Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

second hand cot mattress

33 replies

Shelly32 · 28/04/2013 10:52

My sister is due to give birth in four weeks and I offered her one of DD's cot mattresses. It is a MC mattress with a breathable, removeable protective cover. She has never wet it or been sick on it (I didn't offer the other mattress as this one had been sicked on once).
My sister has been advised by her midwife not to take it and to get a brand new one. I can see why you wouldn't want to get a mattress for a newborn from a stranger but this is her niece's mattress and I am almost OTT clean, something she's commented on before. Does anyone know why this advice is given? Is it due to cot death? AIBU to feel sad over the waste of money and think that no one will else will get the benefit of it. Replaceable covers are only £15 but DS is still adamant that she wants a brand new mattress, which is up to her of course.

OP posts:
ReluctantlyBeingYoniMassaged · 28/04/2013 10:57

A second hand cot mattress is not a good idea, regardless of where it comes from. It's a cot death issue.

dexter73 · 28/04/2013 10:58

The FSID (Foundation for the study of infant deaths) recommend buying a new mattress so she INBU.

Forgetfulmog · 28/04/2013 10:58

The advice is "new baby, new mattress" & yes it is due to cot death. I wouldn't take it.

dexter73 · 28/04/2013 10:59

BBC article

chanie44 · 28/04/2013 11:01

I think there is a link between matresses and SIDS but I'm not sure if they know why. I'm sure it's more complex than having keeping it clean.

The professional advice is to new matresses and i think your sister is being sensible.

I have old car seats and whilst I know they haven't been in accidents, the advice is to get new ones, so whilst I hate the idea of waste, I think it's important to follow the professional advice.

Original poster
Shelly32 · 28/04/2013 11:04

Totally agreed if it's a cot death issue. I just didn't realise they'd found out the reasons for cot death. If it's linked then I totally don't blame her for not wanting it.

OP posts:
ParadiseChick · 28/04/2013 11:06

So what is the link between cot death and 2nd hand mattresses?

Original poster
Shelly32 · 28/04/2013 11:07

Dexter, looking at the article, it looks like the FSID say it doesn't have to be new as long as it's clean and shows no sign of deterioration.

OP posts:
Original poster
Shelly32 · 28/04/2013 11:08

It looks like people are guessing at a link and that nothing has been proven.

OP posts:
mrspaddy · 28/04/2013 11:10

I absolutely would use a second hand mattress, even from sibling to newborn.

mrspaddy · 28/04/2013 11:11

would not .. I meant

dexter73 · 28/04/2013 11:11

But would you risk it for the sake of buying a new mattress Shelly32?

Original poster
Shelly32 · 28/04/2013 11:13

It just feels like an awful waste, particularly because the mattress cover is removeable and replaceable. It's definitely better to be safe rather than sorry though!

OP posts:
LinusVanPelt · 28/04/2013 11:13

It's more than just "guessing at a link", though. Statistics on cot death show an increased incidence where certain factors are present, and second-hand mattresses must be one of those factors if FSID advises against them.

Original poster
Shelly32 · 28/04/2013 11:14

Dexter No I wouldn't, but to be honest it wouldn't have crossed my mind previous to this info, not to take a second hand mattress from my sister. Now I know differently.

OP posts:
ChunkyChicken · 28/04/2013 11:15

Given the seriousness of the issue - I.e. SIDS - I wouldn't blame anyone for trying to reduce the risk in any way they can.

If its about waste of the mattress, why not recycle it as garden furniture cushions or as a booster cushion? Just cut it into a "seat" shape & cover in fabric. That way there's no waste & nobody is "at risk"...

ClaraOswald · 28/04/2013 11:16

It's also that a used mattress is never going to be as supportive as a new one.

Original poster
Shelly32 · 28/04/2013 11:17

Chunkychicken You clearly have no idea about how lacking in those sorts of skills I am! It's a great idea though and I'm sure my MIL will be more than happy to turn them into something useful!

OP posts:
StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes · 28/04/2013 11:20

Its mainly linked to the bacteria that forms inside a foam mattress from baby vomit (especially formula fed babies for some reason) the bacteria gives off Staphylococcus aureus, a bug often found in the throats of SIDS babies, hence the link. It is thought to be the 'breathable' mesh bit of the cover that's at fault and those fully covered in PVC that can be washed down are ok. Ironic as the mesh topped ones were introduced as the full cover PVC were deemed to be unsafe originally.

StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes · 28/04/2013 11:22

so... if the cover is a full one there is no evidence to suggest its unsafe if its a mesh top then there could be bugs in the mattress from vomit or dribble etc and so potentially unsafe HTH

Alligatorpie · 28/04/2013 14:37

My mil bought a new cot and mattress for when we went to visit when d1 was 16 months old. She went in the cot, but never slept in it overnight the whole 2 weeks we were there. Dh's cousin was having a baby and mil offered them the cot and mattress to keep at their gp's.
Cousin refused, saying it was not safe. I thought that was a bit OTT, but it was her right to refuse.

RedHelenB · 28/04/2013 15:11

All 3 of my babies had the same cot mattress!

dexter73 · 28/04/2013 16:17

Well in that case what are they all worrying about!

Original poster
Shelly32 · 28/04/2013 17:43

Well the FSIDS don't say a second hand mattress is bad but some research does. I'd say that it's another way to instill further fear in new mums and ensure the economy is driven by this fear. Personally I don't believe a second hand mattress from a family member who hasn't soiled the REMOVEABLE cover will cause SIDS but, at the same time it's best to listen to the media isn't is?!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Shelly32 · 28/04/2013 17:49

'it'

OP posts: