Miya Pearson
Memory foam mattresses are popular among adults due to their comfort and support. But are they safe for newborns? Memory foam is a polyurethane foam that moulds to the body's shape and bounces back when the pressure is removed. While some parents swear by memory foam for their newborns, others are hesitant due to safety concerns. The soft surface of memory foam can conform to a baby's face, obstructing their airways and increasing the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Federal guidelines recommend a firm surface for infants, and it is crucial to prioritise your baby's safety when choosing a mattress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Memory foam is generally not considered safe for newborns due to the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). |
| Firmness | Memory foam is often too soft for newborns, who need a firm surface to sleep on. |
| Environmental impact | The manufacturing process of memory foam can be heavy on petrochemicals and other potentially harmful substances. |
| Price | Memory foam mattresses are usually cheaper than other types of mattresses. |
| Ease of shipping | Memory foam mattresses are easy to ship as they can be rolled and vacuum-sealed into a box. |
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What You'll Learn
Memory foam mattresses can increase the risk of suffocation
Memory foam mattresses are made of polyurethane foam, which can mould to a warm body and bounce back when the pressure is removed. This moulding quality is what gives memory foam its name. However, this very quality can be dangerous for newborns and infants.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on their backs on a firm surface with a tight-fitting sheet. No soft bedding items, including blankets, pillows, clothes, or stuffed animals, should be in the crib as they increase the risk of suffocation, which is the cause of most SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) deaths.
While some firm and non-toxic memory foam mattresses may be safe for babies, most are not. It is best to avoid memory foam mattresses for newborns and infants and instead opt for a firm, flat mattress designed for infants to reduce the risk of suffocation.
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Memory foam mattresses are made with potentially harmful chemicals
Memory foam is a polyurethane foam that moulds to a warm body and bounces back when the pressure is removed. During the manufacturing process, chemicals are added to standard polyurethane to increase the foam's density and viscosity. These added chemicals can include petrochemicals and other potentially harmful substances.
One such chemical is methylbenzene (also known as toluene), which is toxic when inhaled in large quantities. Formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, can also be produced as a by-product of the foam manufacturing process, although this is becoming less common. Methylene dianiline is another chemical used in the foam manufacturing process, which can cause skin irritation.
The polyurethane foam in many mattresses emits potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or carbon-based chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. Exposure to some VOCs can cause respiratory irritation, trigger asthma symptoms, and increase the risk of cancer in the long term. Memory foam mattresses are often treated with chemical flame retardants, which can leach out slowly over time. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a type of flame retardant, have been linked to infertility, cancer, obesity, and developmental brain disorders.
While some firm and non-toxic memory foam mattresses are considered safe for babies and toddlers, most are not. The softness of memory foam can allow it to conform to a baby's face, obstructing their airways and increasing the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Therefore, it is recommended to choose a mattress made with natural materials like cotton, wool, or natural latex, and to prioritise mattresses with certifications from third-party organisations that can attest to their safety.
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Memory foam mattresses are not recommended for co-sleeping
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on their backs on a firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet. Soft bedding items such as blankets, pillows, clothes, and stuffed animals should be avoided as they place infants at risk of suffocation, which is the cause of most SIDS deaths.
Some parents have shared their experiences of co-sleeping with newborns on memory foam mattresses, with some reporting that their babies slept well without any issues. However, others have expressed concern about the potential risk of suffocation, especially for babies who sleep on their tummies.
It is important to prioritize the safety of newborns and infants when choosing a mattress. With so many eco-friendly and non-toxic options available, it is best to avoid memory foam mattresses for co-sleeping and opt for firmer and safer alternatives that meet federal safety guidelines.
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Firm mattresses are recommended for infants
Memory foam mattresses are designed to mould to the body's shape, offering a comfortable and supportive surface for adults. However, when it comes to infants, firm mattresses are recommended. Memory foam mattresses pose a potential risk of suffocation for babies due to their soft and pliable nature. A baby's face can sink into the soft mattress, obstructing their airways and increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a firm surface for infants. A firm mattress provides better support and helps to prevent indentations, reducing the risk of the baby rolling into any dips and becoming trapped. It is also essential for babies to sleep on their backs to ensure they are getting fresh oxygen and to avoid breathing issues caused by mattress indentations.
While some firm and non-toxic memory foam mattresses are considered safe for babies, most are not. The softness of memory foam can vary, and what may be deemed "firm" for an adult may still be too soft for an infant. The risk of suffocation is heightened for infants sleeping on their tummies on soft surfaces, and even with older toddlers, there is a risk of them becoming stuck in the mattress if they sink too far into it.
To ensure the safety of your infant, it is recommended to follow guidelines provided by trusted sources, such as the AAP, and to prioritize a firm mattress over softer options, including memory foam. When it comes to your baby's safety, it is always better to err on the side of caution.
If you are bed-sharing with your infant, it is essential to take extra precautions. Ensure that your baby has their own firm sleeping surface, such as a sidecar crib attached to your bed or a separate mattress placed directly on the floor. Avoid placing your baby between you and your partner, and keep them sleeping beside only one adult to reduce the risk of suffocation from mattress indentations.
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Some parents have used memory foam mattresses for newborns without issue
While memory foam mattresses are not recommended for newborns due to safety concerns, some parents have used them for bed-sharing or in their baby's crib without any issues. Some parents have reported that their newborns sleep well on memory foam mattresses, with one parent mentioning that their baby slept for 9 to 10 hours a night on a memory foam mattress.
Memory foam is designed to mould to the shape of a warm body and bounce back when the pressure is removed. This feature can be beneficial for adults, providing a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface. However, when it comes to newborns, there are concerns that a soft mattress could conform to their head or face, obstructing their airways and increasing the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on their backs on a firm surface with a tight-fitting sheet. They advise against the use of soft bedding items, such as blankets, pillows, clothes, or stuffed animals, in the crib as they can also pose a risk of suffocation.
Despite these recommendations, some parents have successfully used memory foam mattresses for bed-sharing with their newborns. One parent on Reddit mentions that they used a firm memory foam mattress for bed-sharing with their two children without any issues. Another parent shares that they have a memory foam mattress in their bed, and their newborn sleeps well on it.
It is important to note that the experiences of these parents may not be universal, and the decision to use a memory foam mattress for a newborn should be made with caution. The priority should always be the safety and well-being of the baby. If you are considering using a memory foam mattress for your newborn, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as your paediatrician, to ensure that it is safe for your specific situation.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not considered safe for newborns to sleep on memory foam. Memory foam mattresses are soft and can conform to a baby's face, obstructing their airways and increasing the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Memory foam is made of polyurethane foam with added chemicals to increase its density and viscosity.
Coil crib mattresses are a good alternative if they meet federal safety guidelines. For newborns, a firm mattress is recommended.
No, memory foam mattress toppers are not safe for infants. They can be dangerous and cause the newborn to sink into the mattress, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Memory foam mattresses pose a risk of re-breathing, suffocation, and SIDS for newborns. They can also make it difficult for newborns to turn over and lift their heads, increasing the risk of entrapment.
