Baby Mattresses

Choosing a baby mattress

The criteria for buying a baby mattress depend on the type of bed, the age and weight of the infant. For a bassinet or crib, choose a baby mattress measuring 72 x 33 cm. For a toddler bed, opt for a 60 x 120 or 70 x 140 cm mattress. Make sure the foam is hypoallergenic and that the mattress is between 12 and 15 cm thick. Like all baby care accessories, baby mattresses must comply with NF safety standards.

To ensure your baby sleeps well, it is important to choose the right mattress. To do this, there are several essential criteria to consider in order to provide the best possible sleeping environment. Let's take a look at them.

Selecting the perfect mattress

Your baby is fragile and deserves the very best. They still spend a lot of time in bed, which must therefore offer them maximum comfort, but also minimize the risk of allergies, not to mention providing optimal support.

To achieve this, there are a few things you need to pay attention to.

First, the bed must comply with the standards set out in Decree 2000-164. You will also need to pay attention to the dimensions. First of all, the mattress must be the same size as the bed base. There should be no gap between the two elements. Otherwise, your child could get stuck or hurt themselves. It is also essential that the mattress matches the dimensions of the bed frame. Professionals indicate that a mattress measuring 60 x 120 or 70 x 140 is the best choice.

For a young child (aged 0 to 5), there is no need to choose a thick mattress. A thickness of 8 to 12 cm is considered ideal. This will provide good support for your little one. 

Choosing the right material: a headache?

We are always a little afraid of making the wrong choice when it comes to the material of our child's mattress.

There are two types of materials to choose from: natural and synthetic. The first category includes wool, coconut fiber, and certified latex. The second category includes synthetic latex and polyurethane foam.

Polyurethane foam has the advantage of adapting well to your little one's body. It allows them to move effortlessly and provides proper support throughout the night. It is lightweight and can therefore be easily handled by parents when putting on sheets, for example. Finally, experts indicate that it plays a role in preventing flat head syndrome.

Latex is anti-mite and hypoallergenic (but check that your little one isn't allergic to latex!). It is a flexible mattress that follows your baby's movements well. Its strong point is that it regulates temperature, so your baby won't suffer from the heat.

Wool is thermoregulatory, anti-mite, and very soft. However, this small detail makes it an unsuitable material for young children. They will sink into the mattress and will not be able to move freely.

Finally, coconut fiber is ventilated (and therefore breathable), hypoallergenic, and anti-mite. It is a good choice as long as you pay attention to the quality of the product. You will have to pay a higher price to avoid the formation of dents, especially with latex-coconut mattresses. If you do not have the details of the composition, it is best to avoid it.

Any other criteria?

After the core of the mattress, you should also look at the composition of the mattress cover. This is in direct contact with your baby, so it is important to pay close attention to it.

It can be made of ticking, a very common material that offers many advantages: it is thermally self-regulating, breathable, strong, etc. This seems perfect for babies, but ticking is made from polyester. It is therefore better to avoid it for your baby's comfort and opt for models with covers made from specific materials, such as Tencel. Made from wood pulp, it absorbs moisture. It is very soft, comfortable, and refreshing. What's more, it neutralizes odors, which is a big advantage for your little angel.

There are also covers made from bamboo fibers, which offer the same advantages as Tencel, or from classic cotton.

Finally, the mattress cover is also very important. Choose a removable cover, which is more practical for cleaning. Opt for anti-allergenic materials (AllergoStop microfiber, for example). Your baby can now enjoy sweet dreams in a cozy nest!

The most prestigious brands of baby mattresses are on sale for the winter holidays at La Redoute, so take advantage of this offer before it ends!