All about mattresses
All mattresses are the same, right?
One might be slightly smaller than another, or a different color, but
that's about it, yes? Unfortunately not. Mattresses come with a variety of
covers and cores, and knowing which is best for your baby is very
important.
Which type?
Essentially there are four types of mattress core to choose from: foam,
spring interior, natural and polyester hollowfill.
Foam mattresses tend to be the cheapest. A quality foam mattress is a
good, comfortable choice for your baby. However, it is difficult to know
whether the one you see in the shop is made from quality foam or an
inferior one that will dent within a few months of use (you will only find
quality mattresses here). Choosing a good brand name can help. We believe
Love'n'Care and Tetra are the best in the market.
Spring-interior mattresses have the familiar coiled spring inside,
while natural mattresses are generally based on a core of coconut fiber.
This is usually coated with latex to ensure that the fibers are completely
waterproof. Ti-Tree fill is non-toxic and non-allergenic and mattresses
made from this are a good choice if allergies such as asthma tend to run
in the family.
Undercover
Perhaps more important than the core is the cover. PVC is still widely
used and its main advantage is that it can be wiped clean. The
disadvantage is that it doesn't take heat and moisture away from your
baby.
Some foam mattresses have ventilated sections that are covered only
with a thin mesh. This helps to keep your baby dry and cool, but if your
baby a possets into the foam it can be difficult to clean.
Overheating has been shown to be associated with cot death and
therefore keeping your baby at an even temperature is very important.
Keeping the core of the mattress dry is also important, so look for a
cover with some kind of waterproof barrier. If moisture from the baby is
being absorbed into the cover, it needs to be removable for washing.
Safety Points to consider
- It is recommended that you buy a new mattress for each child
- Always buy a mattress that is the right size for the cot – the
correct size should be marked on the cot somewhere. An ill-fitting
mattress can be dangerous
- Always encourage your child to sleep on their back with feet at the
foot of the cot, and make sure they don’t get to hot during the
night
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