According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a crib mattress needs to be firm enough that it doesn't conform to the shape of your baby's head. More specifically, the mattress should be between an eight and a 10 on the mattress firmness scale.
Are baby mattresses supposed to be hard?
You'll want to make sure the mattress fits properly in the crib you've selected without gaps that could pose a danger to your baby. And the mattress should be firm. A soft one can conform to the shape of your baby's head or face, increasing the risk of suffocation or even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Do babies sleep better on firm mattress?
During sleeping periods, an infant needs a firm, flat, even surface to maximize his or her development. This is particularly important when the infant becomes more active in the crib. They need the firm surface to provide the resistance as they begin to push up, turn and eventually stand in the crib.
What type of mattress is best for infants?
Firm: Firm mattresses, like those with an innerspring design, are best for babies because they prevent the risk of SIDS and keep small children safe and supported.
Why should babies sleep on firm mattresses?
A crib mattress needs to be firm because infants lack motor control in their early stages of development and may sink into a too-soft mattress and suffocate. To test a crib mattress to determine whether it's firm enough, press on the mattress in the center and at the edges.
Do babies sleep better on soft mattresses?
Don't place a baby to sleep alone in an adult bed. Don't place a baby on a soft surface to sleep, such as a soft mattress, sofa, or waterbed. Make sure your bed's mattress is firm.
How long do babies need to sleep on firm mattress?
Experts recommend a 'firm' sleep surface for babies aged 0–12 months, even babies that are positioned face up (as they should be).
How do I know if my baby's mattress is too soft?
Observe whether the overhang of the lower milk carton comes into any contact at all with the sleep surface. If it does, the sleep surface is too soft to be safe.