Healthy Living Tips

MikeA November 10th, 2009

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Foreword By Mike Alexander

This excellent article by Darla Goodwin (see her bio at the end) is about a subject that doesn’t often get covered despite its importance. If you are expecting a new family addition, espacially if it’s your first, you’ll surely find it interesting and informative.

Types Of Crib Mattresses

Image via Wikipedia

When shopping for your newest family member’s nursery, one overlooked item is the baby crib mattress. Be sure to consider comfort and support when comparing mattresses. Your most likely choices will be between a foam or innerspring baby crib mattress. Wether you choose innerspring or foam, the firmness is what is important. A firm mattress means your baby’s body and developing back will be fully supported.

Both kinds of mattress are very different. The innerspring mattress is heavier, more complex and, as the name suggests, much springier than it’s foam counterpart. When purchasing a baby crib mattress, think long term. Your baby will be using this mattress for at least the first 12 months and probably a lot longer, especially if your crib can be adjusted or turned into a bed as the child grows.

What To Consider

When considering an innerspring baby crib mattress, you will find that steel coils, insulation and foam cushioning are the construction materials. The weight of the steel coils determines how springy the mattress will be. The heavier the coil, the higher the quality of the mattress. Hence, firmer, safer, and more durable.  One drawback though is that, although comfortable, a playful child might be tempted to use an innerspring mattress as a trampoline.

A foam baby crib mattress is exactly what it implies. A slab of polyurethane foam that slips into a cover. The more dense the foam is, the higher the quality. Test the foam by pressing your hand to it. You should not be able to feel the other side. After releasing, the foam should quickly return to its original shape.

A Good Fit

It is of the greatest importance to check that the matress fits the frame. As most cribs and mattresses are sold separately, make sure you buy the mattress with the right measurements. Ideally, there should be no gap between the mattress and the frame.

Weather you choose a foam or a innerspring baby crib mattress, either type can work quite well for your baby. More important is the quality. Consider the higher quality mattress as a better investment. It will be firmer, better for your baby, and last longer.

About The Author

Just Baby Nursery Bedding (http://www.just-baby-nursery-bedding.com) providing consumers with a wide range of competitively priced baby bedding sets. The children’s resources section provides more information on baby crib mattresses and other topics useful to new moms and dads.

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Tags: baby, childhood, infant, pregnancy, sleep

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