At the birth of a child, a crib is required. And every mother wants to choose the best mattress in the crib for a newborn. A small child spends a lot of time lying down, so parents should approach the choice of a mattress responsibly. Consider filler, size, stiffness and manufacturer reviews.
Orthopedic properties of the mattress
The standard size of the mattress for the crib is 120 x 60 cm. If the bed is the same size, then the mattress will do. If the bed was made to order, then you should check the parameters. If there is a mismatch, you will have to sew a mattress on order. The distance between the sides and the mattress should be no more than 0.5 cm.
A soft mattress is contraindicated for a newborn. This can adversely affect the fragile spine. Therefore, if the question arose, which is the best mattress for a newborn, then you should choose hard or moderately hard. A solid surface is important for the baby to maintain good health.
Choosing the best filler
Good mattresses for newborns should have the following properties:
- have good ventilation;
- be moisture resistant or have a waterproof cover;
- on a cover there should not be rough seams;
- there should be no small parts that the child can tear off;
- the surface of the mattress should be made of natural fabrics and be durable;
- do not contain chemical components used to control insects;
- be hypoallergenic.
Types of mattress filler that are found on sale:
- cotton wool;
- foam rubber;
- coconut;
- struttofiber;
- horsehair.
Mattresses with a jacquard cover are recognized as the best mattresses for newborns. In the reviews of mothers who have already bought such, it is indicated that it is better to give preference to bilateral copies. In winter, you can use a warmed, and in summer cooler surface. Just flip the mattress over.
Cotton Mattresses
These are still popular. The filler is natural and cheap. It is bought if parents want to choose a good mattress for a newborn baby at the best price. But in this case, a cheaper option can have a negative impact on the comfort and health of the baby.
Cotton wool often rolls, from this the surface of the product is deformed. Bumps appear that adversely affect the formation of the spine of the newborn.
This filler easily absorbs odors and moisture. If an “accident” occurs, it will become difficult to ventilate and dry such a mattress. Moisture will provoke the appearance and reproduction of microorganisms and dust mites. For a baby, meeting them can provoke the occurrence of allergic reactions.
Foam mattress
Good mattresses for newborns should be safe. Foam rubber is an artificial material, the basis of which is processed polyurethane foam. The mattress can consist entirely of foam rubber or contain only one layer of it.
There is still no definitive answer about the dangers of artificial filler. Many believe that it releases substances hazardous to the body, but there is no scientific evidence for this.
The main advantage of foam rubber is its low price and the ability of polyurethane to restore its original shape. The porous structure of the mattress filler has a high degree of elasticity and density. Even after resting an adult on it, it takes on its original form. And also polyurethane foam has low moisture permeability. If you wet it, then just remove and wash the cover. The mattress will remain in its original form.
Among the shortcomings, it can be noted that the material does not like prolonged contact with moisture. It is collapsing. For the same reason, direct sunlight should be avoided. But mattresses usually do not store in the sun.
With prolonged use, the foam is still deformed, so the life of the mattress is 3 years. But this drawback does not apply to products for newborns. For more than 3 years, a mattress for babies is not used.
Coconut
Asking the question of which mattress to choose for a newborn, many parents prefer a coconut coir. This type of filler is natural; it is formed by pressing coconut fibers.
The main and perhaps the only advantage is the correct distribution of weight on the entire surface of the bed. In addition to natural coconut, artificial latex is used to connect the fibers. It is believed that the latter component provokes the appearance of allergic reactions in the newborn. If the smell of rubber is felt during the purchase, then it is better to opt for another mattress.
One of the varieties of coconut mattress is biococon. This is a mixture of natural fibers and polyester. It does not allow bacteria and ticks to multiply, does not emit harmful substances, does not cause allergies. Withstands moisture, which is an important indicator when choosing a good mattress for newborns. And also the material is easily ventilated and does not absorb odors.
Cocoon Mattress
This is a rather interesting device for babies who like to sleep at their mother’s side. The design is an oval "nest" with sides. Thanks to what the baby can be transferred from one place to another or rocking on his knees.
Such a mattress is not basic. It is designed to facilitate the life of mothers, allows you to fall asleep baby in a comfortable ergonomic position. For its manufacture, natural materials are used. Due to the small size it is easily erased. But not all mothers welcome such an innovation because of its high cost. There is an opinion that you can do without a cocoon mattress.
Stratofiber
Parents who cannot choose which baby mattress is best for the newborn should pay attention to the strutofiber. Today it is the highest quality filler in the production of such items.
The mattress consists of two planes between which vertical fibers are located. Weight is distributed similarly to a block of independent springs, which is the best choice for the children's spine.
A distinctive feature of the new material is wear resistance and durability. To add additional properties to the fiber add natural components. Flax gives a feeling of coolness, and goat hair makes it warm.
The positive qualities of the strutofiber:
- has elasticity;
- easily restores shape;
- moisture resistant;
- does not decay;
- does not contribute to the reproduction of dust mites;
- affordable.
As a supplement, coconut coir can be used. Such a mattress does not require special care.
Horse Hair Products
Horsehair mattresses keep their shape well and are elastic. Passes air and does not hold smells. Horse hair practically does not absorb moisture. It is the most hygienic among other fillers. Additionally, latex can be used to increase service life and minimize the occurrence of allergic reactions.
If latex prevails over other fillers, then the mattress will not be able to provide the sufficient rigidity that good mattresses for newborns have. Moreover, such devices are not cheap.
Springless mattresses
These are suitable for very young children, as well as for preschoolers. The main filler is polyurethane foam and coconut fiber. Parents have to decide which mattress is best for their newborn. Consumer reviews about this type of mattress are mostly positive. Felt or wool may be used as an additional layer.
Some manufacturers offer asymmetric mattresses, one side of which is made at an angle. It is convenient for newborns.
A baby needs a hard mattress. Therefore, preference should be given to coconut fillers.
When inspecting the mattress in the store, you need to make sure the quality of the materials used. You can request certificates of conformity from sellers. It is advisable to choose a manufacturer who has been engaged in the production of mattresses for a long time and has established itself on the positive side.
Spring mattress
Spring mattresses are a universal model. Suitable for newborns and older children. Due to the low weight of the newborn, springs do not play a big role. The main pressure falls on the layer, which is located on top.
Spring blocks are divided into dependent and independent. Which is better to choose a mattress for a newborn? A mattress with a dependent spring unit has no orthopedic effect. This type appeared a long time ago and has been tested by many people. During operation, a creak appears and over time the mattress sags. The weight of the newborn will not allow the mattress to quickly become unusable, so this type is acceptable. But it should be remembered that the springs should not protrude, and the last layer should be sufficiently rigid.
Mattresses with springs, each of which is hidden in a separate cover, have gained great popularity. Such mattresses are more expensive. The number of springs is much larger than in the dependent unit. Each of them does not depend on the neighboring one and independently accepts the load. Thanks to this, this type of mattress has a pronounced orthopedic effect.
When choosing a spring mattress, a product with the characteristics of 300 springs per 1 m 2 should be preferred. Lower rates are considered a budget option and have nothing to do with orthopedic appliances.
Qualities of spring mattresses:
- products are durable with proper care;
- are subject to repair;
- price ranges from economy to premium;
- it is not recommended to jump on such mattresses, because they will become unusable very quickly.
Rating of the best manufacturers
Based on customer reviews, the best mattresses for newborns were selected. Rating of the best manufacturers is given below:
- The Russian manufacturer Afalina Buyu-by is the leader with indicators of 9.8 out of 10. Such a mattress is springless and multi-layered. It includes natural coconut, polyurethane foam, latex. The layers are stitched so that the deflection of the mattress occurs only along. The lack of glue makes the product hypoallergenic. It has 2 sides and a jacquard cover. The main disadvantage is the high price.
- Italbaby Jolly Plus is a high-quality hypoallergenic mattress for the smallest. The rating is 9.7 points. As part of the polyurethane foam, having sufficient rigidity for the baby's back. Does not accumulate moisture, does not allow microorganisms to multiply. Suitable for babies with a tendency to allergies and often sick children. Has a removable cover.
- Lapsi Cocolatex Lux consists of natural latex and coconut coir. The natural case contains cottonwood and cellulose, which contribute to the strength of the product. The mattress is two-sided, has a "memory effect." The breathable cover does not allow moisture to accumulate. If necessary, it can be removed for washing. The mattress rating is 9.6 points.
- “Plitex Junior” is a budget children's mattress, almost as good as other manufacturers in quality. Consists of coconut fiber soaked in natural latex. It has orthopedic properties. The only negative is the too thin cover of coarse calico. Consumer rating is 9.4 points.
Mattress Tips
Parents have a difficult choice, because you need to know which mattress is best for a newborn baby and how not to overpay. When evaluating all factors, the following points should be considered. A child can wet the bed, therefore, the mattress should not absorb moisture, otherwise there is a risk that the product will become unsuitable for further use. You can buy a waterproof mattress pad to avoid this situation, but this is an additional cost.
The model should support the baby's back well, be stiff enough. When buying, there should not be an external smell, unnecessary elements, rough locks, small fasteners.
The child will sleep in a bed for 1 to 3 years. Therefore, you must be sure of the quality of the product. At the same time, you should choose in the price category that is acceptable for parents.