Foam Vs. Spring Crib Mattress

Foam Crib Mattress

• Foam crib mattresses are made from polyether or polyester and weigh much less than the standard innerspring mattress which makes changing the sheets much easier. Plus, if you are on a budget, foam mattresses are usually much cheaper than spring.

  The important factor when purchasing a foam crib mattress is to get the densest foam there is. The denser the foam, the firmer and more supportive the mattress is for the baby. Be careful though, thickness does not mean the same as density.

Spring Crib Mattress

• Spring, or innerspring, crib mattresses are similar to standard adult mattresses in that they are designed with springs inside for support. The key to finding the best spring crib mattress is to find a unit with the highest number of springs or coils, usually around 150 or more, and several layers of material covering it.

  Spring crib mattresses usually last much longer than foam mattresses, retain their shape better for added support; but, in turn are more costly than foam.

Considerations

• Buy your crib mattress new. This will ensure that the mattress is not broken in any way and that it is flame-retardant. Secondhand mattress can cause unforeseen problems.

  When considering the different types of crib mattresses, remember that firmer is better. You want the mattress to be as firm as possible to support the baby to the fullest.

  Make sure the crib mattress is the right size. Most are standard; however, older cribs could be slightly larger. As a rule of thumb, you should not be able to put more than two fingers between the crib and mattress.

  Finally, be sure the crib mattress is well-vented to keep the mattress smelling fresh.