It’s such an exciting period when you’re shopping for your new arrival. There are however a few things you'll want to really consider before you buy, and knowing how to choose the right mattresses and bedding for their cot bed or crib can sometimes seem a little overwhelming.
How thick should it be? Are some considered safer than others? Does it need a protector? To help you choose the right baby mattress for you, the experts over at Naturalmathave put together a helpful and informative guide on how to choose the right mattress and bedding for your new baby.
Choosing a baby bed
Before choosing your mattress and bedding, you’ll need to know which baby bed you will use. The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their own sleep surface, in the same room as you, for at least the first six months. Many parents use a smaller cotbed or moses basket for the first 4-6 months then move the baby into a cot or cot bed. Co-sleeping cots and bedside cribs are also becoming increasingly popular as they attach to the side of the parent’s bed, keeping the baby close but in their own crib.
How to choose a baby mattress
A firm and flat mattress is recommended for safer baby sleep. It is advised to use a new mattress for your baby, which should be in good condition and fit the Moses basket or cot properly. Many baby beds come with a foam mattress included, but lots of parents choose to research and buy a better quality mattress for their baby to sleep on.
Natural fibre or organic mattresses can provide superior breathability to foam mattresses, helping the baby regulate their body temperature throughout the night. Natural fibre mattresses tend to be chemical free and don’t contain synthetic foams so they are thought to be the healthier option and better suited for babies with allergies or asthma.
Shop the best cot mattress for your baby’s comfort and safety
Do I need a mattress protector?
A waterproof cover, or in other words a mattress protector, is recommended to keep your baby’s mattress clean and dry as this can be removed and washed. An organic waterproof mattress protector would be best, as they are soft, breathable and a practical choice for your baby.
Shop the best waterproof mattress protectors to protect your baby and their cot
Shopping for baby bedding
A fitted sheet will provide an additional protective overlay to your child’s mattress and protector and will hold in place if your baby wriggles around in the night. If you have an oval shaped crib or moses basket, a fitted sheet may not be available so a flat sheet firmly folded under the mattress is an alternative option.
Choosing the quilt, duvet and pillows
Quilts, duvets and pillows should not be used for babies under one year old. After this, it's fine to replace baby blankets and top sheets with a cot duvet if you wish. Try an organic lambswool cot bed pillow and a cot bed duvet in summer or Spring/Autumn weight.
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