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Choosing a safe and comfortable baby mattress for your little one

Can my baby sleep on my adult mattress? Or can I simply lay a thick towel or blanket down for them to sleep on? Absolutely not! If you want your baby to sleep comfortably and safely, it's essential to choose a suitable baby mattress designed specifically for infants. A safe and comfortable baby mattress not only significantly improves your baby’s sleep quality, but also plays a crucial role in their bone and physical development. Let’s take a closer look at why a baby mattress is so important, and how you can choose the most suitable one for your baby!

Baby mattresses help support healthy spinal development

A hard and rigid bed board isn't just uncomfortable, it can actually hinder your baby’s spinal development. A baby mattress specifically is one of the important elements in improving your baby’s sleep quality while also promoting healthy growth of the spine.

So, what’s the difference between a baby mattress and a regular adult one? What makes a baby mattress so special?

Baby mattresses are purpose-built for infants. Since a baby’s bones are much softer and their skin are more delicate and sensitive than an adult's, these mattresses are designed with extra attention to safety, support, and materials. Most importantly, they provide the necessary support for your baby’s spine and joints, helping to prevent poor sleeping posture or spinal deformities caused by improper support, ensuring your baby’s spine develops in a healthier way.

We offer a range of baby mattresses in various sizes, materials, and functions, all carefully selected to ensure safety and comfort. Let’s explore which baby mattress is the right fit for your little one!

How to choose a baby mattress?

To ensure your baby rests in the safest and most comfortable environment, choosing the right baby mattress is absolutely essential! This is especially true for newborns, who spend the majority of their day sleeping. The quality of the mattress directly affects not only their sleep quality, but also their growth and development. When selecting a baby mattress, we can keep in mind the following 5 key criteria to find the most suitable mattress for your little one!

  • Criteria 1: Safety

    Safety is always the top priority when selecting any baby products! The simplest way to confirm a baby mattress’s safety is to check whether it complies with safety standards. A commonly recognised and trusted standard is the EU EN16890. This certification covers various aspects such as design, durability, and safety testing of baby mattresses, providing assurance that the mattress is structurally stable, flame-retardant, and made with safe materials.

    In addition, since a baby’s skin is much more delicate and sensitive than ours, it's also important to pay attention to the fabric used. Parents are encouraged to choose mattresses certified by STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, which confirms the fabric is skin-friendly and free from harmful substances. This globally recognised label ensures the material has been tested for harmful chemicals and is safe for direct contact with infants.Since your baby sleeps on the mattress every day, it’s crucial to carefully select one that is made from safe, non-toxic, and baby-friendly materials , protecting your little one’s health and well-being.

  • Criteria 2: Size

    Choosing the right size baby mattress is just as important for your baby's safety and comfort! Before buying a mattress, we should accurately measure the inner dimensions of the crib to ensure that the selected baby mattress fits snugly within the frame. There should be no visible gaps between the mattress and the crib, and the baby mattress should not move around or shift easily, as this may pose a risk of your baby’s limbs getting trapped. The common sizes of baby mattresses are 60x90cm and 70x140cm, you can choose the appropriate size based on the crib model at home. However, some cribs, for example, the Stokke® Sleepi™, have unique designs, featuring an oval-shaped design. It requires a specially shaped mattress. These types of products usually come with a dedicated baby mattress, so there’s no need to worry about not finding a proper fit.

    Things to Note Before Buying:

    • A mattress that's too small: Can create dangerous gaps around the edges.
    • A mattress that's too large: May not fit properly in the crib, or could be compressed and distorted, affecting its function and your baby’s comfort.
  • Criteria 3: Supportiveness

    A baby’s bones and spine are still soft and developing, so it’s crucial to choose a mattress with adequate support. We should choose a baby mattress that offers the right level of firmness to support your baby's body, also to create a comfortable and safe sleeping environment.

    A well-supported baby mattress helps your little one maintain proper sleeping posture, which can reduce the number of times your baby turns or moves during sleep. This ultimately improves sleep quality and helps your baby sleep soundly through the night. It provides even support to your baby's head, back, and hips. Meanwhile, it helps distribute body weight evenly, preventing excessive pressure on specific areas.

    We recommend parents to choose ergonomically designed baby mattresses which were made to contour to your baby’s natural body shape while delivering proper support. A well-designed baby mattress also absorbs movement effectively, reducing disturbances and keeping your baby more stable and secure while sleeping.

    When choosing a product, consider your baby's age and weight, and always make sure it falls within the mattress’s recommended weight capacity.

  • Criteria 4:Firmness

    Beyond support, the firmness of a baby mattress is just as important for your baby's sleep quality and healthy development. A mattress that is too soft or too hard can be unsuitable and may even pose risks to your baby.

    • Too Soft: A baby mattress that is overly soft tends to lack elasticity. Your baby may sink into the mattress, which can disrupt the natural curve of their spine and make it harder for your baby to roll over. Also, it increase the risk of suffocation, posing a potential safety hazard
    • Too Hard: A mattress that’s too firm can compromise comfort, making it hard for your baby to relax and sleep well. This discomfort may lead to increased fussiness and crying during sleep time.

    We can choose mattress firmness based on the baby's age and weight. For newborns, a slightly firmer mattress with stronger support is ideal to aid the development of their delicate bodies and spine. As your baby grows, you may consider transitioning to a slightly softer mattress that still provides adequate support while offering improved comfort.Some baby mattresses feature a dual-sided design to suit babies at different growth stages. One side is firmer, suitable for newborns ;the other side is softer, ideal for older babies or toddlers. This type of design not only provides convenience for parents but also extends the mattress’s usability over time.

    A Simple Tip for Testing Firmness:

    You can quickly assess the firmness of a mattress by gently pressing on its surface:

    • Ideal firmness: Mattress springs back quickly and remains flat
    • Too soft: Mattress leaves a noticeable indentation and rebounds slowly
  • Criteria 5: Breathability

    For babies who are more sensitive to heat, breathability is an important factor when choosing a baby mattress. Compared to adults, newborns generally have higher body temperatures and sweat more easily. If a baby stays in a hot and sweaty environment for too long, it can lead to discomfort, heat rashes, or skin irritation.

    To help your baby stay cool and sleep comfortably, it’s essential to choose a baby mattress with good breathability. A breathable mattress can promote air circulation, release heat and moisture, and help regulate your baby’s body temperature. When choosing a baby mattress, we should check the materials used. Some commonly used breathable materials are latex and spring mattresses. Additionally, mattresses that are designed with ventilation holes or breathable mesh layers are also great options. These features further enhance airflow, making it easier for heat and moisture to escape, thus creating a cooler and safer sleep environment for your baby.

Proper care helps extend the lifespan of your baby mattress!

Generally, we don’t have to replace the baby mattress frequently, and high-quality ones can accompany your little one throughout their early years. However, to ensure the mattress stays clean and hygienic, we recommend cleaning and maintaining it regularly. With proper care, you can greatly extend the lifespan of the mattress and keep it in optimal condition for your baby’s comfort and safety.

Use and regularly replace fitted sheet/ mattress cover

To keep it clean and hygienic, wecan use a fitted sheet or mattress cover for the baby mattress. This helps protect the mattress during everyday use. It’s also important to regularly wash and replace the sheets to prevent the buildup of bacteria and dust mites, ensuring a clean and comfortable sleep environment for your baby.

If your little one spits up milk or has a diaper leak, the sheets should be replaced immediately. It is a good idea to keep a few extra sets of bedding at home so you’ll always have a clean set ready!

Use a waterproof mattress protector

In addition to using a fitted sheet, a waterproof mattress protector is also an essential accessory for keeping your baby mattress in good condition! A waterproof cover can effectively prevent urine or other liquids from seeping into the mattress, helping to avoid mold, unpleasant odours, or bacterial growth that could affect the quality and hygiene of the mattress. Since the inside of a baby mattress is difficult to clean, it’s important for us to minimize the chance of it getting soiled and protect it from liquid damage!

Regularly Clean and Disinfect the Baby Mattress

Even with protective bedding in place, we should still regularly clean and disinfect the baby mattress to ensure that bacteria and dust mites do not accumulate. If there are stains on the surface of the mattress, use a damp cloth or mild cleanser to gently wipe it down and remove dust and dirt. Be sure to avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, as these may irritate your baby's skin.

If the baby mattress comes with a removable cover, we should also take it off and wash it regularly. Since the entire mattress can be difficult to clean, it’s helpful to occasionally place it under sunlight, ultraviolet rays can help kill bacteria and keep the mattress dry. However, do not expose the mattress to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this may damage its structure and function! Just a short sunning session from time to time will suffice.

If you have a vacuum or dust mite cleaner at home, you can also use it regularly to remove dust and mites from the baby mattress.

Regularly checking of the condition of the baby mattress

In addition to routine cleaning, we should regularly inspect the baby mattress to ensure there are no signs of damage or sagging. A damaged mattress may lose its intended function and affect both sleep quality and safety for your baby. If you notice that the internal padding has deformed, broken down, or lost its elasticity, it's time to replace the mattress with a new one. This helps ensure your baby continues to sleep safely and comfortably.

FAQs About Baby Mattresses

1. How often should I replace a baby mattress?

In general, we don’t need to replace baby mattresses frequently. A high-quality baby mattress can accompany your child as they grow and only needs to be replaced when transitioning to a larger bed. However, if the mattress shows signs of deformation or damage that affect its function and safety, it must be replaced promptly.

2. Are there any recommended high-quality baby mattress brands?

At Baby Galleria, you can find baby mattresses from trusted brands such as Stokke, Farska, Candide, and Little Somethings. These brands offer mattresses that comply with international safety standards and come with a variety of features to meet different needs while providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your baby!

3. Can I fold or bend a baby mattress for storage?

We do not recommend folding or bending baby mattresses for storage unless they are specifically designed for that purpose, such as the Farska CompactBed Free. Regular baby mattresses may suffer internal damage or lose support if folded for long periods. It is best to store the mattress flat or upright in a dry area, or follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

4. Will waterproof mattresses or protectors affect breathability?

Some baby mattresses come with waterproof features. High-quality waterproof mattresses and protectors are typically designed with breathable layers, so they do not affect ventilation. Just make sure to check the mattress specifications to confirm breathability before purchase!

5. Can I let my baby use an old or second-hand mattress?

We do not recommend using old or second-hand mattresses for your baby. Each baby has different needs, and mattresses should be selected accordingly. More importantly, second-hand mattresses may have lost their support or suffered internal damage over time, and they may harbor bacteria or dust mites. For your baby’s health and safety, we strongly suggest purchasing a new mattress for each child.

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