Being a new parent is exciting, but the reality is that there is a lot you must prepare for to ensure your new member of the family is comfortable. Among the major decisions is the cot bed and its mattress, which you must ensure is suitable for your little one – but you must do plenty of research because not all mattresses will be best for the baby.
In some cases, a cot will come with a mattress as part of its package, but these are exceptions. We will examine several mattress options you can consider buying and why, which should help you make an informed choice that is comfortable for your baby.
What should your potential cot mattress look for?
It is generally agreed that there are four factors you need to examine when purchasing a cot mattress:
The mattress must be firm instead of soft, as you want to eliminate the possibility of the baby dying from suffocation
It must fit perfectly into the cot base, and should never leave discernable gaps. These gaps can be hazardous to the safety of the baby
The mattress must never show signs of sagging, as this causes the baby to roll over and suffocate
It must not show signs of wear and tear, and it should be new. A second-hand mattress is a potential health hazard and may have some history with the previous owner, so make sure your choice is a new mattress.
Types of mattresses
Similar to adult mattresses, cot beds are in the same range. Therefore, you must choose a mattress that has a depth of between 8 and 10cm, which is the perfect range to provide back and neck support for the child. You can find several options from mattress manufacturers such as slumber search, and they can advise you on the best choices to pick in their collection.
Using this knowledge, some mattress types you can consider for your child are:
Hypoallergenic cot mattress
If you or anyone in your family has a history of allergic reactions or asthma, this mattress type is the best choice. Unlike other mattress types, its outer layer has a quilt covering that you can remove at any time and put into your washing machine, where you can clean it at a temperature between 60OF and 140OF to kill any allergens and bacteria. Visit Project Repat and make a T-shirt quilt blanket for the perfect layering and cover to keep you warm.
Coil spring mattress
Most people will know a coil spring mattress because it is the most common type. These consist of a coiled spring interior shielded by several layers of felt padding and foam for support. They also include a PVC side you can clean easily, and the other side contains a cotton exterior for comfort.
Since the spring and material layers have aeration spaces, this mattress remains cool from the increased airflow. These mattresses also last for quite a long time, since they can keep their shape.
Pocket spring mattress
They are a similar type to the coil spring mattress – the only difference is that each spring remains separate from other springs, resulting in improved comfort and support as well as longer mattress life.
Foam cot mattress
These are the cheapest type of cot mattresses you can get, as they are firm yet lightweight. Their features differ depending on the mattress, such as some having temperature-regulating ventilation holes, others having removable washable cotton covers, and some having removable wipe-clean PVC covers.
Dual-core mattresses
These have two foams in their core – one is a combination of a foam layer (usually memory foam) and natural fiber, and the other layer has micro-pocket springs. Combining them results in an extremely durable and firm mattress that lasts for many years, as the micro-springs adjust to the increasing weight of the child.
Natural fiber mattress
This type of mattress uses natural fibers like wool and cotton and adds a latex layer to add durability. Since they use natural fabric, they are very breathable, but the downside is their high price tag.
Conclusion
To promote the wellbeing of your baby, you must ensure they sleep in a safe environment, even in terms of their mattress and the crib they sleep in. knowing the different mattress types should help you make an informed choice that works for your child.