Mums and dads chat See all baby groups There are many different types of cot mattresses available. You can choose foam, spring interior, natural fibre, special anti-allergy models, or a combination of these. SIDS and Kids recommend:A mattress is firm and clean and is the right size for the cotThere is no more than a 25mm gap between the mattress and cot sides and endsRemoving the plastic packaging before you start using your mattressMaking sure that waterproof mattress protectors are a strong tight fit.Foam mattressesFoam mattresses are generally the cheapest available. They often have a PVC cover, which is easy to keep clean. Choose a mattress which is at least 8-10cm thick, to help support your baby while she sleeps. Some foam mattresses have ventilation holes but these aren't necessary. ProsLightweight.Cheap.ConsPVC cover might make your baby feel a bit clammy in hot weather.Spring interior mattressesThese mattresses are made of coiled springs covered with a layer of foam.
On top of that, one side of the mattress is sometimes covered in cotton fabric and the other in wipe-clean plastic. Parents' tip: If you're concerned that your baby is getting overheated when sleeping on the plastic side of the mattress, lie it cotton side upwards instead. ProsSome parents like giving their baby a traditional sprung mattress.Some sprung mattresses may be more comfortable than foam.ConsMore expensive than a foam mattress.Natural fibre mattressesThe interior of a natural fibre mattress is usually coconut fibre coated in latex, which is waterproof. The covers are soft cotton. ProsGood choice if you are concerned about your baby sleeping on synthetic material.Long lasting, as it holds its shape well.ConsMore expensive than foam or spring interior mattresses.Less widely available than other types of mattress.Hypoallergenic mattressesIf allergies or asthma are a concern in your family, you might want to consider a hypoallergenic mattress for your baby. These come with a quilted top layer that can be easily detached from the body of the mattress.
ProsGood choice if your baby has allergies or asthma. Easy to keep clean.ConsMay be more expensive than other kinds of mattress. You can always use a washable mattress cover on a regular mattress to reduce dustmites.For most babies this may be a luxury buy.2010. Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy: Frequently asked questions . Track your baby’s development Join now to receive free weekly newsletters tracking your baby’s development and yours throughout your pregnancy. Enter your due date or child's birthday Enter your email address Privacy policy & terms Support for your parenting journey. Delivered to your inbox. My Baby This Week Newsletter Keep up with your baby’s development with personalised weekly newsletters. Get the latest parenting news, plus expert advice and real-world wisdom. Special Offers from Our Partners Receive discounts, deals and parenting information from BabyCenter’s partners. Log in or sign up to post a comment!
How to choose the best mattress for your baby When you’re buying nursery furniture for babies and toddlers, ensuring that you pick a decent mattress will help to keep your baby cosy and comfortable overnight, and will also ensure that he’s sleeping safely, reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as cot death. There are four types of mattress for your baby’s bed. The cheapest is foam, followed by sprung or coiled, then pocket sprung, and finally – and most expensive – natural fibre. Moses basket and crib mattresses range from around £8 to £30, while mattresses for cots and cot beds cover a scale from £20 to £450 or more. Of the four types of baby mattress, foam mattresses are the most economical buy. They’re usually made of a single layer of foam, which should be 8-10cm thick for comfort, with a waterproof fabric cover that can often be unzipped and machine-washed so it’s easy to keep clean. Some have ventilation holes at one end, although this isn’t necessary.
They’re a good-value option, but can make babies feel rather clammy and sweaty in bed; your baby’s weight may also lead to a permanent indentation developing in the spot where he sleeps. Sprung or coiled mattresses are made up of coiled springs arranged vertically next to each other inside the mattress. These are then topped with foam or felt, and all encased in a fabric mattress cover, which usually has one waterproof, wipe-clean side. They’re a little more expensive than foam mattresses, but are firmer and tend not to mould to your baby’s shape. However, the springs can sometimes be felt through the surface of the mattress, which could compromise your baby’s comfort. Pocket sprung mattresses are also filled with springs, but they’re enclosed in individual fabric compartments. They’re comfortable, supportive and hold their shape well, but they are among the most expensive mattresses on the market.Finally, natural-fibre mattresses are filled with fibres such as coir (coconut fibres), coated in latex rubber for extra durability.
These mattresses don’t get deformed by your baby’s weight so they generally last a long time, which could make them a wise investment if you’re buying a cot bed that converts to a junior bed that your baby can use for several years. The natural fibres also let air circulate so your baby doesn’t get so hot and sweaty. However, they are expensive and aren’t as widely available as other types of mattress.Some baby mattresses have a hypoallergenic covering that can be unzipped and machine-washed. This helps to prevent allergic reactions caused by dust mites, pet hair and other allergens. Baby mattresses come in different sizes to fit Moses baskets, cribs, cots and cot beds, but it’s important that you carefully check the dimensions before you buy. Not all baby beds are regular sizes – for example, cots come in standard and continental sizes – and it’s essential that you buy a mattress that fits the bed snugly to prevent your baby getting an arm or leg trapped between the mattress and the side of the bed.
You can get mattresses made to measure if your cot is an unusual size, but this can work out as quite an expensive option. Cot mattresses should meet the safety standard BS 1877-10:1997, so always check this out, especially if you’re buying online from a lesser-known retailer. It’s also advised that you always buy a new mattress with a waterproof cover for your baby’s bed, even if you’re using a second-hand Moses basket, crib or cot, as this will help to protect against SIDS. Foam mattresses are the cheapest sort of baby mattress but don’t hold their shape well. Sprung and pocket sprung mattresses are better at keeping their shape but more expensive. Natural fibre mattresses are good quality and stay in shape but are the priciest type. Always check dimensions to ensure the mattress is a good fit in your baby’s bed to prevent injuries. Save while you shop Sign up to Netmums Rewards, powered by Kidstart, to start saving for your child’s future while you shopStart saving now