Mattresses
Mattresses for cots and cotbeds are usually sold separately, although some cot
manufacturers also make mattresses and may recommend that you buy one of theirs.
Mattresses are also available for Moses baskets and pram carrycots although these may
sometimes be included in the price.
Many mattresses are now a blend of layers using different materials to give comfort and
support as well as breathability.
A few years ago mattresses came under the spotlight as a possible contributory factor
towards cot death, due to the fire
retardant chemicals used in their manufacture. Since then, government research bodies have
not found any link. But while this episode subsequently cleared the name of mattresses, it
shook up the manufacturing industry into rethinking the design of baby mattresses and
making a lot of improvements.
It also made people more aware of the importance of putting your baby to bed in the
correct (Feet to Foot) position, and
preventing your baby from overheating in
the cot; two factors which are thought to reduce the risk of cot death.
Buying tips
- For the sake of hygiene always buy a new mattress for a new baby
- Have the internal dimensions of your cot to hand when you go shopping; mattresses must
be a snug fit in the cot to avoid the baby getting his head or another part of his body
trapped in the gap. The gap between the cot and the edge of the mattress should be no more
than 4cm
- Check that the mattress isn’t too deep: the distance between the top of the
mattress and the top of the cot should be a minimum of 50cm when the cot’s mattress
base is in the lowest position and a minimum of 20cm when the base is in the highest
position
- Think about the content of the mattress - if there’s a family history of allergy
you may opt for a simple foam one. Most of the well known brands offer good quality foam
mattresses; don’t be tempted to buy a cheaper, unbranded mattress or you may find it
dents after just a few months use. If you want a mattress that’s more supportive as
your baby grows, you might choose a sprung interior mattress with foam padding
- What is the mattress covered with? PVC will be easy to clean, but will not absorb heat
and moisture. Some mattresses now have wipe clean, breathable covers which don’t
encourage perspiration
- How easy is it to keep clean? Some foam mattresses have ventilated sections which are
good for keeping your baby cool and dry, but can collect milky dribbles which make them
difficult to clean. Look for removable sections which can be washed
- Some manufacturers now make mattresses with two ventilated sections: one at the head and
one half way down, so that when a small baby is tucked into the cot in the Feet to Foot position, his head is still over
a ventilated area
What’s in a mattress?
Here are some of the terms you are likely to come across:
- Foam interior - foam mattresses usually have holes to
provide ventilation at the head end and have a half mesh/half PVC cover. Foam is
inexpensive compared to other mattresses and usually non-allergenic
- Coir - the modern day replacement for horse hair, this is coconut
fibre which is latex covered then wrapped in polyester or wool. The mattress is usually
covered with a breathable, water repellant fabric
- Spring interior - traditional coiled springs, surrounded
by padding, then covered in a PVC, fabric or water-repellent cover. Considered durable and
supportive
Protecting your mattress
If you choose a mattress that doesn’t have a waterproof cover you may want to buy
a plastic sheet to protect the mattress from wetting. Choose one with a plastic central
panel and mesh outsides for increased breathability and to avoid overheating.
Alternatively, for toddlers and young children, you can use a ‘top cover’
protective sheet that lies over the top of the bedsheet. These are waterproof and made of
soft, absorbent materials - and toddlers enjoy sleeping on them.
Updated May 2001
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