How Many Coils Should a Crib Mattress Have? How to Decide?
There are so many things to consider and think about when you’re pregnant, especially if it is your first child. Just like you, I also used to feel overwhelmed and confused regarding a lot of things, and one of them was the crib mattress.
When I had Avery in 2008 (my first daughter), she didn’t respond very well to the crib mattress, and I began questioning things like if was it too firm for her, or if I should have gone for a foam mattress.
However, later on with some experience and testing, I found out it was her sleep environment that was affecting her sleep, and not the mattress itself. I’ve talked about checking your crib mattress firmness already in my previous article.
Today, I will try to put one of your other worries to rest and will try my best to answer one common question that you might encounter while picking up a mattress i.e. what is a coil mattress, and how many coils should your crib mattress have?
Table of Contents
Importance of Crib Mattress Coils
Moms and Dads, mattresses come in different sizes, fabrics, and materials. And finding the right and comfortable mattress is very important for your baby’s optimal growth and development.
There are two main kinds:
- Foam
- Innerspring
Here are some main differences:
Feature | Foam Crib Mattress | Innerspring Crib Mattress |
---|---|---|
Material | Made of soft foam | Made of metal springs surrounded by padding |
Feel | Soft and squishy | Bouncy and firm |
Weight | Lighter weight | Heavier weight |
Durability | Generally durable | May last longer due to sturdy construction |
Price | Typically less expensive | Typically more expensive |
Now, just like me, if you’re leaning towards an innerspring or coil mattress, it’s important to know about something called coil counts. It might sound a bit technical, but trust me, it’s one of those things that you do not want to overlook while choosing the mattress for your little one.
These coils or metal springs ensure that your baby maintains a better spine posture and receives adequate back support during sleep. They also ensure that your baby’s weight is distributed evenly, hence reducing excessive pressure on delicate areas and maintaining the required firmness for optimal comfort.
Kelleigh’s Quick Tip: Although, coil mattresses are generally a bit more expensive than foam mattresses. But keep in mind that the same mattress can be used to transition into a toddler bed, therefore paying attention to coil counts and materials is very important.
Understanding and Finding the Right Coil Counts
Have you heard of the importance of a strong foundation? Whether it’s in building a home or selecting the right coil for a mattress, a sturdy base is essential.
A well-constructed crib mattress typically contains more coils, ranging between 100 to 200, along with padding, foam, and fabric layers. But why do these numbers matter?
Let’s discuss with an example: A mattress with 80 or 100 coils is likely to be less firm and lighter because of the fewer coils. Also, it won’t distribute weight evenly across the mattress surface and hence will have poor weight management.
Secondly, the standard size of a crib mattress is 27.25″ x 51.25″. So, 80-100 coils may not fully cover the mattress, leaving gaps and uncovered areas. This will also lead to a shorter lifespan and premature sagging of the mattress.
Lastly, a lower coil count results in insufficient edge support. Increased coils contribute to better protection of the mattress edges, ensuring consistent shape and support.
How many coils should a crib mattress have?
I recommend choosing 150-180 coil counts in a baby’s standard crib mattress, keeping in mind other factors that influence this decision which we have discussed below including coil gauge, coil placement, comfort, material quality and brand repuation.
Factors Influencing Coil Count in Baby’s Mattress
A coil mattress’s comfort depends on several other factors. Hence, it’s worth noting that measuring coil count alone will not guarantee a perfect baby mattress.
Let’s examine the other factors:
1. Coil Gauge
While coil counts show the number of coils present in a crib mattress, coil gauge indicates the thickness of the steel/metal used to make coils or springs.
Lower gauge numbers signify thicker coils.
Therefore, while choosing the right coil mattress, follow a simple rule- the higher the coil count and the lower the gauge, the better the pair!
The width, or thickness, of coils is measured on a scale of 12 to 19, with 12 being the thickest and 19 the thinnest.
When the coil gauge is lower in number, the mattress is considered firmer. On the flip side, when the gauge is higher, the mattress tends to be softer.
This is because a thicker wire provides better support against weight without sinking.
Kelleigh’s Quick Tip: For a quality mattress, I recommend a coil gauge of 12.5 to 13.
2. Coil Placement and Material Quality
Coil placement basically refers to how the individual coils or springs are arranged within the mattress. Having them placed optimally without any gaps ensures even weight distribution, support, edge support, and overall durability.
Also, other than the coils paying attention to materials like foam, padding, and fabrics that secure these coils is important too.
Since, coil mattresses are heavier than foam or organic ones, good quality fabrics and foams are essential to manage the weight of the coils. This ensures long-term firmness, as high-quality fabrics are less likely to sag easily, making it a wise investment for your baby’s sleep.
3. Brand Reputation
Every other marketed brand promises to deliver a firm and quality mattress!
However, beware of falsely advertised or counterfeit products. Some brands may use a good number of coils in mattresses but compromise on coil thickness or material quality. Therefore, before believing in what you see, it’s better to research thoroughly.
Here’s a tip: Opt for a brand with a trusted online reputation, check their reviews, and consult with your pediatrician.
Relationship of Coil Counts with Safety and Durability
The relationship between coil counts and safety and durability in crib mattresses is significant.
Coil Counts and Safety
Did you know that around 36% of nonfatal mattress incidents are caused by coils or springs protruding from mattresses? That’s correct – out of 355 incidents, 128 involved this issue.
To address this hazard, the safety standards for crib mattresses have been made even tougher. All the mattresses in the USA, have to undergo a cyclic impact test. In this, a 30-pound weight is dropped on a crib mattress 250 times in four different spots.
This test ensures that even with extensive use, the coils remain straight and secure and don’t pose any danger to the little ones.
Coil Counts and Durability
Coils play a significant role in the lifespan of a mattress! Generally, the more coils there are, the better the mattress holds up over time.
Think of it this way: More coils mean better support and structure. This enhanced support helps prevent sagging and maintains the mattress’s integrity as your baby grows.
Conclusion on Crib Mattress Coils
Now, you must have gotten all your answers related to crib mattress coils. By understanding the significance of crib mattress coils and how they influence safety, durability, and comfort, I hope you’ll be able to make your decision easily now.
Remember, it’s not just about the number of coils but also about their quality, placement, and the materials surrounding them.