Give your little one the best and safest sleeping space with our top cot mattress tips.Cot mattress safetyA crucial part of baby cot safety is choosing the best cot mattress. Here are our tips to make sure your cot mattress measures up. Make sure you choose the right size of mattress. Make sure the mattress is firm and flat, and protected by a waterproof cover Avoid second-hand mattresses where possible. Check any mattress you use conforms to current safety requirements. Mattresses should carry the BSI number BS 1877-10:2011+A1:2012. The mattress should fit the cot with no gaps down the side that are more than 4cm. The Lullaby Trust recommends you buy a new cot mattress for your baby, where possible. If you have a second-hand mattress, whether it's a mattress you've used for one of your other children or one that has been given to you, check the following: That the mattress is in good condition; that it's flat, firm, not soft, fits the cot without any gaps and doesn't sag.
It has been cleaned and dried thoroughly. Check that it was previously used with a waterproof cover. Make sure you use it with a waterproof cover. Check it's free from cracks or tears or holes. Find the best cot bed to use with your cot mattress in our cot bed reviews. Choosing a cot mattressCheck the cot mattress sizeA mattress around 8-10cm thick is enough to support your baby.Mattresses come in two basic sizes to fit the equivalent sizes of cot generally available in the shops. Your cot will specify which type of cot mattress it requires: standard (56x118cm) or continental (60x120cm). If the mattress is the wrong size, your baby could be dangerously trapped in gaps between the cot and the mattress. The gap between the mattress and the cot should be no more than 4cm (1.5 in)If you buy a cot that is smaller or larger than the norm, you can get mattresses specially made to fit your cot.Choose one that's easy to keep cleanTo keep the mattress as hygienic and clean as possible, choose one with a PVC-covering or a removable top panel that you can wash at a reasonably high temperature.
Squeeze for firmness and measure for thicknessSqueeze a selection of mattresses in the shop and choose one that feels firm rather than soft. To compare firmness, squeeze at the edges and at the centre. Your baby needs a mattress that provides good support and won't sag.Look for a cot mattress that is around 10cm thick. Anything thinner won't provide the support your baby needs. Thin foam, in particular, can lose its shape and dent easily.A travel cot mattress should be no more than 10cm thick and you should expect the mattress in a crib or Moses basket to be no more than 5cm thick. These thicknesses are specified in BS 1877:Part 10:1997, the safety regulations that govern cot mattresses.Check out our Best Buy cot beds.Sign up for a £1 Which? trial to access these and our thousands of other independent reviews. Types of cot mattressesFoam mattressesFoam mattresses tend to be the least expensive. The simplest versions are made from a single layer of supportive foam completely covered with a wipe-clean, waterproof PVC cover.
Some foam mattresses have ventilation holes, but these aren't necessary. Generally easy to keep clean. Good value for money. Can provide good support and resistance to denting. Some parents may not like the idea of the basic PVC-covered mattress because of concerns about clamminess. Mattresses with ventilation holes (designed to help keep your baby cool) can be more effort to keep clean if your baby is a dribbler or is often sick, because residue can gather in the holes and mesh. Safe sleeping tips – essential bedtime know-how for parents.Spring-interior cot mattressesThese traditional mattresses have a coiled spring interior with layers of felt and foam padding. They often have a cotton cover on one side and PVC or other wipe-clean material on the other. Many parents like the familiarity of a traditional spring mattress. The wipe-clean side is the recommended surface for your baby to sleep on because of the practical advantages, but you can flip it over onto the cotton side if you prefer – eg, if it's hot and your baby feels clammy.
More expensive than foam mattresses. The cotton side may be preferred for comfort but can be more difficult to keep clean (unless you buy a mattress with a removable panel). Coir or natural fibre cot mattressesThese have a core of coconut fibre with other layers of different materials. The fibres are coated in latex for strength and protection, and the natural fibre filling helps air to circulate through the mattress. These mattresses are available with a wipe-clean covering. One of the firmest types of mattress. Tend to last longer because they hold their shape well, so could be a sensible purchase if you want to use it for more than one child. Less widely available than foam or spring interior. Can be more expensive than the alternatives. Hypoallergenic cot mattressThese have a quilted top layer that can be easily detached from the body of the mattress, so you can wash it at 60°C to kill any dust mites that may cause allergies.Allergy UK has a list of approved mattress covers and bedding on its website.
ProsEasy to keep cleanConsMay be more expensive than other kinds of mattressUsing cot beds safely – now you've got your mattress sorted, check out these safety essentials.There has been a big push lately toward choosing greener options, especially when it comes to babies. Whether it’s food, clothing, carpeting, or your baby’s crib, everyone seems to have a green, or organic, option out there. But is it really that important? When it comes to the surface that your baby sleeps on, maybe it is. Turns out, a lot! There was a great report published a few years ago by Clean and Healthy NY, called The Mattress Matters, that examines some of the most popular crib mattress manufacturers and their materials and ‘green’ claims. In the report, over 50 different mattresses are examined for their contents and treatments, and interestingly they found that not all claims are the same. Some companies use green materials, but potentially harmful flame retardants, while others use some green materials, but include potential allergens.
This is why I’m very excited about a brand new mattress that just came on the market. Newton introduces the first breathable, washable and recyclable crib mattress. Made with patented Wovenaire technology that allows free air circulation, Newton has been ranked highest for safety against leading competitors by demonstrating the lowest suffocation risk. You may also want to think about your baby’s crib (since the mattress that you’re being so careful about will be in it, and most importantly, your baby will sleep in it) as well. I would encourage you to purchase a new crib. Even if you find an amazing deal on a used crib, you have no way of knowing its history or future stability (I’ve seen kids rock their cribs, shake them, and move them). Unlike the mattress, where you may want something a little more complex, when you’re choosing a crib, simple really is best. Sure, there are lots of pretty options, such as round cribs (which aren’t currently regulated, by the way, so please be cautious), and all kinds of scrollwork and pretty filigree.
While pleasing to the eye, these options are not necessary for a crib to function. I would rather you look for construction and workmanship. Look at your crib in person. Pressed board or real wood? Does it have stabilizer bars (usually one or two metal braces under the crib to help stabilize the frame)? Generally, single-duty cribs will be slightly more stable than their convertible counterparts, but this is not always the case, especially with higher-end cribs. And always, always avoid drop-side cribs. They were pulled from the market for a reason. When you purchase your crib, you will want to purchase the mattress at the same time. This way you can be sure of a snug fit (you should do a fit test there in the store, even if you have to request a manager’s assistance) so that baby will not become trapped between a mattress that’s too small and the crib.Now that you’ve chosen a great, safe crib, how can you ensure that your baby’s mattress is the safest sleep surface possible?
I have to agree with some sage advice from Eco-novice: Look for third-party verifications by recognized entities such as the ones on this list. Terms such as ‘natural’, ‘eco’, and ‘green’ are not regulated, which means that companies do not have to meet any standards in order to put it on their product. That certification label is important. Some manufacturers refuse to disclose all of their ingredients. You can contact the company directly and ask if the package does not disclose their materials, but if they don’t want to tell you, you may want to steer clear. This is why I love Newton! There is no other crib mattress out there that is breathable, washable, and recyclable! Newton contains no foam, latex, springs, glue, or allergens and is 100% recyclable. Cotton, latex, and wool are all naturally occurring, and less harmful than their vinyl or plastic counterparts. Also, try to avoid polyurethane foam if at all possible. Newton is made from air and food-grade polymer.
Additionally, the design allows air to flow freely for optimal breathability and temperature regulation for your baby. The Newton mattress is made of washable material that inhibits bacteria growth, and allows you to wash the whole mattress…not just the cover. It may be the best bed for your baby. Many companies will allow you to purchase a mattress without this treatment with a doctor’s note. If this is not possible, look for mattresses with a high wool content, which is a natural flame retardant or ones that use either hydrated silica or boric acid, both which are naturally occurring. If you aren’t sure that you can properly assemble the crib (or you’re doing it by yourself), arrange for professional assembly. Sure it’s a little more, but you will know that your crib is put together correctly. Also be sure to check the mattress height, especially if your baby is able to pull himself to standing. You want to be sure that the mattress is low enough that he won’t accidentally pull himself out of the crib (I’ve seen it happen on more than one occasion, so lower is always better).