It’s very important for parents to ensure that their baby is safe and secure in their sleep environment, but it can be hard to know where to begin. When it comes down to the basics, a comfortable and safe crib mattress is essential!
The challenge is finding the right height – if your little one’s mattress is too low, they may struggle while transitioning into different sleep positions; on the other hand, an overly high crib mattress could pose a risk of falling.
Knowing how to lower crib mattress properly will help you create an ideal sleeping environment for your baby without compromising safety. Read on as we discuss how to easily adjust your child’s bed so that their sleep atmosphere is perfect at all times!
When Can I Lower My Baby’S Crib Mattress?
You should wait until your baby is 12 months old to lower the mattress of their crib. This helps to reduce the risk of falls and injury from them being able to climb out of the crib. It is recommended by pediatricians that you keep your child in a safe sleeping environment for as long as possible, so lowering the mattress too soon can be dangerous.
Once your baby is 12 months old, you can lower the mattress to the lowest appropriate level for their height and size. Make sure the crib slats are no more than 2-3/8 inches apart so that arms and legs do not become entangled in them. It is also important to check all hardware regularly for any signs of wear or damage as this could create a safety hazard.
Before lowering the mattress, make sure there are no toys, pillows, or blankets in the crib. These objects can create an unsafe sleeping environment by increasing the risk of suffocation or strangulation if your baby moves around too much at night. They should also never be placed within reach of your child when they are in the crib.
Can You Lower a Crib Mattress to the Floor?
Yes, you can lower a crib mattress to the floor. This is usually done for toddlers who have outgrown their cribs and are transitioning to a bed. Lowering the mattress may also help prevent injuries from falls while they are learning to navigate their new space.
To lower a crib mattress, you will need to adjust the height settings of your crib’s adjustable frame. This is accomplished by removing one or more of the legs or mattress supports and replacing them with shorter pieces that come with your crib.
In some cases, you can purchase adaptor kits designed specifically for this purpose. If necessary, use something like a drill or screwdriver to ensure all screws are secure before adjusting the mattress level.
When lowering the mattress, make sure it has been safely secured on both sides and that there is nothing blocking its movement into its new position. Additionally, check that any gaps between the mattress and bed frame are minimal, as this could cause your child to become trapped.
10 Methods How to Lower Crib Mattress
1. Place the Mattress on the Floor
One of the easiest ways to lower a crib mattress is to simply place it on the floor. This will immediately lower the height of the mattress and make it easier for your baby to get in and out of the crib.
Additionally, placing the mattress on the floor will help to prevent falls in case your baby climbs out of the crib. However, you should make sure to place a soft blanket or mattress pad on the floor before placing the crib mattress, as this will provide an extra layer of cushioning.
2. Use a Foam Wedge
Another way to lower a crib mattress is to use a foam wedge. A foam wedge is a piece of foam that can be placed under the mattress to slightly lower its height. Foam wedges are available for purchase online or at most baby stores.
They are usually made of high-quality foam and come in different sizes to fit your needs. To use the wedge, simply slide it under the mattress and ensure that it is securely in place. Once the wedge is in place, you can adjust the height of the mattress by simply adding or removing wedges as needed.
3. Use a Bed Rail
If you have a bed rail that is not being used, you can place it under the mattress to lower its height. This is a great option if you want to be able to easily remove the bed rail when it is no longer needed.
It is important to make sure the bed rail fits securely and that it does not move when your baby is in the crib. You may also want to consider adding a non-skid pad to the bed rail, so that it does not slide when your baby is in the crib.
4. Place Books Under the Mattress
If you have some extra books around the house, you can place them under the mattress to slightly lower their height. This is an easy and inexpensive way to lower a crib mattress. Just be sure that the books are not too thick or they may make it difficult for your baby to breathe.
However, if you don’t have books handy, you can also use blocks or other solid objects to lower the mattress. Just make sure that whatever object you use is sturdy and won’t move or slide out of place while your baby is sleeping.
5. Use Furniture Risers
Furniture risers are devices that are designed to be placed under furniture legs in order to raise their height. You can purchase furniture risers at most home improvement stores or online. To use furniture risers to lower a crib mattress, simply place them under the legs of the crib so that they raise up the mattress.
6. Place Bricks Under the Mattress
If you have some extra bricks lying around, you can use them to lower a crib mattress by placing them under the legs of the crib. This is a great option if you want an easily removable way to lower your crib mattress. Just be sure that the bricks are not too big or they may make it difficult for your baby to breathe.
7. Use Pool Noodles
Pool noodles are often used as flotation devices for swimming pools, but they can also be used to lower a crib mattress! To use pool noodles, simply place them under the legs of the crib so that they raise up the mattress.
Pool noodles are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most stores that sell pool supplies. They also provide a safe way to lower the mattress without damaging it. Be sure to check the pool noodles periodically for signs of wear or tear and replace
8. Hang a Sheet over One Side of the Crib
If you want an easy and temporary way to lower your crib mattress, try hanging a sheet over one side of the crib so that it hangs down and covers part of the mattress. This will effectively lower one side of the mattress, making it easier for your baby to get in and out of the crib.
When it’s time to raise the mattress again, simply take down the sheet, and your crib should be all ready for your little one!
9. Use a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is a piece of fabric or plastic that fits over the top of your crib mattress. The material used to make the protector should be breathable and waterproof to provide a barrier between your baby’s skin and the mattress.
It also helps protect against dust mites, allergens, and other irritants. This is especially important if you live in an area with high levels of air pollution or if your baby has any allergies or sensitivities. The protector should be changed regularly to ensure it is free from dust and other allergens.
10. Try a Low-Profile Crib Mattress
If all else fails, you can always try purchasing a low-profile crib mattress. Low-profile mattresses are designed to be thinner, making them easier for your little one to climb in and out of the crib. Low-profile mattresses come in a variety of materials and sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
However, keep in mind that a low-profile mattress may not provide as much support for your baby, so you will need to consider this before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Lowering a crib mattress can be intimidating if you don’t know how to do it properly. Make sure you take all the necessary safety precautions such as wearing your gloves, securing the mattress in place and following the instructions carefully.
If anything should go wrong along the way, contact a professional immediately. Taking these extra steps will ensure that you have created a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your baby that is securely lowered as needed.
Lowering crib mattresses can seem tricky at first, but with this guide you’ll avoid any problems and have total peace of mind while your little one is snoozing – happy and safe! So let’s get started–follow these steps on How to Lower Crib Mattress today to make sure your baby has the best possible sleep experience each night!
