When planning a nursery, crib safety is at the top of everyone’s mind, but mattress safety is just as important. Babies sleep between 12 and 15 hours a day— so it’s important that proper attention is paid to the sleeping environment. Here are some things to look for when choosing a mattress: 
Type
Look for a mattress made with heavy-duty coils or a dense foam core for durable, even support. While you might prefer a soft mattress, firm mattresses are safest for babies. Also look for a full perimeter border wire. A border wire will spread weight evenly and keep the mattress edges firm when baby is standing.
Size Matters
Make sure your mattress is the correct size for your crib. There should be no more that two-fingers width between the edge of the crib mattress and the side rail of the crib. This is one place where wiggle room is not a good thing.
Covers
Laminated or stain resistant mattress covers are important for maintaining a healthy sleeping environment. The covers are easily wiped clean with a damp cloth, eliminating the possibility of harmful bacteria growth.
Extras
Notice the small things. You might not think to check how the mattress is sealed or what kind of stitching is used, but these are important elements. Look for heavy-duty cloth binding with lock stitching. The cloth binding is stronger than vinyl, and lock stitching prevents the entire binding from unraveling if any threads become loose. Also look for features like mattress vents that keep the sleeping environment fresh with natural air circulation.
Warranty
Take note of the warranties. Serta offers 10+year warranties on its mattresses, providing reassurance that the mattress will last you from the baby years through the toddler years.
Safety
Last but not least, make sure the mattress meets all Federal and State safety standards so you can rest assured knowing your little one is sleeping safe and
sound. Serta has an exclusive Fireblocker layer that ensures all its mattresses meet the flammability standards.
