Do Crib Mattresses Expire? When To Replace Them?
If you are a parent with multiple kids like me, then it is highly likely that you have recycled or re-used some of your kid’s belongings, toys, etc for your little ones. One such thing is the crib mattress.
Now, if you have been using your crib mattress for a while now, then a thought may have crossed your mind about how long these crib mattresses last and how to tell if your used crib mattress is safe for your next child.
Some parents have also mentioned that they bought crib mattresses that they never or barely used and now worry if it has expired or aren’t safe to use.
Investing in a quality crib mattress can be expensive for most parents. It was expensive for me as well, yes! Raising six children wasn’t easy on my pockets (but it is truly worth it, I must admit).
I even remember my partner asking me when to replace crib mattresses. I didn’t have an answer then, but I do now! Below, I’ll share my first-hand experience on determining if the crib mattress you have is safe for use and what signs to look for before replacing it.
But first, you need to understand if crib mattresses expire.
Table of Contents
Do Crib Mattresses Expire?
Before we decide on whether our crib mattress is safe for usage, let’s first talk about whether crib mattresses have any expiration period.
Generally speaking, there are no labels or manufacturer’s instructions attached to any crib mattresses to answer your question of when to replace them or if they have expired.
Crib mattresses don’t have specific expiry dates and as long as they are firm and free from hazardous elements (including mold, bed bugs, cuts, visible wear and tear), you can continue using them.
From my experience, I’ve successfully re-used/recycled crib mattresses for my children. Example:
- The crib mattress that I bought for my daughter, Fiona was still in pretty good condition when I had my next daughter, Teagen. So after a thorough inspection, we ended up using the same mattress for both of them.
- On the other hand, I bought a new organic baby mattress for my little Sawyer (my 5th child), but it eventually ended up with some cuts and mold. So, I couldn’t use it any further for my 6th child.
Kelleigh’s Quick Tip: Crib mattresses have no expiration date. Use them only if they are firm, and hazard-free. Inspect for damages, and replace if compromised.
How Long Does A Crib Mattress Last?
A crib mattress typically lasts for 5-6 years if used safely, cleaned thoroughly, and maintained properly.
I’ve used a couple of my mattresses for over 4 years. Now, you may ask, how did I make my mattress last longer?
A strict schedule of hygiene and maintenance helped me achieve this. Other than this, mattress longevity depends on several factors that you must not miss!
Factors Affecting The Crib Mattress Longevity
1. Check For Active Recalls
From my experience, I’ve learned that some mattresses might pass initial testing stages and could have been sold in the market before being recalled by the authorities.
What that means is that a mattress that might have been advertised to you as the safest or best crib mattress for your little one might not be fully safe now.
So, to avoid situations like this, and before deciding to use the old crib mattress, make sure to check them for recalls.
You can do so by visiting the CPSC website. This step is very crucial. I repeat! Beware and check online for a recall. You will have to enter your mattress details followed by batch numbers, mattress source, or tracking ID.
If your old mattress doesn’t have any pending recall, then it is most likely safe to be used (keeping in mind other factors).
2. Age of the Mattress
How long have you been using a crib mattress?
- The more it gets old and used often, the more it may lose firmness. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also mentions that the maximum age for using a baby mattress is up to 5 years.
So, if you still haven’t used the mattress you bought a while back, it’s time to use it now and enjoy 5-6 years of mattress comfort for your infants.
Just ensure it’s kept safely, away from any bugs, dust mites, and bacteria.
3. Types And Materials
Mattress longevity depends on the materials used while manufacturing.
- If your mattress is made up of high-quality coils, then it may last longer and stay strong during baby sleepovers. But if your mattresses are made of foam, they might lose their firmness faster.
Since this relates to your baby’s safety as well, I recommend investing in high-quality mattresses right from the very beginning. This too helps to save money because you avoid unnecessary investments later.
4. Resistance To Liquid
It’s normal to see your baby peeing on the mattress!
- So keep your baby comfy with a waterproof mattress that can avoid such accidents and improve its lifespan. I would also recommend covering the mattress with a mattress protector for a two-layer shield from liquids and stains.
Wet mattresses are highly prone to bacteria, mold, and mildew growth that destroy your mattress longevity. So, if you notice any such growth, please discard them!
Signs You Should Replace A Crib Mattress
Some signs that you can look for before deciding to replace your baby’s crib mattress include:
1. Loss Of Firmness
Do you feel a sagginess when you put your hands around the baby’s mattress?
- That could be a sign that your mattress has lost its stiffness, which causes the risk of suffocation in infants.
- A mattress that feels less firm or sags in the middle may no longer provide adequate support. Your baby’s head may sink or suffocate while sleeping.
Don’t wait and buy a new mattress right away!
2. Visible Wear And Tear
During maintenance checks or cleaning, you must notice any cuts or wear and tear around all the edges.
- Don’t let it get worse because the coils may get exposed which has proven dangerous for infants. Mattress indentations, tears, or rips in the mattress cover all tell you that it’s time for a replacement.
3. Mold and Mildew
I’ve heard of situations where parents find mildew or even mold in their baby’s crib mattresses! We cannot ignore things like that.
- When you let moisture build up in your mattresses, bacteria or fungi make it their home and eventually cause mold. So, check for mold or mildew every 2 weeks and call for a replacement if you find it.
Final Thoughts
And here are my final thoughts: the question of whether crib mattresses expire often weighs on our minds.
While manufacturers do not stamp an expiration date on these essential items, we know now that crib mattresses can last anywhere from 5 to 6 years with proper care and maintenance.
Factors like materials used, usage, and resistance to liquids are vital to determine how long they last. So, to keep your mind at ease, please check for replacement signs as and when possible and stop using them if they have cuts, lose firmness, or have mold.