Your baby will spend a lot of time sleeping. It is not just for rest, but it is also crucial for his growth and development. That is why it is important to have a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. This means that you must have a baby cot mattress that will meet this requirement.
According to Nationwide Children’s Organization, a safe sleeping space should not include pillows, bumper pads, baby blankets, stuffed animals, or anything that might potentially lead to suffocation or strangulation.
In addition, babies should always be on their backs when they are sleeping, especially when they do not yet know how to roll over on their own.
With so many safety requirements, how can you choose an ideal mattress that works for your infant? Keep reading to find out more.
How to choose a baby cot mattress
Here are some crucial things to consider when choosing a baby mattress for your little one:
Crib size
Look for an infant mattress that is a great fit for the size of your crib. If you have previously purchased a crib, utilise its dimensions when choosing the mattress. You'll want to ensure that the mattress fits properly in the baby crib you've chosen, with no gaps that could endanger your infant.
Firmness
A soft mattress can mould to your baby's head or face, increasing the danger of suffocation or possibly sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). A firm mattress will prevent suffocation and support growing bones.
Material
Organic latex is absolutely safe for babies because it is made using organic practices. It has organic materials and contains no dangerous chemicals or substances. It is also non-toxic. On the other hand, memory foam mattresses are not advisable for babies because of their contouring characteristics.
Safety
Babies are more sensitive to materials and toxins. Check to see if the infant mattress is hypoallergenic and has an antibacterial feature. Consider natural baby mattresses, get advice from your paediatrician, or choose a reputable crib mattress manufacturer that has passed many criteria and tests.
Comfort
Choose a baby mattress that will not retain heat, as this can raise the risk of SIDS. Therefore, the mattress needs to be airy with materials that promote circulation. Furthermore, you want your infant to be comfortable and have no sweat accumulate on the mattress.
Remember that babies are prone to rashes, so choose a baby mattress that will keep them dry. Choose a breathable mattress to wick moisture away from your infant.
This mattress feature will also keep your baby's skin dry even if he or she sweats.
Ease of cleaning
Certainly, you don't want your infant sleeping on a filthy surface for a variety of health reasons. A waterproof mattress is preferable, as well as having a removable cover that is simple to clean or wash.
The majority of crib mattresses on the market include features that make washing easy. For example, they have surfaces that you can clean quickly by wiping or vacuuming.
Always double-check their materials to ensure that they are also safe for your infant.
Thickness
A baby cot mattress should be no more than 6 inches thick, as anything thicker offers a suffocation danger. Furthermore, given the rail height, this height is sufficient for the crib.
Types of baby cot mattress
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding memory foam crib mattresses or mattress toppers. Consequently, do pick a firm foam crib mattress designed for infants. There are two types of mattresses for you to choose from:
The double-sided mattress
This style has two sides that can be used and is appropriate for both toddlers and babies. One side is softer and firmer, making it ideal for newborns.
Meanwhile, the other side is cushiony and more fit for toddlers. These beds claim to last a long time and save you money in the long run.
The breathable mattress
This type of mattress is made of breathable materials. This makes your little one sleep more comfortably as the baby cot mattress promotes air circulation.
We can also segment mattresses by size. You want the right fit because getting something too big or too little will be dangerous.
Certainly, it is never a good idea to have significant space between the crib and the mattress or to have the mattress overfill the crib.
Baby cot mattress size
The standard size is around 27 1/4 inches wide and 51 and 1/4 inches long. The standard baby cot mattress size is also 6 inches thick, as recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
In some instances, the crib can be smaller or larger depending on the manufacturer, so there may be some variation in the fit.
Some important measurements to consider are the crib being smaller than 28 by 52 and 3/8 inches or being ⅝ of an inch larger than the standard crib size.
Mini crib
Aside from the standard-sized crib mattress, there is a smaller model known as the mini. It is great for compact cribs because it is 24 inches wide and 38 inches long.
However, because there are no restrictions for tiny crib mattresses, the sizes will vary from maker to maker.
Double-check the sizes of your crib and mattress to guarantee a proper fit. For example, your crib mattress may have a depth that is incompatible with the size of your crib.
Best baby cot mattress in Singapore
We've taken all those factors in mind and as a result, we have come up with a list of the best baby cot mattress Singapore has to offer on the market today:
[product-comparison-table title="Best Baby Cot Mattress In Singapore"]
Best Value-for-Money Mattress
The Graco Premium Foam Mattress is designed to fit any standard/full-size crib and toddler bed and ships compressed in a lightweight box that anybody can carry.
The foam mattress begins to expand once taken out of the box. Because this Graco mattress is built of high-quality, breathable foam, it promotes air movement and allows your child to get the rest they require.
We love that it has a water-resistant inner lining so it is easy to clean! And have the right baby cot mattress size.
Features We Love:
- Mattress expands to full size in 48 hours.
- Water-resistant inner-lining
- Anti-static and anti-microbial meets federal flammability standards; free of phthalates and lead for your child's safety.
- 6-year limited crib mattress warranty.
Best Anti-Dust Mite Mattress
This Bonbijou foam mattress is made of anti-bacterial fabric and eco-friendly elements. It provides your baby with a comfortable night's sleep at the appropriate temperature and baby cot mattress size.
This mattress has small holes to increase breathability and provide improved air ventilation for a more comfortable night's sleep.
It also protects your baby from allergies by preventing dust mites, reducing proliferation, and re-infestation. You can buy this along with the Bonbijou Snug Mattress Cover or just the Bonbijou Snug Cocoon Nest.
Features We Love:
- Specially made to reduce dust mite colonies and re-infestation.
- Environment-friendly.
- Holes provide better air ventilation.
Best Anti-Allergy Mattress
The Lucky Baby mattress provides optimum support for your newborn while sleeping and a clean and dry surface regardless of humidity.
This fantastic mattress is built of 3D high-density foam and is fully covered with All-Sided Anti-Dust Mite Protector fabric.
Its non-toxic and breathable surface permits free circulation of water and oxygen, so it boosts mattress breathability. Because of this, you don’t have to worry about dust mites getting to your baby.
Features We Love:
- Anti-dust mite features.
- Eco-friendly materials.
- Improves air ventilation.
Most Durable Mattress
This thick and foamy luxury mattress is likely to please moms because it was created specifically for the comfort of every infant.
The Shears mattress has breathable natural rubber latex, allowing your infant to sleep comfortably. It's also great for babies with allergies because it features an anti-allergy and atopy system to keep them safe.
In addition, the mattress cover material is Dupont Tyvek, which assures mothers that it is long-lasting and nearly impossible to damage or rip.
The mattress is also waterproof, self-ventilating, and moisture regulating, as well as being noiseless and vibration-free.
Features We Love:
- High durability.
- High breathability.
- Ideal for babies with allergies.
Best Mattress for Travel
This I-Breathe® Nuzzle Comfort Infant Sleeper Cot is another excellent choice for co-sleeping babies since it gives a more open, comfortable, and protective sleeping environment.
The I-Breathe baby bed features specific side guards that allow your baby to stretch and sleep comfortably without rolling out of baby bed.
It is also portable and easy to take when travelling with your baby. It folds in seconds and has a built-in handle, giving it the appearance of a sophisticated bag rather than a baby mattress.
Features We Love:
- Easy to fold and carry for travelling.
- Features side guard with sufficient movement allowed.
- Super comfortable to sleep in.
Price comparison
Here’s a price comparison of the best baby cot mattresses on the market for your quick reference:
Editor's Note: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Tips for baby sleep
Here are some sleeping tips to help your baby achieve a good night’s sleep:
Have a consistent bedtime routine.
Overstimulating your infant in the evening can make it difficult for him or her to fall asleep. Bathe, cuddle, sing, listen to quiet music, or read with a definite end point when you leave the room. Begin these activities in a quiet, softly lightroom before your infant becomes overtired.
Consider a pacifier.
If your baby has problems falling asleep, a pacifier may help. In fact, studies show that using a pacifier while sleeping can minimise the risk of SIDS.
Sleep safely.
Put your baby to bed while he or she is still awake but drowsy. This will help your infant associate the process of falling asleep with the bed. Remember to put your baby to sleep on his or her back and above all, to keep blankets and other soft materials out of the crib or cot.
Also read: Best Baby Hamper Gifts for New Parents
