If you’re a new parent, you know how important it is to have a safe sleeping environment for your baby. One of the best ways to ensure that your baby is safe while they sleep is by lowering the mattress in the crib to its lowest position. This blog post will provide step-by-step instructions on how to lower a crib mattress.
Can You Lower a Crib Mattress?
Being a parent can be exhausting, and making sure your baby has the best sleep environment is a constant challenge. However, as babies grow, changing the mattress height in their crib can help ensure that they remain safe and comfy throughout the night.
Thankfully, most larger cribs come with an adjustable mattress feature that allows you to quickly lower or raise the mattress as needed. To properly lower a crib mattress, unbolt two of the four posts on either side of the crib and reposition them in the bottom holes, so they fit snuggly against the top rails—announcing “level achieved” with a mini fist pump if desired!
Then, reattach the bolts, so they’re snug but not overtightened. Now your baby can continue to get all their beauty rest while keeping a healthy posture and staying safely contained in their nursery oasis!
Why Should You Lower a Crib Mattress?
It is important to lower the mattress in a crib for safety reasons. Lowering the mattress to its lowest level creates an environment where infants are protected from toppling out of the crib. In addition, infants between three and nine months may find themselves standing up with their hands on the rails before they know how to balance properly.
To prevent falls and other related injuries, parents must lower the crib mattress to prevent little ones from being able to step over the sides while they are in the process of learning how to walk.
Additionally, lowering a crib mattress helps maintain an appropriate temperature and promote good ventilation – both extremely important factors for ensuring a baby’s health and comfort. Ultimately, taking the time to lower a crib mattress is worth it both for safety and comfort benefits!
7 Steps to Follow on How to Lower a Crib Mattress
Step 1. Decide on the Right Crib Mattress
The first step in learning how to lower a crib mattress is deciding on the right crib mattress for your baby. There are a variety of crib mattresses on the market, so it is important to do your research to find one that is comfortable and safe for your child.
Step 2. Assemble the Crib
Once you have chosen the right crib mattress, you must assemble the crib. This process will vary depending on your crib type, so it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
Step 3. Place the Mattress in the Crib
Once the crib is assembled, you can place the mattress inside. Make sure that the mattress is placed firmly against the back of the crib so that it does not move around.
Step 4. Lower the Mattress to the Desired Height
Once the mattress is in place, you can begin to lower it to the desired height. Lowering it slowly and carefully so that you do not damage the mattress or injure yourself is important.
Step 5. Secure the Mattress in Place
After you have lowered the mattress to the desired height, you will need to secure it in place. This can be done by using furniture straps or by placing heavy objects on top of the mattress.
Step 6. Test the Mattress Before Use
Before you use the lowered crib mattress, it is important to test it out first. This can be done by placing a pillow or other soft object on top of the mattress and then gently pressing down on it. If everything feels secure, then you can proceed to use the mattress as normal.
Step 7. Adjust as Needed
If at any point you feel like the mattress is too high or too low, you can always adjust it as needed. However, it is important to make sure that your baby is comfortable and safe when sleeping, so do not hesitate to make changes as necessary.
That’s it! You’ve now learned how to lower a crib mattress. Following these steps can help ensure your baby’s safety and comfort while sleeping in their crib.
Things You Need to Know Before Lower a Crib Mattress
Safety must be your top priority when lowering the mattress on your baby’s crib. It’s important to understand that the mattress should be at least two fingers away from any railings or other solid objects to decrease the risk of entrapment and possible suffocation.
It’s also a good idea to ensure the crib is securely attached to the wall using screws and that all bolts and screws are tightly secured so they do not become loose over time.
Additionally, when putting a child into the crib, wait until they have their arms through the rails before lifting their feet in, as this will greatly reduce the risk of an accidental fall. Taking these simple steps can ensure an optimal sleeping environment for your infant.
5 Benefits of Lower a Crib Mattress
1. Lower Mattresses are Safer for Infants
One of the primary benefits of lowering a crib mattress is that it is safer for infants. When an infant is placed in a crib with a mattress that is too high, there is a risk of the infant rolling out of the crib and onto the floor.
This can lead to serious injuries, such as head injuries or broken bones. Additionally, infants who roll out of their cribs are at risk of suffocation if they become wedged between the mattress and the side of the crib.
2. Lower Mattresses Make it Easier for Parents to Reach Their Baby
Another benefit of lowering a crib mattress is that it makes it easier for parents to reach their baby. When an infant is placed in a crib with a mattress that is too high, parents may have difficulty reaching the infant to pick them up or comfort them. This can frustrate parents and make it difficult to bond with their children.
3. Lower Mattresses Help to Prevent SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a leading cause of death in infants under one year of age. While the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, experts believe that sleeping on a firm surface may help to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Additionally, placing an infant on their back to sleep has been shown to decrease the risk of SIDS. For these reasons, lowering a crib mattress may help to prevent SIDS.
4. Lower Mattresses Allow Infants to See Their Surroundings
When an infant is placed in a crib with a mattress that is too high, they may have difficulty seeing their surroundings. This can be stressful for infants as they may feel isolated and alone. Additionally, infants who cannot see their surroundings may cry more frequently as they cannot explore their environment visually.
5. Lower Mattresses May Help Infants Sleep Better
Finally, lower mattresses may help infants sleep better. When an infant is placed on a firm surface, such as a lower mattress, they may find it easier to settle down and fall asleep.
The Best Time to Lower a Crib Mattress
When it comes to ensuring your baby’s safety in the crib, lowering the mattress is key to preventing them from falling out. According to Babycenter, it should be lowered once your little one can roll over, typically around five months of age.
Lowering the mattress offers security and protection and encourages mobility and the desire to explore their environment. In addition, it can be a great help when transitioning into new sleep patterns, such as going from sleeping on their back at night to sleeping on their tummy during day naps.
Making sure the mattress of their bed or crib is safe can help with any transitions and provide peace of mind.
Some Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Lower a Crib Mattress
Lowering a crib’s mattress can be important for ensuring your baby’s comfort and safety, but unfortunately, missteps are easy to make. People often forget to measure the distance between the bottom rail and the top of the mattress before they lower it, which could cause dangerous gaps.
Similarly, mattress supports should always be checked to ensure that they are secure in place – if left loose or bent improperly, a baby can become hurt by slipping between them. Lastly, parents must remember not to add any extra padding or bedding beneath their little one, as this can create a suffocation hazard if too much is used.
With these issues in mind, it’s important to double-check each step carefully when lowering a crib mattress.
Conclusion
Lowering your crib mattress is an important part of making sure that your baby has a safe sleeping environment. By following these simple steps, you can make sure that your baby’s bed is as secure as possible.
Remember always remove all items from the crib before attempting to lower the mattress, use both hands when turning knobs/levers, use only enough force necessary and double-check after adjusting it securely before allowing your baby back into their bed! Thanks for reading our post about how to lower a crib mattress.
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