Coir and other natural fibre mattresses There are a few different types of cot mattresses available. You can choose between foam mattresses, spring interior, natural fibre mattresses, cotton or a combination of any of the above. However, like some parents, you may prefer to get a mattress (gadda) made to order using materials of your choice. This is a good idea for parents who want to use much smaller sized mattresses in a palna or cloth jhoola or similar kinds of “beds”. Or for those that need a mattress of specific measurements to fit, for example, a custom made cot. And there is the added benefit that you will know what materials were used to make your baby’s mattress. Make sure the materials used to stuff and cover the mattress are sourced by you or someone reliable. All these options may have you confused about which kind of mattress is safe for your baby to sleep on. Experts say that it doesn't matter what kind of mattress you use, as long as it's firm not soft, doesn't sag at all or show any signs of wear and tear.
Unless you know the history of a second-hand mattress, it’s best to buy a new one. Foam mattressesFoam mattresses generally don’t cost as much as other mattresses. They might have a protective PVC cover, which is easy to clean. This is quite common in mattresses that are imported. Choose a mattress which is at least 8cm to 10cm thick, to help support your baby while she sleeps. ConsPVC cover might make your baby sweaty in hot weather.Spring interior mattressesThese mattresses are made of coiled springs covered with a layer of foam and soft cotton fabric. One side of the mattress is usually covered in cotton fabric and the other side is sometimes covered in wipe-clean plastic. Parents' tip: If you're concerned that your baby is getting overheated when sleeping on the plastic side of your mattress, use it cotton side up. Keeping a mattress in direct sunlight is a popular way to get rid of dust mites or any dampness. You can also vacuum it regularly to keep dust mites at bay.
ProsSome parents feel spring mattresses provide more comfort and good back support for a growing baby. ConsIt is usually more expensive than some of the other mattresses.Coir and other natural fibre mattressesThe interior of a coir mattress is natural fibre taken from the husk of coconuts and is coated in latex, which is waterproof. The covers are soft cotton. You may find it difficult to find mattresses made from other natural fibres such as sisal and pure wool cotton blend. However, you may be able to order them from select online retailers. ProsLong lasting, as they hold their shape well.Good choice if you are concerned about your baby sleeping on synthetic material. ConsLess widely available than other types of mattress.More expensive than foam or spring interior mattresses.Hypoallergenic mattressesIf allergies or asthma are a concern in your family, you might like to have a look at the latest mattresses. These come with a quilted top layer that can be easily detached from the body of a mattress, and machine-washed to kill dust mites that may cause allergies.
ProsGood choice if your baby has allergies or asthma.Easy to keep clean. ConsMay be more expensive than other kinds of mattresses.Less widely available than other mattresses as it is considered a luxury buy.Cotton mattressesThese mattresses are made of cotton and covered with a soft cotton fabric.Many parents like using a cotton mattress and even cotton pillows for their child as they believe this natural fibre is good for their baby's back and neck. ConsMay last only a few months as the cotton tends to get bunched up and forms lumps. Find out more about:The pros and cons of co-sleeping.How much sleep does your child need?How much ghee or butter does my one year old need daily? 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! "No more aches and pains when I get up in the morning" Becoming your most trusted partner for a good night's sleep Find your better sleep nowIf you can’t afford a new mattress – or you’re not ready to replace your existing one, but are aware it needs a pick-me-up – then a topper could become your new best friend. Sitting on top of the mattress, under your sheets, it offers extra padding and comfort that could make all the difference to your quality of sleep. Research the fillings as rigorously as you would with a new mattress. They all have different benefits for different kinds of sleepers and types of people – for instance, if you get hot at night or you suffer from allergies.
Check how snugly the topper fits onto the bed – you don’t want it to move about. And be sure that the filling is evenly distributed, just as you’d want it to be with a duvet. 1. John Lewis Soft Touch Washable Mattress Topper: from £75, John Lewis This 6cm polyester topper, with dual layers and woven fabric, offers cloud-like comfort. It lasts well too, staying squidgy and soft without going flat. Plus, you can wash it in the machine umpteen times without losing any of the quality. Great value for hotel-like luxury. 2. Breasley Flexcell Mattress Topper: from £129, Mattress Online This thick, comfy topper is made from memory foam, which moulds to your body’s shape and distributes your weight evenly. There’s a smooth winter side, which gets really quite warm (great for those who feel chilly at night), and a bumpy summer side, which circulates air to keep you cooler. 3. Hästens Top Mattress BJ: from £670, Hästens This is the deepest topper in our roundup (7cm) and it feels like you’ve got a whole new deluxe mattress.
It’s handmade from all-natural materials including wool, cotton and flexible horsetail hair, all of which keeps your body at the ideal temperature and means the mattress stays comfortable and durable. It is very heavy, though, and it can’t be washed. 4. Vispring Heavenly Mattress Topper: from £550, John Lewis Vispring is the crème-de-la-crème of mattress brands, and its mattress toppers are equally fabulous. Each one is handmade to order in any size and generously filled with the best British wool, which all makes for a comfy, soft, breathable and hypoallergenic sleeping experience. 5. The White Company Supreme Luxury Down Topper: from £150, The White Company Anyone who’s experienced good duck down and feather bedding will know that this filling can swiftly take you into the land of nod in the lap of luxury. The same can be said of this incredibly comfy topper. The top layer includes down for extra softness, while the bottom layer is 100 per cent feather for support.
It's box stitched for even distribution, but it does need regularly plumping up. 6. Dorma Anti-Allergy Mattress Topper: from £45, Dunelm This is excellent value for a soft and plump mattress cover, made from spiral fibre which is encased in 100 per cent cotton sheeting. We found it every bit as good as some toppers we tested (that didn’t make this list) at two or three times the price. It fits well on the bed and is machine washable. 7. The Woolroom Deluxe Wool Topper: from £111.99, The Woolroom This soft and cosy topper, made from top-notch British wool, carries the British Allergy Foundation’s Seal of Approval, making it an ideal choice for anyone who suffers from asthma, allergies or eczema. It’s 3cm thick, extremely well-made, keeps body temperature comfortable throughout the night and is machine washable. 8. Silksleep Topper: from £110, Silksleep This works like a fitted sheet, wrapping right round your mattress. At just 1cm thick, it’s neither firm nor supportive, but the 300 thread-count cotton cover, filled with long-fibre silk, does a particularly good job of regulating body temperature – ideal for women of a certain age – and it feels luxurious.
Dust mites hate silk, so it’s also good for allergy sufferers. 9. Soak and Sleep Ultimate Microfibre with Silk Topper: from £60, Soak & Sleep This is a good one for anyone who wants the luxury, springy feel of down and feather, but either can’t afford it or is allergic. The filling – top-quality, hypoallergenic microfibre and silk – is box stitched so the filing doesn’t disappear down one end, no matter how much you toss and turn at night. 10. Marks & Spencer Supersoft Mattress Enhancer: From £89, Marks & Spencer This is soft but supportive, thanks to the cluster fibres that cushion your body. Particularly well suited to those who get chilly at night, it keeps the bed nice and warm – so probably not the best for those prone to sweating while they sleep. 11. Ikea Talgje: from £65, Ikea Ikea has a wide range of mattress covers, with this one – a blend of cotton and polyester foam filling – towards the bottom of the price range. It has a good, snug fit and although it’s only 3.5cm thick, it offers an indulgent layer of comfort, particularly for the price.