Do I need a new mattress cover for a new baby and other silly questions...

[babybouncer]

I'm expecting my second child imminently, but seem to have entirely forgotten everything about babies that I learnt first time round! I'm sure I've been told I need new mattresses for the crib and cot, but our old crib mattress (from mothercare) came with a zip-off 'cool-max' cover - can I reuse this to put on to a new mattress?

Also, I seem to remember that I shouldn't use fabric softner/conditioner when washing bedding - or is it all baby stuff - or have I made that up?

I used the same mattress for all of my children. I often think these 'rules' are simply to get you spending more money rather then based on evidence.

Generally, I think the feeling is that using mattresses for more than one of your own children is fine, but if you're getting a second hand cot from elsewhere then you're better off getting a new mattress to go in it (much like car seats are fine if you know the history)

DC2 will be lucky if I even bother washing the mattress cover that DD had on the cot mattress.

If it has gone through the washing machine then you're fine to reuse it.

I'm getting new cot/pram mattresses for dc2, but that's because I like to follow the FSIDs guidelines to the letter. No one can force you to, but the recommendation is new baby, new mattress.

I am due next week with dc 2 and will get new mattress for cot mainly because ds has v sweaty head and it has a dip in it now at both ends. Otherwise I'd prob just have washed cover. I am reusing baby clothes, washing in non bio powder.

What about moses basket mattresses? Do they need replacing?

A mattress is a mattress. If you would replace a cot one, you should replace a moses basket one.

I think if the matress is in good condition there is no problem using it again for another child same for all bedding I use matress protectors,from birth encase of any leaks etc.
I was all baby cloyhing and bedding in non bio and softner xxxx

Oh gawld - what's best to buy a new mattress or not?!

Course you can use fabric softener on clothes (but not cloth nappies) But definitely use non bio detergent.

I would say it depends where your mattress has been stored and for how long.

I'd get a new mattress. There is research to suggest that reusing mattresses could contribute to SIDS. Not worth it for the sake of a few quid.

fsid.org.uk/page.aspx?pid=426#mattress FSID advice
I would save money elsewhere, imho.

RE washing powder. I actually just read about this last night. My pregnancy book said no fabric conditioner and non-bio washing powder etc. xx

RE washing powder. I actually just read about this last night. My pregnancy book said no fabric conditioner and non-bio washing powder etc. xx