The appearance of a baby in the family is perhaps one of the most joyful events associated with new worries. Newly made parents should take a responsible approach to the organization of the space around the baby, for example, choose a stroller and the accessories necessary for it. A baby mattress, used as a removable liner, is one of the stroller's most important accessories.
It is advisable to purchase a mattress in advance that will perfectly match the sleeping place in the stroller. In order for the child to feel comfortable, when buying, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the nuances characteristic of children's mattresses.
What is it needed for?
The fabric used in the manufacture of a modern stroller is quite wear-resistant and water-repellent. However, even high-quality material is not always able to warm the baby in the winter and protect it from the heat in the summer. Children's mattress for strollers will not only decorate the sleeping place, but will also contribute to a sound healthy sleep of the baby.
It should be noted that the mattress is perfectly washable. If necessary, you can take it out of the stroller and change it to another mattress.
In fact, a children's mattress performs very specific functions. Let's consider them in more detail.
- The base of the stroller is quite solid, and therefore the children's mattress will serve as a kind of buffer. Often the base of the stroller is equipped with special mechanisms, for example, raising the headrest, which creates an uneven relief of the bottom of the stroller. In this regard, a children's mattress is necessary in order to protect the baby's spine, which has not yet formed.
- When purchasing a children's orthopedic mattress, you will provide your baby with prevention that will prevent curvature of the spine. The purpose of this model is to maintain the correct position of the spine.
- The baby mattress in the stroller allows the baby to enjoy a sound and healthy sleep.
- Stroller mattresses, as a rule, have a relaxing effect on babies, which contributes to an overall increase in the tone of the child's body.
The choice of a children's mattress largely depends on the type of stroller. Whatever it is: walking, universal or in the form of a cradle for newborns, a mattress, for example, with slots, must be selected individually. Also, do not forget about the functions that it should perform. For example, a warm mattress is required for an off-season stroller; for a walking summer model, it is recommended to select a freely ventilated fabric that has hypoallergenic properties.
A practical solution would be to purchase a universal insert that can be used at any time of the year.
Kinds
Consider the most popular models of stroller mattresses that have established themselves as a quality product. For a stroller, it is recommended to pay attention to the following two mattress models. Both mattresses are designed for babies from six months.
- Removable mattress Esspero Stotte. Double-sided universal mattress that is applicable in winter and summer. The cold season side is made of polyester. The summer side is made of cotton. The product has bumpers that will prevent the child from rolling off the seat. Among the advantages of this model, one can note the presence of an orthopedic form, the possibility of universal exploitation and regulation for the growing body of a child.
The only thing is that it is not recommended to use the product at very low temperatures. The approximate cost of a removable mattress is 2500 rubles.
- Universal three-layer Skip Hop mattress. Three types of materials are used in the manufacture: the first layer is designed to absorb moisture, the second layer optimizes air circulation in the product, and the third layer is a heater. The advantages of this model are: the possibility of universal exploitation and the presence of a quilted surface, which has a beneficial effect on the baby's body, since in summer his skin will not sweat. The disadvantages of this product include the lack of sides. The approximate cost is 2700 rubles.
For summer strollers, mattresses are usually made of materials such as cotton or linen.
- Cotton mattress for the Mammie stroller. One side of the garment is finished with cotton, the other side is terry. The approximate cost is 1300 rubles. The advantages of this model are: easy washing of dirty areas, quick drying, hypoallergenic material, excellent compatibility with most types of car seats due to the additional space for the hole. The only drawback of this model is the rapid contamination of the mattress surface.
- Another great solution for a summer stroller is the Esspero Baby Cotton mattress. In the manufacture of this model, cotton fabric is used. As a filler, a special material is used that has a hollow structure, called holofiber. Thanks to the well-thought-out orthopedic shape, the mattress will ensure the correct and comfortable position of the baby. The approximate cost of the model is 1,500 rubles.
For the winter period, it is advisable to purchase a mattress in the stroller made of materials such as wool or insulated fur.
- One of the practical and at the same time budget options will be the Mammie universal children's mattress. Its approximate cost is 1400 rubles. The side for winter use is made of sheep's wool. The other side is water-repellent and made from ecological suede. Of the advantages of this model, it is possible to note the low cost, the possibility of using it in severe frosts and rainy days.
- Children's mattress Mountain Buggy Lambs Wool Liner. It has an obscenely high cost of 8500 rubles. The merino wool used in the manufacture will not allow your baby to freeze even in severe frosts. The model has holes for belts. Of the advantages, one can note the warmth and softness of the material, it is also allowed to wash in a washing machine. Of the obvious disadvantages is the extremely high cost.
The most practical option, which has many advantages, is the purchase of a universal children's mattress. This mattress is ideal for any type of stroller, car seat and even a highchair.
Let's look at some examples.
- Concord Snuggle universal mattress. The approximate cost is 3200 rubles. Due to its unique shape and wide belt holes, it fits all types of strollers. In the manufacture of exclusively water-repellent fabrics are used, the entire mattress is quilted. The mattress, if necessary, can be washed in a washing machine; the product dries quickly and easily. Of the shortcomings, only the high cost can be noted.
- A more budgetary analogue of the previous model is the gray Elodie Details mattress made in China. The approximate cost of this product is 2400 rubles. Of the obvious advantages is the ability to use both sides. The winter side is lined with fleece, and the summer back is made of a combined fabric called ripstop. This fabric is renowned for its strong weave, inside which is a thread of reinforced polyester or nylon.
Among the advantages of this model are: versatile operation, strength of the source material and the ability to use at any temperature. The disadvantages of this mattress are the absence of orthopedic seams, which are designed to create indentations for the convenience of the baby.
How to choose?
In order to correctly select a children's mattress designed for a stroller, it is recommended to consider the following criteria: the presence of a cover, orthopedic qualities, the type of filler, rigidity and size. Let's consider each criterion in more detail.
The obvious criterion is the size of the children's mattress. The product should ideally fit the dimensions of the cradle or stroller: too large a product can adversely affect the baby's back, since the mattress will regularly roll and curl, and an overly small product will cause discomfort to the child due to distortions. In a sleeping stroller designed for babies up to one year old, it is recommended to purchase a standard children's mattress with a width of 40 centimeters and a length of 80 centimeters.
The firmness of a children's mattress is a fundamental purchase criterion. The universal model has both a hard and a softer side. This will allow parents to adjust the firmness of the mattress for their baby.
It is worth mentioning that the younger the baby, the harder the product should be, therefore, the stroller for the baby should be equipped with the most rigid mattress.
The presence of orthopedic qualities has a positive effect on the fragile spine of the child: this model maintains a healthy back position. Thanks to the orthopedic mattress, the musculoskeletal system will develop correctly. Therefore, when buying, ask if the proposed model of a children's mattress is equipped with orthopedic qualities.
An equally important criterion is the type of filler used for filling.
- Foam rubber. A budget option, but not the most successful as a filler: it does not equip the product with rigidity, hypoallergenicity and wear resistance.
- Wadded (or cotton). Another affordable option. The cotton pad is largely recycled cotton. It is worth noting that cotton wool after some time strays into lumps and easily absorbs moisture.
- Latex. According to its characteristics, this material is one of the best as a filler, but it has a rather high cost. Latex is resilient, durable and hypoallergenic.
- Linen or woolen. By and large, these fillers are combined and used for versatile mattresses for summer and winter. The woolen side is used during the cold season due to its ability to keep warm, and the linen side is used during the warmer months. Since the material has antiseptic properties, the reproduction of mites or other parasites on the surface of the mattress is impossible.
For information on how to sew a mattress into a stroller yourself, see the next video.
