It’s no secret that children, especially babies, are messy. Nighttime messes can be the most stressful and inconvenient for already sleep-deprived parents. Bodily fluids and other spills in the crib can be challenging to clean up and can leave lasting stains on your crib’s mattress.
To avoid this, consider looking into a baby crib mattress protector. Keep reading to learn more about the purpose and benefits of a mattress pad.
What is a Mattress Pad For?
Those asking, "what do mattress pads do exactly?" The answer is simple. The purpose of a mattress pad is to serve as a protective layer between the crib mattress and the sheet. One of the main mattress pad benefits is that it can make cleaning an accident or spill during the night much easier on parents!
Most pads, like DreamWeave Crib Mattress Replacement Cover, are thin waterproof layers that preserve the mattress while providing comfort for your child.
Featuring HALO 100% cotton wearable blanket in sunshine rainbows
Are Crib Mattress Pads Safe?
As with anything that deals with your baby and their sleeping, many parents want to know, “Are waterproof mattress protectors safe for babies?”
When it comes to crib mattress pad safety, parents will be happy to know that they are generally considered safe as long as they are used correctly.
Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind when using a crib mattress pad:
- Follow all other safe sleep guidelines
- Secure the pad on the bed with either straps or zippers if possible. HALO’s crib mattress cover is zip-able which makes it safe for use with even newborns.
- Always check the mattress pad in the morning to see if it has moved. This way you can make the necessary adjustments.
Featuring HALO Dreamweave breathable crib mattress
Why Use a Mattress Pad?
There are many benefits of a mattress pad for parents to consider if you’re wondering, “do I need a mattress pad?”
For parents of babies, here are the primary benefits of using one:
- Keep the crib clean. First and foremost, a crib mattress protector helps to keep your little one’s crib clean and the mattress free from permanent (and potentially smelly) stains.
- It makes the crib easier to clean. It’s important to remember that messes with young children are unavoidable. Without a doubt, there will be an accident during the night at some point and a mattress pad makes the cleanup much easier. This will ultimately help to extend the lifespan of the mattress as well!
- Makes the bed more comfortable. As an extra, soft layer between your infant and the plastic mattress, many parents find that the mattress pad makes for a comfier sleeping space.
- Prevent bacteria growth. An unfortunate and often unthought of side effect of fluids on a mattress is the spread of bacteria. An extra layer of protection not only protects the mattress but protects your baby’s health as well.
- Protects from dust mites. Anywhere dust mites can find dead skin cells, they will live, and a mattress is a prime place for that. Dust mites can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing or even shortness of breath. With a pad, you’re adding an additional layer of protection between the sheets and mattress.
Why Use a Toddler Bed Waterproof Mattress Cover
Finding a waterproof mattress cover for your toddler’s bed is especially beneficial. Some parents still find their little ones sleeping in a crib or converted toddler bed during the early potty training years.
Waking up in the middle of the night to a child with a busted pull-up or accident can be stressful. Having a toddler bed waterproof mattress cover makes the cleanup process easier: simply take the sheets and pad off and put on new ones. Without the mattress pad, you’ll also have to take the time to get out cleaning supplies and wipe the mattress down before putting on clean sheets.
Do You Put a Sheet Over a Mattress Protector?
A crib mattress pad is different from a crib sheet. However, that does not always mean you need to use both. It depends on the quality of the material of your mattress protector. HALO’s DreamWeave Crib Mattress Replacement Cover is made with soft, hypoallergenic material. It is soft on your baby’s skin.
However, other mattress pads are made with harsher materials. If this is the case with the one you are using, you will want to also use a fitted sheet to ensure your little one’s comfort.
Some parents choose to add a sheet for aesthetics (we love a good theme too!) If you choose to use both, we recommend putting the mattress protector first and then the sheet on top. Our sister brand, aden + anais, has the cutest and softest 100% cotton muslin sheets for all of your nursery theme needs!
Featuring aden + anais 100% cotton muslin sheet in flowers bloom
What to Look For in a Mattress Pad
However, other mattress pads are made with harsher materials. If this is the case with the one you are using, you will want to also use a fitted sheet to ensure your little one’s comfort.
- Pads that wrap around the mattress as a sheet
- Pads that cover only the surface of the mattress and tie to each corner with elastic straps
- Pads with a zipper
At the end of the day, mattress pads are a safe and comfortable addition to your child’s crib or toddler bed. Nighttime accidents are already a disruption to everyone’s sleep, but a mattress pad makes the cleanup quick and efficient to help get everyone sleeping soundly again.
