Babies and Infants

When your baby is ready to use a toddler bed, they can use a toddler mattress.  The toddler mattress is designed to have extra support around the edge so the mattress does not break down.  Crib mattresses are usually firmer than toddler mattresses, to help keep babies from suffocating.  Infants and young babies cannot push themselves up if their face sinks into a soft mattress.  Most toddler mattresses are less firm to provide more comfort to the toddler.

Normally a toddler is transitioned to the toddler bed between 1 ½ - 3 years of age.  When the child is using the toddler bed you would want to use a toddler mattress because they have the support needed for when your child is going in and out of the toddler bed.

There are differences between a crib mattress and a toddler mattress.  A toddler mattress can be used in a crib, but the crib mattres is not designed for use in a toddler\day bed.  The crib mattress does not have the side support needed for use in the toddler bed. Generally crib mattresses don’t provide the support that toddlers need to rest well at night.  Toddlers also need the side support to handle their weight, so the mattress does not break down. 

Both can have an expected life of around 6 years.  So a crib mattress can be used again when you or someone you know is having a newborn.  If you buy a toddler mattress, you can keep using the mattress in the toddler bed then day bed until the child is about 6 years old and most likely ready to be moved to a full size bed.

The steps to convert your crib into a toddler bed are simple:

• Remove the crib mattress and set it aside.
• Remove one side of the crib and put it in a safe place for later use.
• Lower the mattress support to a level suitable for the height of your toddler.
• Secure the toddler railing on the open side.
• Replace the mattress.

A toddler mattress is built strong enough to withstand the toddler wear because it has the extra support necessary. A toddler mattress should last for about six years. This mattress will continue to provide service when your toddler bed is used a day bed later on.  If your convertible crib also converts into a full size bed, make sure to keep any parts in a safe place, where they will not be lost or damaged.

When a baby reaches the age of 2 years, he is ready to take on the world.  In order to learn, he needs some independence.  He also needs to learn that there are consequences, both good and bad, to his actions.

One way to encourage his independence is to move him from a crib into a toddler bed. A convertible crib will convert into a toddler bed. You can use the same mattress that was in his baby crib as his toddler mattress. 

The toddler can then take his naps in his “big” bed.  He can get in and out of bed to go potty. And he can play in his bed without worry he will fall out or hurt himself.

A toddler mattress contains support that allows it to withstand up to six years of use.  The mattress can be used in a crib until your baby is old enough for a toddler bed, and finally for a day bed.

In a six-year period, anything can happen from spilt milk, overloaded diapers or vomiting.  It pays to protect the crib mattress from accidents like these so that it will stay useful for the entire six years.

Washable wool mattress pads are fireproof, repel liquids, resist dust mites, and bacteria will not grow on wool, so they do not require much washing.  Cotton mattress pads will withstand washing and will last a long time.  It pays to protect the investment you have in a good mattress.

Why buy a mattress that can only be used for a short time?  You can start your infant in his baby crib using a Toddler Mattress.  The mattress can be used for years while your baby grows from using a crib to toddler bed to day bed.

By selecting a quality mattress that is designed for use in a crib or toddler bed, you will save money.  Also, the sheets and blankets used on the crib can still be used on the toddler bed.  The crib/toddler mattress might at first cost more, but in the long run you will be saving money.

It starts in the crib. The baby exercises his legs by holding on to the crib railing and jumping up and down on his bed. This is fun. Between 12 and 24 months, his legs are strong enough and he is daring enough to stand on his own and take a step or two. He is now officially a toddler.

The urge to investigate and learn is greater than his fear of falling and getting hurt. Even if a fall sets him back a day or so, he’ll be right back up and at it again, looking, tasting, smelling, and touching everything in reach. He’ll be moving to a toddler bed where he can have greater freedom and the move itself can build his self confidence.

A toddler mattress is built strong enough to withstand his energetic bouncing and playing through toddler hood into childhood at about the age of 5 or 6.  A good mattress is a good investment.

When babies start growing into walking, talking, curious toddlers, it’s important that their mattress be firm enough to be supportive.  Generally Infant and crib mattresses don’t provide the support that toddlers need to rest well at night.  Toddlers need a mattress that has side support to handle their weight, so the mattress does not break down. 

Mattresses can be expensive, so buying a crib/toddler mattress that has the extra side support and is designed for use in a toddler bed can help save money.  It’s also a good idea to save mattresses for future siblings or even friends.

Children can develop independence if allowed to sleep in a bed that is low enough for them to get into and out of. A convertible crib can be converted into a toddler bed. Because it is essentially the same bed he has been sleeping in since birth, the change from crib to toddler bed provides a sense of continuity for the child and is also economical.

By the time a child is old enough to sleep in a toddler bed, he should be in the habit of going to bed at a specified time. He should understand the process of brushing his teeth, quietly singing or reading, and a hug and kiss goodnight.

Most crib mattresses are not designed for a toddler bed and do not have the support necessary for an order child. If you plan to use a convertible crib, you will also want to consider a crib/toddler mattress, one that will last for five to six years.