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A diaper bag lets you keep all your baby essentials in one place when you you're out and about so that you don't have to go into a frenzy when baby is hungry, or if there is a diaper accident. To name a few, you will certainly need to pack a baby … [Read More...]
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The crib is where your baby will spend most of his time in (more than 16 hours a day!), so it is vital that you choose a safe and comfortable crib mattress. Often than not, parents are clueless when it comes to choosing a crib mattress for their newborn – what are the things to look out for especially when all that you see in the market claim to be the very best? What’s the best cot mattress to buy?
You will be surprised at just how many different types of crib mattresses are available in the market and that not all are safe. In fact, you will be shocked by the statistics found of how SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is linked to crib mattresses. This will be reviewed more in depth in the latter part of this guide as well as other information that you should know about the crib mattress but for now, let’s look at the top 5 best baby crib mattresses that are not just popular but are also rated top as the safest and most comfortable baby crib mattresses.
Amongst all Colgate’s (no, nothing related to the toothpaste) crib mattresses, the Eco Classica III is their best selling crib mattress and it is not hard to see why. In fact, we think it is the best crib mattress out there and that is saying something, given that all other crib mattresses featured in this review are amazing products of exceptional high quality.
First of all, the Eco Classica III is a dual-sided mattress where the firmer side is for the infant stage (click here to see why your baby should sleep on a firm surface) while the other side is for toddler when s/he outgrows the crib. Despite being 6 inches thick, you will have no trouble flipping the sides around as it weighs 9.4 pounds only. This is not bad at all, especially for a dual-use mattress. And you do not have to worry about its size as it is of the standard size regulated by the CPSIA that fits all standard size cribs and toddler beds.
Material wise, you can have 100% peace of mind as Colgate uses only CertiPUR certified safe organic cotton cover closest to baby’s skin in its mattresses. Plant oils instead of petroleum based oils is used to ensure this is one eco-friendly crib mattress. It also has waterproof backing to make sure no water goes into the mattress.
It has also passed the toughest GREENGUARD standard of no harmful emissions and is constructed with more than 10,000 volatile organic compounds so you won't find any strange smell with this crib mattresses. Because of this, it is also safe to regard the Eco Classica III to be the best non-toxic baby crib mattress in the market.
There really isn’t much that we can fault this baby crib mattress and at just this price, it is not hard to see why the Colgate Eco Classica III is the best colgate crib mattress, and overall the best 2-in-1 crib mattress around. Oh, and it is fully manufactured in USA, which is certainly a plus point!
This is also one of the best 2 in 1 crib mattress that comes close to the Colgate Eco Classica III. In fact, we would say the Little Dreamer is equivalent in terms of excellency in all aspects to that of the Eco Classica III. The reason we rate it second is because of its price, which while justifiable, is slightly more expensive than the Eco Classica III which has similar features.
If you are one that thinks that the Eco Classica III is a tad too firm (it is by far the firmest mattress we have tested after all), then the Little Dreamer is the best baby mattress for you. While it is softer than the Eco Classica III, it still incorporates extra firm high density foam on the infant side and firm high density foam on the toddler side to ensure it is safe for your child’s health and development.
Moonlight Slumber takes the extra step of producing a
- Vinyl FREE
-Polyethylene FREE
- PVC FREE
- Phthalates FREE and
-Lead FREE
baby crib mattress in the Little Dreamer and high quality medical grade foam is CertiPUR certified, meaning it is free of toxic chemicals. It is also treated with ultra fresh for antimicrobial protection so that it is hypoallergenic and waterproof which you can easily clean with a damp sponge.
All in all, the Little Dreamer is another top rated baby crib mattress that is fully manufactured in the US and bears the Greenguard Gold Certification. It is an excellent baby crib mattress that many parents love and do not mind shelling out the extra dollars for.
If you are looking for the best memory foam crib mattress, look no further. My First Premium Memory Foam Hypoallergenic Baby Crib Mattress is made from CeriPUR-US certified foam that provides extra firm high-density support yet is still very comfortable for infants. Do not be alarmed if you feel that it is firmer than what you would have expected from a memory foam product because this is all within its design.
This mattress has a removable velour cover that is soft to baby’s tender skin you will definitely love it! The cover is machine washable and waterproof which help to prevent nasty mold and bacterial growth. Phthalates and lead free, you will be pleased to know that it is also hypoallergenic, mite-proof and anti-microbial. It also meets and exceeds federal flammability and CPSC standards, so this is one baby crib mattress that you can have peace of mind in letting your baby sleep on for long hours.
If you experience mild scents when you first open up the mattress (which is machine rolled and compressed and may take up to 72 hours to regain its full shape), don’t worry, this is expected of memory foam mattresses. Such “odor” is by no means harmful or unhealthy. Simply air it out and the smell will dissipate quickly.
My First Premium Memory Foam Hypoallergenic crib mattress is produced by Kittrich Bedding which is renowned for having all their foam products underwent and satisfied independent tests for safety purposes. If that is not enough, it also comes with a 10 year limited warranty so you can be assured that this is one of the best mattress for your baby crib.
Our best budget crib mattress is the Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams. At an incredible deal, you get a high-density thermos-bonded core mattress that has firm support for your baby. Despite its high density, it is still lightweight which makes it easy for you to manoeuver and flip.
The Safety 1st Heavely Dreams is a durable mattress that can last long throughout your child’s development as it is made from foam which enables it to retain its shape well even after years of usage. This makes it an ideal choice for convertible crib-to-toddler beds as measuring at 52.5 x 27.5 x 5.5 inches, it fits most standard cribs and toddler beds.
It comes with a vinyl cover that is waterproof, meaning any spills can be wiped clean easily so this is one mattress that is resistant to stains and subsequently smells. If you wish to wash it thoroughly, the zip allows you to do so.
As with all other mattresses that we've reviewed to determine if it fits to be a top rated baby crib mattress, we look at whether one is hypoallergenic. We are pleased to find that the Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams is hypoallergenic and is free of phthalates and lead.
Further, it meets the standard for low-chemical emissions, thus earning itself a Greenguard Gold certification. It also meets federal flammability standard 16 CFR 1633 without the use of potentially harmful chemicals. With all these standard safety measures met, you can rest assured that your child is tucked in safe and comfortable in this foam crib mattress.
However, if you are keen to avoid polyurethane foam, then this may not be the best baby crib mattress for you as the foam that it uses is the typical polyurethane foams. By all means, this does not make it a bad mattress, in fact, it is one of the best inexpensive crib mattress you can find in the market compare to others at a similar price point. Nonetheless, if you have a bigger budget, you may want to consider other brands on our list of baby mattress reviews.
Voted as the best Sealy crib mattress amongst all other Sealy's crib mattresses, the Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Infant/Toddler Crib Mattress is another top baby mattress that we love for its many amazing features.
The extra firm yet lightweight foam is made with soybean oils provided by American farmers. Such soy-based foam-core offers improved durability over traditional foams and the use of renewable resources results in the use of less crude oils. As a result, this mattress also has higher breathability and is one of the best breathable baby mattress in the market. Not to mention that is so lightweight, it makes changing bedding a breeze - you can even do it with one hand!
This baby crib mattress is also loved for its pearl embossed waterproof and stain-resistant cover which makes it an easy-clean product. We are also super impressed with the thoughtfulness put into the lock-stitched binding design as this prevents any leaks from seeping inside the mattress. The is often overlooked by many so this is a very useful tip to look out for when you are choosing your baby crib mattress. Also, the square corner design ensures a snug fit in standard cribs.
Like all top crib mattresses, the Sealy Soybean Foam Core is Greenguard Gold Certified (meaning low chemical emissions for a healthier sleeping environment for your baby) and uses CertiPUR-US approved foam for durability and air quality. Other chemical-free standards such as phthalates, lead, mercury, formaldehyde, PBDES, TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants are also met which otherwise would be a concern in non-certified foams.
However, some parents have reported that they found this mattress cracked and spoilt after a year's of use while others said that it sinks slightly after some time. This is something to take note of, regardless, this 100% US-made crib mattress is backed with a lifetime warranty on all workmanship and materials so there is not much to worry about. Also, do note that many other parents do not find such a problem at all and say that it lasts through its recommended 0-5 years of use.
For a dual-use baby crib mattress with features like that of the Sealy Soybean Foam Core, its price is reasonably affordable and is not as expensive as the Colgate Eco Classic III or the Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer. And with all the awards under its belt (winner of the Women's Choice Award for America's Most Recommended Mattress & Bedding for 4 consecutive years), you can be sure the Sealy Soybean Foam Core is one top baby crib mattress.
For parents who want it 100% natural without any chemicals, an organic baby crib mattress is the way to go. Do note that there are manufacturers who deliberately mislead consumers with the word "organic", and that not all "organic baby crib mattress" are safe, so it is important that you make an informed decision before purchasing one.
Fortunately, we have done the job for you by eliminating inferior products and have came up with the best organic baby crib mattress in the market for you.
Amongst all that are available in the market, the Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless Dual Firmness Crib Mattress is the best organic crib mattress in our opinion.
Both the inside and outside of this crib mattress is made of 100% organic material with the outside being made of polyethylene waterproof surface that meets food standards. Not only is a waterproof surface easy to clean, it also means that there is an impenetrable barrier to dust mites and is therefore hypoallergenic.
With a 100% organic crib mattress like the No Compromise, you can be sure that this crib mattress is free from all toxic chemicals (that means no latex, coir, wool or other potential high allergy materials). It also exceeds all federal and state flammability standards without the use of potentially harmful fire retardant chemicals.
This is by far the healthiest organic baby crib mattress available and with dual firmness, it can be used from infant till toddler stage. The only downside is that it is also one of the most expensive baby crib mattress so that may be a deterrent to some. However, if this fits within your budget, we would highly recommend getting this Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton Classic Crib Mattress as it is truly 100% organic, excellent and trustworthy and safe to use.
A crib mattress basically means a mini mattress designed to fit snuggly inside your baby crib.
Yes, you should definitely get a baby crib mattress, mainly for safety reasons. Crib mattresses have a standard size to follow which means most will fit well in baby cribs. If you use other mattresses, you may have to either fold it to fit inside your crib which in turn increase the risk of suffocation (if baby’s head is caught between the folds) or risk baby’s head falling into gaps if the mattress is too small. Either way, this is a serious safety hazard for babies.
Do you also know that a soft sleeping surface can be a suffocation hazard and raise the risk of SIDS? Soft mattresses can conform to the shape of your baby’s head or face and this increases the risk of suffocation. This is precisely why you should buy a mattress specifically designed for infant/crib as mattresses designed for older children and adults may not be firm enough.
Material
There are two general types of crib mattresses – foam and innerspring. One is not necessarily better than the others, rather, it is more about choosing a top quality one in whichever type you decide to go for. At a glance, here are the differences between the two:
- Less Expensive
- Lighter in general
Because of these two factors, foam mattresses are generally more well-received from parents.
However, do note that there are still low-cost foam mattresses that use cheap packing foam so you should stay away from those as they will deteriorate over time.
Our tip? The heavier a mattress is, the more dense and firm it is. Press it down to see how far it goes. A good foam mattress shouldn't let you press too much into it. Nonetheless, weight is also important as you will need to change the sheet often so strike a good balance between the two.
- More expensive
- Heavier
Innerspring mattresses are generally the same type as that you are using yourself.
For baby crib mattress, choose one with around 135-150 coils and a gauge of 15.5 or lower. Remember, it is not the case that the more coils there is, the better.
Another thing you should look for is to see if it comes with border rods. These are rods that surround the perimeter of the mattress, both on the top and bottom to prevent sagging when babies go near the edge.
As mentioned above, a high quality foam mattress is as good as a top quality innerspring mattress so there is no reason of choosing one over the other. Our top rated mattress - the Colgate Eco Classica III - is a foam mattress and we think it serves its purpose well without having to spend too much on it. And there is always the organic mattress to go to if you wish to go 100% natural.
Firmness
As the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development recommends:
“Use a firm and flat sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib.”
The firmer, the better is the philosophy we believe in when it comes to choosing the best crib mattress for baby. Even if it may feel a tad too stiff for you, a firm crib mattress is the best for your infant because not only will it make bedtime more comfortable, it also supports an infant’s growing bones and keeps him safe while sleeping.
Weight
The best baby bed mattress should be dense so that it provides adequate firmness for baby but still be light enough for parents to manoeuvre and flip around. All mattresses recommended in our baby crib mattress reviews above are of a good weight that does not compromise quality.
Size
A crib mattress needs to fit comfortably in the crib. A good rule of thumb is to check if you can fit two fingers of space between the side of the mattress and the crib frame. If there’s more space than that, it means that your mattress is too small which automatically raises the risk of suffocation and entrapment hazard.
Another easy way to ensure a good fit is to check in the store whether the labelled size adheres to the standard legal size regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), which should be at least 27 1/4 x 51 5/8 inches and no more than 6 inches thick.
Waterproof & machine washable cover
Trust us, you will certainly want to find a crib mattress that is waterproof and easy to clean as you cannot avoid accidental leaks and spills from your baby onto the mattress. A waterproof mattress will ensure these irritants do not seep into the mattress thus preventing bacteria and other nasty stuffs from manifesting your baby's sleeping environment.
Hypoallergenic and Flammability
A simple, fool-proof tip to ensure you get a safe, non-toxic and chemical free baby crib mattress is to see if it there is the CertiPUR-US foam label as well as Greenguard Gold certification on the packaging. If there are, it is less likely you will go wrong and get an inferior product. All reviewed crib mattresses we recommended above bear these two certification.
Cost
Consider how much you are willing to spend on a crib mattress and this will help ease your choosing process. There are top rated baby mattresses of different price points listed in our crib mattress review above so you can definitely find something that suits your budget.
ALWAYS, and we cannot stress enough, ALWAYS buy a new baby crib mattress. NEVER buy used or accept hand-me-down mattress, or any other baby products in fact.
There have been studies that found the use of old crib mattresses links to an increased risk of SIDS - this report published by the British Medical Journal shows that there is valid statistical association between the two. Apart from this, we also do not recommend using an old mattress for the following reasons:
It is simply not worth it to put your baby through the risks of using an old hand-me-down mattress from someone else. If you have otherwise a well maintained, well-cleaned crib mattress from your firstborn which you now wish to use for your second child, you can certainly do so - at least you know it has been on good hands and is well preserved.
Now that you know which baby crib mattress to buy, the next item to choose (if not already) is the baby crib! Click here to read our in-depth guide on baby cribs as well as our recommendation of the Top Best Baby Cribs in the market!
Any parent will agree that a baby bottle warmer is an indispensable baby item in their household. In fact, it is one of the three “treasures” that you should have when it comes to baby’s food – baby food maker, baby bottle warmer and baby bottle sterilizer.
A baby food warmer makes parents’ life so much easier as you can pre-prepare baby’s food beforehand while they are playing or asleep and heat it up in an instant once they wake up or become hungry. This includes heating up frozen breastmilk! We all know how hectic it can get when baby cries for food, so anything that can minimize that duration is definitely welcomed!
Check out our bottle warmer review below to find out what is the best bottle warmer for you!
This is most raved by parents who found it to be a much better, improved version of the old Dr Brown’s Bottle Warmer, which is also a great baby bottle warmer, but the deluxe version eliminates the leaking problem which many parents experience with their old model.
In a similar sleek, compact design, the Dr Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Warmer uses steam heat to warm baby bottles and food jars. With the Deluxe, you can warm several bottles before having to refill the water chamber. The adjustable basket also fits bottles of different sizes and brands, both standard and wide necks.
You can adjust the settings on the LCD control panel and all it takes is just one push of a button to start the warming session. Once heating is done, you will be alerted by an alarm sound and even if you don’t the Dr Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Warmer will automatically shut down after being idle for 10 minutes. It’s always good to know that there’s one thing to worry about!
You do have to wash this warmer regularly (at least once a week) because mould does grow, and rather quickly in fact, if otherwise. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a baby bottle warmer that warms up glass bottles, then the Dr Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Warmer is the best baby bottle warmer for glass bottles as Dr Brown has its own glass bottles range as well (which is rated as one of the best glass baby bottles) and this bottle warmer is designed to cater for that as well.
If you are a breastfeeding mother, we would recommend getting the Baby Brezza Safe & Smart Baby Bottle Warmer as it comes with 2 heating mode – Steady mode and Quick mode.
Steady Mode – uses warm water bath to gently heat breastmilk to body temperature, preserving essential nutrients. And it doesn’t take long, just minutes!
Quick Mode – if you are in a rush, use the quick mode and it will use steam heat to quickly warm up bottles to body temperature. Works best with formula and baby food jars!
Yes, other baby bottle warmer can heat up breastmilk as well, but the Baby Brezza makes it so much easier because unless you know the best setting for heating up breastmilk, you may find your breastmilk losing its nutrients if it’s too warm or heated up too fast. With the Baby Brezza, you do not have to worry about this. What’s even better is that it also comes with a Defrost setting, allowing you to safely defrost frozen breastmilk or baby food! With functions like these, it is no wonder the Baby Brezza is regarded by many parents to be the best bottle warmer for breast milk.
The Baby Brezza Safe & Smart Baby Bottle Warmer further convenient parents with their inbuilt technology which allow you to connect to your bottle warmer with your phone using their app. You can control your settings from your phone and it will even alert you once heating cycle is complete.
There is not much complaint about the Baby Brezza Safe & Smart Baby Bottle Warmer and understandably so because it is truly a wonderful product. Just remember to fill in water in accordance to the height of formula/breastmilk as some parents observed that it may not warm bottle up properly if there is too much water.
Indeed, this may be the best breast milk baby bottle warmer for parents who primarily breastfeed to have peace of mind that the valuable nutrients in their breastmilk will not be lost throughout the heating process.
The First Years Quick Serve Bottle Warmer is one of the top rated bottle warmer and it is not hard to see why. It is perhaps also the most affordable bottle warmer in the market without compromising any heating function that other more expensive models have.
Sleek and compact, it does not take up much counterspace and works well with most wide, narrow, angled and even disposable bottles. You can warm bottles of formula and breastmilk by simply adding water into the chamber using the included measuring vial for accurate water measurement and press a button to start heating.
A basket insert is provided as well to warm food jars in just minutes. Parents also use the basket to sterilize pacifiers as the basket also comes with a lid. The automatic shut-off function means there is one less thing to worry about once heating is done for added safety.
One of the downside of this bottle warmer is that it does not have an on/off switch. This means you will have to plug and unplug it each time after using it and this can be quite a hassle. Also, some has noticed that little pieces of heating element may start flaking after some use, though this does not happen to many.
If you do not want to spend too much on a bottle warmer but still want all functions a bottle warmer should have, then the First Years Quick Serve Bottle Warmer is the best baby milk warmer for you. It did not become a best seller for no reason!
Another affordable and efficient bottle warmer that is comparable to The First Years, Boon’s Orb Bottle Warmer has everything that you need for a bottle warmer and at a fraction of what you usually pay for most other brands. And just how adorable the design is? Standing on its own, you may not be able to even tell what is it – it can even be a decorative item – and its small and compact design will not take up much of your counter space. In fact, because it is so small, it is also the best travel bottle warmer to bring along your overseas trips.
One of its biggest selling points is that the Orb steam heats bottles and baby food jars without hotspots. Water is refilled at the back of the chamber and a graduated tube for measuring water to be steamed is included for your convenience. Also, do not be fooled by its size – the Orb is so versatile that it can fit baby bottles of most brands and sizes, be it regular, angled, wide neck, disposable or even silicone bottles.
The Orb also comes with a basket for baby food jars, and breastfeeding mothers will be delighted to know that it can also warm frozen breast milk storage bags. Once warming is done, the Boon Orb will automatically switch off with its integrated auto-off function to give you peace of mind. What’s also reassuring is that it is BPA, phthalate and PVC free.
One of the downside of the Orb is that it takes 3 minutes to warm up a bottle, which some parents find long. Also, many parents find that the instruction manual that comes with it does not provide clear directions.
Nonetheless, the Boon Orb Bottle Warmer is unbeatable with its price point and is the best portable bottle warmer because it is so small and light. For those that do not want to spend too much on a bottle warmer, the Boon Orb is the best baby bottle warmer choice for you.
The Philips AVENT Premium Bottle Warmer is designed to gently and evenly heat up bottles with one aim in mind – to preserve the vitamins and nutrients of milk. This is done so by using flowing warm water bath to gently thaw and warm breast milk. If you are after a water warmer for baby bottles, this is the best baby bottle warmer for you.
Integrated sensors track and control milk temperature so as to prevent overheating which is one key factor in killing off milk nutrients. As heat circulates the milk or formula during warming, it won’t cause hot spots. On top of that, you get to choose from three warming settings to choose the right temperature for your baby.
Besides warming, you can also use this warmer to safely thaw frozen breast milk or baby food. You will know when it is ready by looking at an indicator light on the warmer. It fits all Philips AVENT bottles, cups and baby food storage cups, so if you are using any Philips AVENT bottles or has a Philips AVENT 4-in-1 Electric Steam Steriliser (see our review post here), we recommend you getting this Premium Bottle Warmer as well to complete the set as all three products work perfectly well together. If you are using other bottle brands, don’t worry, the Philips AVENT Premium Bottle Warmer fits most other bottle brands and sizes as well.
An upgrade from the Fast model, the Premium warms 3-5oz bottle in 10 minutes and will continue to keep the bottle at a controlled temperature for 20 minutes. It also has an automatic shut off function after 20 minutes which the Fast does not have, and this is a great improvement that parents love, aside from the keep-warm function and progress indicator visual alert when food is ready, both of which the Fast model equally lacks.
The gentle warming feature of the Premium may not be ideal for some parents who prefer to heat up their bottles fast as the Philips AVENT Premium Bottle Warmer takes 10 minutes to warm 1 bottle. However, in return of the slow warming, you get consistent and appropriate temperature for your bottles so most parents will not mind the extra time. Aside from the warming time, there does not seem to be any other downside to this bottle warmer as most shortcomings that were found in the Fast model, such as automatic turn off function etc. has been addressed and upgraded in this Premium version.
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