The mattress must fit exactly the dimensions of the cot, so when buying it, we need to know the length and width of this piece of furniture. They are usually available in 2 typical sizes, i.e. 120 x 60 and 140 x 70 (cm), so a custom-sized foam mattress will not be needed - unless we have a non-standard cot.
Foam mattress: HR or memory?
In the production of mattresses, they are often used high-resilience foams (HR), so that the end products are durable, do not crumple in strategic places and fulfill their task for a long time. The hardness of the foam in the mattress can be selected depending on the needs and requirements of the mattress. Its density in newborn mattresses should certainly start from 25 kg / m3. HR foams are made of polyurethane, but due to the type of foaming, they are even 40% more durable than standard foams. Memory foams, or thermoelastic, pthey become plasticized under the influence of heat, thanks to which the mattress perfectly adapts to the shape of the body. But beware - this feature cannot be used in mattresses for children under 3 years of agebecause it is a period of intensive development of the child's skeletal and muscular system, which needs a stable support.
Latex or foam mattress?
It's time to take a look at how the latex mattress compares to other foam models. Foamed latex used in mattresses is most often a combination of synthetic and organic material. Thanks to its structure and spongy elasticity, it fulfills its task as a soft, but slightly adapting to the body, non-absorbing allergens sleeping base.
However, children who have allergies in the family, among adults or siblings, do not fund potential sources of allergy, because latex of organic origin is one of the raw materials that can cause allergies in a toddler.
Plus, it flexes like rubber latex foam may prove to be too soft for a child. There is another material that allows you to increase the hardness of the mattress, stiffens the sleeping surface - it's a coconut or hemp mat. It absorbs moisture, prevents the growth of microorganisms in the product and makes the entire mattress stiffer and has the desired medium hardness.
Which mattress to choose: spring or foam?
Among parents who buy a mattress for a child, opinions vary and opinions are often divided. Springs is a solution that has long been used by manufacturers in models for adults, which has also returned to favor in mattresses for older children, due to its durability.
Currently, springs are most often found in mattresses, commonly known as pocket ones or specialist - bonnets. For this reason, we can answer questions about spring mattresses, also referring to pocket models.
Which mattress to choose: pocket or foam?
Springs placed in separate pockets provide the body lying on the mattress with great stability and support. In addition, they do not deteriorate quickly, wear and tear, and the sleeping surface remains even, quite hard and resilient for many years. For parents who are wondering which mattress to choose: pocket or foam, we suggest: the pocket model, otherwise known as the bonnell, will surely be more durable. It is a more expensive version of the mattress - it can last for a few years, but it is recommended for children after the age of 2 (at the earliest). The weight of the child's body in relation to an adult is small, hence the natural wear of the springs is much smaller. The price, however, should not be the main selection criterion, because the only answer to the question of which mattress to choose: spring or foam, foam or pocket, latex or foam, is: safe for the child, ensuring the proper development of his spine, and also matched to our age. consolation.
Important approvals and hygiene of the mattress
About the fact that each of the raw materials used in a baby mattress should be certified for the youngest users. You can find out more about choosing the first bed and mattress here.
The same applies to the hygiene regime, which consists in regularly washing the cover and ironing it to reduce the amount of potential allergens and keep the product clean. Foam mattresses retain fewer allergens compared to spring ones, equipped with a single pocket system. The mattress itself, regardless of its type, should also be aired, rearranged so that it retains its original shape as long as possible, then it will serve at least until the child grows out of the cot, i.e. around 3 years.
