subject: 4 Things to Consider in a Coil Baby Mattress [print this page] 4 Things to Consider in a Coil Baby Mattress
The most popular type of crib mattress is still the coil baby mattress, although foam mattresses are increasing in popularity. There are good and poor quality mattresses available in both types. If you are considering a coil mattress, here are 4 things to consider to help you find the best quality baby mattress you can afford.
There are a few different layers that make up a coil baby mattress. The two major ones are the coil layer and the layer of padding that covers the coil layer and separates it from the soft cushioning layer.
The Cushion Layer
Although it is not a structural layer, the cushion layer is very important in choosing a baby mattress. It must be soft enough to provide a comfortable sleep but not so soft that your baby sinks into it as this poses a risk of suffocation.
The Padding Layer
The padding layer, also known as the insulator layer, separates the metal springs from the cushion layer. It is important that you know what material is used in this layer of the baby mattress.
The best material for the padding layer is a coir fibre pad. Coir fibre is made from a part of the coconut shell and is naturally water resistant and strong. This type of pad is also the most expensive but well worth the extra cost.
A pad called a fibre wrap is more commonly used in the padding layer. It is made from scraps of various material that pressed into a pad that resembles felt. These pads tend to break down more easily over time than the coir fibre pads and can leave you with a lumpy baby crib mattress.
The Coils
The coil layer is what gives the mattress its spring and support. Both the number of springs and the thickness of the steel (gauge) are important in determining how much support the mattress will provide.
A good starting point for spring count is around 150. More coils does not necessarily mean a firmer or better quality crib mattress as the gauge of the steel is a factor here too. Make sure you squeeze or press on the mattress to get a feel for the firmness. Do not rely on the number of coils alone.
If the steel coils are a heavier the gauge the mattress will be firmer. Gauges run from around 13 to 19, with 19 being the thinnest. There for a mattress with 200 springs with a steel gauge of 15 will be firmer than one with the same number of coils with a gauge of 19.
As you can see, you will want to find a good combination of coil count and gauge. A coil count of 150 with a gauge of 13.5 is a good starting point, giving even support and a firm baby crib mattress.
Support Bars
As your baby begins to stand, he will pull himself up using the side of the crib. This places his full weight on the edge of the mattress. Border support rods that run around the edges of the mattress are available on some baby mattresses to prevent the sides off the mattress from collapsing.
There are so many features available today on coil baby crib mattresses that the task of buying a good quality baby mattress can seem a bit daunting.
Despite all the bells and whistles, it really comes down to getting a firm baby mattress offering good support to provide your baby a comfortable place to sleep.
