A mattress for a newborn is a special product, which largely depends not only on a calm full-fledged sleep, which is so important for the normal development of crumbs, but also for its health in general. Parents should take responsibility for the purchase of a mattress with all responsibility, carefully studying all the necessary characteristics.
What should be a mattress for a newborn?
Today there is a huge assortment of mattresses, differing in thickness, density, dimensions and other parameters, so the question of how to choose a mattress for a newborn is not at all simple. Infants sleep about 16-20 hours a day, so most of the time they spend in bed , directly contacting the mattress. In view of this, the main requirement for this product can be called its complete safety, and this concept is invested by various factors:
- ecological compatibility;
- hypoallergenicity;
- air permeability;
- rigidity.
Mattress filling for baby
Pediatricians recommend choosing for the youngest children the springless models of mattresses, which collect little dust, do not accumulate a static electric charge due to the lack of metal elements, do not creak and have a small weight.
Let's consider the basic, most widespread types of fillers:
1. Polyurethane foam (foam rubber) - a cheap type of filler, which has the least weight, high flexibility and elasticity, retains its properties when changing the temperature regime. This is a synthetic material, the disadvantages of which are sensitivity to moisture, odor retention and the release of harmful fumes. In addition, foam rubber can quickly come into disrepair, pounding, starting to crumble. With all this, parents who want to learn how to choose a mattress for a newborn in a crib can stop at this filler, but under these conditions:
- the mattress should be elastic (when pressed in the middle elastic foam quickly restores the shape);
- The cover on the mattress should be made of natural material and have a zipper so that it can be removed;
- The room where the baby sleeps should be ventilated more often in order to reduce the level of harmful fumes.
2. Coconut mattress for newborns is an option that many pediatricians and mummies consider ideal, but in this case there are also some nuances. Coconut shaving (fiber) is an eco-friendly and hypoallergenic material, moderately elastic, does not absorb odors and moisture, perfectly passes air, is not subject to decay processes. But not always products made from coconut fiber are really safe and useful for sleeping toddlers, this is determined by the way of processing this material, which can be as follows:
- bonding of fibers by pressing - in this case the mattress will not last long, dents appear on it quickly;
- fibers are pressed and glued with synthetic latex - the product is durable, but it releases harmful substances and can cause allergy;
- fibers are compressed and processed with natural latex - the best mattress for the baby, which is absolutely safe, but has a high cost.
3. Filler from holofayber - this material was used to produce mattresses for newborns relatively recently, but it has already managed to prove itself from the best side. Although this is a synthetic material, it is not toxic, hypoallergenic, has good air permeability, does not absorb third-party odors and moisture. In addition, such mattresses are durable, light and practical. These products can differ significantly in rigidity, so the main thing when choosing a mattress for a newborn is to give preference to more rigid and dense models.
What rigidity to choose a mattress for a child?
Orthopedic mattress for newborns must certainly have a certain rigidity. This is due to the fact that babies are not fully formed spinal column, they do not yet have the right S-shaped bend, which is gradually being developed. In order for the spine to develop as it should, the mattress should provide support, which is not possible with a soft filler. Choose products with moderate to medium hardness.
Children's mattress - dimensions
The size of the mattress in a baby cot for newborns should be selected with utmost precision. If it is much smaller than the internal dimensions of the bed, the resulting crevices between the edges of the mattress and the sides of the bed will be dangerous - they can get stuck in the handle or the leg of the crumb. In the case where the size of the mattress is somewhat larger, it will deform, which will adversely affect the state of the children's spine. It is optimal when there is a gap of 2-4 cm between the mattress and the edge of the bed. Standard sizes vary from 40x80 to 50x95 cm.
A mattress for a newborn - which one is better to choose?
Determining which mattress for a newborn to buy, you need to pay attention to the availability of a quality certificate for the product. In addition to taking into account the recommended parameters, it is advisable to ask the manufacturer, its reputation in the market, consumer feedback. If the baby has any health problems, you should consult your doctor before buying.
Mattress in a crib for newborns
Baby mattresses in a crib for newborns are more convenient to purchase together with a bed, which allows you to perfectly match the dimensions. In addition to the recommendations already mentioned, choosing which mattress to choose for a newborn in the crib, it should be borne in mind that it will be used for only one year, and then it must be replaced, because in the older age, these products are subject to slightly different requirements.
Mattress for baby carriages
If you choose a mattress in the cradle-cradle , the basic requirements remain the same: environmental friendliness, hypoallergenicity, moderate stiffness. However, in this case, the product must match the dimensions of the stroller. Good options are mattresses made of latexed coconut fiber, natural latex, and also bilateral products made of wool (for winter time) and flax (for summer).
Mattress-cocoon for newborns
When asking which mattress is best for a newborn in the crib, some experts recommend a cocoon mattress, especially if the crumb appeared before the term, it has an increased muscle tone , colic . This mattress for a baby supports a physiological posture that is close to intrauterine. This ensures comfort and tranquility, easy adaptation to new living conditions. In addition, the cocoon prevents flattening of the skull, facilitates colic, helps relieve muscle tension. Use this mattress for up to 4 months.
Mattresses for newborns - rating of the best
Let's give a small rating of mattresses for newborns, created on the basis of reviews and recommendations of children's doctors:
- Italbaby Jolly Plus (polyurethane foam);
- DreamLine Babby Holl Hard (holofayber, coconut coir);
- "Fairy" (holofiber);
- Red Castle Cocoonababy (cocoon);
- Primavera Coco (coconut coir);
- Vegas Teddy (coconut);
- Rollmatratze Frau Hilda (foamed polyurethane);
- Holo Lite Boni Schweteks (Holofiber).