How to choose a mattress for your baby

Choosing the correct mattress for your baby will optimise the probabilities of you both getting a decent night’s sleep! The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a very Moses basket, crib, cot or cot bed in your room for the first six months and a secure mattress should fit their bed with no gaps.

Here are some things to look out for when choosing a mattress for your newborn baby…

The fit of the mattress

Getting the proper size and shape of mattress is crucial so your baby cannot get their little limbs stuck around the sides.

There should be no over a 3cm gap around the edges or sides, so you'll be able to tuck your baby in comfortably, with any blankets not on top of around their shoulders.

Many cots and cot beds are sold alongside mattresses designed specifically to suit the cot size. Some may have a sticker on the bottom recommending the correct size.

Your mattress will have to be a minimum of 8 to 10cm deep to support your baby while he sleeps, although your crib mattress or mattress for your Moses basket is going to be thinner.

There are companies which will provide a made-to-measure baby mattress if you can’t find the scale you're searching for. confirm any mattress your purchase conforms to both BS 7177 1996 for flammability and Part 10 1997 for safety and performance.

The breathability

Ensure your mattress has good breathability to assist your baby to regulate their temperature because research has shown that overheating is related to an increased risk of SIDS. A breathable mattress will allow any perspiration to wick off from your baby, so their mattress stays dry.

If asthma or allergies are a priority in your family, you'll want to decide on a hypo-allergenic or hypoallergenic protect your mattress, which may be washed at 60 degrees to get rid of dust mites that will cause allergies.

The materials the mattress are made from for babies

Foam: Generally, the most affordable, foam mattresses are lightweight and supply good support. They often have a PVC wipe-clean material on one side so is easy to stay clean. They have a tendency to lose their shape over time, so are better for short-term use during a Moses basket or crib.

Coil Sprung: a standard and a popular choice with many parents, these mattresses have a coil sprung interior with layers of froth or felt padding, that permits increased airflow. they're supportive and can keep their shape over time.

Pocket sprung: like coil sprung mattresses, each spring in these mattresses contains a pocket to supply better support and longevity. These are a chic choice and not cost-effective unless your baby will sleep on the mattress for a variety of years, otherwise, you may use the mattress for one more child.

Double-sided: Some mattresses will have a firmer and flatter side to be used from birth to preschool, with a softer side to use when your child is older.

Double-sided: Some mattresses will have a firmer and flatter side to be used from birth to preschool, with a softer side to use when your child is older.

Organic: made up of chemical and allergen-free natural materials like bamboo, natural mattresses are good for families where allergies are a priority. they'll also offer good support and be naturally anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking and breathable.

All baby and child mattresses have a door fabric layer and a water-proof side. Some might not be removable for laundry, so remember to wash these regularly by wiping them down or vacuuming them. You'll wish to shop for special bedding for simple cleaning.

Specialist retailers also sell different types of covers like antifungal, anti-allergy and anti-bacterial covers, organic covers and heat-regulating and moisture-wicking covers to stop your baby from overheating. Your choice will rely upon your budget, your personal choice and the way long you conceive to use your mattress.