Convertible Baby Furniture

After selecting the perfect crib or convertible crib for your baby, you will need to think about the best pillows and mattresses for baby. The mattress is an especially important selection because, in the case of convertible baby furniture, it will be used for several years as your infant grows into a toddler.

It is best to have the crib purchase completed before you select a mattress. The measurements for the mattress must perfectly match the size of the crib and most manufacturers have the mattress size required with the crib assembly instructions when you purchase it. For the safety of the infant, the mattress must fit snugly against the frame of the crib and toddler bed and be supported by a wooden or metal platform. This keeps the mattress stable through the growing and mobility stages of your baby.

The mattress covers are normally vinyl. They might be made of double or triple laminated vinyl and have a nylon or polyester reinforcement to keep the cover from being stretched or torn. Mattress covers made from nylon reinforced, triple laminated, or hospital grade vinyl are considered the best quality. A “natural” cover is made from cloth, but it is important to keep in mind that the cloth must be treated with multiple chemicals to meet flammability and wet resistance regulations. Therefore, “natural” may not be a good choice for a baby that is sensitive to chemicals.

There are two types of mattresses manufactured for cribs, polyurethane foam and inner spring. These mattresses are very different and it will be necessary to do some research prior to making a decision about which will best meet your needs. The mattresses also are made in different sizes depending on the type of crib, standard or convertible, that they are going to be used for.

A foam mattress consists of the foam mattress and a vinyl cover. The quality of the mattress is determined by its weight, firmness and resiliency. When the foam is dense, it will create a heavier and firmer mattress which will have a longer life span than a lower quality mattress. The ability of the mattress to return to it’s original shape when weight is removed from it also is a primary indicator of the quality of the mattress.

When comparing innerspring mattresses, more coils does not translate into a better mattress. A quality innerspring mattress is normally 150 coils with a 13.5 gauge carbon tempered steel and 9.0 gauge steel border rods. The rods protect the mattress and help to maintain the shape of the mattress as the baby grows.

When adding pillows to the crib or convertible crib, it is important to remember that they are being added as part of the decor only and should not be left in the crib while the baby is sleeping. Until the baby is a toddler, a pillow will not benefit the baby when it is sleeping. Choosing the covers for pillows is very easy and the cases normally match the decor or theme of the room.