What baby item is more important than that of the crib or the mattress? Ideally they are of equal importance so the answer here is "both!" These two baby things which are responsible for the little one's sleep have to be carefully chosen. But as the baby lies directly on the mattress, for this reason, it is highly recommended that consumers who can't stretch their family budget to be able to purchase the best crib and mattress, should do well to consider a less expensive crib and purchase one of the better mattresses.

But choosing a baby cot mattress is not always easy, that is why you should know several important pieces of information whilst considering and choosing the one for your baby.

Size and Firmness

If you get a baby cot which comes with a mattress, make sure it is a snug and close fit. As to a mattress purchased separately you have to be especially careful. If you don't know exactly the size of the baby cot measure the baby crib with a tape measure to know exactly what size of the mattress is appropriate for the crib. Now, double check the size of the mattress against the size of your crib. If you think you have chosen the right one, make sure you arrange for you to be able to make an exchange in case the chosen mattress doesn't fit snugly next to the crib when you get home and fit it in. The mattress should fit fairly tight inside the crib so your baby is safe while he or she sleeps.

The second criterion is the firmness. Choose a baby crib mattress that is not only safe but comfy as well for your baby, you should remember that soft mattresses seem like a good choice for adults but a baby will need a more solid sleep surface giving him or her the support needed. Your baby's muscles are not fully developed yet and it is hard for him to lift his head up after it has sunk into a soft and fluffy surface. Moreover when your baby sleeps on a firm crib mattress he can move and roll about more freely and easily, making him or her more comfortable

How to choose a firm mattress? The answer is simple, it should be enough to push down on the mattress and see how much your hand sinks into the mattress. If you were good at physics you should know the more resistance, the firmer the mattress aspires to be.

Actually all baby mattresses can be divided into three following groups: foam, coils and fibre.

Foam crib mattresses are usually less expensive than coil mattresses, and are just as safe if they are of high density, because only dense foam mattresses can ensure adequate support to your baby. The second their advantage besides the price is that they are lighter and it is much easier to pick them up and change sheets. Nowadays the market offers in plenty types of foam mattresses with surface which can be easily cleaned and sanitized.

Speaking about coils mattresses it should be noted that generally, more coils means a firmer mattress. That also means that cot mattresses which are made with internal springs are going to give better support. They are usually made with one side having an easy to wipe surface and the other side a cloth material. Some types of crib mattresses can feature about 180 innerspring coils for firmness. They are more durable and create a comfortable resting spot for baby.

The great thing about natural fibre mattresses is that you can get ones that are hypoallergenic. Moreover they are self-ventilating and breathable, encouraging lots of air to circulate and allowing any moisture in the mattress to disperse.

Having this information about baby mattresses it is up to you to decide which one to choose for your baby to ensure him or her sleep safely and comfortably through the night.