- Types of mattresses
- How to choose a children's mattress by type of filler?
- What should be the mattress cover in a cot?
- How to choose a child's mattress in size?
- How to choose a mattress in a cot? Practical recommendations:
- How to care for a mattress in a baby cot?
What should be a mattress in a baby cot to ensure maximum comfort and a healthy sleep for the baby?- This question is important enough to ignore it. Since the first months of his life the new little man spends mainly in the crib, the conditions in it must be ideal. Otherwise, there will be a lot of anxiety for the baby, the nerves and feelings of the parents, followed by fatigue and even a fraction of the disappointment. In this article you will find all the necessary information to buy a quality, comfortable and useful mattress, so that all these "horrors" bypassed you.
to the table of contents ↑Types of mattresses
All similar products are divided into two main types:
- Spring;
- Springless.
Let us consider in more detail what each species is.
Spring mattresses
Already from the name it is clear that the product is filled with springs. But not everything is so simple. Springs can be dependent and independent of each other. What is the difference between these models?- Let's see:
- When choosing a mattress in a baby cot, preference should be given to independent spring blocks. In this design, each spring is separate from each other in an individual case, and they work autonomously. Thus, the pressure on one spring does not affect the neighboring springs in any way.
Important! Mattresses with an independent spring block are considered orthopedic. During sleep on such a product the spine of the baby will not completely bend.
- The dependent spring unit is a structure of interlocked springs. Thus, the pressure on one spring results in deflection of a large part of the product. Such a model is cheaper than a variant with independent springs, but it is absolutely not suitable for a newborn.
Important! Choosing products of this type, it is worth paying attention to the number of springs. The more of them per square meter, the better.
Springless mattresses
Such models consist of fillers. Depending on what type of filler is used, the mattresses in a baby cot have the following properties:
- Elasticity;
- Long term of use;
- Orthopedic;
- No magnetic or electrical interference.
How to choose a children's mattress by type of filler?
The "filling" of the springless mattress can be made of synthetic or natural materials.
Important! Natural materials are definitely better than synthetic ones for a child's organism, but they also cost more.
Types of filler of natural origin
There are a lot of such materials, so let's consider the main ones that are more or less suitable for the set purpose.
Coconut coir
Products with such filler have excellent moisture resistance, are distinguished by medium hardness, which is an ideal option for a newborn. It is also important that in such a natural material no harmful insects and bacteria are planted.
Important! The disadvantage of a mattress from a coir from a coconut is its high cost.
Seaweed
This material contributes to complete relaxation of the body during sleep, it has a beneficial effect on the posture and health of the child. Particularly useful filler for the respiratory system, as it provides specific aromatherapy.
Important! Disadvantages of algae, like "stuffing" for a mattress in a crib, is insufficient material rigidity, high price and short service life.
Buckwheat husk
This filler has a positive effect on the circulatory system, as it massages the body during rest, and is also completely hypoallergenic.
Important! Unfortunately, finding a mattress from buckwheat husks is quite problematic.
Horse hair
Often in the store you can find a product with pressed horsehair. It is quite practical, but because of allergenicity, it is undesirable to purchase such a mattress in a baby cot.
Natural latex
A similar material is made from the juice of trees growing in South America. The filler is resistant to moisture, has the property of being saturated with oxygen and at the same time resisting the appearance of the fungus. Such mattresses are characterized by a long service life.
Wadding
This filler is the most inexpensive and common. But if you want to choose a really good mattress in a baby cot for your child, do not stop choosing this option. Vata quickly loses its original properties, gets lost, the mattress becomes uncomfortable and even dangerous for the child's soft bones.
Types of artificial fillers
Modern synthetics can be completely different, and among the proposed options it is possible to choose a safe and high-quality mattress in a baby cot.
Foam
The most simple and most popular filler of artificial origin is foam rubber. Similar products take the original form even after a significant load. And the price of them is more than attractive and accessible.
But, despite this, pediatricians do not recommend purchasing such mattresses for children, since they are not moisture resistant, eventually they develop pathogenic microorganisms. Also, such products through time begin to crumble and lose their aesthetic appearance.
Polyurethane This material is an artificially created latex. It perfectly passes air, has, like natural latex, orthopedic properties, absolutely non-toxic and hygienic. The cost of a mattress with such a "filling" is quite acceptable and is available for most parents.
Important! Particularly popular products with mixed( combined) composition. So, one side can be rigid and used for the newborn, and the other - softer, it is used already for older children.
to the contents ↑What should be the mattress cover in a cot?
A cover on a bedding item can have a wide variety of textures. On this, as well as on the filler, it is worth paying a lot of attention:
- It can be made from calico or chintz, but such materials quickly become unsuitable.
- The best option for mattress covers is jacquard fabric. It consists of 20-30% of synthetic fibers, and 80-70% of natural cotton. This fabric is breathable and hypoallergenic, unpretentious in care.
Important! Particularly popular is a double-sided mattress pad, one side of which is made of wool and comfortable in the winter season, and the other is made of light natural cotton for a hot summer.
to the contents ↑How to choose a baby mattress by size?
The comfort of the baby in the crib directly depends on the size of the mattress.
Important! The ideal thickness of the mattress for children under three years of age, pediatricians consider the thickness of 5 to 7 cm.
The standard sizes of children's mattresses are as follows:
- Length 120-140 cm - for children up to 6-7 years.
- Length of 160 cm - for children from 6 to 12 years.
- Length 180 cm - for teenagers from 12 to 16 years.
Important! The choice of the product is the one whose perimeter is tougher than its middle part. The gap between the bed and the mattress should not exceed 3 cm, and the height of the mattress is on average 14 cm.
to the table of contents ↑How to choose a mattress in a cot? Practical recommendations:
- It is desirable that the mattress cover, cover and filler of the product are made of natural materials. Only a small number of synthetic fibers are considered acceptable.
- For children from 0 to 3 years, the optimal choice of filler for a mattress is a coconut coir.
- For children from 3 to 7 years you can purchase a product with latex as a filler. In this period it is believed that the spine is practically formed.
- For a 12-year-old child, you can buy a medium or strong hardness mattress.
Important! From 12-14 years, it is recommended to get a qualified advice from an orthopedic doctor, since it is during this period of growing up that children often have problems with posture.
to the contents ↑How to care for a mattress in a baby cot?
Having bought a quality and comfortable mattress for your child, you should take care of proper care of it. This will help to preserve its original look and properties for a long time:
- For children from 0 to 3 years old it will be better to cover a new purchase with an oil mattress cover.
- Take the rule of periodically turning the mattress. Thus, you will provide additional ventilation to the product and extend its operational life.
Important! Mattresses with soft fill should be turned every three months. It is necessary to change not only the side, but also the headboard with the foot. So you last longer to preserve the aesthetic appearance of your mattress, prevent the appearance of dents and failure.
- Should be periodically ventilate and vacuum the mattress - at least once a month. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the product.
Take this seriously to choosing a mattress in a baby cot, because the health and quality of your child's rest depends on it to a large extent. If you can save on buying some children's things, then you do not need to buy a mattress. So you will avoid many problems associated with the posture and well-being of the most expensive member of your family, provide him with a full healthy sleep during his active growing up.