Still REALLY confused about re using cot mattresses

[catbus]

I can still not find anything that actually tells me why it's not ok to use the same mattress between siblings.

There will be 2.9 years between last DC and new arrival. We bought a sprung mattress from Mothercare, which although has a plastic bottom, has a fabric top; no cover.

It's been stored under our bed, so has got a fair bit dusty I expect.

What do people think if I give it a good airing and steam clean, then put a terrys waterproof sheet on top?

I am so paranoid that we have always got a new mattress for each child; last time was the only one where we forked out for a sprung one not a foam one.

I just don't get WHY you have to change each time? Is it the firmness or the potential germs??!!

We sometimes have co slept; same mattress in our bed; one I have given birth on more than once, so surely that's worse??!

Sorry if this is a repeat thread.

How about wrapping the mattress? This is reommended practice in New ealand I believe - google "mattress wrapping" and you should find some stuff about it.

There was a theory that the increased SIDs risk with second hand mattresses came from mould, or the type of materials used to make the mattress.

But as I understand it, these theories have since been discredited. When we looked into it (18 months ago) they were saying that a link had been proven between using second hand mattresses and a higher incidence of cot death, and that this was thought to be because of bacteria e.g. from vomit. Using mattresses from older siblings was specifically mentioned as still being risky.

So, in a nutshell, the probability of your child getting SIDS is very low. However it does happen to some babies, and if you want to minimise the risk, you should buy a new mattress, and not re-use even ones only used by older siblings.

HTH.

Oh pants. Definitely haven't budgeted for replacing mattresses.

Lovely though it is, DM bought us the Stokke Sleepi Cot with mini conversion, ie two very expensive mattresses. Would cost us £170 to replace them both

you Should Not use a mattress for a second child if :-

1. You do not know the history of it? it given or sold to you?

2. you are not sure if the mattress been maintained well :- cleaned correctly and no body fluids have got to the mattress core

3. Is the mattress sound,firm, not even the slightest dip or dent is not acceptable a mattress should give excellent support lullaby trust says sleep your baby on a firm mattress

4. if you stored the mattress did you seal it in a plastic bag or just left it in the loft

You can use a mattress for another child if :-

1. You know its history

2. The mattress has a protector that will prevent body fluids getting to the core (foam or springs)

3. The covers have been washed regularly at 60°c the temperature requite to kill dust mites

4 ) The mattress has no visible dents or dips has been well maintained and turned frequently

5. The mattress has been stored clean and sealed in plastic, Or if not stored in plastic, stored in a room then wash the covers again before use.

NB.As foam ages it Oxidises, goes yellow, this is perfectly normal and does not affect the performance of the foam in any way whatsoever,

virtually all good cot mattresses in the UK use a strength of foam called 24 / 130 sold by the major dept stores and trusted web companies this foam that covers springs will last about 1- 3 years depending on how it is maintained and rotated and the heat weight and dampness of the baby.

you may have bought a mattress made with foam covering the springs of a higher quality perhaps with a a strength 30 /150 and 50 / 215 this is a huge step up in support, comfort and durability. and will not dip or dent