Choose a Crib Mattress That is Safe and Pthalate Free

Choosing a crib mattress for your baby’s nursery should not be a lax decision.  There are several things you should look for in a baby mattress to keep your little one safe.  The crib mattress that you choose for your baby should be extra firm and conform to specific size specifications.  You should also be familiar with the necessary learn more mattress height adjustments as your infant grows.  Quality cannot be overlooked.  Especially with the known presence of toxic chemicals known as phthalates in many traditional crib mattresses.  Arm yourself with this knowledge, prior to shopping around for the right mattress for your priceless baby.

To avoid entrapment or suffocation it is critical that the baby mattress fits snugly inside the crib.  You should not be able to fit more than one finger between the side of the mattress and the crib/rails.  I also recommend that you go with a standard size baby mattress.  It should measure 51 5/8” by 27 1/4” and should not be more than 6” in thickness.  Please make sure you measure the mattress yourself before placing it inside the crib.  This is because manufacturer labels are not 100% error proof.  This was the case with the 20,000 Simmons mattresses that were recalled in June 2008.  A safe baby mattress should not only fit tightly inside the crib, but it must also provide adequate support.  

Choose a crib mattress that is firm and uniform throughout.  A sturdy interior support system will prevent the mattress from sagging.  This will keep the fitted sheets tight and loose areas (suffocation hazard) will not be created.  You may quickly test the firmness by squeezing from both sides in the middle.  A firm mattress will quickly snap back once you let go and will not conform to the shape of your hand.  However, an extra firm baby mattress may still become a springboard for a possible accident, if it’s placed to high inside the baby crib.  

The mattress height is adjustable to several different levels in most cribs on the market today.  This is a safety feature that must be used once your baby becomes more mobile.  Once your baby is able to stand, I recommend lowering the mattress to the lowest level.  This will prevent your little one from climbing out.  However, if your baby is constantly attempting to climb out (or is taller than the sidebar), then the crib and mattress are no longer safe.  However, during that critical first year of development, I recommend investing in a quality crib mattress.                                  

Since your baby will spend the majority of the first year on the mattress, avoid buying a cheap mattress that sells under $80.  Cheap mattresses are not very durable and in my opinion, simply not safe enough.  While a good quality baby mattress will be made of high quality materials, and as a result expect to pay more.

In my opinion, the best crib mattresses on the market are those that are made of 100% certified organic materials.  These mattresses are not chemically treated during the manufacturing process, and therefore will not leach harmful chemicals like phthalates.  

Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are potentially toxic.  They are considered more harmful for infants since they are still developing and growing.  Studies on phthalates indicate they may cause an increased risk of asthma, allergies, and disrupt the reproductive development of babies.