Can I use a second hand cot mattress?

[dorotheasc]

We have been given by a good family friend a hardly used cot and mattress. It was used at grandparents house for their LO who when there would never settle so would be in their bed so it has been used a handful of times.

I assume the mattress would be okay to use? Or should we buy new? I would clean it well, it just seems a waste to not use but I know it's recommended not to use second hand.

If you think it's okay to keep what is it best to clean with? Tia

I would go with what the lullaby trust say for this, which is that they generally advise to buy new but if not possible then to check certain things (info on this link) www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/product-information/second-hand-baby-products/

If it's from a smoke and animal free home, then absolutely re-use!

It's advised not to. It's to do with bacteria held in the mattress

for a baby? If you can afford to buy a new one then I always would.

the advice is not to.

I would, same as I use the cot provided when on holiday and the cots at hospital that have seen numerous babies.

But the advice is not to. So if it worries you in the slightest then buy a new one.

No.

No.

The hospital ones are plastic wrapped so the bacteria can't get into the mattress and grow, which is where the risk lies.

Hospital mattresses are fully sanitised between babies - which is impossible to do on a normal cot mattress.

The guidance says not to so I don't know why you wouldn't just buy a new mattress. There's plenty of second hand things that are safe for babies to save cash.

Thanks all, I understand your advice, I'll look to buy a new one. Having googled it the mattress itself would have been over £100, we can fortunately afford to buy new, it just seems such a waste