Moses basket and mattresses - advice please!

[philbee]

We have a moses basket which DD (now 4) slept in which we got second hand with second hand liner and inside cotton cover. I bought a new mattress for it at the time with washable cover.

I was going to wash the mattress cover and wipe down the plastic covered mattress inside and reuse. Now I'm thinking I should get a new one, as it's been 4 years in storage. Are the ones with just plastic covering OK, or do I need to spend more and get one with a washable cover?

Does the basket need a padded liner? I can't find one to buy anywhere and the old one is a bit manky and not v. washable at high temps. I've got the cotton cover for the basket.

Or should I just ditch the lot and get a new basket, liner, and mattress set from mothercare? They've got them for £30-40 at the moment. Would that be better? Don't know what to do!

Personally I'd buy a new mattress and wash the fabrics - wouldn't bother buying a whole new basket!

I would just get a new mattress too. A plastic one is fine because the sheet can act as a washable cover.

They are so cheap that it seems a no brainier to get a new one.

I've ordered the plastic one. I figured it would be more straightforward to wash sheets etc. if they got sicky or pooey than to wash the mattress cover anyway. Thanks!

Yeah I wouldn't risk it try one of the organic Moses basket mattress if you have the money, my friend had one and much better and thicker than foam one we had.

I agree I would certainly buy a new mattress. In fact you could read the Babyzone leaflet (available to read online through the foundation for sudden infant death (fsid) web site. It recommends a new mattress for each baby and a thin lining for your basket. Also check out tiggi and toggi as they sell individual unpadded basket covers. Good luck!