second hand cot mattress

[Shelly32]

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.

[pigletmania]

I would use it, it's in god condition and has no deterioration. I used the same mattress for my dcs.

[olivertheoctopus]

Oh god. We have our cot mattress stashed under the bed for due in July DS3. Has served both his brothers. DS2 was a vomiter. DS1 was not. I need to get a new mattress don't I? And I am so not normally a worrier

[ddubsgirl]

I had same one for all my kids the mess bit was at top of the mattress which was never laid on as babies are feet to bottom of the cot which I always thought was daft to have the mesh at the top

[breatheslowly]

DD's mattress has both a washable cover and was used with a mattress protector (quilted, waterproof type). Would anyone use the mattress for another child? What about the mattress protector?

[ilovepowerhoop]

I re-used dd's mattress for ds as it had a removable washable cover and the underneath was waterproof and could be cleaned.

[crochetcircle]

Does anyone know at what age it is safe to use a second hand mattress?

Dd2 is now in dd1's cot, has been since 6/7 months old, with dd1's mattress....

TIA

[LinusVanPelt]

• www.bmj.com/content/325/7371/1007.1
  
  meant to include source for quote in above post.

[LinusVanPelt]

Personally, I think it's best to listen to researchers who have completed rigourous studies showing that "a valid significant association exists between use of a used infant mattress and an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome"*, and it's best still not to take any avoidable risks when it comes to something like SIDS.

Your last post comes across as if you'd like to make people feel silly or gullible if they "listen to the media" on this (when actually, they're following the recommendations of researchers and SIDS awareness groups, but nevermind). I really hope you don't succeed in convincing anyone to take the chance.

[Shelly32]

'it'

[Shelly32]

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?!!!

[dexter73]

Well in that case what are they all worrying about!

[RedHelenB]

All 3 of my babies had the same cot mattress!

[Alligatorpie]

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.

[StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes]

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

[StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes]

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.

[Shelly32]

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!

[ClaraOswald]

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

[ChunkyChicken]

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"...

[Shelly32]

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.

[LinusVanPelt]

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.

[Shelly32]

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!

[dexter73]

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

[mrspaddy]

would not .. I meant

[mrspaddy]

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

[Shelly32]

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