Another mattress question...

[LegalFlamingo]

Hi everyone,

Quick query about second hand cot mattresses? Very kindly was given a cot by a family friend a few weeks back, she bought it for her niece to stay and it was only used twice in toddler bed form as they ended up just bringing a travel cot each time. The mattress is waterproof and I’ve wiped it down with disinfectant but have read about an increase in the risk of SIDS with second hand mattresses?

I’m more than happy to buy a new mattress but also not one to waste money unnecessarily! Anyone know or have thoughts on whether it’s safe to use a second hand mattress or shall I just buy a new one?

Thanks for any words of wisdom in advance!

Its less safe to use a second hand mattress from a different family. Using for a sibling is less risky. If it was only used a couple of times rather than regularly then I would feel better about reusing it

Oh okay I see! Do you know why it’s unsafe? I’ve heard differing opinion from mould to other babies germs to it moulding to the shape of another baby?

Lullabye trust info:

Our advice for using second-hand mattresses

It can be common to use a second-hand mattress either from friends and family, or from your previous children. There is some research that found an increased chance of SIDS when using a second-hand mattress brought in from outside of the family home, although the link is not yet proven.

To help reduce this risk, if you are using a second-hand mattress make sure the mattress you choose was previously completely protected by a waterproof cover, with no rips or tears and is in good condition. The mattress should also still be firm and flat to keep your baby sleeping safely.

I'd use it as long as it had been stored well so hadn't got damp.