Considering a Baby Walker?

by Robert Steele, MD

More than half of all babies between the ages of 5 and 15 months use walkers. Estimated sales have been as high as three million per year. Babies almost universally love them, and parents love to use them because they may keep an otherwise fussy baby entertained -- often for hours. However, they are one of the most dangerous inventions made for children, causing a lot of harm and heartache each year.

There are several types of baby walkers, but most people are familiar with the typical plastic base, wheeled frame, and fabric seat that have leg holes to allow the child to scoot along the floor. Aside from the entertainment this toy gives a child, parents give other reasons for using the walker such as promoting walking and providing exercise. However, up to one-third of parents have said they use the walker because they feel it will keep their infant safe. Unfortunately, none of these are true. The few studies that have been done looking at the how walkers affect development have shown that they do not affect the time at which a child learns to walk. And in fact, most studies have shown that if there is any effect on walking, it is a delay of a few weeks. Babies who use a walker tend to have an abnormal gait at first, but this tends to resolve quickly with time.

Safety, however, is an entirely different issue, and is one in which there is a lot known. In 1997, baby walkers sent more than 14,000 babies to the hospital emergency room. Walkers were even involved in 34 deaths from 1973 to 1998.

The initial standards for safety of walkers set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission dealt with injuries to the hands from pinching, but did nothing to address the issue of falls. And the majority of the severe injuries occur when the walker goes down the stairs.

About one-fourth of all reported injuries with walkers involved injuries to the head, including fractures. Walkers allow for an infant who isn't normally very mobile to become quite efficient at getting around. So, other injuries including pinched fingers, burns and accidental poisonings have all been reported due to the child being able to get into dangerous areas with lightening speed.

The track record with walkers was so dismal that the American Academy of Pediatrics

It's important you understand that these new walker designs will not prevent all injuries from walkers. Because they still have wheels, young children can still move faster and reach higher than they could on their own. A baby in a walker can move three feet in one second, so they are not even safe with close adult supervision.

Parents who are considering toys for infants will find their money best spent on playthings other than walkers. There are stationary walkers that have no wheels, but have seats that rotate and bounce while keeping baby in one spot. recommended banning the manufacture and sale of mobile infant walkers. This never occurred, and a response was made in the form of a new standard, adopted as of July 1, 1997. To meet the new standard, the new generation walker must have one of two features. Walkers are now made wider so they cannot fit through most doorways and can stop at the edge of a step.

5 Things You Need to Know to Protect Your Baby

1. Close the door or gate at the top of the stairs.

2. Keep your child within view.

3. Keep your child away from hot surfaces and containers.

4. Beware of dangling appliance cords.

5. Keep your child away from toilets, swimming pools and other sources of water.

Article source : parenting.ivillage.com

Before You Buy A Breast Pump

By Heather Corley, About.com

Whether you're a breastfeeding mom returning to work, or a stay-at-home mom who wants to leave baby with a sitter from time to time, a breast pump may be something you need. Before you buy or rent, find out what types of breast pumps are available and which breast pump is best for you.

Do You Really Need A Breast Pump?

Not all breastfeeding moms need a breast pump! My sister-in-law has nursed four kids into toddlerhood without a breast pump. I nursed one child for just over a year and used four different breast pumps - one rental and three purchased. If you won't need to pump breast milk regularly and you have a good milk supply, you may want to learn how to hand-express milk.

How and Where Will You Use It?

If you are returning to work and pumping breast milk every day, or pumping exclusively, you need a more powerful breast pump than someone who only pumps breast milk on one side while nursing on the other. Will you have time to pump one breast at a time, or do you need a double breast pump? Also consider whether you will have access to electricity when you are pumping. If not, you may need a manual or battery breast pump. If you travel a lot, your breast pump should be light and portable.

Manual Pumps

A manual breast pump is a cheap, portable option for those who pump up to one time per day. Manual breast pumps can be tiring to use, though, and may not be be effective enough for those who pump several times per day. Manual breast pumps are reliable, though, since they have no mechanical parts to break down. Avoid bicycle horn style manual pumps. Though cheap, they can damage breast tissue and harbor bacteria in the rubber suction bulb, which is difficult to clean.

Battery-Powered Pumps

While battery-powered breast pumps may still be available, they are not as popular as manual and electric breast pumps, and are not often recommended by lactation consultants or doctors. Battery pumps cycle much slower than a baby's sucking pattern and are much less powerful than a baby's suck, and therefore may cause a drop in milk supply if used daily for expressing milk. Battery breast pumps are easily portable, but they require frequent battery replacements and may break down a lot.

Electric Pumps

Electric breast pumps are the choice for mothers returning to work full-time or pumping exclusively. These breast pumps usually express breast milk from both breasts at once and most closely imitate a baby's sucking pattern, which helps maintain milk supply. Popular accessories include car AC adapters, built-in milk coolers, travel cases and hands-free kits. The downside to electric pumps is price. Expect to spend $200-$300 to buy a good electric breast pump.

Rent or Buy?

Breast pump rental is a nice option for working mothers who only intend to breastfeed short-term. Powerful, hospital-grade rental breast pumps are also good for new mothers who are pumping to establish a milk supply, such as moms of NICU babies. Breast pump rentals may run $30-$60 per month, but they offer a chance to see that breastfeeding will work before committing to a large purchase, and may help those who cannot shell out $200 or more at one time to buy a breast pump.

Article Source : babyproducts.about.com

Bare Necessities: Basic Baby Needs

Baby Clothes, Basic Layette, Feeding and Bedding Needs

By Heather Corley, About.com

What does a baby really need in the first weeks at home? The answer is - not much. This baby needs checklist will help you choose the basic baby items, often called a layette, that a baby needs to have in the first precious weeks of life.

Baby Needs: Clothing and Layette

• 5-10 onesies or rompers, depending on how often you want to do laundry

• 5-7 baby sleepers or nightgowns

• 1 cold weather sleeper if necessary

• 5-7 pairs of baby socks

• 1-2 newborn hats, depending on climate

Baby Needs: Diapers and Bath Items

• 2 packs of disposable diapers or enough cloth diapers for at least two days. Newborns can soil up to 10 diapers per day.

• 1 pack of disposable wipes or 10 cloth wipes

• Waterproof pad for diaper changes

• 3-5 baby washcloths

• 1-2 hooded towels, if desired. Adult towels will work, too.

• 1 bottle of gentle baby wash

• Baby nail clippers

• Digital thermometer

Baby Needs: Bedding and Feeding

• 3-4 fitted sheets for crib, cradle, cosleeping bassinet or traditional bassinet

• 5-7 lightweight blankets

• 1-2 heavier blankets, depending on climate

• 10 burp cloths

• 5-8 bottles, if you're bottle feeding

• Breastfeeding pillow, if desired

That's it! While there are many baby products on the market that make a parent's life easier, most are wants, not needs. While it may be tempting to buy every gadget on the shelf, remember, your baby will be just as happy with the basic items that he or she really needs.

Article source : babyproducts.about.com

Products You Don't Need to Buy for Newborns

Wait to Buy These Products to Stretch Your Baby Gear Budget

By Heather Corley, About.com

Many expectant parents want to buy everything they could possibly need for baby before said baby even arrives. I think I even had some size 5T clothes for my daughter when she was still in newborn sizes! While it's natural to want to be completely prepared for anything baby could ever need, there are a few baby products that you won't need until your baby is a few months older. If you're on a tight budget for baby gear, waiting to buy these products will allow you to save your money for a little longer before purchasing.

Baby Clothes in Larger Sizes

If you're shopping sales and seasonal clearances, it's OK to stock up on a few baby clothes items in larger sizes, but be careful of buying too many. Babies grow at unpredictable speeds, sometimes with huge growth spurts that mean one clothing size won't last too long. It's also difficult to guess what size clothes your baby will be wearing in a particular season. Buying too many baby clothes in larger sizes might mean your baby has a full wardrobe of 6-month size winter clothing, but fits into that size in July. It's also a good idea to figure out just how many outfits one baby needs before shopping too much. With my daughter, I bought too much initially and she had several outfits that she rarely wore.

Supplies for Feeding Solid Foods

Your baby won't be ready to eat solid foods until he or she is about 6 months old, so you don't need to worry about having tiny spoons and bowls on hand until then. Sippy cups also aren't necessary until baby is closer to a year old. While you probably don't need too many bibs for your baby until he or she is eating solid foods, buying a few cloth bibs isn't a bad idea right from the start to keep baby's clothes dry when the drooling phase begins.

Childproofing Supplies

While you don't want to wait too long to start childproofing your home, it doesn't need to be done before baby is born. Your baby won't be moving around without your help for a few months, so if you need to delay buying outlet covers, stairway gates and cabinet locks, that's OK. You'll need to start childproofing when your baby is three to four months old.

High Chair

Baby doesn't need a high chair until it's time to eat solid foods, which is usually at about 6 months old. While some families use a high chair to allow baby to sit near the dinner table as they eat, it's not a necessary purchase for a newborn. If you intend to use a high chair with a newborn or young infant, be sure it reclines fully. Infants can't sit up to use a regular high chair safely.

Jogging Stroller or Umbrella Stroller

Pediatricians generally recommend that you wait until baby is about 6 months old to use a jogging stroller. This is because joggers don't usually recline all the way for a newborn, and because the potentially jarring motion of jogging may not be good for young babies. Traditional umbrella strollers that don't recline are also unnecessary for newborns. Some of the newer lightweight or umbrella-type strollers do have a full recline, so if you choose to buy one right away, check to make sure your baby can lay flat in it or that it has an infant car seat attachment, if you intend to use it for an infant.

Upright Activity Center

While infant play gyms that allow baby to lay flat and look at toys are fine for newborns, you can hold off on buying the saucer-type activity centers or stationary entertainers until your baby is about 6 months old. Babies need to develop head control and a reasonable amount of torso control before they can safely (and comfortably) use of these play centers.

A Bigger Car Seat

Since car seats can be expensive, parents-to-be often register for all of the car seats they think they may need for their baby. I suggest buying only the car seat you will use for your newborn, and waiting to buy the rest until your baby is actually ready to use them. An infant carrier car seat should be useful for about a year, or until your baby outgrows it by weight or height. Car seats expire based on date of manufacture, not years of use, so you don't want to waste a seat's usable life by storing it in the garage for a year or more. Car seats are also being updated constantly, so there may be a better choice for your baby and your vehicle in a year or so.

Article Source : babyproducts.about.com

Before You Buy a Baby Car Seat

By Heather Corley, About.com

Parents often ask which of the many car seats is the best car seat on the market. The truth is, the best car seat is the one that fits your vehicle, your budget, your baby and that you will use properly each time your baby rides in the car. Use the following criteria to determine which car seat is the best choice for your baby.

The Safest Car Seat?

All car seats sold in the U.S. must pass the same federal crash tests. Some car seats may have extra features that make them easier to install correctly, such as built-in locking clips or non-twisting straps. Because proper installation is key in car seat safety, these installation helpers may add safety for some people. However, even the cheapest car seat in the store, with no extra features, has passed the basic crash tests and is safe for your baby when installed properly.

Car Seats Must Fit the Baby

Use your baby's height, weight and age to choose the type of car seat to use. Rear-facing-only infant car seats are used through about 20 lbs. Convertible car seats are used rear-facing until baby is at least 1 year old and weighs at least 20 lbs., and forward-facing through the weight limit listed on the car seat. Height-wise, baby's head should be one inch or more below the top of the car seat when rear-facing. For front-facing seats, the tops of baby's ears should be below the seat top.

Can You Install and Use the Car Seat Easily?

The most expensive, feature-rich car seat is not safe for your baby if you don't take the time to read the directions and install it properly every time it is used. Check the car seat manual to be sure you can install and use the car seat as it is intended. Can you adjust the harness to secure baby in the car seat? Choose a car seat that you will use according to the instructions.

Does the Car Seat Fit Your Vehicle?

With so many vehicle seat styles, from benches to buckets, not all car seats will fit in every vehicle. It is essential to find a car seat that can be installed tightly, with the proper angle and less than an inch of side-to-side wiggle. Most reputable baby products stores will let you take a car seat floor model to your vehicle, possibly with a store employee, to check the fit before purchase. If not, check the return policy to be sure you can return the seat if it doesn't fit the vehicle.

Car Seat Recalls

Most recalled car seats are pulled from store shelves when the recall notice is issued. It's still a good idea to check with the manufacturer to be sure your new car seat is not affected by any recalls. If you have borrowed or purchased a used car seat, checking for recalls is even more important. If you also send in the registration card for a new car seat, you will be quickly notified if your baby's car seat is ever affected by a recall.

Are Used Car Seats Safe?

Steer clear of used car seats if you cannot get an accurate history of the car seat's use. You must know a car seat's crash history to determine safety. Buy used car seats only from people you know well enough to trust their account of the car seat's crash history. Car crashes can cause hidden damage to car seats, and the car seat could fail in a second crash, putting your child at risk of injury. Check to be sure no alterations have been made to used car seats.

Car Seat Accessories

When buying a car seat, bypass all of the car seat accessories and installation aids. If an item didn't come with the car seat, it's not safe to use it with the car seat. After-market car seat products aren't crash-tested with each car seat and could cause injury during a crash. This includes head positioners (unless it came with the car seat) and seat belt ratchets, which aren't needed if you install the car seat properly. Use of after-market products often voids the car seat warranty.

Keep Baby Safe As Long As Possible

The best way to keep baby safe in the car is to use a car seat with the most crash protection for as long as it fits your baby. You don't have to turn baby forward-facing right at one year and 20 pounds. Many seats today offer higher rear-facing weight limits, and this is a good option to choose if possible. Also look for higher forward-facing weight limits on 5-point harness seats, and keep your toddler in a booster seat as long as possible after he or she outgrows a regular car seat.

Article source : babyproducts.about.com

The Different Types of Baby Strollers and Their Advantages

By Paul Wise

Baby strollers have several other names such as prams, buggies, pushchairs, and baby carriages. In the past, the designs and models of strollers are limited. But recently, there are more elaborate designs available in the market, depending on the manufacturer of a certain stroller. When you are out shopping for a stroller, there are different factors that you have to consider. If you have twins, you can opt for a twin stroller. A sit and stand stroller is appropriate for your toddler and your baby, so you can watch over them with ease. On the other hand, there are some stroller seats that can be fitted in with a baby car seat. If you cannot find a nanny, while you are out exercising, you can look into different models and designs of jogging strollers.

The Rising Popularity of Strollers:

During the present times, with the innovation of most makers, baby strollers are getting more creative and more useful. What is more, there are already a lot of parents that have discovered the convenience and comfort that strollers are offering. There are several reasons for the increasing popularity of strollers. Recent models are more compact and lighter. Despite these, they are still durable and stable. Depending on the brand of the stroller, your baby will be able to use it for many months, even years. Lastly, there are some baby strollers that have multiple seating designs. You can buy twin strollers, triplet strollers, and even quad strollers.

The Best Stroller for a Newborn Infant:

The market does not only cater to older babies and toddlers. There are also available strollers for newborn infants. For your newborn, you can choose from a conventional design or a stroller with multiple purposes. These baby strollers are designed in such a way that they can be adjusted easily, so you can also use them as a baby sling and a baby mat. Prams for newborns are very comfortable. What is more, they look really nice. Since you are presented with several selections of strollers, you have to make sure that your choice is suitable for your child.

The Different Types of Baby Strollers:

There are different models and designs of baby strollers. The most common include the following:

1. Jogging Strollers - the tires of this design are filled with air, to allow easy maneuvering on all kinds of terrains. They provide your infant with a smoother ride. The best thing about a jogging stroller is that it can tackle through rough terrain. Manufacturers have come up with this design to help you keep yourself fit, while you are out with your baby. While there is a jogging stroller that only allows a seating capacity for one infant, you can also find a double jogging stroller. This design is best for twins or siblings that have 1 or 2-year age gap.

2. Buggies or Umbrella Strollers - these designs are probably the lightest. They are also very compact, making them among the leading strollers in the market. They are easy to transport to trains and buses. They also fit well into the backseat of your car. They are usually available with rain hoods and trays.

3. All-Terrain Strollers - these often have 3 wheels and are considered the most fashionable in the market. The high price of these strollers is seen on their great comfort and sleek design.

This article has been written by Paul Wise and is intended to educate consumers on the current variety of strollers available on the market today. If you are in the market for a stroller this should assist you in understanding the various types. You can also checkout StrollingAround.com they are a great resource for unique baby gifts, baby gifts baskets and other baby related products.

Source : ezinearticles.com

How to Choose the Right Stroller for Your Baby

Steps

1. How old is the baby? If you are buying a stroller for the first time, you are likely doing so for a newborn. You will need a set-up which handles a reclining, floppy-headed baby. A stroller for an child who can hold up his or her head may be different.

2. *Many strollers adjust through babyhood from reclining to sitting. But be sure of this feature.

3. *While you can sometimes use a quality stroller from birth up to toddlerhood, it's more likely you will go through several strollers as your child grows.

4. How many babies do you have? If you have twins, triplets, or more, you may want to consider strollers designed for a crowd. Also, if you have an older and younger child, you may wish a stroller that can handle this arrangement.

5. Where are you going? The type of stroller right for you depends a lot on where you will be using it. Will you be primarily using it to cruise around the mall? Or do you need a stroller that can handle your 5K workouts? You will need to consider your patterns of use so you don't buy a stroller that doesn't fit your lifestyle.

6. Do your research. Baby goods are a dynamic industry, and are always coming up with new and innovative strollers.

7. *Search for Internet stores which offer unbiased reviews of items. www.toysrus.com, for instance, has the opinions of other users. Even if you don't buy from the vendor, the critiques can save a lot of time and effort.

8. *Check for recalls before purchase. Although major retailers are usually up-to-date on safety issues, this may not be true of 2nd hand strollers.

9. *Ask current baby parents, even total strangers. See how it feels for you, and get their opinions. And yes--ask total strangers on the street, in restaurants, and in the mall...very often they're glad to give an honest report.

10. What features do you need? Decide what features are critical for you, such as: foldability, modular systems, carseat compatibility, how much space it takes, weight, canopies, adjustable handles, adequate storage space, washable seats, recliner and padded seats, multi-terrain wheels, safety systems, and so on.

11. What features do you want? What features are not so critical, but important to you? For instance, maybe you really want a nice color and pattern, but can live with a slightly less aesthetically pleasing one. If you know what you want, but don't necessarily need, it can help you narrow down your choices from a seemingly endless variety.

12. Know the terminology. There are a few basic type of stroller:

13. *Umbrella stroller: This is the most basic stroller, the kind your parents likely had for you. It is usually inexpensive, lightweight, easy to manage, takes little space, but typically has no other features.

14. *Carseat stroller: This stroller uses the carseat as the base of the stroller. It allows a (sleeping) baby to go in and out of the car without being removed from the carseat. However, it cannot be used except for the first few months.

15. *Standard stroller: Usually, this is a midweight stroller. It usually has a good balance of features, and an excellent all-purpose choice.

16. *Jogging stroller: Originally designed for running parents, this stroller is the best choice for a lot of outdoor use, such as bike paths, trails, and running. However, typically jogging strollers are too bulky for use in stores.

17. Get more than one type anyway. Maybe it's OK to have more than one stroller. An umbrella stroller might be ideal for travel, as well as having the larger stroller for everyday use.

Source : wikihow.com

How To Choose The Right Stroller

When buying baby equipment, choosing the right baby stroller is probably the most difficult task. Many parents invest more time and emotions on their decision than they would in let's say, buying a car.

There is no such thing as "the perfect stroller", therefore, do not confine yourself to the advice of salesmen, neighbors, and relatives – what suits them may not necessarily suit you. It's a question of your preferences and willingness to compromise on particular ifeatures.

Check the following details:

• Weight - The weight may vary from 9 – 38 pounds, and the difference is significant. Although the weight is important, baby's comfort is more so. Check to see if it is possible to place the stroller in the trunk of the car or fastened in a stairwell.

• Dimensions - Does it fit into the trunk when folded? How well will you manage in public transportation? Does it fit into the building's elevator? How long, wide and spacious is it, and until what age will it's dimensions suit the baby?

• Wheels - Consider the area in which you live – city, suburb, rural area – the larger the wheels, the easier it is to control. Are there double wheels? Is there an independent wheel suspension system? Are there front swivel wheels for easy maneuvering?

• Seasonal adjustments - Are there canopies suitable for the winter and summer? A large removable canopy protects baby from sun and wind.

• Which way is the baby facing? - Is the baby facing you? Is it possible to change the direction of the handle from side to side?

• Covers - Is the upholstery easily removable and washable? (nylon based fabrics clean easily and dry quickly) Is the fabric pleasant to touch?

• Folding system - Is there a one-handed folding system, folding like an umbrella, and is it easy to use? Is there a lock system when folding?

• "Features for Parents" - Check for a large storage basket below, and/or a convenient place for parents to take along their necessities (adult cup holder)?

• Security and regulation standards

• A hard cushioned recliner

• At least two wheel brakes – situated on the same axle (front or rear)

• One pair of shock absorbers (minimum) - located in the rear.

• 5 point restraint system belts

• It is advisable to have a front bumper for added protection

• Price - check prices because there may be a very big difference percentage-wise among the stores.

It is very important to deal with a reputable company which offers a long term warranty and good service, since it is an item which undergoes extensive use.

Taken from : strolleronsale.com

How to choose the baby stroller that is right for you

A list of baby stroller questions and follow-up information helps you determine the type of stroller suited to the needs of you and your family.

Finding the stroller that is right for you is more than a matter of name brand recognition and positive reviews in parenting magazines. Before you purchase your stroller, ask yourself the following questions in order to help you choose the stroller most suited to the needs of you and your family.

How old is your child?

Newborns are unable to sit up on their own and need a seat that reclines suffiently. You may choose a stroller with multiple reclining positions or one compatible for use with an infant carseat. Some strollers are a combination of the two. Still other infant strollers have seats that can face rear or front and may be removed to double as a travel bassinet.

How many children will be using the stroller?

Strollers are available from singles through quads. Some are made to be used by children of the same age and some can be used by children of different ages.

If your children are the same age, all seats need the same features: all infants should be able to recline and all older children need suffient leg room.

If your children are different ages you may choose a model where only one seat reclines or a sit or stand style, where your toddler has the option of sitting on a shelf seat facing the rear or standing on a platform facing the front.

Who will primarily be using the stroller?

Different people have different stride lengths. Try to have whomever will be using the stroller the most try it out before you buy it. Feet knocking against the back of the stroller can be uncomfortable for adult and stroller occupant. Some strollers come with adjustable handles, which may put the stroller at a more comfortable arm length and keep the feet from hitting the back.

Where will the stroller primarily be used?

For inside locations such as malls or areas with smooth sidewalks, you may simply want the stroller that folds the most compactly and opens the easiest. Umbrella strollers are light weight, compact, and ideal for travel with older babies and children. They generally make excellent second strollers.For those needing strollers for multiple children, front to rear seat positioning is more suited to places with tight spaces, such as clothing stores and shopping centers, rather than side by side seating arrangements.

If you will be jogging or strolling on rough terrains, such as beaches, grass, or bumpy roads, a jogger stroller or an all-terrain stroller may be the better option.

How much space is available for transportation and storage?

Some carriages and strollers for multiples will not fit in the trunk of many cars. Unless you'll be walking to your destination, you will need to purchase a stroller that fits into your vehicle.

Also, if you live in an apartment or other location where space is at a premium, you may want to purchase a stroller that folds compactly and can easily be tucked away.

How maneuverable is the stroller?

Try the stroller before purchase. If you don't yet have a child of your own, try borrowing someone else's. A rider will give you a truer test. Steer one-handed as well as two.

How easy is set-up?

Some strollers can be popped open with one hand while others practically require contortions.

How much money are you willing to spend?

Strollers generally range in price from $15 for some umbrella models up to $450 for a triple baby jogger. Models in between may vary greatly in price.

Strollers come in all sizes and colors, designed for general use or a specific purpose. They can be light weight and compact or heavy and bulky, for a single child or multiple children. Careful consideration of the above questions will help you choose which stroller is right for you.

Taken from : essortment.com

How to choose a baby crib mattress

By : Kristi Walker

Goodnight Sweetheart!

All mattresses that are manufactured today, meet federal child safety guidelines. So, when searching for a crib mattress there are other concerns to consider. Like their adult counterparts, baby mattresses are very important. After all, your baby will spend most naps and most nights on top of it.

When making the mattress purchase, look for safety, type, durability and comfort. Keeping in mind, you get what you pay for. Cheap mattresses can be defined as lumpy and easily broken.

There are two kinds of baby mattresses: foam and innerspring. Foam mattresses are the least expensive and least durable. The weight less than innerspring mattress, but will most often, not hole their shape. Because they have more "give", they also pose a greater safety risk. And like all things baby, safety is first on parents priority lists!

Innerspring mattresses are very similar to adult mattresses. They have an innerspring unit that has rows of steel coils. This give when your infant or toddler is sleeping and provides the most comfort. Also similar to adult mattresses, the number and quality of coils will affect durability and comfort. The best quality innerspring mattresses will have a nice layer of foam over them to prevent the coils from penetrating the mattress cover. Keep in mind that as your precious baby grows, they WILL have fun using these for a trampoline! Good quality also means longer lasting.

When searching for a crib mattress, make sure that it fits tightly against whatever size or shape crib that you purchase. If it does not fit snugly against the railing of the crib, return it and purchase one that does. Any space between the crib and mattress can be a suffocation hazard to your baby. Each crib, whether round or rectangular, will have a crib mattress that fits it perfectly.

Finally, check your mattress support frame on your crib before installing the mattress. This has multiple height adjustments and can be a pain to adjust after the mattress is in place. The support mechanisms can be found at each corner of the crib. After adjustments, place the mattress securely in the crib. Make sure to put pressure on the mattress, after installation, to make absolutely certain that it is stable and locked into place

Article Source : helium.com