To learn more about a safe baby bedroom, read the previous article The Bedroom: A Safe Place.

Now let’s talk mattresses! In this article, you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about mattresses!

To be sold in Canada, all mattresses must meet current regulations, such as not being manufactured with substances that can harm health. Make sure that the mattress fits the bed. If it’s too small, the baby may get stuck between the mattress and bars and suffocate. And if the mattress is used, throw it out! If mattress sags, again, throw it out! Tip: never buy a mattress at a garage sale—you might find it full of bedbugs!

Many types of baby mattresses sold—bio-natural latex, natural latex, natural fibres, coconut fibres…also foam, spring and hypoallergenic mattresses. How does one choose?

Provides the following advice:

• The weight of the mattress indicates the foam density or the number of springs;
• Baby mattresses should be firm; when you remove your hand after pressing into the mattress, it should quickly regain its original form. This firmness will help prevent suffocation if the baby ends up with their face against the mattress;
• The dimensions of the mattress are fairly standard: length: 51 5/8”, width: 27 ¼”; thickness: 6″ or less; never more than 15 cm. Never more than two adult fingers between the mattress and the bars;
• Foam mattresses are made from polyester or recycled fibres, such ecological Dura Bond or ecological biofibres, made of wool and cotton. This mattress is light and easy to move. Firm foam mattresses are very comfortable for babies. The starting price for this type of mattress, such as Sweet Dreams, is about $90, which is a very good quality/price ratio;
• Helicoidal spring mattresses are heavier, as they’re made with springs covered by a layer of foam or soft cotton. The springs can often be felt through the tissue, making the mattress more uncomfortable, especially over time;o available. They’re made from natural components, organic fibres, but covered by waterproof latex. Soft cotton is used as a covering for this type of mattress. A good choice is the organic mattress Delicate Touch, which sells for around $120. That said, many different types of mattresses in this category exist, such as Cozy Sleep, Little Cloud, Thermobreeze, Green Leaf, which all sell for between $120-$400. You can choose them based on your personal criteria, such as a machine washable cover, soybean-based foam, Tencel eucalyptus fibres, antifungal, microbe, mite, mould, or odour resistant, etc.;
• Natural fibre mattresses are also available. They’re made from natural components, organic fibres, but covered by waterproof latex. Soft cotton is used as a covering for this type of mattress. A good choice is the organic mattress Delicate Touch, which sells for around $120. That said, many different types of mattresses in this category exist, such as Cozy Sleep, Little Cloud, Thermobreeze, Green Leaf, which all sell for between $120-$400. You can choose them based on your personal criteria, such as a machine washable cover, soybean-based foam, Tencel eucalyptus fibres, antifungal, microbe, mite, mould, or odour resistant, etc.;
• Hypoallergenic mattresses allow you to easily remove the quilted bedspread. You can machine wash them frequently at 60ᵒ C (140ᵒ F) to eliminate bacteria, mites, dust and other possible allergens. Families that have different types of allergy risks should consider them. Little Cloud or Thermobreeze Mattress models, manufactured in Canada, are interesting products in this category.

Useful references:

Programme de prévention des blessures du Service de traumatologie de l’hôpital de Montréal pour enfants.

There you go! I hope you enjoyed reading and that you will be able to ask all sorts of questions when you buy your crib and mattress in the near future!

Talk soon,

Marie
The Baby Expert