One of the most basic things you’ll need when your baby is born is somewhere for them to sleep. Cots come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes, and most mattresses are sold separately from the main frame. Choosing the right mattress can be tricky, especially as there are so many to choose from.
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Fit
The most critical factor is that the mattress should fit perfectly into the cot. This is not such an issue when you are buying a brand new, standard sized cot but if you are trying to source a new mattress to fit into a hundred year old family heirloom it can be almost impossible. Fit is important as a mattress which is too small leaves gaps which the baby could slip into, and a mattress which is too large will not lie flat and could be uncomfortable. If in any doubt about what size of mattress to go for, ask store staff for help. If you have an unusually sized cot, the only option could be to have a
mattress made to measure.
Basic Foam Mattress
This is the cheapest option when buying a new mattress. They are light and easy to move around, and many come with a removable cover for ease of cleaning. If you are not planning to have your baby in a cot and move them into a larger bed in a year or so, this can be the most sensible option. The downside to foam mattresses is that they can be quite thin, and after years of heavy use they can become squashed out of shape.
Green Mattresses
Foam isn’t exactly easy on the environment, and many parents worry about the chemicals which are used to produce other types of mattresses. Natural coir mattresses have been used for centuries and many of the high street baby stores have introduced a range made from coir and other green components such as wool and latex. These are a good choice for the environmentally conscious parent, but can be expensive when compared with other types of mattress and most can only be used until the baby reaches around 3 years of age.
Sprung Mattress
The longest lasting type of mattress is the sprung cot bed mattress. These are made in the same way as an adult mattress, and offer greater support to your baby or child as they sleep. A sprung cot bed mattress is made up of several different layers and is very sturdy. Many parents who buy this sort of mattress use them for several children and find that they are still in great condition. A sprung mattress can be a more expensive investment initially, so weigh up the cost against how long you are planning on using it.
Covers and Accessories
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From experience, I would always recommend parents invest in a mattress with a wipe clean covering, or buy a separate mattress protector. Children do get sick or dribble on their bedding and cleaning a whole mattress is impractical. Buying a cheap mattress protector will save you time and money in laundry costs in the long run.
