How to choose a mattress for a newborn

With the birth of a baby, parents have so many pleasant troubles. A stroller and a crib for a newborn are chosen in advance, but there is one more thing that is impossible to do without - a high-quality comfortable mattress. In order not to harm the small spine, which is just beginning to form, it must be chosen especially carefully.

Orthopedic mattresses for newborns

Orthopedic mattresses are very popular now. For this reason, many believe that such a mattress is the best option for a baby, but this is not entirely true. Such products have a therapeutic effect and are necessary for certain diseases in a child. If there are no indications, it is better to give preference to another option: at the base of the orthopedic mattress there are metal springs that can negatively affect the health of the newborn.

If a doctor advised to buy an orthopedic mattress, it is better to choose a product that has an independent spring block. Each spring has its own fabric cover. On such a bed, the weight of the newborn is evenly distributed, which is convenient and safe for health.

Coconut mattress for a newborn

For the little ones, a coconut mattress is one of the best. Not only experts, but also parents who have chosen this option can talk about its advantages:

• moderately hard;
• does not cause allergies;
• possesses water-repellent properties;
• does not absorb unpleasant odors and is well ventilated.

True, the properties of such a mattress are strongly influenced by the manufacturing technology. If the sheets of coconut fiber are stitched together, the product will not last long. It is much better when they are connected with latex: such a children's mattress will not wear out. It is worth paying attention to the price, since unsafe substances are sometimes used to impregnate cheap models.

Cocoon mattress for newborns

This is a very pleasant and convenient thing, albeit quite expensive. These oval mattresses have an ergonomic shape and are designed for babies up to 4 months old. It can be placed in the crib or on your lap to rock your baby and is easy to carry. The special shape gives the newborn the opportunity to lie almost like in the womb: the legs are bent and located just above the body, the head is also slightly raised.

The cost of such a thing depends on the material and manufacturer. Some young mothers even manage to sew a fancy mattress on their own.

How to choose a mattress for a newborn

When choosing a quality product, the following indicators must be taken into account:

• Mattress size. It should ideally fit the size of the crib and not impede your baby's movements. The height should be about 10 cm. The absence of gaps between the mattress and the bed, in which a child's handle or leg can get stuck, is a guarantee of safety. A product that is too large in size will also not work: bumps and other irregularities may form in it.
• Rigidity. The baby's spine is in the early stages of formation. It is straight and does not yet have a bend, so it is extremely important to choose a product with suitable stiffness. Pediatricians forbid children under one year old to sleep on soft mattresses, as it is possible to earn curvature of the spine. It is necessary to choose mattresses that are either firm or moderately firm.
• Filler. This is one of the most important criteria by which a mattress is selected; the comfort and safety of the product depends on it. It is very important that it be breathable, natural and, of course, hypoallergenic. From this point of view, batting, cotton, coconut coir are well suited.
• Surface. Unlike filler, a case made of natural fabric is not the best option. As a rule, such fabrics are short-lived, tear quickly and lose color. It is best to choose jacquard covers. It is cotton with a small amount of synthetics and will last much longer.

But choosing a good mattress is not enough; it must be properly cared for. The product must be regularly ventilated. Keeping the mattress dry and clean all the time will help protect your baby from allergies... In addition, it needs to be flipped to the other side from time to time. Mattress toppers and covers will often need to be washed and dried thoroughly.

Expert advice: how to choose a mattress for newborns

When choosing a mattress, you should heed the advice of experts. Thus, many experts believe that a spring product is an unfortunate choice for a crib. This is especially true for mattresses with a dependent spring block. When using such products, the effect of a hammock arises: during their use, a decent dent is formed. For a baby's fragile spine, this is completely unacceptable.

Experts allow the use of any materials as a filler. The main thing is that they are non-toxic and hypoallergenic: coconut fiber, polyurethane foam, latex. True, previously popular wadded mattresses are not in demand now. This material is too soft for a delicate child's spine. In addition, cotton wool does not allow air to pass through well, absorbs moisture and odors, and loses its shape rather quickly.

A good choice would be a double-sided mattress model (there are now such models). Its sides have different rigidity. One is made of coconut and is intended for babies. The second is more elastic, made of polyurethane foam or latex. When the child grows up a little and his spine gets stronger, it will be much more comfortable for him to sleep on such a bed. In addition, there are special asymmetric mattresses, thanks to which the baby does not choke during spitting up.

So the assortment is now large. The main thing is to devote enough time to study all the features of a future purchase, because the health of your crumbs depends on the right mattress.