Ensuring the Best and Safest Sleeping Space for Your Baby
Choosing the right baby cot mattress is essential for your baby’s safety and comfort. Babymore brings to you a guide that will help you prepare the best and safest sleeping space for your little one.
Cot Bed Size and Fit
Cot Bed Size:
Ensure the mattress fits snugly in the cot bed with no gaps larger than 3 cm.
Baby Cot Mattress:
Choose a mattress specifically designed for your cot bed to guarantee a perfect fit.
Cot Bed Mattress Size:
A standard UK cot mattress measures 120 x 60 cm, while a standard UK cot bed mattress is 140 x 70 cm. Custom sizes may be needed for non-UK standard cots.
Firmness and Support
The mattress should be firm and supportive, not soft, to reduce the risk of suffocation.
Regularly check that the mattress does not sag and lies flat without any tears, cracks, or holes.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
- Keep the baby mattress clean and dry by using a waterproof cover.
- Ensure the mattress conforms to BS EN 16890:2017 safety standards.
- The Lullaby Trust recommends buying a new cot mattress for each new baby and avoiding used cot mattresses.
Thickness and Standards
How Thick Should a Cot Mattress Be:
According to BS EN 16890:2017, a cot mattress should be about 10 cm thick for adequate support and shape retention. Avoid 7-8 cm thick mattresses unless for occasional use. No mattress should exceed 10 cm in depth to prevent babies from climbing out of cots.
Hypoallergenic Features:
A hypoallergenic mattress cover that can be washed at 60°C is ideal to kill dust mites and prevent allergies. Babymore mattresses come with such covers that are easily removable with zippers.
Types of Mattresses
Foam Mattress
- Traditional and commonly used.
- Provides good support with high-density foam that resists dents.
- Easy to clean and cost-effective.
- Avoid mattresses with ventilation holes as they can be hard to wash.
Fibre Mattress
- Gradually replacing foam due to being chemical-free, supportive, recyclable, washable, and breathable.
- No foam discolouration or odour.
Spring or Sprung Mattress
- Traditional bonnell spring/open coil mattresses offer excellent support and improved air circulation.
- Double-sided with felt and foam padding and a netted core for easy cover removal.
- More expensive than foam mattresses.
Pocket Spring Mattress
- Individual pocketed springs provide more support and comfort than traditional bonnell spring units.
- Comes with a full bonded edge cover.
- More expensive than bonnell spring mattresses.
Coir Fibre Mattress
- The firmest type with a coconut/coir fibre core that promotes air circulation.
- Most durable but firmness may not be preferred by all children.
- Generally, the most expensive option.
Memory Foam
Not recommended for baby mattresses due to additional chemicals and its moulding property to body heat, posing a suffocation risk.
Caring for Your Baby’s Mattress
- Regular vacuuming or sponging of the sleeping surface.
- Wash the mattress cover at 60°C with a non-biological mild detergent.
- Rotating the mattress regularly to maintain its shape.
- Ensuring the mattress is fully dried before use.
- Avoiding dry cleaning or chemical detergents that could harm your baby.
- Preventing foam discoloration by using a mattress cover and keeping the mattress away from direct sunlight and extended exposure without sheets.
By following this guide and paying attention to cot bed size, baby cot mattress selection, cot bed mattress size, and baby mattress thickness, you can ensure your baby has a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. Hop onto Babymore and explore the various baby cot mattress options that we have! Our range of cots and cot beds collection will leave you surprised! Visit today and discover the variety!
