Many parents often wonder how often they should replace a crib mattress. Some even want to know if they can use the same crib mattress for their second baby.
Usually, a crib mattress will last anywhere from 3 to 5 years but there are many factors that come into play. Let’s take a look at all of these.
Mattress Material
The crib mattress material is important for your baby’s comfort and safety but it also plays an important role in the overall durability of the mattress.
Innerspring crib mattresses are more of your traditional mattress that many adults have. These mattresses are firmer to the feel and they will last longer than memory foam or gel memory mattresses. One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes springs can start to come through the top of the mattress as the mattress material gets old. This is one thing you should keep an eye out for.
Memory foam is made to mold to a person’s body and they do not last as long. Many experts advise against getting a crib mattress made out of memory foam as it could lead to suffocation.
Related: Best Crib Mattresses For 2022 - Keeping Your Child Comfortable and Safe
Waterproofing
We all know that babies will make a mess and that can leave stains on your crib mattress. Accidents will happen so you want to be prepared as possible. Look for a mattress that is waterproof or one that has a waterproof cover. This will extend the life of the mattress and will also be healthier and safer for your baby.
Maintenance
As we stated above, babies will make a mess from time to time so even if you have a waterproof crib mattress or a waterproof cover, make sure that you clean it as often as possible. It is best to find a cover that is machine washable to get the best clean possible. Some mattresses also can be clean with just warm water and soap.
This will extend the life of the mattress by months or even years.
Storage
Babies grow up fast and there will come a time when they no longer need a crib mattress. A lot of parents ask if they can store the crib mattress away and then use it for a second baby.
This is definitely possible but you want to make sure that you store the mattress in a dry environment. Moisture can lead to bacteria and even mold on the mattress and that will degrade the material really quickly.
It is also good to seal the mattress in plastic to make sure that it is well protected even if it is stored in a dry environment.
If you need help in choosing the best crib mattress for your baby, please check out our best crib mattresses which will keep your child comfortable and safe.