Updated at: 23-04-2022 - By: Jane

How long do crib mattresses last? That’s one of the questions we’ll cover in this article, along with others!

Baby Beds Lifespan Factors

Type

Your baby’s mattress’s lifespan will greatly rely on the sort of material it is made of, such as memory foam or innerspring. It’s not uncommon for memory foam to fail over time, especially if its density is low. Discrepancies in shape and support are more likely when the density of the foam is reduced, hence indentations are more likely. Suffocation is a real danger to an infant if there is an indentation in the skin.
When it comes to mattresses, innerspring coil structure tends to endure longer, regardless of whether the mattress is for an adult or a baby. Over time, they can break through. It’s time to get rid of it when this happens.

Durability

When purchasing a crib mattress, keep in mind the material the cover is composed of. Material and construction are two of the most important factors in determining the bed’s longevity. Thin covers, such as vinyl, will eventually lose their structural integrity. Look for a ticker that is constructed of nylon, which is a robust material.

Why You Need Crib Mattresses & Tips for When To Replace It - 5 Pg Guide

Waterproof Capacity

Unfortunately, accidents do occur. Quite a bit. Blood, vomit spit, pee, blowouts, and drool all have the potential to impair the mattress’ life expectancy. Mold, mildew, and dangerous germs can grow and fester if a liquid soaks in. Stains also violate the manufacturer’s warranty.
The lifespan of a waterproof mattress is far greater than that of a non-waterproof mattress. A protection or a separate pad can be purchased if yours is not.

Stain Resistance

Stains will void your guarantee, therefore a stain-resistant material is perfect for extending its lifespan. Some are pre-treated to resist stains. Your mattress may need to be cleaned more frequently if it isn’t waterproof, therefore you’ll need to use a waterproof mattress cover.

Care and Maintenance

  1. As soon as an accident occurs, clean it up immediately. Don’t allow them to soak up all the moisture in the bed.
  2. Consider purchasing a cover to keep any liquids from spills or mishaps from leaking through.
  3. To prevent the building of unwanted things or vermin in your mattress, inspect and clean it regularly (like dust mites).

You can extend the life of your bed by following these three simple actions.

Storage

Is it Still Safe to Use?

Firmness

In order for the bed to be secure, it must nevertheless feel substantial to the touch. Babies, in particular, are exempt from this regulation. Getting smothered by a surface that is excessively soft puts them at risk of becoming immobilized. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) can occur as a result (SIDS).
A toddler bed doesn’t need to be as solid as a full-size bed, but it still needs to be comfortable. It is common for cot mattresses to have dual-sided: one that is firm for infants and one that is softer for toddlers. See if there is a visible difference in the firmness of the two sides of the bed.

Indentation

There should be no indentations in this bed if it is intended for a baby. It’s time for a new mattress if you feel your body sinking into a particular section of the old one. Again, indentations pose a safety risk to babies who are unable to move or roll on their own at this time. They pose a significant risk of asphyxia.

Loose Threads

Make sure there are no missing stitches. Putting them in your baby’s mouth or pulling on them can put them at risk for choking. There is a risk of exposure of filler or other materials, as well as choking, as they unravel. An old mattress with loose threads is a sure sign that it’s time to replace it.

Harmful Pathogens

You may be exposed to hazardous microorganisms if your bed is old or hasn’t been properly cared for.. In addition to bacteria and fungi, the list also includes mold, mildew, and algae. Having these in the home raises the risk of respiratory issues, such as allergies and asthma, for infants and toddlers. Because of the difficulty breathing, there may be an increased risk of SIDS.

Foam crib mattresses

Polyurethane, a foam resin or composite, is commonly used in the production of memory foam mattresses. If you’re looking for a low-cost mattress, go no further than memory foam.

There are numerous health and safety concerns with memory foam mattresses for babies, including the increased risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Please keep this in mind before purchasing one (SIDS).

Before making the purchase of a foam crib mattress, make sure you get it professionally tested. Let the foam recover its shape by pressing on it with your palm. Because of its high level of resilience and ability to quickly regenerate, it is a better option for your youngster.

Memory foam mattresses with a higher density are also better for babies because they are firmer and less likely to roll about. Pick up a mattress to see how dense it is (mattresses with high densities are usually heavier).

Innerspring crib mattresses

In terms of “conventional” mattresses, innerspring mattresses are the most popular. Inside, they include steel coils, which give them their signature strength.

Innerspring mattresses also include polyester, foam, and cotton mixes, which contribute to the overall comfort of the mattress.

The coil count and steel gauge, which show how many steel coils are in the mattress and how thick those coils are, should be considered when evaluating the lifespan and durability of an innerspring mattress. Choosing thicker gauges and higher coil counts is the greatest option because they provide the most support and are more likely to survive longer.

How Firm Does A Crib Mattress Need to Be? Step by Step Testing Guide

Innerspring mattresses have numerous advantages, but they all come with a larger price tag; yet, they are worth the money to ensure that your kid enjoys a good night’s sleep.

Double-sided mattresses

Some crib mattresses, as previously indicated, can be used for both newborns and toddlers.

Double-sided mattresses are designed with a harder side for infants and a softer side for toddlers in mind, making them ideal for children of all ages.

Flipping the mattress is all you need to do to transition your child from a crib to a toddler bed. There is a downside to these two firmness mattresses: they tend to cost more money than traditional innerspring mattresses.

Tips to Make a Cot Bed Last Longer

  • Washing the cover with mild detergent on a regular basis and after accidents is a good idea (if removable)
  • Antibacterial sprays can be used to disinfect PVC coverings.
  • Monthly mattress vacuuming
  • Make use of soapy sponges to mop up any spills that may have occurred.
  • To ensure an equitable distribution of wear, rotate or flip it frequently.
  • Before putting your baby’s sheets, blankets, or anything else on it, make sure they’re completely dry.

How Do You Keep It Clean?

One of the best methods to extend the life of your mattress is to keep it clean. Keep your baby’s crib mattress clean by following these simple instructions.

  • Look at the manufacturer’s label to get the exact directions.
  • Clean accidents and spills as soon as they happen
  • Clean accidents and spills as soon as they happen
  • Take care of any spills and mishaps immediately.
  • Remove any covers that can be washed in the machine and do so.
  • If you’re washing the mattress by hand, use warm water and a light detergent to get rid of any residue.
  • Remove any soap residue from the mattress by running water over it.
  • Allow the mattress to air dry in the open air.
  • Drying the mattress in the sun also inhibits the formation of microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and mildew.
  • You may wish to sanitize the mattress before putting it in the crib.
  • Clean, dry bedding should be placed on the mattress once it is totally dry.
  • Dry your mattress and bedding in the sun whenever possible, since this is a fantastic way to get rid of any lingering germs.
  • A crib-related article on how many crib linens to buy might be of interest to you as well. Keep the mattress clean and dry by using additional bedding!

How Do You Store It (For The Next Baby?)

Consider storing your baby’s crib mattress if it’s still in good shape after he or she transitions from the crib to a toddler bed. Storage will be simple and safe if you follow these instructions.

  • Check the mattress’s firmness and safety before purchasing it.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the mattress and all of its bedding and covers.
  • To prevent the growth of mold and germs, place the mattress and bedding in the sun to dry.
  • Keep the mattress in its original box if you have one, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep dust and bacteria out.
  • A cool, dry space away from any heavy objects will be ideal for storing the mattress.
  • The mattress should be stored on its side if at all feasible, so it retains its original firmness.
  • In order to preserve the mattress, keep it out of direct sunshine and away from dampness and heat.
  • Do all the safety tests I’ve mentioned and thoroughly wash and dry it before using it again.

When Should You Replace A Crib Mattress?

However, even though the 3-year mark is a common recommendation, it is not a hard and fast rule that you should replace your crib mattress. There are usually obvious symptoms that the mattress needs to be replaced. The following are a few of these warning signs:

Safety And Other Considerations

Always make sure the mattress is safe before using it. Is it getting crowded? Is it flatter in the places where the infant lays most of the time? If so, the foam will be visible.

Firmness

Check the firmness before buying a new or old mattress. There should always be some resistance from the mattress. Using a mattress that is overly soft can allow the baby to be engulfed by the soft sides as they fold up.

It’s important to note the mattress shouldn’t be rock hard but your little one should lie comfortably without any sinking in. Observe the infant in the crib while checking the mattress’s hardness, and see if the mattress sinks in or the baby appears to be unhappy.

Pathogens

It’s important to note the mattress shouldn’t be rock hard but your little one should lie comfortably without any sinking in. Observe the infant in the crib while checking the mattress’s hardness, and see if the mattress sinks in or the baby appears to be unhappy.

Your child should not sink into the mattress, which is why a medium-firmness mattress is recommended. It is important to observe the infant resting in the crib while you check the mattress’s hardness to see whether there is any sinking in or discomfort.

Loose Threads

Check for any unraveled stitch loose threads. A choking hazard may arise if your child accidentally ingests the threads while pulling on the blanket. Sponge or foam can be exposed when threads are unraveled, and this could be dangerous. If the sponge is still in good condition, you can simply swap out the old cover for a more modern, stain- and water-resistant kind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Would you recommend buying a used mattress?

This isn’t a good idea in general. Because it’s unlikely you’ll come across an unblemished old mattress, you should steer clear of any mattress with a stain on it. A stain could be lying beneath the surface, even though it’s not visible to the naked eye. As the new owner, you don’t know what kind of adventures this bed had prior to your arrival.

How Long are Crib Mattresses Good for? - The Sleep Judge

Should you buy a new mattress for your second baby?

How you cared for it with your first child and how long you used it will determine the answer to this question. This crib may still have some life remaining in it if it was well-maintained and the baby was moved to a new bed during the first three to five years of life.
It may be time for something different, though, if your first child had many accidents that weren’t cleaned up right away, and they spent lots of time jumping and bouncing on the surface.

Are firm mattresses or soft mattresses better for a baby?

In order to prevent suffocation and more, babies need to be placed on a firm mattress. SIDS is more likely to occur on a mattress that is too soft. To learn more about this topic, check out this and this site.

What purpose does a crib mattress pad serve?

Your baby will benefit from the added comfort of a mattress pad as well as the added protection it provides against spills and stains, which could extend the life of the mattress itself.

What’s the difference between a mini crib and standard cribs?

The most obvious distinction is in terms of scale. In comparison to a regular crib, which is 28 inches broad and 52 inches long, a small crib is only 24 inches long and 38 inches wide. Although a newborn can sleep in a conventional crib, it’s just not as comfy, thus a small cot is better suited for a younger child.

Is It OK (And Safe) To Reuse A Crib Mattress, Such As An Old One?

This is a no-brainer for some parents. In other words, if you’ve taken care of the mattress and used it before the 3-year mark, you may be able to use it again.

As your child becomes older and more active, you may want to consider investing in a new mattress for your lovely bundle of joy.

Conclusion

The lifespan of a baby mattress is dependent on a wide range of conditions, as you can see. The good news is that you, as a parent, have some degree of control over the majority of these variables. A majority of them are expected to endure for at least five years, however others claim they can last even longer. Make sure to keep the five-year rule in mind and lower it if the bed has had a rough existence, and raise it if you’ve been diligent in caring for the bed.

Please give this post a rating.

Rate this post