Mattress pad? Is it really needed

laura3462 · May 2010

I was wondering if it is a good idea to have a mattress pad on the crib mattress? It is already a surface that can be easily wiped off after removing a simple sheet. What do you think is best???

Stacyc625 · May 2010

do you really want to wipe down an entire surface at 2am from pee or poop?

I ALWAYS double made my DD's crib-

bottom layer was a mattress pad, sheet, mattress pad, sheet, baby.

that way at 2am when either the diaper leaked or she vomitted in the crib i could just strip off the top layer and boom it was all done.

Was totally worth it-

Temp984666312503071 · May 2010

Yes. Two reasons:

The "safer" firm crib mattresses are REALLY hard. Without a mattress pad my daughter's crib might not be much softer than the floor. Also, it protects the mattress from the vomit, pee, and poop that will happen. Easier to strip the bed than to need to wipe down a mattress.

I have two mattress pads. I have never done the layering as an OP mentioned, but I have definited needed mattress pad #2 on several occasions when #1 got soiled.

misscindycake · May 2010

You make an interesting point. Our crib mattress was also a waterproofish type material. That being said, we always still used a mattress pad just in case. DD had a few accidents that would have been *really* out of control without something to help absorb the wetness. Starting at about 8 months, she would pee so much at night that we had to put her in overnight diapers that were 2 sizes too big just to get more surface area. Even then, most mornings she would still wake up with wet sheets. I can't even imagine what it would have been like without a mattress pad to help contain the puddles.

misscindycake · May 2010

Stacyc625:
do you really want to wipe down an entire surface at 2am from pee or poop?
I ALWAYS double made my DD's crib-
bottom layer was a mattress pad, sheet, mattress pad, sheet, baby.
that way at 2am when either the diaper leaked or she vomitted in the crib i could just strip off the top layer and boom it was all done.
Was totally worth it-

Oh! I love this idea! I'm totally doing this with DD#2. DH used to work nights, so when DD#1 would have 2am accidents, it was so chaotic for me. Thanks for the idea!

laura3462 · May 2010

Thanks guys 1st time mom! Clueless!

Stacyc625 · May 2010

No worries- it is ALL about just making things as EASY as possible for you- especially for the early AM surprises.

SweetPeanis · May 2010

YES IT IS!!!! I was just thinking about how glad I was to have a matress pad the other morning when I woke up and found that DD had soaked through her diaper (which she never does.) I'm thankful for the matress pad becuase it makes cleaning up a breeze. I just threw the sheet and the pad in the washer and went to work.

Yules · May 2010

BabeSafe covers are the only ones I heard of that don't increase the risk of SIDS.

torii · May 2010

Stacyc625:
do you really want to wipe down an entire surface at 2am from pee or poop?

I ALWAYS double made my DD's crib-

bottom layer was a mattress pad, sheet, mattress pad, sheet, baby.

that way at 2am when either the diaper leaked or she vomitted in the crib i could just strip off the top layer and boom it was all done.

Was totally worth it-

Fabulous! Thanks for the idea. It's these little tips and tricks that make such a difference for a first time mom.

brownie123 · May 2010

I never used on with my first, and didn't really see the point... Above pps have great ideas though. But I didn't find it necessary!

ericaandsy · May 2010

Stacyc625:

do you really want to wipe down an entire surface at 2am from pee or poop?

I ALWAYS double made my DD's crib-

bottom layer was a mattress pad, sheet, mattress pad, sheet, baby.

that way at 2am when either the diaper leaked or she vomitted in the crib i could just strip off the top layer and boom it was all done.

Was totally worth it-

Thank you x's infinity for this advice!!

lesleslie · May 2010

Stacyc625:

do you really want to wipe down an entire surface at 2am from pee or poop?

I ALWAYS double made my DD's crib-

bottom layer was a mattress pad, sheet, mattress pad, sheet, baby.

that way at 2am when either the diaper leaked or she vomitted in the crib i could just strip off the top layer and boom it was all done.

Was totally worth it-

my mom told me she did this when I was a baby, and I'm totally doing the same!! So easy!

Stacyc625 · May 2010

lesleslie:
Stacyc625:

do you really want to wipe down an entire surface at 2am from pee or poop?

I ALWAYS double made my DD's crib-

bottom layer was a mattress pad, sheet, mattress pad, sheet, baby.

that way at 2am when either the diaper leaked or she vomitted in the crib i could just strip off the top layer and boom it was all done.

Was totally worth it-

my mom told me she did this when I was a baby, and I'm totally doing the same!! So easy!

yup- even it you never need it- totally worth doing ahead. can't hurt.

KhloesMom · May 2010

Stacyc625:
do you really want to wipe down an entire surface at 2am from pee or poop?
I ALWAYS double made my DD's crib-
bottom layer was a mattress pad, sheet, mattress pad, sheet, baby.
that way at 2am when either the diaper leaked or she vomitted in the crib i could just strip off the top layer and boom it was all done.
Was totally worth it-

My SIL gave me this tip when I was PG with K and I cannot begin to tll you how many times it saved me from completely stripping/re-making the crib in the wee hours of the morning. Totally rec!!!

quidditchcapn1120 · May 2010

This is an awesome tip. Coming from a family where my dad worked nights, I still remember many nights where I changed my little sister's crib sheet while my mom tended to my sister. My husband does not work nights, but anything to make those nighttime surprises easier!