How to choose the right mattress and bedding for a baby
Choosing the right mattress and bedding for your baby can reduce their risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Use this guide to help you decide what is right for your baby.
The good news is your baby only needs a few simple items. The safest mattresses are firm, flat and protected by a waterproof cover. They should be completely flat with no raised or cushioned edges or sides. Firmly tucked in sheets and blankets or a baby sleep bag are good options for bedding.
Where should my baby sleep?
Before we discuss options for a baby sleep mattress and bedding, it’s important to be aware of where baby should sleep. The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own separate sleep space with a flat surface, such as a cot or Moses basket. Be sure to remove any extra items like toys and pillows.
For the first six months at least, babies should always be in the same room as you for sleep, day and night.
How do I pick a baby mattress?
Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition.
- Use a mattress with a waterproof cover. This will help keep the mattress clean and dry because you can wipe the cover.
- Choose a firm, flat mattress with no raised or cushioned edges or sides. Your baby’s head should sink no more than a few millimetres into a mattress.
- Make sure your baby mattress is in good condition, with no rips or tears, and not sagging in places.
- Check that it fits the Moses basket or cot properly.
- Don’t use a sheepskin to line the cot, Moses basket or other sleep space. Although it might seem cosy, a baby’s needs are different to an adult’s. Adding a sheepskin can mean the surface is too soft and risks the baby getting too hot.
- We don’t recommend pods or nests. Sleeping babies should not lie on or have anything soft around their heads as this can cause them to get too hot. The soft material can also cover a baby’s mouth and nose if they are pressed against it.
How do I pick baby bedding?
- Avoid soft or bulky bedding such as quilts, pillows and duvets. These have been shown to increase the risk of SIDS by three times.
- Firmly tuck in sheets and blankets – but make sure they’re not above shoulder height. Sleep your baby in the feet-to-foot position, which means their feet are right at the bottom of the cot so they can’t wriggle down under the blankets
- If your baby needs an extra blanket, make sure it’s lightweight.
- Alternatively, you could use a well-fitted baby sleep bag. Most sleep bag manufacturers recommend products based on the baby’s weight (usually around 4kg or 8.8 pounds) rather than their age. Make sure to check the recommendations before using a sleep bag.
- Be sure to remove any soft toys from the cot before each sleep, as these can cover a baby’s mouth.
Types of bedding to avoid:
- Weighted swaddles
- Weighted blankets
- Weighted sleeping bags
- Quilts
- Pillows
- Duvets
- Sheepskin.
Soft or bulky bedding is not recommended for babies under 12 months because there is a risk of overheating and their head being covered.
Pillows, SIDS and flat head syndrome
Pillows are not recommended for babies as they can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to 2.5 times. Instead, it’s much safer to sleep your baby on a firm, flat surface with no extra items.
What is flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly)?
Flat head syndrome is common in babies. It’s where they have a flattened head when they’re very young due to spending a lot of time on their back. Using pillows is not a safe way to prevent it, but there are other techniques you can use which don’t increase the risk of SIDS.
For example:
- Give your baby plenty of supervised tummy time while they’re awake so they spend less time on their back.
- Avoid letting your baby sleep in harder, contained, spaces such as car seats and other travel systems.
Flat head syndrome usually corrects itself within a year, but if you’re worried it’s severe, speak to your health professional. They can talk to you about corrective treatment if it’s needed.
If you’re using a second-hand mattress
Some research has found a higher risk of SIDS when using a second-hand mattress from outside the family home, although the link hasn’t been proven. Generally speaking, we recommend buying a new mattress for each baby, although we know this isn’t always possible.
To help reduce any risks and give you confidence in choosing a second hand mattress, we’ve put a checklist together for you. The second-hand mattress should:
- Have a well fitting, 100% waterproof cover
- Have no rips or tears
- Be in good condition with no water damage
- Be firm and flat (no areas of sagging)
- Fit the cot or Moses basket well, with no gaps
- Have a fire-resistant label on it
Remove cot bumpers
Cot bumpers can pose a risk of accidents once your baby starts to roll and move about in the cot. Infants can get tangled in the ties and fabric, or fall after pulling themselves up on the bumpers.
A simple mattress with no loose bedding or bumpers is the safest choice.
Frequently asked questions
Remember
While it can seem overwhelming to choose a baby mattress and baby bedding from the many options available, these guidelines should help choose products that give you peace of mind. Choose a firm, flat mattress with a waterproof cover and avoid soft bedding. You’ll find more tips in our product guide.
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