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There are four main types of cot mattresses: foam, spring interior, natural fibre and hypoallergenic.
For those who are unsure which material is best for you, here are the pros and cons of each:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Foam: Usually made from polyurethane with a PVC cover and comes in a range of thicknesses. Opt for one that's on the heavier side for greater firmness and safety. |
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| Spring interior: Made from coil springs that are covered with a foam layer, as well as cotton and wipe-clean plastic. |
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| Natural fibre: Usually made from all-natural or organic ingredients, e.g. waterproof coconut fibres coated in latex on the inside and with a soft cotton cover |
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| Hypoallergenic: Has a quilted top cover that can detach from the mattress body easily |
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When buying a cot mattress, consider the following key features:
If a mattress is too soft, your baby's breathing could get obstructed when they roll over into a face-first position. It also may not provide adequate spinal support for your growing child. Flat mattresses, which don't have cushioned, quilted or undulating surfaces, are more likely to be safe. Before purchasing a mattress, press down on the edges and centre of the mattress. A firm mattress should not mould to the shape of your hand and should spring back to its original shape quickly.
Pick a mattress with high density. If your mattress doesn’t list its density, particularly for foam models, check its weight instead. You can also test density by pressing one hand on each side of a mattress – a denser mattress won’t let you press your hands far in. For innerspring models, a firm mattress should have border rods for extra support, more innerspring layers, 135+ coils, a gauge of 15.5 or less and be made from thick insulator pads that contain coir fibres.
It’s recommended to get a waterproof, tight fitting, washable cover. This will protect your mattress from stains and nappy leakage. However, there’s a trade-off between waterproofness and how breathable the cover is. If you’re concerned about breathability, opt for a mattress with ventilation holes. Look out for models with double- or triple-laminated ticking that’s reinforced with nylon, which are more water- and tear-resistant.
Look out for mattresses with ventilation holes. This will ensure better airflow so your mattress doesn’t smell.
Look out for a mattress with layers made from cotton or foam. While those made from polyester tend to be cheaper, they’re also of lower quality.
You could consider a dual-firmness mattress, which has a firm side for babies and a softer side for toddlers. However, double-sided models will cost you more.
For those who have environmental concerns or are worried about how safe the chemicals used in standard mattresses are, there are all-natural, organic options available. However, these will probably cost you more. Compare the pros and cons of each material below:
To keep your child safe, it's important to double-check cot fit, whether there are any gaps between the mattress and cot sides and the thickness of the mattress.
An old, worn mattress is more likely to have breathability issues with greater suffocation risk, is less hygienic and less durable. Also, if a used mattress has foam or padding exposed, it could be more likely to attract bacteria and mould growth.
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