When to Flip a Baby Mattress? [A Complete Guide]

I’m sure that you already know how important sleep is for the growth and development of a baby. Good sleep comes from a comfortable sleeping surface and that is why it’s important to choose a comfortable crib mattress. If your baby does not get enough sleep, he or she will start to show signs of irritation or a clumsy mood during the daytime.

Also, 2-stage mattresses are becoming quite popular in the market these days. These mattresses have a firm infant side and a slightly softer toddler side. Now, if you have one of these mattresses, at a point you’ll naturally wonder when to flip a baby mattress to the toddler side.

Today in this guide, I’ll share my best tips on when you should flip your baby’s mattress and how to do it step-by-step.

Why Do You Need to Flip a Crib Mattress?

Before we begin to learn about when to flip a baby’s mattress, let’s first talk about why we need to flip a crib mattress in the first place.

Much like myself, many parents these days opt to buy two-stage crib mattresses (with infant and toddler sides) due to the various associated benefits.

• Firstly, it is an economical option because rather than buying a crib mattress and a toddler mattress separately, you just have to buy one mattress which you can simply flip over to accommodate both needs.
• Secondly, as your baby grows, he or she will start to dislike the firmness of the infant side and this in turn will affect his or her sleep.

Additionally, if your baby is kept on the infant side for too long, the mattress will start to deteriorate, causing sagging because it’s not designed to handle that much weight.

When to Flip a Baby Mattress to the Toddler Side?

Remember, all babies are different, and therefore there is no hard and fast rule, just like everything else with baby care.

However, it is generally advised to switch to the toddler side after 12 months.

• In my case for Aiden, I switched it up at nine months, whereas for Fiona, I did not flip it until 14 months. It just depends on how well your baby is sleeping.
• Aiden was having a hard time sleeping on the infant side of the mattress, and those continuous nighttime wake-ups were impacting my sleep as well. Therefore, I decided to flip the mattress earlier than the recommended time, and it worked.

Don’t Flip It Too Early!

Now, with that being said, you don’t want to flip it too early because the firm surface or the infant side is there for a reason. Until your baby can roll over easily and flip themselves and is comfortable sleeping on the firm side of the mattress, it is better to wait before you flip it over.

This is to prevent any accidents that might happen on the slightly soft side of the mattress.

Watch your baby’s progress because every baby is different. Some grow faster; some take a little bit of time. Keep in mind that the general guideline is usually around 12 months, but that can change depending on your baby’s needs.

For Single-Stage Mattresses

Also, even if you have just a single-stage mattress, it is still recommended that you flip it every once in a while. This is just to ensure that there is no sagging from using the same side over and over. This helps to improve the life of the mattress.

Different single-stage mattresses are made from different materials. So, below are my recommendations on when to flip them to increase their life span. 

• Foam Mattress: These lightweight mattresses are made with polyurethane foams that may sag easily. It requires extra care through flipping and rotating once every two weeks.  
• Innerspring: Spring mattresses are durable and heavy-weight. You can flip it once every 3 months. 
• Organic Mattresses: These are the most breathable mattresses with extra cushioning and waterproofing abilities. Flipping them every 6 months would be beneficial.

How to Flip and Rotate a Baby Mattress – Step-by-Step 

You might be wondering what it takes to flip and rotate a baby’s mattress. Parents often think of it as a simple process to just hold and flip on the other side. Indeed, it’s true, but don’t forget to do it safely. 

A while back, I made a mistake with the flipping, and Teagan’s 1-year-old mattress got stuck in the crib edge, resulting in foam exposure. That’s just a sad ending for my mattress, but I’ll help to give yours a happy flipping!

How to Flip A Crib Mattress 

1. Firstly, clear the crib area to avoid accidental tears or cuts. 
2. Remove bedding or sheets to get access to the mattress and keep enough space for the process. 
3. Stand beside the crib and carefully lift one side of the mattress while maintaining a firm grip to prevent it from slipping or falling.
4. Slowly flip the mattress over, ensuring that it remains level and stable throughout the process.
5. Lower the flipped side of the mattress gently onto the crib base, making sure it fits snugly and securely.

How to Rotate A Crib Mattress 

Rotating requires you to flip your mattress often. Sleeping on one surface may cause mattress stiffness. Therefore, it is recommended to rotate it to 180 degrees. Remember, it only applies to one-sided mattresses. 

1. After flipping the mattress, assess its position to determine the direction of rotation.
2. Lift the mattress slightly to create enough space to rotate it 180 degrees within the crib.
3. Rotate the mattress clockwise or anti-clockwise, depending on your preference, to ensure even wear and support.
4. Lower the mattress back into place, ensuring it fits properly within the crib frame without any gaps or uneven edges.

Kelleigh’s Quick Tip: Take flipping and rotating as an opportunity to check for cuts, tears, or mold. You’ll feel super confident while making such a safe environment for your baby!

Final Thoughts: Flip a Baby Mattress Easily

A good night’s sleep contributes to a happy and healthy baby, and flipping and rotating the mattress plays a significant role in achieving this.

By flipping and rotating the mattress, you distribute wear evenly, maintain firmness, and prevent early sagging. This extends the lifespan and reduces the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) associated with soft sleeping surfaces.

Follow the simple step-by-step process outlined in this guide to flip and rotate your baby’s mattress safely. Remember, the timing for flipping and rotating depends on the type of mattress you have and your baby’s growth and comfort needs.

Whether it’s a one-sided or two-sided mattress, regular maintenance is key to ensuring optimal support and comfort for your little one.