Crib Mattress Question

Hi Everyone -

Hope you are all well. I look so forward to reading this forum everyday. Anyway, I have a quick question.
I was lucky enough to get a crib from my sister-in-law and just purchased a second off of Craigslist, both with the mattresses. My friend mentioned I should buy the mattresses new to ensure the most firmness - that used mattresses are unsafe. Can I ask for some opinions on this? These are our first and the costs are daunting but of course want to make the right choices. I'm not sure what I am looking for in these mattresses - they certainly look fine but then again I guess I don't know how I am supposed to tell. I appreciate your input.

Thanks so much,
Betsy

 

I know that a lot of folks don't have issue with used crib mattresses, but for me personally it was worth finding the cash to get new ones.

I sometimes have a low ick factor threshold though and I've got crazy allergies and not knowing how things were cleaned/stored was enough for me to say no thank you. MIL & SIL (and DH) I think all thought I was being a little silly, b/c they had mattresses to give me. But luckily there was no scene, and I got my new mattresses.

I got the girls Sealy brand ones at Wal-mart for $50/each.

 

I get sealy also for around $50.

I would replace them. It is made of fabric therefor open to "holding on" to stuff. You just don't know what kinda bacteria is growing in them or what they have been through.
Maybe iffy on the one coming from family but the one off of Craigs list diffenetly would replace.
I wouldn't want to sleep on a used bed just kinda icky i guess.

 

I know in the book Baby Bargains they are pretty definite that a new crib mattress is one thing you should spend money on. Like the pp's have mentioned, they don't have to be expensive. Getting fabric stuff that's washable (like a bouncy seat where you can take off the cover and put it in the laundry) is one thing but mattresses are another story.

 

i am so glad you posted this.... I have been wondering about this for several months now... SIL has a mattress that she had, and i don't know if she got it new or used but it went through 2 boys, and while im not worried a whole lot about the "grungies" that might be hidding, I just don't feel comfortable with using a hand me down mattress. I just felt like a new mattress was better.. Im glad that im not alone..

 

Cool - actually, if I can buy a decent mattress for $50-$100 new then I'm not as worried. I have only looked at Babies R Us and those seem to start at around $130 but when they go up to $250 it is very confusing. Thanks everyone!