Many parents have heard it's important to have a firm crib mattress for their baby.
But they're still not certain how firm is firm enough.
Some people think if the mattress feels good to them, it's okay for their baby.
Is that a good rule of thumb? In fact, it's not.
Unless you like an extremely firm mattress, something that you would like would never be recommended for a baby.
Because babies are still growing, their spines and other bones need far more support than we do.
Also, a firm mattress prevents the baby from moving around too much and getting into a vulnerable position - like right next to the bars.
While there are no precise rules about crib mattress firmness, there is enough information available to help you choose the right one.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that a mattress for a baby be firm and flat, although they don't expand on that to say exactly how firm it should be or tell you how to measure firmness.
Consumer Reports' recommendations are a little more precise: they recommend buying the firmest mattress you can find.
To those of you who think the firmest mattress you can find couldn't possibly be comfortable for your baby, Consumer Reports says: "Don't worry that it may feel too firm.
If it feels good to you, it's too soft for your baby.
" To test a crib mattress to determine whether it's firm enough, Consumer Reports suggests you "Press on the mattress in the center and at the edges.
It should snap back readily and should not conform to the shape of your hand.
" Firmness is not the only consideration in choosing a crib mattress.
It should also be a snug fit so no little fingers or toes can get stuck between the crib and the mattress.
It's also best to find a crib mattress that doesn't contain any potentially toxic chemicals and is certified to not emit any harmful gases.
Your baby will be spending 12 to 15 hours a day in the crib - you want to make sure they're safe.
When your kids graduate to a toddler bed, you can get them something a little softer.
You might even want to start them off with a dual firmness crib mattress.
It would fit both a crib and toddler bed (as do all crib mattresses), and is firm and waterproof on one side, softer and non-waterproof on the other.
That way you get the most value for your money.
With all of these elements in place, your baby should be safe and cozy.
You, the baby, and the whole family will get a good night's sleep!
But they're still not certain how firm is firm enough.
Some people think if the mattress feels good to them, it's okay for their baby.
Is that a good rule of thumb? In fact, it's not.
Unless you like an extremely firm mattress, something that you would like would never be recommended for a baby.
Because babies are still growing, their spines and other bones need far more support than we do.
Also, a firm mattress prevents the baby from moving around too much and getting into a vulnerable position - like right next to the bars.
While there are no precise rules about crib mattress firmness, there is enough information available to help you choose the right one.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that a mattress for a baby be firm and flat, although they don't expand on that to say exactly how firm it should be or tell you how to measure firmness.
Consumer Reports' recommendations are a little more precise: they recommend buying the firmest mattress you can find.
To those of you who think the firmest mattress you can find couldn't possibly be comfortable for your baby, Consumer Reports says: "Don't worry that it may feel too firm.
If it feels good to you, it's too soft for your baby.
" To test a crib mattress to determine whether it's firm enough, Consumer Reports suggests you "Press on the mattress in the center and at the edges.
It should snap back readily and should not conform to the shape of your hand.
" Firmness is not the only consideration in choosing a crib mattress.
It should also be a snug fit so no little fingers or toes can get stuck between the crib and the mattress.
It's also best to find a crib mattress that doesn't contain any potentially toxic chemicals and is certified to not emit any harmful gases.
Your baby will be spending 12 to 15 hours a day in the crib - you want to make sure they're safe.
When your kids graduate to a toddler bed, you can get them something a little softer.
You might even want to start them off with a dual firmness crib mattress.
It would fit both a crib and toddler bed (as do all crib mattresses), and is firm and waterproof on one side, softer and non-waterproof on the other.
That way you get the most value for your money.
With all of these elements in place, your baby should be safe and cozy.
You, the baby, and the whole family will get a good night's sleep!