The standard sets a size requirement for crib mattresses and establishes a test method for use in measuring the size. Also, according to these regulations, the crib slats are straightened, the mattress support is improved and the hardware, as well as other parts of the crib, have to be of better quality. To ensure crib safety, try the two-finger test: If you can fit more than two fingers — Mom's, not Dad's if he has big hands — between the mattress and the crib, the mattress isn't a good fit. We have gathered all current crib safety regulations and provided additional guidelines for safe baby sleep. As you might guess from the name, the standard crib mattress is the typical mattress size for baby cribs. The best crib mattress choices are those that fit snugly into the crib with no gaps between the mattress and the crib … Mattress support: As your bouncing baby grows into a bouncing toddler and discovers the joys of jumping in his crib, it will be tested, repeatedly, for strength. The standard also requires that crib mattresses include a label with safety warnings to advise consumers to make sure their crib mattress properly fits within a crib and warnings to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Attaching to the mattress height clips located at each corner of the crib, the mattress support is a metal frame that is designed to withstand all the abuse your child may dish out. Author: Heidi Holvoet, PhD Medical fact-check: Dr Leah Alexander, M.D., F.A.A.P.   Crib safety is your number one priority when putting your baby to sleep. Dimensions. New crib mattresses are required to be fire-resistant, but some older mattresses were not. A safe sleeping place automatically makes your little one feel protected and secure. Crib Mattress: Mattress should fit snugly - no more than one inch (about 2 finger-widths) between mattress and crib sides. The mattress fits snugly inside. Make sure the mattress fits snugly against the inside of the crib. A full-size crib mattress must be at least 27 1/4 inches wide, 51 1/4 inches long, and no more than six inches thick. Safety Recalls: Your baby’s crib is more than just an exciting piece of decor to add to the nursery–a crib must keep your child safe and comfortable throughout the night, during naps and at times when you may be out of earshot. Make sure your crib mattress is fire-retardant. You can prevent other crib hazards by observing the following guidelines: The mattress should be the same size as the crib so there are no gaps to trap arms, body, or legs. If you can insert more than two fingers between the mattress and the sides or ends of the crib, the crib and mattress … According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, a standard (or regular) crib mattress should be no more than 6 inches thick and measure at least 27 1/4 inches wide and 51 1/4 inches long. At these dimensions, the standard crib mattress will fit safely in a full-size crib, which can have an interior width of between 27 3/8 inches and 28 5/8 inches, and an interior length of between 51 3/4 inches to 53 inches. Crib Mattress Size: Standard. Follow all guidelines below to protect your child from SIDS and prevent injuries. If you plan on getting a used crib, make sure to check the date of manufacture. The least expensive standard-size mattress on our list is the Dream On Me Spring Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress which comes in at about $47, and the most expensive mattress on this list is the Naturepedic Classic Organic Crib Mattress which retails around $259. The mattress should fit the crib snugly (less than two fingers should fit between the mattress and sides of the crib). Mattress should be firm and have squared corners. The crib must meet all required baby crib safety standards, to provide the safest sleeping environment for your baby. Instead, parents are advised to purchase only cribs made after 2011 when safety guidelines were updated. April 30, 2010 by ModernMom Staff Leave a Comment. This prevents the child from becoming trapped and possibly suffocating in gaps surrounding the mattress. Experts tell us to avoid placing babies inside these older model cribs. Crib Mattress Guidelines. The crib’s end panels should extend well below the mattress at its lowest level.