Choosing a crib mattress for your baby's nursery should not be a lax decision. There are several things you should look for in a mattress to keep your little one safe. Arm yourself with this knowledge, prior to shopping around for the right mattress for your precious baby.
Folding Crib
Size
To avoid entrapment or suffocation it is critical that the baby mattress fits snugly inside the crib. You should not be able to fit more than one finger between the side of the mattress and the crib/rails. I also recommend that you go with a standard size baby mattress. It should measure 51 5/8" by 27 1/4" and should not be more than 6" in thickness. Please make sure you measure the mattress yourself before placing it inside the crib. This is because manufacturer labels are not 100% error proof. This was the case with the 20,000 Simmons mattresses that were recalled back in June 2008.
Firmness
A safe crib mattress will always be very firm and uniform throughout. A sturdy interior support system will prevent the mattress from sagging. This will keep the fitted sheets tight and loose areas won't be created (suffocation hazard). Remember, when squeezed from both sides in the middle, a firm mattress will quickly snap back once you let go, and will not conform to the shape of your hand.
Quality
Your baby will spend the majority of the first year on the mattress. Avoid buying a cheap mattress that sells under . It won't be very durable and in my opinion, simply not safe enough. While a good quality baby mattress is made of high quality materials, and as a result is more pricier. In my opinion, the best crib mattresses on the market are those that are made of 100% certified organic materials. These mattresses are not chemically treated during the manufacturing process, and therefore will not leach harmful chemicals such as Phthalates.
Mattress Height
The mattress height is adjustable to several levels inside the crib. This is a safety feature that must be used once your baby becomes more mobile. Once your baby is able to stand, I recommend lowering the mattress to the lowest level. This will prevent your little one from climbing out. However, if your baby is constantly attempting to climb out (or is taller than the sidebar), then the crib and crib mattress are no longer safe.
Keep in mind that a safe baby mattress is just one of the many necessary components in your baby's nursery. But at the same time, I strongly believe that safety should take precedence over style or design. So please invest in a high quality and safe crib mattress first. The furniture and nursery design should be secondary, since these things will not affect your baby's well being.