Mattresses

They are many types of mattresses you can choose from. You can opt for foam spring interiors, natural fibres, special anti-allergy fillings, or a combination of them all. If you find it difficult to decide which is the best or safest mattress for your baby advice by The Lullaby Trust states that it doesn't matter what kind of mattress you use, as long as it is firm, not soft, fits the cot snugly without any gaps, doesn't sag or doesn't show any signs of wear and tear. Any mattress you choose should conform to BS 1877-10: 1997. It should also be at least 8-10cm deep to support your baby while they sleep.

Using a previously owned mattress from outside your household may put your child at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). These kinds of mattresses can harbour dangerous elements such as bacteria, mould, and dust mites, which pose a threat to your little one's health. The Lullaby Trust recommends buying a brand new mattress for each newborn, with a lifespan of five years. Note that the quality of care can impact the durability of the mattress, putting your baby at risk of poor sleep or more serious consequences if the mattress layers become damaged.

Mattress protectors not only add an extra layer of comfort between your little one and a mattress, but it also provides protection against spills, bacteria, and allergens. It's better to opt for organic mattress protectors which are made from breathable and absorbent cotton, creating a dry and safe place for your baby to rest. This is because unlike plastic coated alternatives, organic cotton layers effectively wick away moisture, preventing pooling and spills for a cleaner and drier sleep experience.

Generally, the transition from a cot to a toddler bed happens between 18 months and 3 ½ years of age. While there is no "right" time, waiting until your little one is 2 years old or older is advised by most. To ensure optimal safety, aim to make the switch when your little one has grown tall enough to use a toddler bed however as every child grows at their own rate, you may find the time to move is different. Toddler beds are similar to cots but with lowerable sides, which means they can last until your child reaches around 4 years old or even beyond.

A 2-stage mattress essentially has dual sides offering different levels of firmness. The idea is to use the firmer side for newborns and infants, then turn the mattress over to the slightly softer, but still supportive side, when they're old enough. The mattress should be clearly marked which side is for each stage. Mattresses with dual firmness are a popular option, and offer long-lasting, customisable support as your little one grows.

The choice is completely up to you; your own preferance, budget and experiences can help sway your decision. Ultimately, the most important points to remember when choosing your mattress is that it is firm and flat, the right size, made from breathable materials and in good as new condition.

With mattresses, you need to be looking for products marked with a BS number. Mattresses should carry the BS number BS 1877-10:2011+A1:2012, as well BS 7177:1996 which guarantees it has passed flammability standards. There’s also a much newer cot mattress standard called BS EN 16890:2017, which was approved in September 2017. Although it’s currently a voluntary standard, it encompasses a wider set of tests and risks than the current mandatory standard and we feel it goes further in regards to child safety.

We do suggest, if you can, to pick a natural mattress made from organic materials. Natural and organic mattresses will use only organic materials, meaning they tend to be chemical free and don’t contain synthetic foams so they are thought to be the healthier option for baby and better suited for babies with allergies or asthma. They are also noted for providing superior breathability and support, as well as helping baby regulate their body temperature better throughout the night.

It completely depends on the space your little one will be sleeping in, so make sure you buy their cot or moses basket first before buying the mattress. Many cots and cribs are sold alongside mattresses designed specifically to fit the cot size. If you opt for an alternative mattress, you will be able to find the cot's dimensions either on a sticker on it's base or detailed on the product page on our website.

As a general rule, experts advise that parents buy a new mattress for each child instead of handing them down. This helps parents know that their child is getting the best support and quality of mattress possible from day one. If, for whatever reason, this is not possible for you, ensure the mattress you reuse is one you know the history of, that is clean and in suitable condition with no sagging or tears. If you do plan to reuse your mattress, make sure it is stored in a clean and well aired environment.