As a new parent, there are many things you have to purchase and a crib is probably one of them. And you're surely wondering what size is a crib mattress.
Choosing the correct crib mattress size is important, for both your baby’s comfort and its safety. Our comprehensive guide will help you to understand the corresponding crib mattress sizes. From there, you can make an informed decision for your little one.
Types of Cribs
There are two main types of crib sizes, and these are their dimensions:
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Standard crib - 28” x 51”
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Mini crib - 24” x 38”
Standard cribs: it is the most popular crib size. They are significantly bigger than mini cribs and the main advantage is that your children will get to use this kind of bed as they grow up. Many standard cribs can be used as toddler beds, so you won’t need to get a new one for a long time.
Mini cribs: you probably already guessed by their name that they have a small build. You might want to consider a mini crib to save a little space. If your nursery space is small, this may be a good option. Is a mini crib large enough? This depends entirely on your needs. The mini crib is mainly used for:
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Small nurseries
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If you’re on a budget
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If there’s other furniture in the room
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Adding an extra crib in another room
While standard and mini cribs are usually rectangular, some crib frames come in different shapes like ovals or circles. These are called shaped cribs, and they usually have adjacent mattresses to match. They’re perfect for adding a touch of uniqueness to your nursery.
Choosing the Right Crib Mattress Dimensions
Once you’ve bought a crib for your little one, the next step is to find the right mattress size.
A standard crib mattress comes in at 28 inches x 51 inches, while the mini crib mattresses measure 24 inches x 38 inches. For shaped cribs, they should be exactly adjacent to the shape of the bed.
Crib mattress dimensions are usually controlled by government regulations. As a safety measure, you’ll need to ensure the crib mattress is no more than 6 inches (15 cm) thick to prevent suffocation.
Keep in mind that when fitting, the mattress should fit snugly in the sleep environment and there should be no gaps. A large gap poses a safety risk for your baby.
Additional Tips for Choosing a Crib Mattress
Besides dimensions, there are a few other important factors to keep in mind when getting a crib mattress:
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Firmness: When it comes to your infant, the firmer the better. An older child may appreciate softer mattresses, but when it comes to the young ones, it’s a safety risk. Firm doesn’t mean hard. We wouldn’t want the little one to be uncomfortable. To know if your mattress is firm, just lean your hand on the mattress and see if it springs back up. If it does, it’s a firm mattress.
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Breathability: You can get the most out of a breathable crib mattress. A breathable crib mattress means that your baby can breathe right through. It’s completely comfortable, with no risk of suffocation. They have free airflow which allows your baby to turn around in bed and breathe normally through the night.
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Easily washable: also look for a mattress that is sold with a washable mattress cover. This is an essential to better manage "diaper overflow" situations. For example, the Polysleep Crib Mattress comes with a washable, durable cover that is excellent protection against minor accidents.
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Equipped with this information you can now envision which crib size is likely to be best suited to your child.
Want to learn more about the possible mattress sizes? Take a look at our comprehensive Mattress Dimensions Guide.
