Just like the crib, you shouldn’t buy a used crib mattress. Many parents sell the crib mattress after their child transitions to a regular bed. However, that means the mattress has been slept on for at least two or three years.
Is it safe to use an old crib mattress?
Baby gear is recalled all the time, and sometimes there are specific risks to different items that you might not even be aware of. This is especially true when it comes to crib mattresses, and the short answer is: no, it’s not a good idea to reuse a crib mattress.
Can you reuse crib mattress for second child?
While it can be tempting to reuse a crib mattress or purchase one secondhand, you should only consider a used mattress if it meets the above guidelines for safety and cleanliness. It’s important to make sure whatever mattress you choose is still in good shape so that it’s safe for your baby.
Can a baby sleep on a second hand mattress?
There is some evidence to suggest that bringing in a mattress from another home might increase the risk of sudden infant death very slightly. When using your own mattress for a second (or more) time, ensure it is still firm and flat with no tears or holes, and is not sagging in places.
How do I know if my crib mattress is safe?
A full-size crib mattress should be at least 27 1/4 inches by 51 1/4 inches and be no thicker than 6 inches. Also, if the mattress is new, pull off that plastic and throw it away immediately. Make sure, too, that the mattress itself is firm, since soft mattresses raise the risk of SIDS.
Why do second hand mattresses cause SIDS?
Which? tests have found that cot mattresses can lose more than 25% of their firmness in just a few years of use. This means using a second-hand or hand-me-down cot mattress may not provide the firm support all babies need, which could increase the risk of suffocation or smothering.
Can a used crib mattress cause SIDS?
A valid significant association exists between use of a used infant mattress and an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome, particularly if the mattress is from another home.
How long can a crib mattress be used?
Most are designed to last about five years, though some say longer. Keep the five-year rule in mind and decrease if the bed lived a hard life, and increase it if you’ve been proactive with care.
Can crib mattresses get bed bugs?
Crib mattress encasements can help prevent bed bugs from getting into baby’s mattress. Look for an encasement that has been laboratory tested and approved to be 100% bed bug proof for the ultimate in protection for your little one.
What baby items should you not buy used?
6 Baby Items You Should Never Buy Used
- Baby Car Seats. A car seat is one of the most important items you buy for your baby.
- Crib for your Newborn. Image via Bigstock.
- Baby Crib Mattress. Just like the crib, you shouldn’t buy a used crib mattress.
- Second Hand Breast Pumps.
- Infant Formula.
- Use Baby Toys.
How do you clean a second hand baby mattress?
If you do buy a used crib mattress, give it a thorough cleaning when you get it home. You can sprinkle it with baking soda, vacuuming (ideally with a HEPA vacuum) it up after allowing the baking soda to sit for 15 or 20 minutes. You can also use a damp cloth with vinegar and lemon to wipe the surface of the mattress.
Is it OK to use a second hand Moses basket mattress?
It might not seem like a big deal to reuse mattresses from your eldest child’s Moses basket or cot, or accept a hand-me-down from a friend. But bear in mind that doing this could mean a small increase in your baby’s risk of SIDS (Tappin et al, 2002).
Are cribs from the 90s safe?
Old cribs pose a number of dangers to babies and toddlers. Corner posts can pose a risk to babies who are able to stand up, as loose clothing could become caught on the posts, which is a strangulation risk. 2 Slats that are too far apart or decorative holes in the headboards can trap a child’s head.
Do cribs expire?
Although cribs don’t technically expire (unlike car seats, which have an expiration date printed on them, according to Parenting), safety regulations do change and recalls occasionally happen, as well.
What is sudden infant death syndrome?
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – sometimes known as “cot death” – is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby. In the UK, around 200 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year. This statistic may sound alarming, but SIDS is rare and the risk of your baby dying from it is low.
Do you have to buy a new mattress for a new baby?
If you’re borrowing a crib or a cot, or using one that’s been used by another of your children, you should ideally buy a new mattress. If you cannot do this, use the cot mattress you have, as long as it’s firm (not soft), flat, fits the cot with no gaps, is clean, dry, waterproof and not ripped or torn.
What can I do with an old crib mattress?
a few suggestions below on how you can donate, reuse or repurpose your crib mattress.
- Donate your used crib mattress to a shelter.
- Donate your crib mattress to local furniture banks where people in need can gather good, used products for their home.
- Sell the crib mattress components to a recycler.
How do you know if a crib has bed bugs?
** The pest control pros recommend inspecting the crib frame for signs of droppings, specifically the darker, areas that are not painted or stained, as bed bugs are attracted to dark and need texture for a grip. They usually don’t pick the mattress for their harbourage areas in cribs.
Do bed bugs go inside the mattress?
Bed Bugs will try to live as close to their food source as possible. They can often be found directly on the mattress in the tufts and folds, along the seam, and even inside the mattress. They can also be found in the box-spring, bed frame, headboard and furniture near the bed.
How do you disinfect a crib?
How to Clean Your Baby’s Crib Mattress
- Remove the crib mattress cover or any bedding.
- Check for a care label on the mattress or find the manufacturer’s site.
- Vacuum the crib mattress to get rid of dust or dirt.
- Scrub the mattress all over with warm water and a gentle detergent.
Is it OK to buy a second-hand bassinet?
Be sure to carefully evaluate any used bassinets and cradles, too. Only use rocking models, including heirloom cradles, while your child is supervised, and check any vintage bassinet or cradle for the same hazards as cribs. For more safety notes, see our guides on the best cribs and bassinets or cradles.
How do I disinfect my baby?
Most items can be washed on the gentle cycle in the washing machine. Baby gear made of plastic, like a jumperoo: If it’s small enough to fit in a sink, use soap and water. If it’s warm out, you can even hose it off with soap and water outside. Otherwise, it can be wiped down with a disinfectant solution (see above).
How do you remove bacteria from a mattress?
Combine equal amounts of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray on the mattress surface to dampen the upholstery and let it air dry. Then, use baking soda and sprinkle it all over your mattress before leaving it aside for several hours.
Is it safe to spray Lysol on a mattress?
2. Can I Spray Lysol on My Bed? To deodorize a mattress, you can use a can of Lysol Fabric Mist, which you can also spray on sheets, blankets, and pillows for a refresh. In general, Lysol spray eradicates bacteria and is safe to use on most mattresses, but read the label carefully for directions.
How do you disinfect a Moses basket?
Mix a cleaning solution containing 1/4 cup of dish soap, 2 cups of warm water and a cup of white vinegar. Wash the basket with this solution, using a sponge. The soap loosens dirt and mold while the vinegar, which is an acid, disinfects. Use a toothbrush to scrub mold from inside the weave of the wicker.
Can I reuse pacifiers for second baby?
Pacifiers and nipples – TOSS/RECYCLE
Pacifiers and bottle nipples are mostly made of silicone or rubber, both of which break down after time, use, and exposure to heat. It’s best to toss these out and buy new for your next baby.
Can you reuse nipples second baby?
Bottles & Bottle Nipples
If bottles are fairly new and BPA-free they will be okay for reuse. However, if theres a big gap in baby spacing you’ll need to replace. And always replace bottle nipples since an old nipple can contain harmful bacteria.
How do I know if my crib has been recalled?
Checking Crib Safety
- Periodically checking crib hardware to ensure it has not loosened, broken, or gone missing.
- Checking the CPSC website to see if your baby’s crib has been recalled (Get an official repair kit or exchange the crib if it is under recall; do not try to repair a recalled crib on your own.)
Why are cribs with drop sides banned?
The CPSC, the government’s top regulator of children’s products, says cribs with drop-down sides have hidden hazards that can cause strangulation or suffocation.
Can I use a 20 year old crib?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends against using a secondhand crib. If you do, they recommend not using a crib that is more than 10 years old.
What certifications should a crib have?
Important Certifications to Look for in a Crib Mattress
- Greenguard Gold Certification. If your mattress possesses the Greenguard Gold certification, you can be assured of its safety and use with your little one.
- JPMA Certification.
- CertiPUR-US Certification.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
How common is SIDS 2021?
Here are the statistics on SIDS and SUID based on information gathered from the CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health’s monitoring programs: About 3,400 babies in the United States die suddenly and unexpectedly each year. About 1 in 1,000 babies die from SIDS every year.
What month is SIDS most common?
About 1,360 babies died of SIDS in 2017, the last year for which such statistics are available. Most SIDS deaths happen in babies between 1 month and 4 months of age, and the majority (90%) of SIDS deaths happen before a baby reaches 6 months of age. However, SIDS deaths can happen anytime during a baby’s first year.
At what age does SIDS stop?
Although the causes of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) are still largely unknown, doctors do know that the risk of SIDS appears to peak between 2 and 4 months. SIDS risk also decreases after 6 months, and it’s extremely rare after one year of age.
How firm should a crib mattress be?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a crib mattress needs to be firm enough that it doesn’t conform to the shape of your baby’s head. More specifically, the mattress should be between an eight and a 10 on the mattress firmness scale.
At what age can babies sleep on soft mattress?
Experts recommend a ‘firm’ sleep surface for babies aged 0–12 months, even babies that are positioned face up (as they should be).
Can you reuse next to me mattress?
Yes you can. The lullaby trust (who do all the sids research) Say the mattress should be clean and not dusty. They do not say you need a new mattress (and they know about this stuff!)
When should I change my baby mattress?
Although each child is different, customers typically flip their crib mattress when their baby is about 12 months old, although your baby might be ready to have their mattress flipped a little sooner or perhaps even later- so it is always best to check with your pediatrician first.
Can bed bugs live in plastic crib mattress?
Bed bugs will hide in the smallest of spaces, namely in the linings of your mattress, sheets, and other fabrics. A plastic mattress, or plastic mattress cover, will either deter bed bugs from getting comfortable on your bed, or trap any existing bed bugs and keep them from spreading further.
What do baby bedbug bites look like?
Bedbug bites look like little red bumps (similar to mosquito bites) and they can sometimes happen in a line on the body. The bites are mainly on areas of skin that are exposed while sleeping.
What do baby bed bugs look like to the human eye?
Nymphs are the small baby bed bugs. They appear translucent brown or tan, in colour, and as they mature they turn an opaque hue after they moult. They would often moult (shed skin) five times before they become adult bugs. The nymphs are not longer than the size of a sesame seed.
How do you check a mattress for bed bugs?
Looking for Signs of Bed Bugs
When cleaning, changing bedding, or staying away from home, look for: Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by bed bugs being crushed. Dark spots (about this size: •), which are bed bug excrement and may bleed on the fabric like a marker would.
How do you disinfect a mattress with bed bugs?
Steam Clean
High temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit kill bed bugs on contact. Steaming is a good alternative to using chemicals, and it also gets rid of bacteria and allergens. As a word of caution, steam is not ideal for memory foam mattresses— heat and liquid can cause memory foam to quickly deteriorate.
Is Lysol safe for newborns?
It’s effective enough to kill 99.9% of common household bacteria, yet is as gentle as water. So gentle you can use it around babies, pets and food. It leaves no harsh chemicals or fumes so you can just spray and walk away.
How long is a crib mattress good for?
Most are designed to last about five years, though some say longer. Keep the five-year rule in mind and decrease if the bed lived a hard life, and increase it if you’ve been proactive with care.
Is Lysol wipes safe for babies?
Plastic baby and children’s toys can be disinfected and sanitized with Clorox or Lysol wipes or a cloth wet with a mixture of 1/2 cup chlorine bleach and one gallon of water. Make sure you let the toys air dry for 30 seconds or more to let the cleaning solution do its work.
Are antibacterial wipes safe for babies?
There aren’t any disinfectant wipes that are safe for babies. Because their skin is so sensitive and prone to allergic reactions to harsh chemicals, disinfectants on baby’s skin, especially their bottoms, is a no-go.
How often should you wash an infants hands?
Babies need their hands washed as often as adults and children. As a general rule you should wash a baby’s hands before they should touch something that should stay clean such as food or another baby, and after they have touched anything that might have contaminated their hands.