For many people, decorating their first baby's room or 'nesting' is one of the most exciting things to do when pregnant, spending hundreds of pounds on fancy furniture, toys and clothing. When it comes to the mattress, some people may be tempted to cut corners and opt for a cheap one, but buying a good quality mattress for your baby may be more important than you think.
The Lullaby Trust says, "The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their own sleep surface, in the same room as you, for at least the first six months."
What kind of mattress should I choose for my baby?
Babies can spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping, so it's important that their mattress is supportive to their body as they grow, and safe while they sleep. Unlike adults, who can prefer or benefit medically from a soft mattress that forms to your body at night, babies should have a firm mattress with a waterproof cover so that it can easily be wiped down and kept clean. This is because anything soft can pose suffocation hazards, and can restrict their breathing if their nose and mouth becomes pressed up against it during the night.
Keep it simple
Although there's countless baby bedding options available out there, you actually don't need a lot to keep your little one safe and tucked in at night. You should also avoid having anything other than a cellular blanket or sleep sack for the same reasons, ditch the cuddly toys, bumpers, pillows and anything else that you might be tempted to add. Your baby should sleep in feet-to-foot position, with a blanket firmly tucked below their shoulders, which keeps the risk of suffocation or SIDS to a minimal.
Basically, all they need is a firm mattress, protector, sheet and a sleep sack/cellular cotton blanket if it's cold.
We recommend our Micro-Fresh Protectors and Sheets, which contain Micro-Fresh technology that fights bacteria, prevents odours and keeps fresh for longer.
Don't reuse
Babies are extremely sensitive when they are first born. Their skin hasn't yet formed the natural protection that toddlers have, and any unbalance can cause them irritation, rashes and other nasty reactions. It's important that you don't cut corners on a second hand mattress, and if you're using the same Moses basket or crib that you used with a previous child then you should strongly consider buying a new mattress and sheets. If you are to reuse your mattress, ensure that it is still firm and flat with no holes, tears or sags - essentially, minimal usage.
Preventing SIDS
There are many ways to keep your baby safe from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). We've already put together some top tips on keeping your baby safe from SIDS, or cot death - take a read here!
If you have any other concerns about keeping your little one safe while they sleep, get in touch with your nurse or a healthcare advisor - you know your little one better than anyone, so if something seems wrong, trust your instincts.
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