Sleeping is a state of relaxation. Many of us look forward to this time because it allows us to take a break from the daylight hustle. But this might not be a worry-free time for parents with babies and young children. That’s because a baby’s life is delicate. Even in their sleep, minor to major accidents can happen.
This is why all the things surrounding them and how they’re used should be well-thought-out to ensure safety and convenience. The smallest mistake can impact the quality of their lives during their early years (or worse, permanently). So learn to invest in baby bedding with child-friendly and durable properties.
You can make one of these investments a crib mattress. The best way to ensure that your child has a safe and comfortable sleep is by making sure you have the best crib mattress possible. That means quality bedding from day one: purchasing high-quality sheets, pillows, safety rails, and a great crib mattress.
However, it doesn’t end there! You also need to take care of the regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure the mattress lasts for years to come. Learn more about proper cleaning and maintenance of your little one’s crib mattress below.
The Squeaky Clean Guide to Crib Mattress Maintenance: Keep a Long-Term Investment and Ensure Your Baby’s Safety
Hygiene and quality go hand-in-hand when it comes to baby bedding. You need a durable, kid-friendly mattress that doesn’t wear out easily. These factors will help keep the baby safe and comfortable, whether they’re asleep or awake, as long as they set foot in the crib.
Here’s our guide to crib mattress cleaning and maintenance to ensure you can have the best crib mattress for your toddler’s bed.
Mattress Choice: Get Something New for the Newborn
Your newborn or toddler will spend a lot of time sleeping during their early years, so it’s best to get them used to a good environment from the start. Hence, we highly recommend getting a brand new mattress rather than a second-hand product. It’s generally safer, more durable, and easier to clean.
Here are three other quality checks for picking a toddler’s bed mattress:
- Size: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has set guidelines regarding crib mattress sizes, which makes the selection easier. CPSC advises you to get a mattress of at least 27 1/4 × 51 1/4 inches with a thickness that doesn’t exceed 6 inches. Note that the mattress should be slightly smaller than these dimensions (not more than an inch of gap to the crib) to fit well.
- Type: There are two main types of baby crib mattresses: innerspring and foam. Foam mattresses are lighter, conform faster to the body, cost less, and are the best soft crib mattresses for toddlers. Meanwhile, innerspring mattresses are a bit heavier, firmer, more durable, and also popular among adults. Cleaning methods might differ depending on this factor.
- Safety Standards and Certifications: In all likelihood, safety is the top priority when choosing baby bedding. Ensure that the crib mattress meets the (1) Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, (2) Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and (3) GREENGUARD Certification. These are quality testing programs and safety standards set by the CSPC and ASTM.
Naturally, there could be more buying factors that you would like to consider aside from these (e.g., material, ventilation, pricing, or brand). But be sure to always include the three factors we mentioned above.
Key Feature: Waterproof Cover
Unfortunately, not all crib mattresses are waterproof, making it harder for you to clean. If the bacteria stays, it won’t be safe for the baby to sleep on. Luckily, you can get waterproof covers to make cleaning easier and the baby mattress safer.
Once you get your mattress, consider investing in a breathable or eco-friendly waterproof crib mattress cover. Ensure that it fits well and reaches under the crib sheet. Otherwise, it can become an injury or suffocation hazard to the baby. Also, with a good water-resistant cover, you’ll no longer fear those random, messy spills and leaks!
Cleaning Tools
Now that you’ve got a good crib mattress, it’s time to learn how to clean it well. To start with, here are some basic materials you will need.
- Basin or bucket
- Microfiber washcloths
- Gentle scrubbing brushes
- Baking soda
- Vacuum cleaner
- Laundry detergent (hypoallergenic)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Spray bottle
- Disposable gloves
- White vinegar
General Step-by-Step Cleaning
The cleaning process may differ depending on the type of mattress you choose. However, there are general steps you can follow.
- Begin with vacuuming. This will help get rid of dirt and dust, especially those that rest in the mattress’s narrow corners and edges. Ensure this is thoroughly done to prevent triggering allergic reactions and other related conditions in your little one.
- Next is to start scrubbing the mattress using laundry detergent and a bucket of warm water. Use gentle scrubbers and washcloths to clean the mattress thoroughly.
- After scrubbing, it’s time to rinse the mattress. Use a clean washcloth and refill the bucket with warm water to get rid of the detergent. Ensure that there are no leftovers, as they can cause skin irritations.
- Flip the mattress over and repeat the first three procedures. Once you’re done, take it out into the air and sun for drying. It is best to take one last check at the mattress before putting the cover back to ensure no spots are missed.
Removing Stains
Removing stubborn mattress stains can be a pain. To deal with them, pour an equal mix of water and white vinegar into the spray bottle and apply directly on the stains. You may also use baking soda, scatter it across the mattress, and vacuum it after 20 minutes. This will also help remove unwanted odors.
Washing Other Crib Bedding
Of course, the cleaning doesn’t end with the mattress alone. Make a habit of washing other crib bedding at least once a week. Use the same washing tools (bleach-free laundry detergent or hypoallergenic powder) to clean them.
How Often Should You Clean Crib Mattresses and Change Covers?
There’s no fixed rule on how often you should clean the mattress and change its cover. However, it is best to consider how often the baby uses their bed. If you think about it, the safest standard would be at least once a week to keep the bedding germ-free. It’s the same rule for the covers.
Provide a Safe, Clean, and Comfortable Sleeping Space for Your Little One With Ashtonbee’s Baby Bedding Essentials!
We hope this guide helps you find the best crib mattress for a toddler and ensure that you can use it for a long time. It’s great to start with a high-quality mattress, but maintenance takes good care of your investment in the long run.
Ashtonbee’s list of baby bedding essentials can help provide a safe and easy-to-clean sleeping space.
- Portable Bed Rail – A lightweight inflatable bed bumper to keep your child from falling off the bed.
- Star Baby Head Pillow – A double-sided pillow designed to support your baby’s head and provide them with a good sleeping time.
- Newborn Baby Pillow – A portable head support pillow for infants.
Moreover, these products are reliable sleeping tools when you have your little one on board. Ensure their safety no matter where or how they sleep with Ashtonbee!
