Standard Cribs

There is one extremely helpful collection of numbers to keep in mind when shopping for a standard crib mattress—52x27.5x6. That is the standard size of a crib mattress. Fifty two inches long, 27.5 inches wide and six inches deep gets you a standard crib mattress that fits any standard size cribs. This number also applies to toddler beds. A standard crib mattress and toddler bed is the same size. This is a bit of money saving knowledge. If your crib doesn’t convert into a toddler bed, then you need not buy a mattress to go with the frame.

After that piece of standard knowledge, though, the rest is choice, choice, and choice. Crib mattress range in price, quality, warranty features, and materials. For those who like to buy American made, there are several good crib mattresses made in the USA.

A baby crib mattress has to put up with a lot of punishment; little feet jumping, bashing with toys, wettings and more. If you don’t have a waterproof cover, a cover can be obtained at any department store or over the web, and remember, the quality cover will fit all standard size crib mattresses. You will ultimately damage the mattress if you strain to stuff your mattress into an inferior cover. The cover needs to stand up to rough treatment which only gets rougher as the mattress graduates from crib to toddler bed. Be sure that the mattress cover (or the waterproof cover if you have added one) can stand up to an average of four years’ pummeling. For those families with multiple children, though, the years of service may increase. Of course it is a good idea to inspect the mattress carefully before entrusting it to another infant. If you have a coil mattress, check closely to make sure that nothing sharp is poking up through the material; check the material itself for no rips or holes. A lumpy mattress may mean some of the interior material has shifted. Any of these occurrences means that it’s time for a new mattress.

The sheets you put on the mattress should of course fit all standard crib mattresses. It’s not good for the mattress and especially not good for your back to have to play tug-of-war with an ill fitting sheet. Buying a quality sheet that doesn’t shrink when laundered really pays off in the end.

Hopefully this little primer has given you some good tips and advice. If there is one thing you remember from this it is: what is a standard crib mattress size? 52x27.5x6.