Baby Cheapskate

Have you ever tried comparison shopping for mattresses? Darned near impossible since the names change from store to store. Crib mattresses aren't quiet as bad, but close. And you do NOT want to make any bad decisions where baby's sleep is concerned, right? Here's what you need to know to get a good deal--'cause if you're gonna buy a crib, you're gonna need a crib mattress.

Shopping Tips:
The standard crib mattress is 52"Lx27.5"Wx5-5.5"H, though each mattress may vary a half inch or so from this. You'll want to be sure the mattress fits snugly--no more than a finger's width between the mattress and the side of the crib.

There are two types of mattresses out there, mattresses with foam and mattresses with springs. Both are good, and which one you choose is more a matter of personal preference than quality, as long as the mattress is firm and fits your crib snugly. Innerspring mattresses are still the most popular choice.

Innerspring Mattresses: Consumer reports recommends a mattress with at least 150 coils. Each of the mattresses here has at least that many. Basically, the more coils, the firmer (and heavier!) the mattress. You also want a mattress with border rods that make the edges firm so your baby won't get stuck between the edge of the mattress and the crib--yikes!

Another thing to consider is the covering. All of the mattresses I checked out had waterproof covers, mostly vinyl. The more layers of covering you have, the less prone it is to punctures and tears. I wouldn't worry about this too much, it's not like you're going to be dragging it behind a truck. You'll also want to make sure your mattress has the JPMA seal, a sign of quality. All of the mattresses here do. You can easily get a quality mattress, with at least 150 coils and border rods, for under $100.

Foam Mattresses: Look for high density, firmness, and resilience when shopping for a foam mattress. Foam mattresses, made from polyether or polyester, may be lighter, which is nice when you're changing the sheets.

Here are seven great mattresses for under $100, along with a links to the best deal on the web I could find for each. All meet current pthalate and flammability standards.

The Mattresses:

Sealy Naturalis Crib Mattress with Organic Cotton (shown, top)
51.6 x 27.2 x 5.5 inches, 150 coils, steel border rods, organic cotton, protective wrap
$83.73 at Amazon. 30% off, free shipping

Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress
51.5 x 27 x 5 inches, 204 coils, all around rods, steel vertical support bars 15 year warranty,
$71.36 at Amazon. 21% off, free shipping.

Serta Perfect Dream Mattress
51.5 x 27 x 5 inches, 150 coils, ventilated cover, full perimeter border wire, 30 year warranty
$99 at Babies R Us / Toys R Us, free shipping

Sealy Kolcraft Natural Rest
52 x 27.50 x 5.25, 204 coils, three non-allergenic sleeping layers, vinyl binding, all around border rods, 20 year warranty
$79.99 at Target

Kolcraft Pediatric 2500 Mattress
51.5 x 27 x 5 inches, 150 coils, heavy gauge steel border rods for side, corner and edge support, 15 year warranty
$69.99 at Amazon, free shipping

Sealy Perfect Rest Mattress
51.5 x 27 x 5 inches, 150 coils, border rods, reinforced vinyl laminate cover, 10 year warranty,
$64.58 at Amazon, free shipping

MDB Twilight Crib Mattress (foam)
Slightly larger at 53"x32"x6. 6". 100 polyester, triple laminated cover, cloth binding, 5 year warranty
$99, free shipping at Amazon

The Bottom Line: Our crib mattress looked the same as it did the day we got it. The least expensive of the mattresses shown here can easily hold up to three years' use by a human who doesn't weigh very much. Just make sure the mattress you choose is firm and fits your crib well. If you're hoping to use the mattress with subsequent kids, you might want to buy an innerspring mattress with 200 or more coils. Read More......