why do we 'need' to get new matress for cot?

[angels1]

Several people have told me you have to get new matresses for a cot with every baby. This is our first but we are borrowing a cot from family. I don't mind having to buy a new matress but was just wondering what the logic was behind this.

Also, we've got a barely used second hand trael cot and a pram attachment for our travel system but apparently we don't need to buy new matresses for these - is this the case? and if so why not?

i think it is to do with the fact that babies are sick on their mattresses and it is dangerous for a different baby to breathe in the particles. i could be way off the mark though. someone clever will be along soon.

but i thought you used waterproof mattress protectors underneath cot sheets (which would stop these particles)??

It's to do with the mattress being as clean as possible, free from dust and other particles.

From the FSID 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 and has no tears, cracks or holes. Clean and dry it thoroughly. Check that the mattress is in good condition; is firm, not soft; fits the cot without any gaps; and doesn?t sag. Never sleep your baby on a pillow, cushion, bean bag or waterbed.

some people dont so i guess this info is given out as guidance to cover all situations. it's not a rule.

I think some years ago there was some research down and a very small link found between people using old mattresses and cot death. I believe it has since been disprooved, although it's possible I'm wrong. I would have thought that if you know where it's come from, not been smoked all over or left to get damp for years it would be fine. I plan to reuse the mattress my sister's giving me.

I have no idea how true this and this are, but they make interesting reading.

in my pregnancy book by Lesley Regan she says the link has been disproved but it's a good idea as a used mattress will have indentations from the previous baby and it's important for the new baby to lie flat as possible,

the best thing to do is read the info yourself and make a decsion.

I dutifully bought a new mattress for the second hand cot we were kindly given; however my DS needed several weeks in hospital after birth due to complications - and then further treatment at a year old; I do not believe that hospitals provides a brand new mattress for every child (and surely these sick children are even more vulnerable?) - so I therefore think this is yet another marketing 'con' for new parents.

trufflesbum Thanks for those links. I had never heard of mattress wrapping, but it does indeed make interesting reading- definitely something I will consider with my next DC.

I used a second hand mattress and cot given to me by a friend for DS and then again for DD. Baby number 3 has a second hand cot and mattress I got off Ebay (seller says it was used with protector). It looks and smells in good condition, and I have made it up with a new topper and protector. I think what ragwort said makes sense...hospitals don't do it.....