After nine wonderful, exhausting, emotional months, a new life begins. You’ve read the parenting books, attended those awkward Tummy Talk classes, grilled your parents for advice, and you’ve even accomplished the near-impossible task of installing a car seat. You’re as ready as you’ll ever be. But can anything ever really prepare you for chronic sleep deprivation? Functioning on empty is a task most new parents face. Babies will take their sweet time to establish a predictable sleep routine, but there’s one thing you can do to help them find their way: buy the right cot mattress.
A peaceful night’s sleep is one step closer with a high-quality cot mattress: something that can be a little confusing if you’re a first time parent. Never fear. B2C’s helpful style guides have got the low-down on all things cot-related. So, get your squishiest pillow, put your feet up, and savour these precious moments of alone time.
What Is A Cot Mattress?
Unlike us, who generally opt for a luxurious mattress with a comfortable pillow top, babies' needs are different. A cot mattress is not just a baby-sized version of a regular mattress. Cot mattresses are designed to be safe and firm, with the right amount of support for growing bodies.
From birth to 12 months, your baby is incredibly vulnerable. The importance of safe sleep during this critical development time has been documented through medical trials, and soft bedding has been identified as a leading cause of unintentional injuries and SIDs in infants less than one year old. A safe cot mattress is one that is adequately firm, hypoallergenic, and breathable. B2C Furniture’s range of cot mattresses meet Australian/New Zealand industry standards for impact, strength, load, durability, and stability. Constructed from high density foam or latex and covered in 100% Australian cotton quilting, they offer optimum breathability, comfort, and airflow, and they’ve been rigorously tested and approved by the Red Nose Sleep Association - meaning you and your little one can sleep soundly for years to come.
What To Look For In A Cot Mattress
Once you’ve established that a cot mattress is compliant with industry safety standards, you should dig a little deeper. There are two main considerations when choosing the size of your baby cot mattress: the shape and size of your cot, and the age of your baby.
What Size Cot Mattress Do I Need?
Cot mattress size is an important consideration. Your little one will have doubled his or her birth weight by five months of age, and tripled it by 12 months. You should purchase a mattress large enough to allow your baby plenty of room to grow; it should be between 100 and 150mm thick, but must not exceed the maximum depth specified on your cot’s safety guidelines. Most models require the depth of the mattress to be no more than 12.5cm thick, though some require a mattress with a maximum depth of 10cm. Ensure that there is no more than a 20mm gap between the cot frame and mattress.
Rio Hardwood 2-in-1 Baby Cot | White & Natural with Rio Hardwood Toddler Side Guard Rail | White
What Type of Cot Mattress Is Best?
What material is the mattress made of? Is it natural and chemical-free? A baby’s skin is incredibly delicate, and he or she will spend a large part of their time sleeping. Hypoallergenic materials will avoid skin irritation and contribute to a comfy, restful sleep. Our Baby Innercell Deluxe Cot Mattress has a 9mm foam core that provides a firm foundation while conforming to your baby’s body. Our Baby & Toddler Innerspring Latex Cot Mattress is made from tempered bonnell spring and 100% natural latex, which provides similar support while also featuring antibacterial properties and celled breathing to prevent moisture build-up. Both models are sheathed in 100% Australian cotton, which is naturally absorbent and gentle on sensitive skin.
Banksia Hardwood Baby Cot with Storage | White
Other Tips For Your Baby Cot Mattress
A few other factors to keep in mind when choosing your baby’s cot mattress include comfort, safe sleep practices, and cleaning.
Coil-spring mattresses tend to be harder and less comfortable than foam mattresses, but you can add an extra layer of softness without compromising on safety by adding a mattress protector or a fleece blanket over the top of your cot mattress. Sheets or a swaddle blanket will also help to keep your baby comfy and cozy, though all soft bedding should be tucked in and pulled up to your baby’s chest. If your baby has trouble sleeping, do not attempt to soothe him or her by placing stuffed toys, pillows, or loose blankets in the crib. These items are potentially hazardous for infants aged 12 months and younger.
Since your baby is likely to soil and wet themselves regularly during their first year, it’s a good idea to protect your cot mattress with a waterproof mattress protector. Ensure that the protector has the same safety features as a cot mattress, including breathability and firmness.
Aster Hardwood Convertible Baby Cot | White
Explore B2C Furniture’s Line Of Cot Mattresses
Now that you know what to look for in a cot mattress, you can embrace the challenges of new parenthood with B2C Furniture’s range of cot mattresses. Constructed from premium foam or latex, and covered in hypoallergenic Australian cotton, our cot mattresses offer the ultimate in safety and comfort. Avoid the nightmare of sleep deprivation; rest easy while your baby travels to a land of peaceful dreams.