Baby Mattresses - Helping Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
The most important consideration
is to make sure the mattress is made specifically for the cot/crib or bassinet.
This is a safety consideration. Cot mattresses should be reasonably firm so that
your baby cannot roll over and suffocate in the softness. Using a blanket,
beanbag, foam or some other soft substance can all be too soft for safety for a
young baby.
Other considerations are what
substance to use. This is more about what you feel more comfortable about
using.
Foam mattresses are probably the
cheapest and lightest. Choose a denser foam because it is a better quality. It
usually springs back quicker and is therefore less of a hazard for little ones.
More dense foam is usually heavier as a quick way of testing when you are
unsure.
Innerspring mattresses can be more
durable than foam. The number of coils and thickness of the wire determine the
firmness of the mattress. They are usually more expensive than foam.
The other type is the organic mattress
made of cotton or wool in either a foam or innerspring option. Parents are
increasingly aware of and concerned by chemicals and other potential toxins
used in the making and construction of mattresses. For example, latex may be
harmful and cause latex allergy. Organic mattresses maybe termed either natural
or organic when they obviously use organic ingredients.
Important points to look for when
buying a mattress:
Does it fit the cot. The mattress
must fit the cot snugly to prevent infants becoming wedged between the mattress
and cot. Use only a mattress that is designed for your cot.
How firm is the mattress. A
mattress that is too soft may be an unnecessary SIDS risk for small babies. A
mattress that is too soft may not allow a baby who cannot roll or move easily
to be able to breathe freely and a suffocating risk.
Is the mattress cover sturdy? Is
it water proof? Waterproof doesn't have to mean plastic. Nylon woven through
the fabrics can give a water proofing ability. Natural mattresses usually have
cotton covers.
Does the mattress have venting
holes? The vents allow air flow in and out. Mattresses with vents smell better.
Consider that babies will wet the bed.
Clearly the mattress is only one
aspect in your baby sleeping through the night but none the less important.
Your baby's comfort and your peace of mind that your baby is safe are two
factors that influence your baby sleeping through the night.
Leisa Breed is founder of
Insyncwithinfants.com, a company dedicated to teaching new parents all over the
world how to lengthen day sleep, reduce night waking, reduce crying before
sleep and spend less time stuck in a room with a crying baby. Through working
with Leisa your baby is happier, more content and rested and you as a parent
feel more confident, empowered and joyful.
Ready to take the stress out of
your baby's sleep? Grab your 7 free sleep tips here http://insyncwithinfants.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leisa_Breed
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