Aibu to use a matress that's too long?

[MauiChristmas]

I'm now 38 weeks pg, anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first after years of infertility and treatment.

We have very little spare money to buy baby things but friends and family have been really generous and given us a second hand pram, Moses basket and cot.

In one of my more anxious moments I went out and got a new matress for the Moses basket. I got home ripped the packaging open on the sheets and matress only to realise that I've got the wrong size - it's a few cm to long for the Moses basket. It fits width ways. It wasn't cheap to buy - I wanted a decent matress. Mothercare won't let me return the matress and sheets now they are open.

Is it safe to have a slightly to long matress? it's not completely flat at the head end, curls up just slightly. Or, AIBU and I should to buy a new matress? We really don't have much money right now - Im stressed out by this - don't want to risk my precious baby, but can't afford another matress.

Sorry for the long post. I'm talking to my medical providers about my anxiety. Just need the sodding matress issue to be resolved.

[user1471950254]

The mattress needs to be flat, both for your baby 's posture. & SIDS guidelines so I recommend you purchase a new mattress.

[MauiChristmas]

Thanks. I'll do better research this time.

[ConvincingLiar]

How much too long is it? I don't imagine a cm curling up at the end is a problem, but if it's several inches and stopping the mattress from lying flat, then that would be a problem.

[baconandeggies]

Is it cuttable and restitchable?

[MauiChristmas]

It's 8cm to long. It curls up at the head end if the basket. I wondered if this is ok as you put baby down feet to bottom of basket - and this bit is flat? This is the curl as it would be if I curled up the matress at the bottom of the basket - the light is better for a photo at that end.

[MauiChristmas]

Bacon it might be for someone better than me.... But I don't want to make it worse.... And I got fitted sheets which would also need work. Might be worth a try?!

[Note3]

I would cut it to size then sew a cover over it or just get fitted moses basket sheets so the elastic hooks over and holds the mattress in.

Failing that, you can get brand new mattresses on ebay for about £7 inc postage (I used these for our DC)

[MauiChristmas]

I'm worried about investing too much into something the baby may not sleep in... I hear not all babies like Moses baskets.

[Eminybob]

I would try cutting it to the right size unless there is any way you can return or exchange it?

[MauiChristmas]

I've taken it out of its packet now - mothercare wouldnt let me return it.

[Tallzara]

I wouldn't use it like that sorry.

Do you have the original mattress and sheets that came with the basket?

[Tallzara]

Asda have some very cheap mattresses and sheets. Cheaper than mothercare.

[MauiChristmas]

Thanks tallzara No - the basket was second hand it came without a matress. This is the only thing I've bought new for my baby and couldn't even get this right.

[Chaseley]

Hey OP, don't be so hard on yourself!
All of the main things needed for my baby have been gifted by family and friends, il be lucky if there's anything left to buy for him!
Everyone gets it wrong sometimes....it's only a mattress, I'd personally wouldn't say there's an issue, however if you are unsure I'd say buy another.

[MauiWest]

Why don't you try to sell the mattress and sheets on a local group? Explain carefully, the majority of mums want a brand new mattress for their babies, but yours IS new.

I only use moses basket for something like 3 months, but would have struggled without them.

[Liiinoo]

Maui

I am sure it will all be fine. I agree that you could probably trim it to fit and if the stitching isn't very neat I am sure your baby won't mind. If you really don't want to do that, try folding the excess underneath and sewing/wonder webbing down it to keep it secure.

You sound so anxious and hard on yourself and it's not surprising considering what you have been through. Try not to worry too much, focus on loving your baby and everything else will fall into place.

[Tallzara]

Don't be so hard on yourself, we all make mistakes. Your baby won't mind what things he/she has and will no doubt be happiest snuggled up with you.

I'm surprised at Mothercare to be honest, I guess they're not obliged to exchanged opened items but I'd be really tempted to email a complaint, or on their twitter or Facebook page. They might offer an exchange after all out of goodwill.

Might there be a possibility you're entitled to this?

www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant/overview

[FannyFifer]

Is it a foam mattress. Just cut it to size if so, it will be fine.

Also, no need for special sheets in a Moses basket, a pillowcase is usually the perfect size to pop mattress into.