Guide to Buying a Mattress

Advice When Buying a Baby Mattress

In order for you to make an informed decision you may find the following information useful:

1. Cot mattress thickness:A 10cm or 12.5cm dept mattress, with springs and/or good quality foam, is deep enough to support a child, from birth up to 4-5 years old.
2. Cot mattress size:It is essential to buy the correct size of cot mattress for your baby. EU regulations state that the gap between the mattress and the cot should be no more than 3cm, that is 1.5cm all the way around the mattress.

Common Sizes are:

Cot Mattress: 120cm x 60cm

Cot Bed Mattress: 140cm x70cm

3. Keeping the core (centre) of your mattress clean and dry:It is of paramount importance to prevent bodily fluids getting to the core of the mattress and keeping the mattress breathable. This can be achieved by using a cover which stops fluids getting to the mattress core and prevents any contamination of the foam and subsequently prevents any manufacture of gases.
4. Waterproof protection:To protect the core of the mattress we use a slider which is waterproof. In order to promote airflow and prevent overheating, our mattresses are fitted with covers that promote airflow. Our ‘Zippy’ and ‘Change and Go’ range are great options. These mattresses use a topper that zips off completely from the base cover underneath which is completely waterproof. This is great for spills.
5. Covers:They are designed with several tasks in mind; breathability, waterproofing, comfort, temperature regulation, durability and hygiene. Covers can be made up of different layers to perform these tasks, a cover could be made of a material which is thick enough to generate its own breathability (micro-climate) and have a waterproof lining underneath to protect the core. It is important to prevent bodily fluids from reaching the core and breeding bacteria.
6. All our mattress covers can be washed at 60 degrees, which is the temperature required to kill dust mite formation.
7. Waterproof sliders:These are easily adjustable waterproof membranes that go under the cover and around the mattress and positioned under the child, to protect the core from spillages. The reason they do not cover the whole mattress is that they would reduce breathability. The slider should be made from PU and not PVC, we do not use PVC in any of our mattresses. All of our mattresses have some sort of breathability and waterproof protection in place!
8. Microclimate:A term used to explain what occurs, when you use a fabric like Microfibre or Coolmax. These are specially engineered polyester fabrics that wicks away heat from the body and regulates temperature, when combined with quilting they have a luxurious soft feel. These fabrics allow a much better airflow around your baby, which helps to reduce heat and sweating.        
9. Hypo- allergenic:All our mattresses are hypo-allergenic.
10. Stockinet Wrap:All our mattresses are covered with a stockinet wrap. The stockinet wrap performs three functions 1) Adds to the feel of the mattresses. 2) Allows the cover to be removed and replaced easily for machine washing and 3) allows the waterproof protective slider to be easily positioned for maximum protection.

 

Springs

Springs are excellent to have in a mattress to increase support and airflow.

We use two main types of springs;

Mini Springs – These units offer the baby excellent support. They also reduce the heat build-up in the foam by having large spaces of air.

Pocket Springs– These are more supportive and comfortable than mini springs. Individual springs that work independently to target the different pressure points of the child’s body, allowing better support for the head, back, neck and legs.

 

British Safety Standards
Every Mattress sold in Ireland should conform to British Safety Standards, BS 1877, Part 10, relates to quality and performance of fillings BS 7177 relates to flammability.