AIBU to not want DS sleeping on an old cot mattress?

[Igglybuff]

Yes yes I'm sure there's a bit of PFB about it but here goes.

We're going to have DS take his naps at the ILs occasionally. They've got a cot there which has been used by the other GCs. So mattress is probably about 7 years old.

I want DH to check how old the mattress is and if it is as old as I think, either buy a new cover or buy a new mattress. Main reason being SIDS and possibility of mould spores inside the mattress (FIL has said there is damp in the room that the cot is kept).

I don't want to make a big deal of this, but would like a new cover at least.

AIBU to ask and AIBU to want to buy a new cover or mattress if it's really old? DS is 1 so I know the risk is minimal now he's older. I wouldn't make a fuss if it was a couple of years old!

I would probably just do it and exchange the mattress, saying 'I read something the other day about unseen mould spores in mattresses being dangerous' and then get rid of the old mattress (v important as there are few things more annoying than trying to get rid of mattresses!). They may think you're slightly odd but it'll be done and dusted by then.

I don't think you're being precious, by the way.

No definitely sounds like it's time for a new mattress, especially as quite a few kids have slept on it. Just get a cheap one and change it mentioning about the mould spores. No one will mind.

As it's for naps and not sleepovers I wouldn't worry but then I'm probably too relaxed. Could you use a plastic sheet on it to keep potential spores away and claim it's "in case he wets through"? Might be less-offensive to GP?

I wouldn't want to use it either. Take a new one along with you.

i'd just buy a new one and take it round and say it straight "the current SIDS advice is not to use old mattresses so i've bought you a new one" noone could get offended by that! :-)

Just buy a new one and take it next time you go, laugh it off as PFB if you have to so no-one gets offended. I was happy to use second hands clothes and prams with my two but insisted on new mattresses each time.

Just buy new one, mould spores not good, plus my ds1 has a dust mite allergy, possibly from grandparents very old mattresses.... :(

personally I wouldn't worry, it's only for naptimes, not even staying overnight. If it was to be his permanent bed I would change it, but not for the occasional nap.

When we stay at the inlaws DD sleeps in a toddler bed that was bought for DH's eldest niece, now 10 years old! She has done since she was 18 months old. Never occurred to me to worry about the mattress.

Having said that, if it bothers you that much then just buy a new cover/mattress yourself and take it round. Make sure they don't feel obliged to buy a new one though, that would be a bit unfair.

We might have an overnight stay with Xmas coming - undecided as yet!

I don't think we'll go as far as replacing the mattress as DH thinks they'll get offended as they're very tidy and just so. So a new cover is a compromise in my mind. We were thinking of not making a big deal about it - just mention in passing or maybe just turning up with one as suggested is better. There's another GC on the way and I think SIL will want a new mattress as she'll probably be more PFB than me!

Thanks guys, I don't feel such a loon now.

I had thin mattress for our travel cot, from Mothercare for about £20. It fold up fairly small, and I used to take it on holiday as a 'topper' to he mattress in hotel cots. Could you do that? They wouldn't even know it was there as you make the bed up with it under the sheet. Either that or put a double or triple folded fleece blanket on top of the mattress but under the sheet?

alfa I'll check that out, thanks!