How high should crib mattress be for newborn? If you have ever been a first-time parent, you will understand. The joy of welcoming a new family member into the home is inseparably connected with the fear of doing something wrong and harming your newborn baby.
One of the many crucial aspects is creating a secure sleep environment for your baby.
And here comes the question of the crib mattress height. I’m writing this guide to help you navigate through this critical issue and give you insights on crib mattress height, adjustments, and safety measures.
Contents
Why is the crib height setting important?
Ensuring the correct height for your baby’s crib mattress is paramount because this way you will create a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your newborn.
Later, as your baby grows, you will lower the crib mattress adjusting its height to the child’s development.
Newborn stage
During the first several months, I recommend a higher crib mattress setting. This elevated position of the crib’s mattress gives easier access to the baby.
Besides, with the highest setting, when the baby starts rolling, they won’t have a chance of falling out of the crib.
Crawling and standing
As your baby starts crawling and standing, it will be safer to adjust the crib mattress to a middle setting.
This prevents a little explorer from escaping over the crib rail.
A middle setting still keeps the crib accessible but safe and prevents crib falls.
Toddlerhood
During the toddler stage, serious world exploration begins. On two feet. At this point, to lower your baby’s crib mattress becomes critical for the baby’s crib safety.
The toddler may decide to climb out of the crib over the crib rails and go exploring by themselves, so you need to lower crib to prevent any potential injuries.
Sleep safety
Proper crib mattress height is directly linked to your baby’s sleep safety. When you adjust the mattress to the height recommended for your baby’s age, you minimize the chances of accidents, such as falls. Knowing the right crib height at each stage of your baby’s life is paramount to the baby’s safety.
It secures a comfortable space for the baby to rest and grow.
Newborn baby’s mattress: the highest setting
In the early days of the baby’s life, it is critical to raise the crib mattress to the highest position. This setting makes it easier for you to care for your infant and addresses specific needs during this stage of life.
Accessibility for parents
The highest setting of the crib mattress height is supposed to provide comfort for parents, too. Late-night feedings, diaper changes, and soothing moments are part of a young parent’s routine.
If the mattress is at its highest point, it will minimize the strain on parents’ backs. It lets the parents access the baby without bending or leaning.
Preventing unwanted climbing
Although newborns aren’t able to climb, they grow rapidly, and their natural curiosity kicks in.
The highest crib setting is a preventive measure for the baby falling from the crib or getting entangled in crib bumpers.
The highest crib setting also prevents attempts to climb out of the crib during the early months.
Creating a cozy nest
The elevated mattress setting creates a cozy and secure environment for your newborn. It’s like a cute little nest that gives a sense of comfort and security that are especially important and soothing for your baby during sleep and napping.
Safety first
When you set the mattress at its highest position, make sure you do it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This ensures that the crib is assembled correctly and that you keep your baby safe.
Some parents also opt for a sleep sack that usually prevents the babies from waking themselves up.
5 months – time for crib height adjustment
At about five months, it’s time to make some adjustments to match your baby’s growth with the crib mattress. It’s time to transition to a middle crib setting.
That supports your baby’s growing independence and also addresses safety concerns. Your child becomes more mobile and starts exploring the surrounding world.
At five months, many babies start rolling and pushing up on their hands. When you lower crib mattress height to a middle setting, your baby will have more freedom which they need to get to know the world around them. This is critical for healthy physical development and growing independence.
With time, the sleep patterns begin to change, so a lowered crib will help to transition during a nap and nighttime sleep.
The gradual lowering of the mattress goes in sync with your baby’s increasing ability to roll and move independently. With a lower mattress, the sleeping space stays secure for your little one.
With the middle setting, parents can still comfortably reach into the crib. At the same time, the lowered position reduces the risk of the baby attempting to climb out.
This adjustment is especially important as your baby becomes more active during playtime.
Some babies may try to pull themselves up at this stage. The crib height adjustment to the middle setting prevents potential climbing incidents. Your baby stays secure in the crib and doesn’t fall out.
9 months: lowest setting
With the nine-month mark getting closer, the true discoveries and explorations begin. I recommend being proactive and adjusting the crib mattress to the lowest setting during this stage.
That’s exactly what I did because I wanted to support my baby’s growing mobility and keep them safe at the same time.
At nine months, many babies are already mobile. If you lower the crib mattress to its lowest setting, your little explorer will get a chance to move freely within their toddler bed.
This encourages the development of essential motor skills and gives them a sense of independence. At this stage, you can easily see a very happy standing baby when entering the room.
The risk of the attempts to climb out of the toddler bed at this stage grows. If you lower crib mattress to the lowest setting, you prevent potential climbing incidents and minimize the risk of falls thus keeping the baby safe.
The lowest setting gives your baby a sense of autonomy as they get easy entry and exit from the toddler bed.
This is particularly relevant during wakeful moments when your baby may want to explore their surroundings or play alone before or after sleep.
Lowering the crib: a step-by-step guide
It’s critical to be able to lower crib correctly to meet the needs of the baby and secure their safety. Each crib model comes with an instruction manual provided by the manufacturer.
Following these guidelines is paramount. Here is a general guide, but make sure you read the specific instructions to your crib, too.
Step #1. Gather necessary tools
Before beginning the process, ensure you have all the necessary tools. This may include a screwdriver, wrench, or any specialized tools unique to your crib model.
Step #2. Select the appropriate time
Choose a time when your baby is not in the crib for quite a while. This way, you won’t disrupt their routine and ensure their safety during the adjustments.
Step #3. Clear the crib
Remove all bedding, toys, and any other items from the crib.
Step #4. Refer to the manual
Consult the crib’s instruction manual. It contains specific guidelines tailored to your crib model. It’s essential to follow these instructions precisely.
Step #5. Identify adjustment mechanisms
Locate the adjustment mechanisms specified in the instruction manual. Different cribs may have different lowering mechanisms.
Step #6. Loosen and remove fasteners
If screws or bolts secure the crib mattress platform, use the appropriate tools to loosen and remove them. Follow the recommended procedure and take into account any specific instructions regarding the order of removal.
Step #7. Lower the mattress platform
With the fasteners removed, carefully lower crib mattress platform to the setting you need. Some cribs may have multiple height options; choose the one that suits your baby’s current stage of development.
Step #8. Secure the mattress platform
After adjusting the crib mattress to a certain height, secure it in place according to the instructions. Ensure that all fasteners are tightened securely.
You have to maintain stability and prevent any wobbling or shifting.
Step #9. Reassemble the crib
If any components were disassembled during the adjustment, reassemble them following the instruction manual. Double-check that all parts are in their correct places and properly secured.
Step #10. Do safety checks
After reassembling the crib, perform safety checks as recommended in the instruction manual. Ensure there are no sharp edges, loose parts, or potentially damaging objects to your baby.
Following the instructions carefully is a guarantee that you can confidently lower crib. Your child will have a safe and secure sleep environment and you will have peace of mind.
Final thoughts
Creating a secure and comfortable sleep environment for your baby is critical. The crib mattress height is a big part of safety and security. And it’s not a once and for all deal. You’ll need to adjust that height to your child’s growing needs.
That means you’ll have to lower crib mattress as your baby is growing.
When your newborn settles in their new home, you use the highest setting for comfort and convenience for both you and your baby.
Then you lower the crib mattress to the middle setting when it’s time to encourage mobility and, finally, to the lowest setting, and even the toddler bed will empower your child’s independence. The crib is not a constant, it evolves with your baby.
As parents, you play a vital role in creating a safe sleep space and ensuring that every night is a restful and peaceful experience for your growing family.
FAQ
What level should the crib mattress be at for newborn?
The crib mattress should be at its highest position for a newborn. As the baby grows, you’ll have to lower your baby’s crib several times adjusting it to the child’s needs.
How deep should a newborn mattress be?
The depth of a newborn mattress should adhere to safety standards, typically around 3 inches. Always consult the crib’s manual for specific recommendations.
How should a crib be set up for a newborn?
For a newborn, set the crib mattress at the highest setting for easier access. Use a firm and snug-fitting mattress, avoid soft bedding, and follow the crib’s instruction manual for proper assembly.
Can you elevate newborn in crib?
No, it is not recommended to elevate a newborn in the crib. The crib mattress should be set at the highest position for ease of access, but avoid using additional pillows or elevating devices for a newborn due to the risk of suffocation. With time, you’ll lower your baby’s crib tuning it to their safety requirements.
Is a floor crib baby safe?
Lowering the mattress to the floor is safe, but your child should be at least 12 months old, then you can lower the mattress to the floor. You can’t lower mattress to the floor if it’s not an option for your model of the toddler bed. If your toddler bed doesn’t have any indication that allows you to lower mattress to the floor, you shouldn’t do it.
When can I change from the high to middle position of the baby crib?
It is usually recommended to switch from the high to middle level when the baby turns five months old. That’s when they get significantly more mobile, and you need to lower the crib mattress for safety reasons.