Your first baby has outgrown the cot, the mattress looks fine, and a second baby is on the way. Why spend money on a new one? Do you really need a new mattress for each baby? Is it safe to use a second-hand mattress? And if you do reuse one, what should you check? The short answer is that a new mattress for each baby is generally recommended, but if you do reuse one, there are clear conditions it must meet. This guide explains what the research and the Lullaby Trust say, the difference between a mattress from your own home and one from outside it, a simple checklist for a reused mattress, and what to do if budget is tight.
Quick Summary:
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Brand new mattress for your newborn | Best option; no history of use |
| Mattress from your own first baby | Can be reused only if it has stayed firm, flat, clean and fully waterproof-protected; otherwise replace |
| Second-hand from a friend or relative | Greater uncertainty about its history; a new mattress is recommended |
| Second-hand from a shop, online or a stranger | Not recommended; research links these to higher risk |
| Mattress that has sagged, torn or got damp | Replace |
| Cot or Moses basket mattress | The same advice applies to every sleep mattress, including Moses baskets and cribs |
There are three practical reasons:
Babymore’s own guidance is the same: reusing a mattress isn’t recommended, and most guidance advises a new mattress for each child. Our guide on the importance of a cot mattress explains why the mattress matters.
A second-hand mattress isn’t automatically unsafe, but it carries more uncertainty, and the Lullaby Trust advises a new one where you can. The biggest question is the mattress’s history, which you may not know when it comes from outside the home.
If you can’t buy new, the Lullaby Trust’s guidance for a used mattress is that it must meet all of these conditions. See our summary of the Lullaby Trust’s mattress and bedding advice.
Only reuse a mattress if you can tick every box:
If any answer is “no” or “not sure”, buy a new one. The advice is simple: if in doubt, replace it.
Possibly, if it meets the conditions above. The Lullaby Trust’s research concern is about mattresses brought in from outside the family home, so a mattress that you know has been well protected and cared for is a lower-uncertainty case than a stranger’s. Even so, many families choose a new one for the second baby, and Babymore does not recommend reuse.
Think about how it was used. A mattress that had leaks, was left without a waterproof cover, or has been stored in a damp loft isn’t suitable. A mattress that sagged under an older, heavier toddler is also unlikely to be firm enough.
Parents on forums such as Mumsnet are divided: some always buy new, while others reuse a mattress that has stayed in excellent condition under a waterproof protector, following the Lullaby Trust’s conditions. Both groups tend to agree on one point: check the condition carefully, and replace it if there’s any doubt.
Only if it’s the right size, firm, flat and in good condition. A toddler’s mattress from a bed or a larger cot may be too big or have a different construction. Never squeeze a mattress into a cot it wasn’t made for, and never use an adult mattress. A baby’s mattress should fit the cot, crib or Moses basket with no gaps. Our cot and cot bed mattress size guide explains the standard sizes. Thickness matters too, so see how thick a baby mattress should be. If you are moving up to a bed, see moving from a cot to a toddler bed.
The same rules apply to any type: firm, flat, undamaged and well covered. Foam can lose its firmness and bounce back more slowly over time, and it can absorb moisture if the cover has failed. If a foam mattress shows dips or doesn’t spring back, replace it. Our guide on whether foam and memory foam mattresses are safe for babies goes deeper.
If you’ve decided to use a second-hand mattress, you can reduce uncertainty by:
A protector does not turn an unsuitable mattress into a safe one. If the core is damaged, stained, damp or sagging, replace it.
You don’t have to buy the most expensive mattress. A new, basic, well-fitting mattress that is firm, flat, waterproof-covered and tested to BS EN 16890 is a safer choice than an unknown second-hand one. Babymore’s range includes simple options such as the Eco Fibre cot mattress as well as Pocket Sprung, Deluxe Sprung and Premium Core options, so you can compare features and prices. Our guide to the types of baby mattress shows what is inside each. Our safety guide explains why price isn’t the same as safety.
If cost is a real barrier, local baby banks and charities may be able to help with new or nearly new essentials. Ask your health visitor about what’s available in your area. Check that anything you receive meets the conditions in this guide.
No. The same advice applies to Moses basket, crib and cot bed mattresses. Our guide on Moses basket vs crib covers the differences, and each needs the mattress made for it. Don’t swap mattresses between different types of sleep space.
A reused cot is a different question from a reused mattress. If you’re reusing or borrowing a cot or cot bed, check the instructions, make sure all fixings are present and tight, and see our guides on safe use of a cot bed and cot bed safety guidelines.
A new mattress for each baby is a simple way to start with a firm, flat, clean sleep surface and fewer unknowns. If you do reuse one, treat the Lullaby Trust’s conditions as a strict checklist, and replace it if you have any doubt. Whatever you choose, check the fit, keep the cot free of soft items, and follow safe sleep habits.
Ready to choose? Browse Babymore’s cot mattresses and cot bed mattresses, read our mattress guide, or use our nursery furniture checklist to plan the rest of the room.
