Solid foods and weaning See all baby groups There are many types of cot mattress available. You can choose between foam spring interiors, natural fibres, special anti-allergy fillings, or a combination of any of the above. You may find it difficult to decide which is the best and safest mattress for your baby. But The Lullaby Trust states that it doesn't matter what kind of mattress you use, as long as it: is firm not softfits the cot snugly without any gapsdoesn't sag doesn't have signs of wear and tear Any mattress you choose should conform to BS 1877-10: 1997. It should also be at least 8cm to 10cm deep to support your baby while she sleeps. If the mattress you choose has a fabric cover, vacuum it regularly to keep dust mites at bay. Unless you know the history of a second-hand mattress, buy a new one. This will give you peace of mind.Foam mattressesFoam mattresses are generally the cheapest. They are designed to provide the right support and maintain your baby's natural posture.
They often have a wipe-clean PVC cover or removable, breathable covers on one or both sides. They may also have ventilation holes to help keep your baby cool, but these aren't necessary. lightweight provide good supportgood value for moneygenerally easy to keep clean ConsA PVC cover may make your baby feel a bit clammy in hot weather. May start to lose shape after several years. This may be something to consider if you want to use the mattress for subsequent children.Dirt or grime can be difficult to remove from ventilation holes. Coil spring 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 side. A spring inner core will support your baby. These mattresses also tend to hold their shape well. If you choose a cot bed, you may prefer a coil spring mattress as they tend to be longer lasting than foam. The space within the spring lattice allows for increased airflow through the mattress.
This helps to regulate a child’s body temperature and to keep the mattress fresh. They are a traditional, popular choice with many parents.In hot weather, you can lay your baby on the cotton cover side to prevent her becoming clammy. More expensive than a foam mattress.The cotton side may be preferred for comfort, but can be more difficult to keep clean, unless your mattress has a removable panel.Pocketed spring mattressesThese mattresses are very similar to coil spring mattresses, but each spring is in its own pocket to provide improved support for longer. Expensive.Probably not cost-effective, unless you have a cot bed that your baby will sleep in for several years, or the mattress will be used for more than one child. Dual Core™ mattressesThe Dual Core™ cot mattress is a patented design that incorporates two cores in one. It aims to meet the needs of your child from when they are first born to when they start school. For your newborn baby, it has a coir and orthopedic foam interior, which provides a flat and firm sleeping surface.
As your baby grows into a toddler and preschooler, the second core incorporates micro-pocketed springs to conform to your child's changing weight and shape. excellent support throughout your baby's early yearsextremely hard-wearingholds its shape well expensiveNatural fibre mattressesNatural fibre mattresses 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 soft cotton or wipe-clean covering. Good choice if you are concerned about your baby sleeping on synthetic material, or you are concerned about introducing unnecessary chemicals or synthetics into your home. One of the firmest types, so the mattress is long-lasting, and holds its shape well. This could be a sensible choice if you want a mattress that will last for more than one child. More expensive than foam or most spring interior mattresses.
Less widely available than other types of mattress.Hypoallergenic mattressesIf allergies or asthma are a concern in your family, you may want to consider a hypoallergenic mattress for your baby. These come with a quilted top layer that can be easily detached and washed at 60 degrees C to kill the dust mites that may cause allergies. Allergy UK has a list of approved mattress covers and bedding. Good choice if your baby has allergies or asthma. Easy to keep clean. May be more expensive than other kinds of mattress.For most babies, this may be a luxury buy. Receive discounts, deals and parenting information from BabyCentre’s partners. Log in or sign up to post a comment!Moses baskets, made from woven material, have great visual appeal. Named for the type of basket Moses' mother might have put him in to float down the river, these baskets are similar to a bassinet but often feature a handle for carrying. You can safely put your baby into a Moses basket only if you take certain precautions while using it and only if you're watching your baby at all times.
strongly recommends against using them at all. All infants should sleep only on their backs on a firm surface; the American Academy of Pediatrics states that this position reduces the risk of crib death by more than 50 percent. Soft bedding poses a serious suffocation risk for young babies. If you use a Moses basket, place a firm mattress, not soft blankets, on the bottom to support your baby. The mattress must fit tightly to the sides. Because they're made from woven material, the sides of Moses baskets have more "give" than harder material. If you can fit two fingers between the mattress and the side of the basket, it's too loose and poses a suffocation threat, according to the National Safety Council. Infants don't need and shouldn't use pillows; a warm sleeper is safer than blankets in the basket. The material used to make Moses baskets won't hold up to the weight of an older infant. Your basket's manufacturer should state a specific weight limit, which might be as low as 15 pounds.
Putting a heavier baby in the basket could weaken the material, breaking it. If you're carrying your baby in the basket, he could fall through to the floor. Stop using the basket when your baby reaches the weight limit, rolls over or turns 4 months old. It's tempting to put the Moses basket on a table or countertop so you can keep your baby away from pets or other children. But this is an unsafe practice. If your baby moves, he could roll the basket off the surface and onto the floor or roll out of the basket, so it's best to keep the basket on the floor. Moses baskets don't come with seat belts, so carrying your baby in one increases the risk of falls. A 2001 BBC News article noted that the basket handles were often too short, making it difficult for a parent to carry without dropping it. A weakened handle could also break, causing the basket to fall to the floor. Never carry the baby in the basket; if you move from room to room, carry the basket and baby separately. Don't use a Moses basket as a nighttime sleep environment for your baby, since you won't be able to keep an eye on him at all times.
Never put a Moses basket inside the crib for nighttime sleeping; your baby could roll out of the basket and suffocate in bedding in the crib. Loose bedding and suffocation causes two-thirds of crib deaths in bassinets each year, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Gain 2 pounds per week Gain 1.5 pounds per week Gain 1 pound per week Gain 0.5 pound per week Maintain my current weight Lose 0.5 pound per week Lose 1 pound per week Lose 1.5 pounds per week Lose 2 pounds per week Training to Dunk a Basketball When Should a Baby Be Moved From a Bassinet to a Crib? Different Kinds of Basketball Dunks How to Get a Baby to Sleep in a Bassinet How Do I Successfully Transition My Baby From a Bassinet to a Cot? How to Arrange a Master Bedroom to Include Crib & Baby Storage The Disadvantages of Mini Cribs Should Babies Sleep in Playpens? Is a Bouncer Harmful to a Baby's Development? How to Jump Higher to Slam Dunk