Crib Mattress Cluelessness

kleu9

Help me out here ladies (particularly 2 time+ moms). I have no idea what to look for in regards to a crib mattress in terms of brands and specific qualities. There are certain things where I'm a believer in the whole "you get what you pay for", but I'm not so sure I believe that the $100 crib mattress isn't just as good as the $300 one.

I tried looking online for reviews and couldn't get anything substantial.

Any suggestions or tips on what I need to take into consideration before picking one out?

veronicafvr

I had the same questions. After asking on here and googling I decided on a firm, mid-range priced mattress.

TheFannins729

we have a sealy that we bought from BRU for about $120 and we'll be using it again.  I really don't think there is much difference unless you want organic.

Marie89

All I know is to be really safe they need to have at least 150 coils or more.

mabma80

We went to BRU and bought the Serta one cause it was cheaper. I think it was $90.  Got it in 2006 and still using it.

JenniferAnnes

We bought this Sealy Soybean crib mattress: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sealy-Soybean-Foam-Core-Crib-Mattress-Eco-Friendly/10391802?qty_0=1&registry_id=86160871101&selected_variation_0=10391802&shopFor=true&upc=0003187802690

Baby Bargains gave it a good review.  It's supposed to be eco-friendly, hypoallergenic and durable.  The price was pretty decent too.

amandaloren

The firmer the better. We bought a Colgate Classica 1 which I have heard really good things about.

efsNYC13

From Baby Bargains and google, here's what I learned:

There are two kinds of crib mattresses: coil or foam.

Coil tend to be heavier, more expensive. If you go this route, you need at least 150 coils.

Foam: lighter, less expensive, less data on how well they hold up. If you do this, look for a higher density of the foam (based on weight).

Also, some crib mattresses have a "toddler" side that is slightly softer that you can begin using at 1 year of age when it doesn't have to be quite so firm anymore. Some people like that because its a little softer for the toddler/toddler bed age. Other people want a crib mattress they can flip without thinking about it as they change sheets, if it gets dirty, whatever. If you do that, its probably good to make sure both sides are waterproof because the toddler size is not always.

If you have concerns re: allergies, you want to make sure the mattress is "sealed" regardless of which type you pick. If you have concerns re: organic materials/chemicals--to be flame retardant (as required) all mattresses have to be treated with some chemicals.

Since they have the same safety standards, I don't know how much of a difference there is between them. Especially since most people by a mattress cover/protector anyway. I think we are getting a Naturepedic foam one.

Laceface7

Marie89:

All I know is to be really safe they need to have at least 150 coils or more.

YES!!!! 100% AGREE!!!

twinkle_toez69

We ended up picking an organic mattress with a toddler side and infant side from Sears. It's not "plastic covered" like all the ones at BRU here, but we decided that we would just get a mattress pad, since we liked the organic. 

LadyBugLove7

amandaloren:

The firmer the better. We bought a Colgate Classica 1 which I have heard really good things about.

We also bought this.

litzo27

We bought the Colgate Foam mattress for DS#1 and I love it. In his crib it's really tough to change the bedding without taking out the mattress entirely, or at least lifting it up significantly and Foam is SO much lighter than springs. When he was spitting up and I had to change the sheets a couple of times a day I would have thrown my back if we had a spring mattress. You do need to invest in a high quality foam mattress because the cheapies can compress. Colgate gets good reviews. On their site they have useful information about all their models, we chose the one with dual sides for baby and toddler. DS slept on it for 3 years and when the little one comes he will get it (still in great condition).

Corbin30

Well, we have a little "Special Problem" in the mattress department, so we end up with limited options. I am life-threateningly allergic to latex, and tons of mattresses of all sizes have some degree of latex foam in them. Some will tell you it's "hypoallergenic latex" but my allergist said "Not a chance!" We did a ton of research and ended up buying an organic one, just because it was one of the few that were not only latex free, but made in a latex free facility.

kleu9

Thanks for the help ladies! I feel like I finally have a direction I can go in now when I register this weekend!

laurasuzanne2006

maybe i'm just dumb, but can someone explain why 150 coils would be "safer"?

megank27

This is what I took with me to go shopping:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/baby-toddler/nursery-furniture/cribs/crib-mattresses-1105/overview/index.htm

We got a Sealy Soybean Everedge. Lightweight because it's foam yet very firm.

Marie89

laurasuzanne2006:

maybe i'm just dumb, but can someone explain why 150 coils would be "safer"?

because more coils equals more firm, more firm equals reduction in sids risk (according to my friend that works for bru). the mattresses with less coils are okay for toddlers.

*sorry my blackberry won't let me capitalize* 

picksthemusic

I would get the book Baby Bargains (about $12 on Amazon). It's got a really good guide on what's necessary, what's not, and what brands to avoid and which brands are good on most everything baby. I'm leaning towards a firm spring mattress, but they also talk about how good (and cheap) foam mattresses are. GL! 

OUKap

I bought this: https://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=152065a&DeptID=70676&CatID=77448&SO=0&SelDim=5~&x5view=1&NOffset=0&Ne=5+18+904+949+833&shopperType=G&N=4294940794+4294945768&Nao=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=70676|77448

BrittDanX

amandaloren:

The firmer the better. We bought a Colgate Classica 1 which I have heard really good things about.

We are buying this one in foam, too. I did a TON of research on the Baby Gear board on TB and this one was very highly recommended. $150 on Amazon, not bad!

dianamcu

We're going with the Colgate Monarch.  It's expensive, but it's a dual side mattress and hypoallergenic.  DH was very sensitive as a baby, and we both have some crazy allergies.

Colgate is highly recommended by Baby Bargains, and the reason it has a B rating is due to the manufacturer not allowing stores to discount the mattress.  So they're expensive, and you can't seem to get a good deal on them.