Mattress pads/covers - safe? Needed?

ldmw · January 2015

I'm reading mixed messages online about the safety of mattress pads/covers for crib mattresses. What is your experience?

Our crib mattress is waterproof so we can wipe off any messes. I'm reading that some avoid additional pads and covers because they don't want to make the bed too plush for SIDS risk, or it's just an additional item to wash. Then I'm reading others that like them because they don't have to scrub a mattress if a mess is made.

I'm so confused. Are mattress pads needed? Do they need to be fire resistant? Are they dangerous?

rosikiwi · January 2015

I just registered for a waterproof cover...seems easier to take care of?
Sorry, not much help.

jesslfar · January 2015

I just use a regular washable mattress cover. It is slightly thicker than a sheet and is tight fitting. You don't need one, but yes, they do make the clean up easier and they are safe if they are tight fitting. An actual pad is not safe, and quilting is not needed.

LO95 · January 2015

We bought a mattress pad because DH is convinced we need it thanks to his sister. (You can type "breathable mattress pad" on Amazon and find it.) I'm not convinced about it though... I've never heard of anyone using them before so if anyone knows anything about that I'd be curious. Basically it's a vented pad that is supposed to allow air flow if the baby would be face down on the mattress.

But like I said, I'm skeptical.

MAdams728 · January 2015

I think they are necessary. Most are very thin and don't add any bulk.

jennygirlmt · January 2015

Mine doesn't add any bulk. I hate how cold and crunchy the crib is without the pad. I only ever got one and keep saying I'll get another, but I usually just do laundry immediately if there's an explosion.

I have even laid a blanket under the sheet if I didn't get it washed because of the detested "crunching."

I have never read anything about an increased risk of SIDS nor have I ever seen a mattress pad add any significant plush, especially since they fit tight, as do the sheets.

supersarah77 · January 2015

We have a couple of these and I like them because you can just throw them in the wash. Although we've rarely had to because by the time DD transitioned to the crib around 6 mo the spit up and blowout diapers stage was pretty much over.

https://m.toysrus.com/skava/static/product.html?type=TRU_product_us&url=/product/index.jsp?productId=12764079&cp=&frmSearch=true&frmSearch=true&parentPage=search&domain=http://www.toysrus.com

sb184 · January 2015

I got an organic mattress and organic mattress pad. The pad is more like a fitting sheet only waterproof. It is not plush at all. I avoided all materials with chemicals as there has been a link to increased SIDS and non-organic bedding. (I also tend to be more paranoid than some other moms. I'm sure regular mattresses and pads are okay, it was just more to make me at ease)

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Mattress pads/covers - safe? Needed?

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