As you prepare for the arrival of your little one, we're sure you've got a ton of items that you need to purchase and get done on your to-do list. You have to set up the nursery and prepare your hospital bag; you also need to ensure that you get a crib mattress for your child's crib.

A crib mattress is one of the most essential items that you need for your child. But, before you purchase the crib mattress, there are some things that you need to know to ensure that you purchase the right mattress for your child.

Read on to find out how to choose a crib mattress now.

1. Get a New Mattress

You may be tempted to purchase a mattress that's been used, and while there is nothing wrong with this, if you've got no other option, it's essential that you purchase a new mattress. One of the main reasons you need a new mattress is that old mattresses can still breed tons of germs even if kept in the best condition.

And the last thing you want to do is put your child in a bed of germs as they continue to build their immune systems. Another reason you need to purchase a new mattress is that an older mattress will have become worn over time, making them not as firm as they need to be when it comes to providing support for a sleeping infant.

Mattresses that are too soft can pose a suffocation risk, and around 69% of infant deaths are caused by being put to sleep on services where they became trapped.

2. Breathability

When children are young, they don't have the ability to sweat the way that adults do. Therefore, when you're looking for a mattress, you need to select one that offers the right amount of ventilation for your baby.

This means that it will keep them cool at night when their resting and help keep the right amount of air flowing throughout the sleeping environment.

3. Select the Right Size

Before you purchase your crib mattress, take the time to measure and research which mattress will work the best for the crib. When the crib mattress isn't the right size, it can leave spaces between the cribs sides and the mattress that aren't safe.

The last thing you want to happen is to wake up and see your child stuck between the mattress and the side of the crib. Therefore, measuring ahead of time will ensure that you purchase a mattress that will work for the crib's size and length that you've purchased.

Trust us when you measure ahead of time; it will save you a ton of time and frustration in the event that the mattress doesn't fit the way that it should.

4. Price

Some mattresses are going to be on the pricier side of the spectrum. And as stated earlier, we understand that you'll have to purchase tons of things for your little one that is on your list.

And this is why we recommend that you do your research and set a budget that you're willing to spend on your mattress. That way, you can filter your search to stay within the budget limits and find a mattress that's going to work for all of your child's needs.

5. Waterproof

Until children are potty trained, it's expected that they're going to have accidents. And quite a few of those accidents are going to occur when they're asleep in their cribs. When you're searching for the right mattress, find one with a waterproof covering the entire mattress.

This will help with the middle of the night cleanups where all you've got to do is change the top sheet. And you won't believe it, but there's something very unappealing about having to clean a mattress at 12 am when you barely kept your eyes open long enough to feed and change your little one.

But, having a waterproof mattress means you can clean up the mess and put your little one back to sleep in no time. When your child wets their sheets, they will become uncomfortable, and it will likely cause them to wake up sooner than they should.

If the mattress isn't waterproof, you could always purchase a mattress protector.

6. Check For Certifications

When choosing the best crib mattress, you need to ensure that the mattress you've chosen is certified by people that put the safety of your child first no matter what. When a mattress has been certified, you can guarantee that it's been tested for safety and has passed every test before it was released for purchase.

A certified mattress will help you to sleep better at night, knowing that your child has a safe place to sleep when you put them to bed. If it doesn't have a safety seal, that doesn't necessarily mean that the mattress is terrible; it just means that you might not have that extra confidence in that mattress.

And when it comes to your baby, you're going to want all the safety certifications you can find.

Finding the Right Crib Mattress

When shopping for a crib mattress, you need to consider a ton of things before making your final purchase. Things that include finding the right size mattress for the crib you purchased and ensuring that the mattress has a seal of safety on it before you make your final buy.

If you're looking for a place to find your next baby crib mattress shop with Nest Bedding. We've got what you need to help create the nursery of your babies sweat dreams.