Herbie Murray
The firmness of a mattress is an important consideration for parents, as it can impact a child's spinal alignment, bone development, and even safety. While soft mattresses may be comfortable for adults, they can pose a risk to infants. Organisations like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that infants sleep on a firm surface to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. So, can 1-year-olds sleep on a soft mattress?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mattress for newborns | Very firm |
| Mattress for toddlers | Softer |
| Risk of SIDS | Drops drastically after 1 year |
| Mattress for 1-year-olds | Firm but can be softer than a newborn mattress |
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What You'll Learn
Soft mattresses and the risk of SIDS
A baby's mattress should be firm, and not soft. Soft mattresses and bedding are a significant risk factor for sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) caused by unintentional suffocation and strangulation in bed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep on a firm surface.
Death scene investigations have found that soft mattresses are especially dangerous because they conform to the shape of an infant's head, creating pockets of space that can cover the infant's nose and mouth, increasing the risk of suffocation and rebreathing of expired gases. A study of SIDS cases in New Zealand also found that soft infant mattresses had a significantly increased risk of SIDS compared to firmer mattresses.
The risk of SIDS is significantly reduced by placing babies to sleep on their backs in a crib that meets current safety standards and has a firm, tight-fitting mattress and no soft bedding. It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs in a crib with a firm mattress to reduce the risk of SIDS. This recommendation has helped reduce SIDS deaths, with about 3,000 SIDS deaths per year, a reduction of about 38% in the 5 years following the recommendation.
Once a child is a toddler, they can safely sleep on a softer mattress. Toddlers can also safely sleep on their stomachs or sides, and with thin blankets and small pillows. However, it is still recommended to avoid large stuffed animals or soft toys in their crib.
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Spinal and bone development
The development of spinal curves plays a crucial role in spinal and bone development. Initially, newborns are born with a "C-shape" curve, known as the Thoracic Kyphosis, which contributes to their fetal position and helps maintain proper alignment and posture. As they grow, the Cervical Lordosis develops within the first few months, forming a reversed "C-shape" curve in the upper spine as neck muscles strengthen and they learn to hold their heads up.
The first two years of life are particularly important for spinal development, as the spine doubles in size during this period. This rapid growth is influenced by movement experiences, such as crawling and walking, which can also lead to minor falls and collisions. Ensuring proper alignment and posture during infancy helps prevent excessive pressure on the spine and hips, promoting healthy development.
Chiropractic care is often recommended for infants and children to support spinal health. Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to identify and correct abnormal spinal development, which can impact the nervous system and overall growth. Regular chiropractic check-ups can help promote overall wellness and address any dysfunctions early on.
In terms of mattress firmness, it is generally recommended that newborns and infants sleep on a firm surface to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Soft mattresses and bedding have been identified as significant risk factors, as they can conform to an infant's head, increasing the risk of suffocation. Therefore, it is advised to use a firm mattress for the first year of life, and some sources suggest that the risk of SIDS drastically drops after this age. However, there is no definitive consensus on when to transition to a softer mattress, and some toddlers may continue using their crib mattresses until they transition to larger beds.
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Suffocation hazards
Suffocation is the leading cause of injury and death among infants under one year old. A soft mattress is especially dangerous because it conforms to the shape of an infant's head, creating pockets of space that can cover the infant's nose and mouth, increasing the risk of suffocation and rebreathing of exhaled carbon dioxide. Soft mattresses also increase the risk of wedging, when a baby gets trapped between two objects, such as a mattress and a wall.
To prevent suffocation, doctors advise parents to put babies to sleep on their backs without blankets or other soft bedding that could pose a suffocation risk. Ideally, babies should sleep in their own crib or bassinet in a caregiver's room. It is also recommended to keep the crib or bed away from any objects with ties or strings, like window blind pulls, curtains, or electrical cords.
Once a child reaches their first birthday, stomach sleeping no longer poses a suffocation risk. However, it is still important to create a safe sleeping environment for toddlers. While blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals no longer pose the same risk as they did when the child was an infant, it is recommended to only allow a thin blanket and a small pillow for toddlers.
Some crib mattresses are designed with one side firm for infants and the other side softer for toddlers. These mattresses can be flipped over once the child reaches toddlerhood, typically between 18 months and 3.5 years old.
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Mattress firmness and safety standards
The firmness of a mattress is an important consideration when it comes to the safety of infants and young children. Soft mattresses and bedding have been identified as significant risk factors in sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). A quarter of SUIDs are caused by unintentional suffocation and strangulation in bed, with soft mattresses and bedding use being a contributing factor.
To address these risks, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep on a firm surface. This recommendation is supported by death scene investigations, which often find infants sleeping on soft surfaces in the prone position, with soft bedding, or a combination of these factors. A soft mattress can conform to the shape of an infant's head, creating pockets of space that can cover the nose and mouth, increasing the risk of suffocation and rebreathing of exhaled carbon dioxide.
In recognition of these risks, mattress safety standards have been developed to ensure the safety of infant sleep products. These standards include mandatory safety specifications for crib mattresses, such as ASTM F2933-19, which has been modified to include a test for mattress firmness. The addition of this test aims to further reduce the risk of injury and suffocation associated with overly soft crib mattresses. The BS EN 16890:2017 standard, which outlines safety requirements and test methods for mattresses used in cots and cribs, also includes a mattress firmness test.
The NBF (National Bed Federation) is a UK-based organization that represents bed manufacturers and their suppliers. The NBF provides guidance to its members through its NBF Code of Practice, which addresses various issues related to manufacturing, labelling, and safety. Mattresses that carry the NBF seal of approval indicate that the manufacturer has adhered to high standards of safety and quality.
In terms of specific recommendations for infants and toddlers, it is generally advised that newborns and babies sleep on very firm mattresses to reduce the risk of SIDS and SUID. Once a child reaches toddlerhood, the risk of SIDS decreases, and they can safely sleep on a softer mattress. Some crib mattresses are designed with one side firm for infants and the other side softer for toddlers, allowing for an easy transition as the child grows.
It is important to note that the transition from a crib to a toddler bed or a regular bed should be done gradually and at the right time for the child. Most toddlers transition between 18 months and 3.5 years old, but it is recommended to wait until closer to age 3 if possible. Lowering the crib mattress once the child can sit up or stand is a safety precaution to prevent them from climbing out. Additionally, soft toys, pillows, and blankets should be introduced gradually, ensuring they are small enough not to pose a risk of suffocation or climbing out of the crib.
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The age of transition to a softer mattress
The transition from a firm mattress to a softer one depends on the child's age and the type of bed they are using. Generally, newborns and infants should sleep on a firm mattress to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Soft mattresses and bedding are considered significant risk factors for SUID and SIDS, as they can conform to the shape of an infant's head, creating pockets of space that may cover their nose and mouth, increasing the risk of suffocation and rebreathing of exhaled carbon dioxide.
The risk of SIDS decreases significantly after one year of age. At this stage, some children may still be using a crib mattress, which is typically firm. If parents plan to transition their child to a toddler bed, they may opt for a softer mattress since toddlers can safely sleep on one. However, some parents may choose to continue using the same crib mattress, especially if their child is accustomed to it.
When transitioning to a "grown-up" mattress, parents often choose a twin, twin XL, or full-size mattress for their child. A medium-firm to firm mattress is recommended for this stage, as it provides comfort and support for the child's growing body. Innerspring mattresses with pocketed coils or latex varieties are suggested for durability, lasting until the child enters their teenage years.
As children grow into their teenage years and become more conscious of their sleep preferences, they may opt for softer mattresses, especially if they are side sleepers. Spinal alignment becomes crucial, and memory foam mattresses are often recommended for this sleep position. Pregnant women may also prefer softer mattresses, particularly during the second and third trimesters when side sleeping is encouraged. However, it is important to prioritize quality support layers to alleviate back pain and other body aches associated with pregnancy.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally recommended that babies sleep on a firm mattress, and a soft mattress is only considered safe for toddlers. However, some sources state that babies can sleep on a softer mattress after 12 months, as the risk of SIDS drops drastically after this age.
Soft mattresses can obstruct a baby's breathing, causing suffocation. They can also cause rebreathing of carbon dioxide, which can be fatal. Firm mattresses are recommended to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
A soft mattress is one that has a high measure of vertical indentation. This means that the mattress sinks more when weight is applied to it.
There are no clear signs that a baby is ready for a soft mattress. It is important to consider the baby's age and development, as firm mattresses are necessary for spinal alignment and musculoskeletal development.
