How often do you replace cot/ moses basket mattress?

[Ilikethedaffodils]

Just that, really.

I've been a mum for 16 years and a foster carer for 10 and it's only just filtered through to me that some parents buy a new mattress for every child even within their own family. I've never had this mentioned to me by a SW or HV. It's to do with the risks of SIDS.

Currently between placements so using the time to do a very thorough clean and sort out of foster child bedroom. Current mattress in cot was new two years ago and so far has been used for one foster baby for seven months and next foster baby for four months.

Thank-you in advance for any advice!

[willowrose30]

Our LA requires we buy a new mattress and bedding to use for a cot for each new child.
I would check with your LA.
I think that they usually fund ithe also.
:)

[Twopots]

You can buy waterproof mattress (so plastic type material rather than cloth If you know what I mean) that are easy to wipe clean with antibacterial spray and can be reused if not sagging cracked etc I got mine from mothercare

[3PurpleCrocs]

Our LA insists on new mattress and bedding for each cot placement (it doesn't pay for it, although neighbouring LAs do for their carers). I always send bedding on with a child when they move on but replacing mattresses is a faff, especially when they've only been used for a couple of months!

On the other hand you would never forgive yourself if the worst happened and this was the one occasion you'd not bought a new mattress.