One of your favorite nesting memories pre-baby was decorating the nursery, picking out the glider, baby’s crib, and mattress. You distinctly remember the saleswoman tried talking you into a two-stage crib mattress for toddler and infants but at the time a toddler seemed so far away and you were just trying to live in the moment. Fast forward, your little one is a year old and needs a new mattress because you decided to just go with a high-quality infant mattress instead of the combo crib mattress for toddler-aged children. A two-stage crib mattress is a great option to look into if you are wanting a mattress to grow with your little one. It is a little on the pricier side of the mattress range, but you will save in the long run. Here is what you need to know!
Read More: ABC’s Of Safe Sleep For Infants
What is a Two-Stage Crib Mattress?
A two-stage crib mattress is just that! It is meant for two crucial sleep stages, infant and toddler. There are two sides of the mattress, one for an infant and one for a toddler. The infant side of the mattress has a firm foundation which is absolutely essential for a safe and healthy sleep environment. The toddler side of the mattress is softer allowing the mattress to continue fitting nicely in the crib or convert over to their toddler bed when they are ready. Overall a crib mattress for toddler aged children isn’t much different than a two-stage crib mattress for both infant and toddler so why not go with the 2 for 1. A simple flip allows your baby to transition to toddlerhood with a more comfortable night’s sleep.
When To Flip The Mattress From Infant To Toddler
Your two-stage mattress will come with a label indicating which side is for an infant and which side is for your toddler. You might also get lucky and each side will be a different color. For example, the infant side might be white and the toddler side a light grey. The flipping decision is pretty much up to you and your child’s needs. On average, most families choose to flip the mattress from the infant to the toddler side around one year old. There is no magical age to make the flip, so consult your pediatrician before flipping your two-stage crib mattress.
What Features To Look For In A Crib Mattress?
Firmness: The firmness of your crib mattress will look slightly different for infants and toddlers. Infant mattress should be very firm and while it may feel uncomfortable to you, the firmer the better for your baby. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a soft sleeping surface for your infant is not recommended due to potential suffocation hazards or even SIDS. A crib mattress for toddler aged children, on the other hand, does not need to be as firm and can feel a bit more cushiony.
Material: We all know the mattress is going to be a combination of several different types of materials such as cotton, wool, latex-free, and even coconut fibers! Then there is the decision of whether to go non-toxic organic, foam, or innerspring (steel coil support). This, Mama, is totally up to you to decide on, and there again is no right or wrong on your selection.
Read More: 5 Reasons Why Mattress Foam And VOCS Are Harmful To Children
Size: Safe sleep should be a top priority for your baby. Selecting a mattress that fits your crib is going to be very important whether you decide to go with or without the two-stage crib mattress for toddlers and infants. The standard size crib is about 28 inches by 52 inches but definitely measure your crib for its exact measurements before purchasing your mattress. Also, check the space between the mattress and the sides of your crib. There should be no more than two finger-widths. Too much space could lead to your infant getting trapped resulting in potential injury or suffocation.
Cost: The average price of a crib mattresses ranges between $90 – $200. That’s not to say that there aren’t ones that are more expensive and could push the cost upwards of $400. Regardless of the price tag, make sure to do your research, ensure the mattress is made of good quality, and buy new if you can to minimize any concerns on cleanliness or safety standards. The two-stage crib mattress for toddler and infants might have a more expensive upfront cost, however, you aren’t buying two mattresses within the first year because you have a two for one with your purchase!
Read More: Why Leesa Is The Best Online Mattress
Infants spend more time asleep than they do awake for a majority of their first several months. Once you move towards the 1-year mark, you have begun mastering sleeping through the night with less sleep during the day. Regardless of what stage you are in, a safe sleep environment for your little one should be a top priority. That being said, having a safe environment starts with having a safe mattress. The two-stage crib mattress for toddlers and infants will provide you with a quality, safe mattress and grow with your little one from infancy to toddlerhood!
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on Best Tips For Transitioning From A Crib To A Toddler Bed.
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