models offering quilted vinyl or even several layers of vinyl. Fabric binding seals the vinyl encasing. Side vent holes keep the air balanced so that as the baby moves the mattress stays level. The vents have the added benefit of allowing odors to escape.

Other features include hypo-allergenic, waterproof, flame-retardant, and bacteria- and stain-resistant properties in the exterior covering.