A children's mattress is a personal item. Therefore, even if you inherit a crib, get ready to buy a new mattress for it. This way you will know for sure that your baby is sleeping on a bed that is absolutely clean and safe for health. But how to choose best mattress, if there are so many offers?

Criteria for choosing the best children's mattress

Start with sizes

When going to the store, don’t be lazy to check the internal dimensions of your baby’s crib. The maximum difference between the dimensions of the mattress and crib is no more than 3-4 cm. Modern models have the following length and width (in cm): 120x60, 125x65, 140x70, 160x80, 190x90, etc., so choosing the right option is easy. Important nuance- height of the mattress. Too thin (less than 8 cm) will not provide the desired comfort and orthopedic effect, and too thick (more than 13 cm) can cause sleeping area baby is too tall. Optimal height- 10-13 cm.

Which mattress is better - with or without springs? Hard or not so hard?

Children's mattresses, however, like models for adults, can have spring and springless designs of varying degrees of rigidity. To choose correctly children's mattress, we divide all possible models into three groups:

• From birth to 1 year. For correct formation skeleton, infants need an absolutely flat horizontal position during sleep. Therefore, the ideal solution for the little ones is hard springless mattresses made of coconut, buckwheat, latex, polyurethane foam and its analogues. You can purchase a double-sided version with variable hardness, which can be turned over to a softer side if necessary;
• from 1 year to 3 years. The child’s weight increases, so at this age mattresses of medium hardness without springs or with small independent springs are recommended;
• from 3 years and older. Spring mattresses with both independent and dependent spring blocks are suitable, the main thing is that the springs have a small diameter.

Fillers

Natural fillers- these are latex, cotton, coconut fiber (coir), derivatives of other plants (buckwheat husks, flax, algae, etc.). Experts consider the optimal combination of coconut coir, impregnated with natural latex for better elasticity, and a latex plate. The disadvantage of natural fillers is their high price.

Synthetic fillers- polyurethane foam and its brothers: artificial latex, ecofoam, ergofoam, and holofiber. Recommended for allergy sufferers. Contrary to the prevailing distrustful attitude, a high-quality mattress made of artificial materials is durable, hygienic, does not cause allergies and provides a good orthopedic effect.

Case

This is not just a pretty design: the quality of the cover also determines the lifespan of the mattress and the level of comfort. It is better to avoid models with colorful calico covers. The best option is a removable zippered cover made of thick natural fabrics that can be machine washed. Preference should be given to quilted cotton, jacquard or non-slip mixed fabric.

Which mattress manufacturer should you give your money to?

Children's mattresses of all types are widely represented on the Russian market. Almost all leaders of the domestic mattress market produce children's versions: these are Askona, Ormatek, Afalina, Dreamline, Plitex and others. Their products are distinguished by a wide variety of fillers and a wide price range: from 2 to 15-18 thousand rubles. In addition, some manufacturers of children's goods ( Sweet Baby, Vikalex, Italbaby, Pali, Ecobaby etc.) offer the consumer high-quality bed mattresses. Finally, well-known European brands produce premium children's products. Their mattresses are the most technologically advanced, but also the most expensive.

After comparing the characteristics of the products and evaluating real reviews from parents, we came to the conclusion that among domestic children's mattresses there are many worthy options that successfully combine high quality and affordable price. Often the materials used in them are certified according to European and international standards, and the equipment and production technologies are not inferior to foreign ones.

Which mattress is best for a newborn? The baby spends all his time in the crib until he learns to sit and crawl on his own. Therefore, it is very important to choose the most comfortable mattress for a crib. Comfortable does not mean soft! A comfortable mattress is considered to be one that provides comfort, peaceful rest and does not damage the baby’s spine. Let's start choosing!

Happy parents strive to buy the most beautiful things for their newborn baby. This impulse is understandable, but unscrupulous manufacturers can take advantage of such parental feelings. Therefore, when choosing, focus not on the beauty of the product, but on practicality. A children's mattress must meet the following parameters:

• well ventilated;
• have moderate hardness;
• be hypoallergenic;
• easy to wash and dry;
• have environmentally friendly materials in the structure;
• have high-quality and durable upholstery;
• be the right size;
• have a quality mattress pad.

It is advisable to choose a mattress with a model with orthopedic properties. In a child under fifteen years of age, the body grows and the spine is formed, so it is extremely important to provide him with the right conditions for night/day rest.

Soft feather beds and cotton mattresses are a thing of the past forever. They have been replaced by orthopedic products, specially created to form an even posture and prevent spinal curvature and stoop.

Mattress properties

Ventilation

What is a ventilated mattress? This product has the ability to “breathe”, which means it allows air to pass through layers of material. Ventilation provides protection against harmful bacteria that can settle in a musty, confined space and harm the newborn. A soft, non-ventilated mattress is especially dangerous for a baby’s health.

Rigidity

Manufacturers offer mattresses of three types of hardness:

1. soft mattresses;
2. moderately hard;
3. hard mattresses.

The level of rigidity is determined by the design of the mattress itself, and also depends on the presence/absence of springs in the base. Springless mattresses are made of latex, coconut fiber or combined synthetic materials. Spring mattresses are based on a spring block, which provides medium or high rigidity to the product.

Pediatricians advise choosing a hard mattress for a newborn. And the younger the child is, the stiffer the mattress frame should be.

Eco-friendly and hygienic

An important condition for selection is the absence of any odor in the product. The manufacturing material must be either completely natural or comply with environmental standards (synthetic compositions). Manufacturers use the following natural mattress fillers:

• seaweed;
• coke or wood shavings;
• horse hair;
• felt or straw;
• natural latex.

These materials are fully environmentally safe and harmless to the newborn. Mattresses with synthetic fillings tend to retain moisture well, but the lack of ventilation provokes the growth of microbes inside the material. The price of such products is low, so take this feature into account when purchasing.

Right size

The mattress must fully match the size of the crib itself: neither large nor small. The ideal size for a crib mattress is a couple of centimeters smaller. Why? Because it will fit freely in the crib and is easy to take out.

A mattress that is too large will deform in the crib, creating bumps and depressions - this will affect the well-being of the newborn. If the mattress is too small, it will also create inconvenience. The small product will fidget around the crib, and the newborn will have a restless sleep.

Important! The distance from the mattress to the sides of the crib should not exceed three/four cm.

Upholstery and mattress cover

What should the mattress upholstery be made of? For children under 15 years of age, it is better to choose natural, durable materials. High-quality upholstery is made not only from natural ingredients, but also has several additional layers. The best upholstery is quilted. It may consist of the following layers:

• cotton;
• sintepon;
• woolen;
• other materials.

You need to choose a strong upholstery material, for example, jacquard. Calico/calico materials wear out quickly.

In addition, jacquard has hypoallergenic properties and good throughput (ventilated). Be careful with special upholstery impregnations that manufacturers offer (anti-dust, antimicrobial, etc.). A young child may be allergic to these substances.

Advice. You need to choose a cover with a zipper - it is easy to remove and wash.

With or without springs?

Which mattress is better for a child - with or without springs? Pediatricians do not recommend buying a mattress with springs for a newborn, because they are useless for him. The same applies to orthopedic models. Such mattresses are necessary for children after three/four years. Although some one-year-olds like to jump on springs!

Spring products for newborns come with independent and dependent springs. The design differs in that independent springs are hidden in separate bags and do not respond to changes in pressure at a point in the mattress adjacent to them.

Pediatricians recommend choosing mattresses with an independent spring block for newborns. A mattress with dependent springs sags over time and turns into a hammock, which negatively affects the development of the baby’s posture.

Springless mattresses are well suited for newborns and children three/four years old. They, as a rule, have a moderately rigid design and form the baby’s posture well. Some models springless mattresses They have a double-sided design, that is, you can use one side as a rigid frame (suitable for newborns), and the second as a moderately medium frame (suitable for children from three years old).

Natural mattress fillers

The quality of a children's mattress for a small child directly depends on the filler. What can be inside the product, and which mattress is best to put in a baby’s crib? On the sales market you can choose mattresses with the following fillings:

• coconut coir;
• pressed horsehair;
• latex mattresses.

It is better to choose a mattress with coconut coir. It is suitable for both small infants and children of three years old. The filling is made from coconut coir bonded with latex. An important point: natural latex, not artificial. Otherwise, your baby will rest on ordinary tires, and the coconut coir will quickly turn into dust. When choosing, the price factor is important: a cheap product will be of poor quality.

Pressed horsehair is also good for a baby's crib mattress. Products made from horsehair are elastic and have a long shelf life. Horse filler also contributes to the orthopedic properties of the mattress. The disadvantage of these products is the very high price and the possibility of an allergy in the baby to horsehair.

Products with latex filling are not rigid in shape, so they are more suitable for older children.

A shape that is too soft does not form the correct posture. Among these products you can find double-sided coconut- latex mattress. The coconut side is suitable for babies, and the latex side is suitable for an adult child. The composition of latex-coconut material provides excellent ventilation and fully complies with the requirements of hygiene and environmental friendliness.

Artificial fillers

Products with artificial fillers are undesirable for infants. Manufacturers offer the following mattress fillers:

• batting components;
• foam rubber and polyurethane foam;
• struttofiber.

Foam rubber and batting are the worst choice for a child. Even the batting contains synthetic elements! And foam rubber provokes the formation of incorrect posture and scoliosis. These mattresses are very cheap, and that is their only attraction. Foam rubber and batting perfectly absorb liquids and odors, so they do not meet hygiene standards. Batting tends to clump up after some time and becomes completely unusable.

The filler is made of foamed polymer (polyurethane foam) and has an infinite service life. Polymers do not crumble, are not subject to deformation, and do not form dents. The product belongs to the middle price scale, which has its own attractiveness. Is it right to choose such a filler for a child? The parents will decide.

Struttofiber is an artificial wool that retains heat well and has elasticity. This filler is suitable for older children, but not for infants: it is too soft. Struttofiber is highly breathable and has hypoallergenic properties. The disadvantage is the high price.

1. For infants, it is better not to purchase a mattress with springs.
2. Do not buy a mattress with foam rubber or batting for your baby.
3. Do not buy an inexpensive product from an unknown manufacturer.
4. Before purchasing, make sure that the product has a quality certificate and meets hygiene standards.
5. Consult with mothers you know who are already using a baby mattress and analyze the information.
6. Correct does not mean cheap: beware of cheap products.

How to get rid of stretch marks after childbirth?

While expecting a child, parents are already beginning to purchase all the necessary things for him. The first thing they buy is a crib and mattress. And a completely natural question immediately arises - which mattress is best for a newborn in a crib? The range of this product surprises with its diversity, but making a choice is often very difficult. The parameters of the product will depend on many factors and requirements that are simply necessary for the baby to sleep normally. In addition, the mattress must be of high quality and meet all standards for a newborn.

Main selection criteria

In order for your baby to sleep soundly and gain strength, you need to do right choice regarding bedding accessories, in particular the mattress. The mattress in a crib for newborns must meet the following requirements:

• The product must fully match the dimensions of the crib. Otherwise, the mattress will move out or, on the contrary, collapse. The child immediately feels discomfort, so he will not sleep peacefully.

• Children's mattresses should be made only from natural material , which is easy to clean and ventilate as soon as necessary. It is better if the mattress cover is moisture resistant.

• Internal padding should combine natural and artificial materials. Such hygiene standards are necessary to ensure that the packing does not accumulate unpleasant odors.

• The product must be equipped with a mattress pad so that its cleaning is carried out quickly and efficiently. Such a cover must, in turn, also meet certain requirements: not have contact seams, snakes or fasteners that will interfere with the baby.

In addition to these basic requirements for the product, which you must immediately pay attention to, there is a hidden nuance - the orthopedic properties of the mattress.

The product must have sufficient rigidity so that the baby’s posture assumes a normal position.

Coconut fiber crib mattresses for newborns are especially popular because the material:

• provides the product with the correct shape;
• provides the required rigidity;
• characterized by the necessary elasticity;
• excellent air permeability;
• does not absorb excess odors.

The choice of model and color depends entirely on the preferences of the parents, because the main thing is that the above conditions are fully taken into account when choosing. Additionally, you need to look at the quality of the seams and the cord that frames all the side seams.

The most popular types of mattresses

Which mattress to choose for a child? There are several main types of children's mattresses. Choosing the right one is quite simple; it is important to take into account all the nuances of operation. First of all, you need to decide on the timing of use and the age criteria of the child.

All mattresses are divided into two main types:

• For children aged 0 to 48 months, springless models are suitable, which can use coconut fiber or polyurethane foam padding. The most optimal solution For such long-term use, a two-sided model will become available. On one side there is coconut fiber, and on the other there is polyurethane foam.

• For children after one year, a spring mattress will be suitable. It perfectly supports posture, and also fully corresponds to the child’s activity during the day and at night.

In turn, each species is divided into subspecies. They have their own characteristics and features. Spring models represent a range with dependent and independent springs. A product with dependent springs is considered an economical option and not entirely convenient, since all the elements of the springs are connected into a single complex. As for the second option, this is a more versatile mattress with improved orthopedic properties.

Springless mattresses are divided into the following types:

• medium soft latex;
• vacuum of medium hardness;
• coconut of maximum hardness;
• combined with exceptional rigidity.

Often preference is given to combined springless mattresses, since they are the most universal in their properties and characteristics.

On video: features of spring and springless mattresses.

Mattress for newborn

Choosing a mattress for a newborn is much more difficult than for an older child. Since the posture of such a small child is not yet fully formed, and any negative impact can cause irreversible damage, then the mattress must be chosen carefully. And since the newborn basically just lies down, the product should not cause him discomfort.

A mattress for newborns must have the following characteristics:

• Maximum surface rigidity of the product. As you get older, the degree of elasticity may gradually decrease.

• Only hypoallergenic filler. In the future, the range may expand and change.

• The presence of a cover on the mattress. It must be made exclusively from natural material and have seams only at the edges.

A product made from coconut coir is ideal for newborn babies. An analogue to this material can be natural latex. Both materials are hypoallergenic, antibacterial and tough. But other materials are strictly contraindicated for use in newborn cribs.

Artificial latex is completely unacceptable for use in cribs. Horsehair padding may cause allergic reactions.

Batting and spunboard are also not suitable for a newborn baby. Firstly, these materials are downloaded and piled up. This negatively affects the baby's posture. Secondly, padding fibers can collect dust and accumulate bad smell. Thirdly, if the product gets wet, it will take quite a long time to dry, and if you wash it, it will completely ruin the stuffing.

There is a huge variety of fillers: straw, dry seaweed, felt, wood shavings. Unfortunately, none of the listed options are suitable for newborns, often due to the fact that the fibers collect dust and absorb odors, and the fibers themselves are quickly downloaded.

Initially, you should clearly calculate the dimensions of the mattress. It must fit perfectly within the crib, otherwise operation will become problematic for both the child and the parents. During use, the product requires appropriate care, which means that it will sometimes have to be removed from the crib.

For newborns, it is important to choose a product of considerable height. It should be about 12-15 centimeters. As the baby grows, you can change the height of the mattress, but still it should not be less than 8 centimeters.

At this stage, a variety of analogs to a standard mattress are used. During the cold season, a heated mattress can be used. Cocoon mattresses are also often purchased for newborns. These analogues are designed in accordance with all requirements for maintaining posture.

Sometimes they are equipped with straps to support the baby in a certain position. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, it is worth purchasing models presented by well-known manufacturers who provide a guarantee for their product.

Setting up a nursery before the baby is born is very important point. The main element of this room in the first months is the crib, and how comfortable it is for the newborn largely depends on his health and the quiet life of his parents. Healthy sleep is important not only in the first year of life, but also as you grow older. Therefore, you need to know how to choose a children's mattress, and what qualities it should have for kids of different ages.

For a newborn

How to choose a mattress for a crib? The main requirement for mattresses for young children is rigidity. Orthopedic mattresses that follow the curves of the body are of no use to a baby at this age. These curves have simply not yet formed and the baby needs to sleep on a relatively hard surface, but one that provides the baby with comfort, which, according to Dr. Komarovsky, is also important.

A high-quality product for a newborn is made from natural fabrics or hypoallergenic synthetic materials.

Size

The mattress for a children's bed must be ideal in size and exactly match the dimensions of the newborn's sleeping area. It is necessary that it fits tightly to the sides of the bed and differs from the size of the bottom by no more than 2-3 cm. Otherwise, Dr. Komarovsky warns, gaps will form into which the baby will definitely insert an arm or leg, which can lead to injury .

Models that exceed the bottom dimensions will cause unnecessary and harmful bends. The height of the selected mattress should be about 10 cm.

How to choose the right mattress? Before purchasing, measure the parameters of the bottom of the crib. You should not believe consultants who claim that all cribs have standard sizes. European furniture differs from Russian furniture, and domestic manufacturers produce various modifications.

If the sleep product is purchased second-hand and not in a store, you need to check it for unevenness or dented areas. Such defects are unlikely to please the baby and can affect the health of the spine.

Filling

What contents should you choose a mattress for a newborn? This aspect affects the rigidity of the product, the degree of allergenicity, and comfort. It is customary to stuff children's mattresses as follows.

Coconut coir

The filler consists of plates of coconut fiber. They provide the necessary rigidity, but remain flexible. Coconut bedding is non-allergenic, practically does not get wet and does not absorb odors, which is a very important quality that a mattress for a newborn should have. Prices for coconut mattresses vary, this is explained by the fact that expensive models use natural impregnation, which their cheap counterparts cannot boast of.

Latex

The material, although natural, can cause allergic reactions. Although this happens extremely rarely. This material has good elasticity, but is inferior to coconut filler in rigidity. The perfect combination the combination of these two components is considered.

In other words - hard foam rubber. This material is the most wear-resistant, non-toxic and has excellent air exchange. The filler is also used in orthopedic mattresses.

A combined material combining natural and compressed synthetic components. Struttofiber is a very warm and wear-resistant material, so it is suitable for winter babies.

cotton wool

When thinking about which mattress to choose for a newborn, you should not stop at cotton wool ones. The material is natural and safe, but it absorbs moisture too well, retains odor, and is prone to bunching and loss of shape. In addition, there is no support for the spine from the cotton product.

Are springs needed?

Should I choose a crib mattress with or without springs? The second option is more common due to the combination of affordable price and functionality. Models with springs do not always meet all the requirements for products for newborns.

Metal springs produce static electricity, and over time they may begin to creak. The sleeping place should be comfortable and keep the baby's back in the correct position. But if spring models attract more attention, then you need to know that such specimens come in two types.

Dependent spring block

All springs are interconnected, so when under load, not individual parts are used, but the entire frame. The disadvantage of such models is that they bend noticeably, and this can harm the baby. Springs with the smallest diameter give greater elasticity.

Independent spring block

IN in this case Each spring works separately. This allows for greater rigidity and elasticity. But this mattress is taller.

Combined model

Still, for a baby it is better to opt for non-spring or orthopedic models. Some orthopedic mattresses are designed to have a firmer surface for newborns and a softer surface for older children. Those. When the baby grows up, you won’t need to buy another mattress; you just need to turn the existing one over to the other side.

Choosing a mattress pad

An important part of a crib is the mattress cover. The cover should create a comfortable microclimate for the baby, not get wet and soften the surface a little.

The most convenient to use models of mattress covers are those with elastic bands on the sides. But this option may not be suitable for non-standard high mattress. The mattress cover should provide good protection from moisture penetration, while its surface is made of natural fabrics that are pleasant to the body.

When choosing a mattress cover, Dr. Komarovsky does not recommend stopping at products made from calico and chintz. These fabrics wear out too quickly. Instead of mattress covers, you can use those sold in pharmacies.

Each age has its own mattress

You can’t talk about which sleeping place is best for a child without taking into account age. When choosing, you should be guided not by the brand name, but by the age characteristics of the child, as Dr. Komarovsky advises. If a baby's sleeping place up to one year should be hard, then children from one to three years old are allowed to sleep in a softer bed.

The exception is children with contraindications to soft sleep from an orthopedist. A good option filler in this case - latex coconut. Sufficient rigidity of the filler has the elasticity necessary for this age.

2-3 years

At 2-3 years old, it is recommended for a child to sleep on a mattress with medium or increased hardness. Features of the development of the musculoskeletal system at this age do not allow the use of softer models. It is at this time that the S-curve forms, so the mattress should be firm, but at the same time comfortable. Only if both conditions are met will the baby be ensured a healthy and sound sleep. Latex-coconut filler copes well with this task.

From 3 to 7 years

In children over 3 years old, the spine is already strengthened. In the period from three to seven years, it does not matter much whether the mattress has springs or not. Both designs are quite suitable for this age group, but it is still better to choose a hard filler for now.

The only drawback of spring models is that they may not withstand children jumping on the bed. But you can allow your child to make a choice on his own, so that a 5-year-old child can proudly say: “I choose my own mattress!” It is better to prefer orthopedic mattresses with latex, polyurethane or coconut-latex filling.

7 years and older

In seven-year-old children, daily sleep time is reduced to 10 hours. But the child continues to grow and the spine continues to form. Starting school classes and sitting at a desk increases the load on the spine. To avoid serious problems with posture, your back should receive complete and proper rest during sleep. Mattresses with medium hardness and a mixed type of filler are suitable for this.

10-12 years

At 10-12 years of age the phase begins active growth. The spine quickly stretches and becomes most vulnerable. The degree of hardness of the mattress during this period should be medium. Fillers made of coconut board and latex layer are suitable. If your child has any, even minor, back problems, you should go shopping only after the recommendations of an orthopedist.

For children with allergies

There are children in every age group who suffer from allergic reactions. For such babies, hypoallergenic mattresses with artificial fillings have been developed. Usually the mattress comes with a soft cover that can be easily washed and removed from dust. The prices for such models are much lower than for mattresses made from natural ingredients, which allows them to be replaced more often.

Dr. Komarovsky advises carefully studying the rules for transporting the purchased product. Some models cannot be bent or folded. It may be better to leave the transportation to the seller rather than trying to deliver the mattress yourself.

Manufacturers

Having decided on the type of filling and quality of the mattress, an important question remains: which brand of mattress is better? Experts recommend giving preference to the following five manufacturers. These models are more popular and consistently receive excellent customer reviews.

Bottlenose dolphin Bayu-Bai

Mattress for newborns from the Russian manufacturer Afalina Bayu-Bai. This sandwich mattress combines natural and synthetic fillers. Multi-layering is provided by coconut, coconut-latex, polyurethane and latex layers.

This design allows you to keep the baby's spine in a straight position. No glue is used in the manufacture of the mattress. The layers are held together by special seams, which makes the product environmentally friendly. This mattress has two sides, hard and softer, for older children. The kit also includes a special case for cold and hot seasons.

Polyurethane foam model Italbaby Jolly Plus

Perfect option for allergic children. Polyurethane boards do not retain moisture and dust. They are protected from the proliferation of microorganisms and mites. At the same time, they have the necessary rigidity, and the convenient cover with a zipper is convenient to remove and easy to wash.

Latex-coconut copy of Lapsi Cocolatex Lux 65X125.

High-quality double-sided mattress made of coconut coir, latex and cotton. The breathable cover's unique fabrics include jersey, polyamide, polyester, cottonwood and cellulose.

Spring model for children over one year old Ormatek Kids Comfort

Mattress Russian manufacturer Ormatek. The frame consists of individual springs that are not interconnected. Latexed coconut fiber and polyurethane foam are used as filler.

High-tech mattress Taumeland Snowflake 60X120X11

A product filled with elastic cold foam is suitable for newborns and children up to 4 years old. The design of the mattress with reinforced sides increases safety. The breathable cover perfectly protects the mattress from moisture.

Caring parents are well aware of how important deep, restful sleep is for children. wellness And normal development baby. And for a good night's sleep you need a comfortable bed. Let's figure out which mattress is best for a newborn, how to choose it correctly, how long it can last and what conditions must be met so that your child sleeps peacefully and remains healthy.

A child’s spine is actively developing in the first months of life. In addition, a newborn's total sleep time should be between 16 and 18 hours per day. Therefore, you need to take full responsibility when choosing a good and comfortable mattress: after all, both the quality of sleep and health depend on it.

Main settings

It is better not to make a mattress yourself, as it may not meet all the necessary parameters. Models based on batting or foam rubber, which are abundant on the market, unfortunately also do not stand up to criticism on a number of standards - from environmental friendliness to adequate orthopedic support. Orthopedic mattresses for newborns are made of fundamentally different materials - more on this later. If you carefully search and choose a really high-quality product, it will not only be beneficial for the baby’s health, but will also last a long time - at least three years! And this is important for many.

Dimensions

First, we “weed out” products based on this parameter. Common crib base dimensions (most manufacturers make their beds this way):

• 140×70 cm;
• 125x65 cm;
• 120x60 cm.

Knowing exactly the length, width, and depth of the base of the crib, especially if it was custom-made, you will find a mattress that fits it perfectly. It is better to choose a children's mattress for a newborn (or order one) that is 2 cm smaller in length and width. Then it will not slide in the bed, but it will not fit into it too tightly, and if necessary, it can be easily removed. Take into account the thickness of the mattress: it should not be less than 8 and more than 15 centimeters.

A quality baby mattress should have small ventilation holes on both sides to allow air to circulate.

Hygiene

A newborn baby lies down almost all the time, so the hygienic properties of bedding are important. The mattress should not emit an unpleasant odor or, on the contrary, accumulate odors inside and, of course, should not cause allergies. The ideal option is if it is made of “breathable” materials that allow air to pass through well. By the way, the filler does not have to be of natural origin.

It is very good if there is a removable cover: you can rinse or wash it, if necessary, and put it on again. This cover is usually durable, cotton or jacquard, often with a moisture-resistant lining. There are no special requirements for it, just pay attention that it is smooth or very finely quilted, and that rough seams, as well as zippers or other fasteners, do not come into contact with the baby’s body and do not disturb him during sleep.

Orthopedic indicators

Orthopedic qualities do not mean medicinal properties, but simply sufficient rigidity of the surface on which the child will sleep - only then will the spine take the correct, natural position. For example, coconut fiber as a filler is moderately hard, elastic, and ventilated. We'll talk more about fillers later.

Pediatrician's recommendations: too soft feather bed, which some parents strive to provide for the sake of the baby's “comfort,” leads to deformation of a fragile spine (scoliosis). The spine of a child up to 2-3 years of age is straight, i.e., it has not yet formed the S-shaped curve characteristic of adults. Therefore, the mattress should be smooth and of medium hardness. It is better if until the age of three the baby does not even have a pillow, especially a large one (the child may suffocate by burying his nose in it) and with natural filling (he may be allergic to it).

At the same time, the mattress for a child should be flexible enough so that its head side can be raised - for example, by placing a flat cushion of a folded towel under it. This is useful if, and also convenient when he has: a slightly elevated position of the head ensures freer breathing. The main thing is to take this position only from time to time: a newborn should still sleep on a flat surface. Therefore, factory-made mattresses of asymmetrical shape are not recommended for regular use.

Materials for a children's mattress

Among the many types of bedding presented in children's supermarkets and specialty stores, it is easy to get confused. Especially many questions are raised by the materials from which the filling is made. The table will help you navigate and choose the right mattress for a newborn crib.

Filling material	Material properties	Attention
Coconut coir (fiber, coconut fluff)	Orthopedic properties - the load on the spine is evenly distributed; moisture resistance - thanks to natural polymers; free air circulation - not cold to sleep in winter, not hot in summer; hypoallergenic	Coconut coir should not be stitched (over time the material crumbles and deforms), but with natural latex impregnation that holds the fibers together. This is evidenced by a quality certificate. Do not confuse coir with coconut shavings: such filling quickly cakes and rots
Horsehair	Orthopedic properties; elasticity - holds its shape perfectly; hygroscopic - absorbs moisture	Expensive natural filler with latex impregnation. Possible allergies
Natural latex (from rubber - foamed Hevea juice)	Elasticity - quickly restores shape; environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic; antibacterial properties; antistatic properties; long service life; “rubber” smell (disappears quickly, especially after airing)	A full latex mattress is not recommended. A good option is “for growth”: a double-sided mattress for a newborn with one side made of coconut fibers and the other side made of latex (softer, better used after 3 years). Synthetic latex is not recommended, although it is cheaper than natural latex
Polyurethane foam (PPU, foamed polymer of artificial origin)	High strength; durability; resistance to deformation; convenience; hypoallergenic; relatively low cost	The polyurethane foam filling may not be rigid enough. If possible, compare its hardness yourself (in the store) with a coconut coir base
Struttofiber (artificial filler like wool)	Elasticity; durability; good ventilation and heat exchange; hypoallergenic; costs less than foam rubber	Used as filling for one side of the mattress (the other side can be made of coconut fiber). Great idea mattresses for children "for growth"
Holofiber (non-woven artificial material made from polyester fibers)	Medium hardness; waterproof; breathability; hypoallergenic; wear resistance; resistance to deformation; ease of care; relatively low cost	Suitable for children from birth, can be used up to 3-4 years. Can be double-sided (the other side is with coconut coir)

Coconut coir Horsehair Natural latex

Polyurethane foam
Struttofiber Holofiber

All of the materials listed have antibacterial and antifungal properties, are hypoallergenic and, of course, environmentally friendly. Not all of them are natural, but this is not always a minus. For example, wool can cause allergies. Felt, straw or wood shavings will not withstand several “leaks”, they will begin to rot and collapse.

A universal double-sided (combined) mattress will be useful in the long term - it is good not only because it is durable and will serve the child even when he grows up, but also because it has a hard and soft side. Experts recommend placing children aged 3 years and older on the softer side - the spine will form enough for the mattress to support its natural curves.

Armed with information and deciding which mattress to choose for your child, it is enough to focus on your feelings (checking the quality in person, in the store) and on the ratio of price and product characteristics. remember, that good mattress cannot be too cheap, but we are talking about the health of the child.

With or without springs

Sometimes parents wonder which mattress would be better for a newborn baby to sleep on - a spring or springless one. Since the weight of a child under six months is small, the presence of springs in the mattress is not so important. The spring model is considered universal, but it is more useful for active children over the age of one year, who not only sleep in their bed, but also move a lot in it, play, and jump.

So: spring or springless? Eat Various types spring mattresses.

• With dependent springs. The elements are connected to each other. If the position of one element changes, it affects the others. Thus, depressions are formed under the child (in the worst case scenario, one deep one, like a hammock), which does not meet the requirements for a flat surface.
• With independent springs. Each of the springs is “autonomous”, that is, located in a separate compartment. If you click on it, the remaining elements will remain in place. The mattress does not squeak. True, it costs more than a model with dependent springs, it is heavier in weight, it is quite thick, so it is necessary that the sides of the crib remain high for the baby if such a mattress is included in it.

Parents are having lively discussions about choosing a mattress for a newborn: reviews on this matter vary, but many agree that a mattress with springs is not so necessary for a small child. It would be more accurate to prefer a springless model with various fillers(from those described above). It provides the rigidity recommended by pediatricians and the formation of correct posture in the baby, which is very important at such an early age. In addition, during the selection process, parents are advised to make sure that the product is from a well-known manufacturer, is made in accordance with GOST, and is equipped with a certificate confirming its complete safety.

To ensure that the mattress lasts longer for your child without losing its qualities, follow a few simple recommendations. They are useful for any model - however, the manufacturer must have instructions for caring for the product.

• Ventilate periodically. For a couple of hours or, if possible, throughout the day. And vacuum your mattress - at least once a month.
• Keep the cover (mattress cover) fresh. Wash it often.
• Turn the mattress over from time to time. From one side to the other - if they are the same in composition, and if not - rotate it with the hard side up, placing the head part at the opposite end of the crib.
• Remove packaging. Regardless of the quality of the filler, it can “suffocate” if you leave the mattress in a store-bought plastic bag. Air exchange will be even better if the base of the bed is not solid, but slatted.

The cost of a mattress depends on the size, materials used, and brand. Today you can find domestically produced products of no less quality than foreign ones.

It is best to decide how to choose a mattress for a newborn based on the recommendations of experts. You can personally examine each product in the store in detail, compare them, listen to the consultants' stories and, if necessary, ask them for documents confirming quality. Ultimately, you will protect your baby from allergies or problems with the musculoskeletal system, and provide him with a healthy and comfortable sleep.

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