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FULL OF KNOWLEDGE BLOG ONSEN® / About mattresses

Which mattress should you choose for an infant?

24 grudnia 2021
Baby mattress, mattresses online, mattress store
Contents
Types of Mattresses for Infants
Latex in an Infant's Mattress
Buckwheat Mattresses for Infants
Mattress Firmness for Infants
Choosing the right crib mattress is one of the first important decisions parents face. A properly selected mattress ensures full comfort and safety for the baby during sleep. It also influences healthy development of every individual. The firmness of the mattress directly affects the prevention of plagiocephaly, or flattening of the back of the head, which is a common occurrence in infants who spend many hours sleeping. Moreover, the appropriate mattress firmness is crucial for the proper development of the child's spine. Especially since pillows for infants can be dangerous, so the entire task must be performed by the mattress.

Indeed, a truly safe mattress for a baby should also meet rigorous hygiene standards. Therefore, the child's mattress must be made of materials that are easy to clean, as well as resistant to bacteria and fungi growth, which will help keep it clean. Equally important is the mattress ventilation, which prevents moisture buildup. A breathable mattress provides a fresh and healthy sleep environment, minimizing the risk of allergies and baby skin irritation.

The choice of mattress contributes to preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is one of the greatest concerns of parents of young children. Scientists indicate that firmer mattresses may reduce this risk by providing a safe and stable sleeping environment. Therefore, when choosing a mattress for a child, in addition to comfort and personal preferences, issues related to safety, hygiene, and proper spine support of each child should be crucial. This decision affects the peace of mind of parents and the healthy development of their child, so it is worth paying proper attention to it to choose a mattress that meets the needs of the little one.
Hypoallergenic mattresses, allergy mattress, allergen-free bedroom

Types of Mattresses for Infants

Choosing the right crib mattress involves understanding the differences between types of mattresses. Not every mattress offers properties that are positive for the comfort and health of the baby, so it's worth knowing the differences between them. Three popular types of mattresses for infants are foam, buckwheat, and latex mattresses, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

The healthiest option is, of course, foam mattresses, chosen for their availability and reasonable price. It's worth ensuring they are made of high-resilience foam, which has an open-cell structure. These provide good adaptation to the child's body shape, which is important for supporting the correct posture during sleep. However, it's important to make sure the foam is firm enough to prevent excessive sinking, which is crucial for the safety of infants.

Unfortunately, buckwheat mattresses remain popular, valued for their supposedly natural properties. They are filled with buckwheat hulls, which provide air circulation until they become compressed. This material has a porous structure, making it a good breeding ground for microorganisms. Often, when reading about worms in the mattress, it concerns buckwheat mattresses.

Latex mattresses offer good flexibility, but their durability is relatively low. This is because natural latex crumbles when exposed to drying. Although dust mites and bacteria don't like it, it's worth remembering that latex doesn't allow air circulation, so it can increase body temperature. Moreover, latex allergy is becoming increasingly common, and even in people without allergies, prolonged contact with latex protein can trigger it.
Mattresses for infants, foam mattress, safe foam for mattress

Latex in an Infant's Mattress

Latex, although valued by some for its initial elasticity, raises certain concerns, especially when it comes to its use in mattresses for infants. On one hand, latex is considered hypoallergenic due to its natural resistance to dust mites and bacteria, theoretically making it a good choice for allergy sufferers. However, it overlooks the significant risk of latex allergies due to proteins found in natural latex.

Latex allergies have been common for many years and can develop both through direct contact and through exposure to latex particles that may be present in the air. Symptoms of latex allergy may include rashes, itching, nasal congestion, and watery eyes, and in more severe cases, even breathing difficulties. Furthermore, there's a possibility that individuals who were not initially allergic to latex may develop an allergy over time.

Due to the growing awareness of latex allergies, there's a trend towards moving away from its use. Many hospitals have replaced latex gloves and other medical products with synthetic alternatives to reduce the risk of allergic reactions among patients and staff. This complete shift in approach is also reflected in mattress production.

Considering these concerns, parents choosing a mattress for their infant may consider alternatives to latex, such as mattresses made of certified foam without harmful substances. When opting for a latex mattress, it's important to be aware of its drawbacks.
Latex, although valued by some for its initial elasticity, raises certain concerns, especially when it comes to its use in mattresses for infants. On one hand, latex is considered hypoallergenic due to its natural resistance to dust mites and bacteria, theoretically making it a good choice for allergy sufferers. However, it overlooks the significant risk of latex allergies due to proteins found in natural latex.

Latex allergies have been common for many years and can develop both through direct contact and through exposure to latex particles that may be present in the air. Symptoms of latex allergy may include rashes, itching, nasal congestion, and watery eyes, and in more severe cases, even breathing difficulties. Furthermore, there's a possibility that individuals who were not initially allergic to latex may develop an allergy over time.

Due to the growing awareness of latex allergies, there's a trend towards moving away from its use. Many hospitals have replaced latex gloves and other medical products with synthetic alternatives to reduce the risk of allergic reactions among patients and staff. This complete shift in approach is also reflected in mattress production.

Considering these concerns, parents choosing a mattress for their infant may consider alternatives to latex, such as mattresses made of certified foam without harmful substances. When opting for a latex mattress, it's important to be aware of its drawbacks.
Child's mattress pad, latex mattresses, allergy mattress

Buckwheat Mattresses for Infants

In some circles, buckwheat mattresses are popular, seeming to be safe and natural. However, these can also pose certain difficulties, especially for infants. One of the main problems associated with buckwheat mattresses is the potential risk of worms and other pests, which like natural materials due to their porous structure.

It should be noted that buckwheat hulls used to fill mattresses are known to attract and provide a habitat for dust mites as well as other microorganisms. Buckwheat is an organic material, so it may also be more prone to decay or mold if not properly processed and protected. Such an environment can not only trigger allergies but also pose a threat to the child's respiratory system. Even the best methods of cleaning buckwheat hulls are not eternal and often involve the use of harmful chemicals.
Buckwheat mattresses may contain insects!
Additionally, most often buckwheat mattresses are initially quite firm, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. For children, significant firmness can support proper physical development by providing spine support. However, on the other hand, excessive firmness can be uncomfortable and unhealthy for infants. Moreover, over time, buckwheat husks settle and break, which negatively affects the mattress.

Parents considering purchasing a buckwheat mattress for their child should carefully examine the quality and origin of the product. Generally, these are not mattresses for infants recommended by specialists. However, they have good marketing, as they give the illusion of being completely natural, which is associated with sleep safety, which they do not necessarily provide.
Buckwheat mattress, buckwheat mattresses, bugs in mattress

Mattress Firmness for Infants

The proper firmness of a mattress for infants is a crucial factor that can significantly impact the safety and health of the child during sleep. It is recommended that mattresses for the youngest be relatively firm, aiming to prevent the risk of suffocation and support proper physical development of the child, including the spine and skeletal development.

At the same time, excessive softness of the mattress can lead to the baby sinking too deeply into it, which can not only impede breathing but also negatively affect the child's posture development. Your mattress should be firm enough for the baby to lie on it relatively flatly, without sinking their head or body into the material. Such a surface minimizes the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is particularly important in the first months of a child's life.

It is also worth noting that no pillows or plush toys should be added to the baby's crib. These increase the risk of overheating or suffocation of the child, as confirmed by many specialists. The mattress itself should be sufficiently comfortable and safe to provide the child with healthy sleep without additional accessories.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
Mattresses for children, mattress for a teenager, the best of mattresses

FAQ: Infant mattress

What is the healthiest mattress for a baby?

The healthiest choice for infants is foam mattresses, which are made of highly elastic foam with an open cell structure. They provide proper adaptation to the child's body shape, which is important for supporting correct posture during sleep.

What is the best mattress for a newborn?

For a newborn, firmer mattresses made of HR foam are recommended, as they minimize the risk of suffocation and support the proper physical development of the child, including the spine and skeletal system.

Does a newborn need a new mattress?

A newborn does not necessarily need a new mattress. It can be a used mattress, as long as its hygiene allows for further use. This mainly applies to mattresses made of high resilience foam with an open cell structure. For mattresses with natural fillings, it is recommended to purchase a new mattress to avoid hygiene and safety issues.

Should a baby sleep on a firm mattress?

Yes, babies should sleep on relatively firm mattresses. This ensures safety, proper spine support, and minimizes the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It's also worth noting that newborns do not yet have developed spinal curves, so a mattress that is too soft could lead to improper development.

What to put on a baby's mattress?

No additional accessories such as pillows or plush toys should be placed on a baby's mattress, as these can increase the risk of overheating or suffocation. It is best for only the baby to be on the mattress, dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.

Contents
Types of Mattresses for Infants
Latex in an Infant's Mattress
Buckwheat Mattresses for Infants
Mattress Firmness for Infants
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