Can someone please explain to me cot death and used mattresses?

[lunavix]

When I had ds I distinctly remember reading lots of literature citing various things as possible triggers of cot death. I'm sure one in particular was used mattresses, and it said to buy new for every baby.

Everyone I know has reused mattresses for siblings - is this in ignorance of the advice or is it somehow okay if it's only siblings? Am pondering this as ds has a nice cot I'd like to use for new baby, plus his nice crib - all complete with his perfect-condition mattresses.

Also, a friend has given me her moses basket, which she only used with her dd for about 2 weeks. Now do I throw away the mattress, or the whole thing? Or is it safe?

I'm trying to think -why- used mattresses should be considered unsafe - the only thing I can think of is smokers - but I know my friend and her dh don't smoke, so that's not a risk.

this is the official advice from the SIDS website:

What kind of mattress should I use?

It is very important that your baby?s mattress is kept clean and dry. Ideally you should buy a new mattress for each new baby. If you are not able to do this, use the one you have as long as it was made with a completely waterproof cover (eg PVC) and has no tears, cracks or holes. Clean it thoroughly and dry it. Check that the mattress is in good condition, doesn't sag, is firm, not soft and fits the cot without any gaps. 'Ventilated' mattresses (with holes) are not recommended as it is not possible to keep the inside clean.

More info here - SIDS FAQs

re: the moses basket. Is the mattress foam? because we re-used our for dd2 but I hand washed it before hand ( so much lather - nightmare!). I'm sure that to re-use would be fine, they are in it for so few weeks.

Regarding the cot mattress, it is better to buy another one which we did. Kiddicare is the cheapest place to get them and they have a good range.

HTH

I guess it's foam dh keeps whiffling over it being vinyl!