Talk to me about crib mattresses

sjo_thetwins

'cause I know no things... But probably need to have one in the cribs. 

and go!

mothernorth

From my experience, there isn't much difference between different brands. Make it firm, make it waterproof, and you're good to go. My LO has the Dream on Me mattress from Amazon. He sleeps just fine.

LGW2015

I read up on it on Lucie's List, I think. There are 2 kinds, coil and foam. I think it said that foam is probably a little better because it tends to be firmer but in the US coil is more popular because that's what adults sleep on. Anyway, I went with foam. At target they have a few out that you can feel for firmness. I think that's the most important thing. Apparently some people pick softer ones because they think it's more comfortable when in reality the baby needs something more firm than we do and it's safer for the baby. They also said generally $90-$200 is the general range for a quality mattress.

I looked at a bunch of reviews on Target and found Simmons SlumberTime to have the best reviews. Although it ended up that the one I picked is not being made anymore but I found the new version they make (Simmons Kids SlumberTime ComforPedic 2-in-1 Convertible Crib Mattress by Beautyrest). One side is supposedly firmer for infant stage and then the other side is a little softer for toddler stage.

kmalls

They're way easier to buy than you'd think. I did just a little research, went to Babies R Us and bam, done. They're all the same standard size unless marked otherwise. And make sure you buy a waterproof pad for it, otherwise the mattress will be ruined the first time baby pees through a diaper. 

One thing to think about: some people go for organic mattresses, which is fine. If the whole organic experience is important to you, don't buy a non-organic mattress pad -- totally defeats the purpose. 

mrskratt

I'm kind of crazy about certain things in my house being non-toxic, so if you're like me you will do too much research on it. With DD, I did buy an organic mattress that was free of toxins (such as fire retardants, plasticizers, polyurethane foam, and vinyl (PVC)) and an organic waterproof pad to go on it. It wasn't really that expensive, and she will still be using it for a while because one side is the infant side and the other is the toddler side. 
But, again, I'm crazy about that sort of thing.

greenlia

I got a Naturepedic on Zulily when I was pregnant with my son 4 years ago, so the cost ended up being comparable to a nice non-organic crib mattress. Then he never slept in his crib, but my daughter is getting a lot of use out of the mattress, at least.

Schell2013

Babies can sleep on almost anything. Firm is the most important and most mattresses have a baby side and a toddler side. The baby side is more firm. I found the middle of the road expensive materess lasted the best, I've had cheap ones too but they fall apart quickly. If it doesn't have a waterproof case on it make sure to buy one so it doesn't get wreaked from poop, pee, or puke. 
If it's important to you there is organic mattresses you can get also. 

sjo_thetwins

Thanks y'all! We found a Serta firm nightsleeper for $100. Trying those out.

nsquaredlife13

I couldnt give you the exact scientific reason as to why, but I remember everyone telling me to make sure to air the mattress out as long as possible before putting the mattress protector, sheets and eventually baby on it. 

afry613

Simmons Kids Beautyrest Crib and Toddler Mattress - Black Misty Nights. I just put this on our registry after reading reviews. Double sided with more firm side for infant and air gel cooled for toddler side. It's waterproof and has antimicrobial coating. It has both coil and foam inside.

freckledlemonade

mrskratt said:

I'm kind of crazy about certain things in my house being non-toxic, so if you're like me you will do too much research on it. With DD, I did buy an organic mattress that was free of toxins (such as fire retardants, plasticizers, polyurethane foam, and vinyl (PVC)) and an organic waterproof pad to go on it. It wasn't really that expensive, and she will still be using it for a while because one side is the infant side and the other is the toddler side. 
But, again, I'm crazy about that sort of thing.

I also wanted to avoid chemicals and fire retardants in our crib mattress.  I'm pretty paranoid about SIDS, as I'm sure many moms are, and I had read something when I was pregnant with dd about a possible link between breathing in fire retardants and SIDS.  I know there is no known cause, and it's possible there is no link, but I figured it couldn't hurt.  I bought this mattress and had no issues with it.  https://www.amazon.com/Naturepedic-Compromise-Organic-Classic-Mattress/dp/B000UN30Q8#productDetails