Picking out a cot mattress can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, including the mattress’s size and dimension, material, hardness, and other features such as waterproofing or temperature control. This guide will take you through each stage of selecting a mattress so that you know what to look for when purchasing your new baby cot mattress.
Mattress size and dimension
The mattress should be at least 3 cm thick. The most common size is 70 x 140 cm, and this fits the majority of baby cots on the market so that it will fit in your cot.
The mattress should fit snugly in the cot. If it’s too big or too small, you might have trouble getting it into place and then keeping it there as your baby grows up.
Make sure that your chosen mattress is waterproof and breathable for maximum comfort and safety for your child.
Material of the mattress
When looking for a mattress, you’ll want to consider what kind of material it’s made from. Cotton is hypoallergenic and easy to wash without shrinking or losing its shape. Memory foam allows for excellent support and pressure relief, especially for babies who sleep on their tummies. Latex is another option that offers excellent support and comfort as well as being anti-microbial, but it can be expensive and hard to find in some areas.
Gel mattresses help dissipate body heat to keep babies cool through the night; however, they may not be suitable for those with allergies or asthma since gel can trap particles in its pores. Foam mattresses are often cheaper than others but aren’t considered exceptionally durable over time due to their lack of structure under pressure points (such as where arms lie during sleep). Wool is an eco-friendly material that’s naturally fireproof—an essential feature if there are any safety hazards near where your baby will sleep.
The hardness of the mattress
Once you have determined what level of firmness would be most suitable for your child, test out similar products at local stores so that you can see how they feel on your own body before making any purchases online or through catalogues. An excellent method to do this is to place your head on each one- this will give them an idea about how comfortable each type feels against their head/neck area.
Additional features of the mattress
There are several additional features that a baby mattress can have:
- Breathable material: If you have ever slept on a foam mattress, then you know that they tend to trap heat and keep it close to your body. This may not be a problem for adults, but babies can get overheated easily at night if they are in direct contact with the mattress. A breathable baby cot mattress is made of material that allows air to flow freely so your baby can sleep comfortably without feeling hot and sweaty.
- Waterproof material: When searching for a waterproof cot mattress, look for ones made from vinyl or rubberised fabric so liquids cannot penetrate through them when accidents occur (such as an overnight diaper leak).
- Allergen-free material: Some parents worry about whether their infant’s new sleeping surface will cause them any allergies or asthma symptoms later in life; therefore, many manufacturers now offer anti-allergen mattresses, which eliminates these concerns altogether.
It’s essential to consider these factors when buying a baby cot mattress to care for your baby in their cot adequately. There are many factors to consider when buying a new baby cot mattress, and this list is by no means exhaustive. However, it does cover some of the most critical aspects of buying a new mattress for your little one’s cot.