Skip to main content Buyer's guide to baby mattresses Whether you buy a Moses basket, crib, cot or cotbed, you'll need to think about a mattress. Here's how to buy the right one What is a baby mattress?So you’ve chosen a bed for your baby... now what about a baby mattress? There are many different options to choose from, in terms of style and whether you need something to fit a Moses basket, crib, cot, cotbed, travel cot or a pram/carrycot. There are even baby mattresses for hanging cradles. Once you know what type of bed you’re buying the mattress for, you can choose from different fabrics and construction. The main baby mattress types are foam, sprung, pocket sprung, natural fibre, or even a combination of any of the above. You may find that the bed you buy already comes with a mattress, but don’t feel obliged to use that one just because it’s included in the price. It’s important that you buy a mattress that you are really happy with, given how many hours your baby will spend on it.
Should you buy new or secondhand?It’s best to always buy a new mattress for your baby, and that includes when more baby brothers and sisters come along. Your baby needs a firm, clean and supportive mattress. The danger with a secondhand mattress is that it can have lost its shape and may contain hidden bacteria and dust mites. It will also probably be less comfortable. Sadly, there’s evidence to suggest that SIDS, or cot death, is linked to secondhand mattresses. FSID’s Sleep simple sleep safe resource states, “Ideally you should buy a new mattress for each new baby. If you are not able to do this, use the one you have, as long as it was made with a completely waterproof cover and has no tears, cracks or holes. Clean and dry it thoroughly.” Make sure that any mattress you buy conforms to both BS 1877 Part 10 1997 for safety and performance and BS 7177 1996 for flammability. Mattresses that meet the relevant BS standards give you the confidence that what you’re buying for your baby is safe.
What size do you need?Some retailers refer to ‘standard’ and ‘continental’ size types for baby cot mattresses, but there are a wide variety of dimensions out there so it’s vital that you make sure you buy the correct size. The gap between the mattress and cot sides and ends should not be more than 4cm when the mattress is pushed tightly to one side or there’s a risk that your baby’s limbs could get trapped. There may be a sticker with your cot or basket that recommends the ideal size, whilst some shops list their mattresses by brand of cot or pram. If you’re not sure, accurately measure the interior length and width of the basket or cot base once it’s assembled. Generally, the depth of the mattress should not exceed 10cm for cots and it will be thinner for Moses baskets. There are plenty of companies out there online who will supply you with a made-to-measure mattress if you can’t find the exact size you are looking for. What type do you want?Whichever type of mattress you choose, it needs to be firm.
Imagine if your baby turns over – he can’t easily move himself if his face sinks into a squishy mattress, so he needs a more solid sleep surface than us grown-ups. Squeeze the edges and the centre of the mattress to ensure that support is there. You can choose from the following types, which generally increase in price: Foam – the cheapest option providing a core of foam, often encased in a wipeable, waterpoof cover (look for non-toxic PVC). Choose a high-density foam providing good support and comfort. Some foam mattresses also have ventilation holes. Sprung – made with sturdy coils offering firm support. Pocket sprung – constructed from individual steel springs sewn into small fabric pockets. Each spring can then individually respond to the contours of your baby’s body. Natural fibre – such as coir, coconut, latex, mohair, lambswool, cashmere or silk, which are recommended for their properties of moisture absorption. PurFlo - a hollow mattress, made by PurFlo, that has good air circulation and is similar price to a pocket sprung mattress.
Depending on the type of mattress you opt for, turn it regularly to maintain its shape and/or rotate it head to foot so both ends are used equally. Do you need a cover?All baby mattresses are covered with an outer fabric layer. FSID’s recommends that the outside of the mattress should be waterproof, so most covers have a waterproof side and a fabric side. But not all of these covers will be removable for washing. If it isn’t removable, do remember to frequently wipe clear the PVC surface and vacuum or sponge-clean the bottom cotton cover of the mattress base. You can also buy a separate spare mattress cover to make it easier to keep your mattress clean and deal with those inevitable nappy explosions. Ideally, choose a mattress with a removable cover that can be washed at 60 degrees as that is the temperature needed to kill the dreaded dust mites. Some mattresses also come with moveable waterproof sleeves (within the cover) to protect the core. Specialist baby mattress manufacturers will allow you to select different types of fabric covers, such as:
‘Intelligent’ or ‘moisture-management’ fabrics (look for labels such as CoolMax® or CoolPlus) that help prevent your child from overheating Anti-fungal fabrics that help protect against allergies (Amicor ®) Organic, fair trade or even scented fabric What you choose will depend on personal preference, how long you plan to use the mattress and your budget. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynold's hi-tech buggy pick for baby Ines revealed The '80s-inspired hair trend that's getting banned in schools Sarah Silverman: 'I chose between motherhood and living my fullest life' John Legend's marriage to Chrissy Teigen 'better than ever' since becoming parentsDuring the first few months of life, your baby will spend more time asleep than awake- although it won’t always seem that way! It’s important to make sure you plan his or her sleeping environment carefully. Here’s what you need to know to choose a crib mattress that will (hopefully) have your baby sleeping like, well, a baby.
Once you decide on a sleeping space (be sure to check out our guides to the Best Cribs and Best Bassinets in the market), mattresses are the next step. Crib mattresses are a lot more than just miniature adult mattresses. They are reinforced and harder than adult versions, in order to keep babies secure and to support their growing bones while they sleep. There are a few safety basics you’ll want to keep in mind: Crib mattresses are designed to be firm enough to stay flat, even if your baby rolls onto his or her stomach. Make sure the mattress you are considering is rated for infant use. It’s easy for mold to grow under the surface of a mattress where you can’t see, so if the inside of the mattress has ever gotten wet, it can be dangerous for a newborn. To prevent this, many crib mattresses are designed to be waterproof, with a vinyl or polyethylene surface. If your mattress cover is fabric instead of waterproof, you should always use a waterproof cover. Because of the dangers associated with mold and bacteria, it’s best to avoid a used mattress, especially if you don’t know the history of the product.
If you’re thinking of reusing a mattress from one of your previous children, first consider if there have been any incidents that might put the mattress at risk for growing mold. While standard crib mattresses should fit most cribs on the market, it’s a good idea to double-check that the measurements match up for your two products. The mattress should fit snugly against the frame. Many parents are now choosing to use mattresses made from natural and organic materials. While these options are usually more expensive, some parents argue that the chemicals used in producing standard mattresses might be harmful to babies (no official health effects have been evaluated yet). Organic options can be found in all types of crib mattresses, but it’s important to check the materials used in an allegedly “natural” product to see if it actually lives up to the label. INNERSPRING MATTRESSNaturepedic Organic Lightweight Classic Crib Mattress WHY WE LOVE IT This type of mattress has a core of steel coils that creates its structure, making it resilient and sturdy.
Above the coils, innerspring mattresses have layers of different cushioning materials, such as polyester, cotton or foam. You’ll see innersprings described by their coil count (the number of steel coils in the mattress- the more coils, the more supportive) and steel gauge (the thickness of the coil- the lower numbers are thicker). Some models also have metal border rods that give the structure even more stability around the edges. Innerspring mattresses can be pricey, especially if you’re looking into higher coil count. Some good deals can be found, however (like Sealy’s Baby Firm Rest); reliable brands range from $80 to $300. These mattresses are also on the heavy-side (something to consider for when you have to change crib sheets). FOAM MATTRESSSafety 1st Heavenly Dreams MattressWHY WE LOVE IT These mattresses are typically made from polyurethane, a foam resin. Foam mattresses are a great choices because they are lightweight and durable. They are also usually the least expensive mattress option.
You want to make sure that your foam mattress is resilient. You can test this by pressing your hand on the mattress and seeing how long the surface takes to regain its shape (the faster, the better). You also want to choose a mattress that has a higher density (which makes it firmer); you can test this by how heavy it is (denser mattresses are typically heavier) or by squeezing the sides of the mattress (denser models won’t allow you to press that hard). DOUBLE-SIDED MATTRESSLullaby Earth 2-Stage Super Lightweight Crib MattressThese mattresses have a firmer infant side and a softer side that is more appropriate toddlers. This is useful when your baby outgrows his or her infant mattress and needs something more soft and comfortable for the night, but still uses a crib or convertible toddler bed. You don’t have to buy a completely different mattress! These models might be more expensive than some infant crib mattresses (though it will likely save you money in the long run).
And make sure to place the correct side of the mattress facing up! MATTRESS COVERSSealy Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad, 2-PackWhile not essential, mattress covers can be very useful. Covers go under your fitted sheet and over your mattress, and are great for protecting the mattress from additional wear. It’s usually best to get one that’s waterproof, as well as easy to remove and clean; if it becomes dirty, then you can just pull off the waterproof cover with your fitted sheet and toss them both in the wash! Consider buying a couple so you can switch them out quickly if you want to put your newborn right back to sleep. Like choosing a crib or bassinet for your baby to sleep in, selecting a crib mattress depends on your own needs and preferences. Consider your budget, as well as any other features that are important to you. You also might find it helpful to check out potential products in a physical store, so you can test out how they feel (and how they’ll feel to your little one).