Parents have what seems like a million things to think about when preparing for the arrival of a new baby. They rarely spend as much time thinking about the quality and safety of crib mattresses as much as many of the other items they consider. This definitely shouldn’t be the case though. Selecting the sleeping environment for a new baby that will last through several years is just as important as choosing bottles and clothing.

Parents should first consider the reputation of the mattress manufacturer. Many mattresses have brand names on them that are not actually the manufacturer’s name, so it is important to investigate the mattress thoroughly. In many crib mattress reviews, the feedback is that not all mattresses are actually made by the brand listed. This is not the case with some of the more trusted brands and models like the Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress or the Sealy Soybean foam core crib Mattress, however. Parents need to consider a well known manufacturer with a solid reputation.

When parents decide on a list of acceptable manufacturers, they should then consider the materials that the mattresses are made of. Many parents forget that babies and toddlers are very prone to leaving wet areas of all kinds on the mattress, so choosing one that can handle the constant wetness and still not mold or mildew is important. For parents whose baby may have allergies, or for families with lots of allergies, selecting natural materials that are allergen free is another important thing to think about.

Parents might also want to consider the ecological impact of the mattress they select as well. These days many mattresses are made from eco-friendly and renewable resources which also provide allergen free materials. For the eco-conscious family, selecting a mattress that lowers their impact on the environment is very important and a good place to find out about these mattresses are crib mattress reviews where other parents have already included information and research about environmental issues.

The final consideration for a crib mattress for babies should be the firmness. While adults often consider the firmness first, for babies, the mattress should be as firm as the parents feel acceptable. The Back To Sleep campaign to reduce the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) recommends that babies be placed to sleep on their backs on the firmest mattress possible. Softer mattresses can make it more difficult for a baby to roll away if they are stuck on their sides or stomach and are not generally recommended. Because of this parents should select the firmest mattress they feel comfortable with.

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