SIDS and mattresses

[Lemondrop99]

So.... just when I thought car seats were the biggest minefield, today I started researching mattresses. Oh my word, safe sleep.... now that's a minefield 😖

Can I ask a really dense question? There's something I don't understand and I can't seem to find the answer.

Why are waterproof mattresses ok?

I mean, I get the practical hygiene reasons (protect the mattress from sick, wee and various other fluids). I also understand that one of the main reasons for ensuring every baby has a new mattress is because mound and bacteria inside an old mattress can be a SIDS. I also know there's some stuff about flame retardant chemicals in mattresses potentially contributing to SIDS.

What I don't get is why is a plastic cover not a suffocation risk? I mean, many bed nests claim to be breathable but still aren't approved for overnight sleeping. You're not even supposed to have toys or comforters in the crib in case of suffocation. But if a baby rolls face down on an impermeable plastic surface, why isn't that a suffocation risk? I mean, I assume it isn't as the Lullaby Trust recommend a waterproof mattress but I just don't understand why. You wouldn't let them near a plastic bag, but a plastic wrapped mattress is ok? What am I missing here?

Also I don't understand how some mattresses claim to be breathable but also have a waterproof cover? Surely those two features are not compatible? Don't babies get hot and sweaty on waterproof mattresses? And don't they make a horrible rustling noise?

Ok, I'm probably overthinking this so please forgive my ramblings. But can't anyone explain this before my tiny mind implodes?!

I am definitely no expert on sids mattresses etc but I think because you are supposed to place baby on their back then they won't end up face down on the mattress. By the time they can roll over themselves (mine was about 5 months I think) they have enough head control to turn their head to the side when sleeping on their belly, am seem to do this instinctively (my ds has slept on belly since he could roll himself) and therefore it is safe to let them stay like that.

Also tue mattress we have for him has a waterproof cover but it isn't plasticy and doesn't make a rustle noise or anything. It is actually two sided one waterproof one not but I always use the waterproof side to protect it. He doesn't really get hot and sweaty I don't think. You can get cot mattress protectors that have like a terry towel type material over the waterproof bit so I assume would be more breathable?

Oh wow minefield indeed. I just assumed any mattress sold for a cot would be baby safe...

I got a mattress from ikea for our downstairs cot and a review said it had a funny smell so I made an effort to unwrap it to air recently even though the cot isn't put together yet. Now a little worried it's got nasty chemicals in it ☹️

I also bought a waterproof mattress protector with it which says not to put where the babies head will be (hadn't previously considered this a danger). It isn't the full size of the mattress but as I'll have twins sharing the same cot this is something I'll need to think about as I'd planned to top and tail them...

Interested to see what others have to say. (I don't fancy being awake 24/7 checking babies breathing!).

Ime the waterproof mattress isn't that proper plastic stuff you get for some waterproof things. It's a sort of thickish, hard but soft (if that makes sense) material.
You can then buy various waterproof sheets to put over it. I remember some plastic sheets that go under normal sheets from years ago, they aren't like that, they're a more soft and flexible material, similar to some adult mattress protectors. I've got a few that I use on my babies cot at the moment, and they're definitely breathable. Top layer one is water resistant rather than waterproof

Thanks, that's useful. I think I need to go to a shop an examine some mattresses and maybe it'll make more sense than reading online.