Parents often make the mistake of looking out for their own convenience when choosing a crib mattress. They look for lighter mattresses since they are easy to use and maintain, especially during the process of changing sheets. Of course, this matters a lot when you are required to change sheets at odd hours in the night, but it should be known that such decisions are just as important as the safety of your baby.

When it comes to buying a crib or a crib mattress, it is the safety of the baby that should be of primary concern. Approximately 50 infants die and another 9,000 are injured every year in crib-related accidents. 

Ensure that the distance between the vertical slats and design of decorative openings on the end walls are such that they do not allow the baby to slip through or get stuck. Crib mattresses, however, require a little more precaution than that.

The foremost concern should be the size of the crib mattress. Even if the vendor insists that all cribs are the standard size, you should be sure that there is no mistake in measuring the size of the crib yourself. If the mattress does not fit closely on all sides, there is a risk of the baby rolling over into the gap and getting hurt. The mattress is too small if you can slip two fingers side by side in the space between the wall of the crib and the mattress.

A number of sudden and unexpected deaths of apparently healthy infants during sleep were actually found to be caused due to improper crib mattresses. Extremely soft mattresses can potentially suffocate the baby if the nose and mouth get enclosed in the fabric. It is due to this reason that parents are advised to always place the baby on their back when he sleeps.

Safe organic crib mattresses also add to the safety of the baby as they do not use harmful chemicals used in other mattresses. Crib mattresses should not contain polyester as they contain chemicals that can cause allergies and asthma. When these chemicals come in contact with superficial household fungal growths (mildew), they can harm the baby and inhibit growth.

After all, what is a little bit of trouble during sheet changes when compared to the safety of your baby!

References:

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/pregnancygear

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