Crib Mattress Sizes and Finding the Right Mattress for Your Baby

Finding a good crib mattress is a concern for many parents, especially if they are first-time parents unsure of which option would be best for their baby. To begin with, it is important to realize that it is not too difficult to find a reasonably good mattress for your crib. There are a wide range of different materials that you can choose from and a lot of price variation as well. Whether you have a tight budget or are able to invest a little more money you should be able to find a mattress that suits your baby fairly easily.

What sizes are crib mattresses sold in?

Most crib mattresses sold within the US come with a standard size that fits the specifications of most cribs as well. However, even though most crib mattresses are designed with a specific size, some cribs are not. What this usually means is that there will be a finger or two of extra room between the mattress and the crib bars or the mattress will simply not fit inside the crib. To avoid this problem, you can simply take the time to measure your existing crib and have the numbers available when you go shopping for a new crib mattress. This will allow you to effectively compare the measurements of your crib against those of the crib mattresses you are considering for purchase.

What is the standard crib mattress size?

The standard crib mattress size that most crib mattresses are available in is 51 and 5/8" long and 27 and 1/4" wide. As far as thickness goes, a typical crib mattress will be between 4 and 6 inches thick. If it is a mattress pad, it might be thinner, but most mattresses will not be over 6 inches thick. Keep this number in mind when searching for a new crib or crib mattress. If you buy a crib with these dimensions, it will always be easy for you to find a crib mattress that fits perfectly.

What else should I know about crib mattresses?

Finding the right crib mattress won't be too hard if you know what there is out there. Within the range of materials available to choose from can be found latex mattresses, memory foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses, air beds and water beds. All of these mattresses will be sized down to fit the dimensions of a standard sized crib. As far as choosing one specific type of mattress goes, you might want to spend some time researching the different types. This will help you to understand the pros and cons of each material. Also, aside from the size of the mattress, you should also look into properties such as its overall firmness. Crib mattresses that are firmer are more appropriate for babies and very young children, so innerspring over low density foam might be a good choice. In any case, spend some time reviewing different mattress models and you will soon be able to make a good decision.