What Does The Baby’s Mattress Have To Be Like?
Babies spend many hours in the crib. However, the important thing is not to know which is the ideal crib, but how the baby’s mattress should be to ensure maximum comfort, convenience and safety for the little one.
Unlike mattresses for children or adults, mattresses for babies must be very firm. Be aware that soft sleeping surfaces can pose choking hazards and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Unfortunately, this can also happen if the mattress does not fit properly in the crib.
In fact, when you choose the baby’s mattress you must ensure, among other things, that it has a safe and comfortable environment to sleep. It has to be considered that babies can fall face down on the mattress and have breathing problems, so breathable crib mattresses are often recommended.
However, before explaining the benefits of breathable mattresses, we are going to give you some tips on what the baby’s mattress should be like. Take note!
How does the baby’s mattress have to be?
1. Use a firm mattress in good condition
First of all, you should use a firm and flat mattress, which is protected by a waterproof cover. This will help keep the mattress clean and dry, as the cover should be easy to clean. Make sure your baby’s mattress is in good condition and fits the crib properly.
2. Correct size
A poorly adjusted crib mattress is very dangerous. In fact, one that is too small compared to the bed can be dangerous because the baby can slip and get caught between the bed frame and the mattress.
On the other hand, using a slightly larger mattress makes it difficult and uncomfortable to regularly change sheets.
3. Machine wash
It cannot be denied that the baby is going to get the mattress dirty often, since diapers are not entirely efficient and sometimes they leak. Therefore, it will save you a lot of time if the outer mattress cover is removable and can be machine washed.
4. Balance between weight and firmness
Another fact to keep in mind is that a crib mattress that is too heavy is not recommended, in order to easily change the sheets. In general, it is common and hygienically healthy for the baby to change the bedding at least 1 or 2 times a week.
Consequently, using a heavy mattress will make this task more difficult. On the contrary, a thin mattress is synonymous with low quality and less durability.
5. Breathable mattress
Lastly, it is very important that the mattress has adequate vents; in this way, a better air circulation can be allowed within its structure.
So be sure to check for small openings. These vents are specifically positioned to prevent unpleasant odor build-up, making it even more comfortable for babies.
Breathable crib mattress: the best option
When it comes to the safety and comfort of the baby, it is indisputable that a breathable mattress is a safe and healthy option. Among other reasons, it is noted that the air flow is constant and there is no overheating or fungi or germs.
Unfortunately, babies can fall face down on the mattress and this can cause breathing problems. A breathable mattress works so that the upper sleeping surface is perforated. This means that the air flow is a continuous process.
The use of organic fabric ensures that the mattress meets all the essential requirements that are required for the comfort and safety of the baby. With a breathable crib mattress, baby can safely sleep in any position.
What are the benefits of using a breathable mattress?
Reduced chances of suffocation
Sleeping on the stomach can be harmful for the baby, since there is a risk of suffocation if it stays like this for a long time. Therefore, the design of the mattress is one of the keys to prevent this from happening. A breathable mattress reduces the chances of suffocation considerably.
Decrease in the number of bacteria
Breathable mattresses are permeable to air. Taking into account that germs are normally present in humid places, the perforation in the surface causes that there is no accumulation of humidity, responsible for the growth of mold.
Less chance of sweating
A traditional mattress can cause the body to overheat and sweat while sleeping. This does not happen with a mattress that is breathable, as the constant air flow ensures that there is no heat trapped between the body and the mattress surface. In fact, this heat is one of the main reasons behind babies overheating.
Finally, remember that, when choosing the baby’s mattress, it is important to use a cover and sheets that are also breathable. In this regard, the use of waterproof mattress pads or sheets is not recommended, as they impede air flow and are made of certain materials that are responsible for toxic emissions.