Choosing the right cot mattress for your baby
We all know that it’s super important to create a soft, snuggly space for your little ones to rest their heads. Plus, it’s a must for parents wanting to get some much-needed sleep themselves. But what do you need to know about cot mattresses in order to keep your baby safe?
Paediatrician Sarah Arachchi says having a separate sleep environment for babies is really important. “They should be sleeping in their own cot or bassinet to avoid any unnecessary risk,” she advises.
But there’s a lot to consider. So let’s start with the basics. You need a cot and a mattress, right? Sounds easy enough, but as with all things baby-related, there can be what seems like a million options to work your way through.
Don’t stress. We’ve done the hard work, so you don’t have to. Join us as we run through what you should be looking for when you buy a cot mattress.
Making sure your cot mattress is safe
When it comes to selecting your cot mattress, it’s important to consider a few super important things:
🍼 Get the size and fit right
Size really does matter when choosing the right mattress. Choose one that’s firm and fits perfectly in your cot, providing a flat surface for bub to sleep on. Because there’s not a standard cot mattress size, getting the cot and mattress to fit like a glove can sometimes be tricky, which is why we recommend buying your cot and mattress together.
🍼 Select your sheets
Sheets should also be the right size. The bottom sheet should fit the mattress firmly, and you should avoid any loose fabric that could cause an obstruction to your baby’s breathing. Sheets made from materials like cotton or linen are best.
🍼 Safely add blankets
If bub needs a little extra cover to keep warm, make sure to layer up safely. “Ensure the blanket is tucked into the sides of the cot and at the height of the baby’s chest,” says Dr Sarah. “And always make sure their head and face remain uncovered during sleep.”
🍼 Choose cot accessories
Every child has a favourite cuddly toy. But it’s important to keep toys, hanging mobiles, pillows and other cot accessories outside the cot and out of reach, especially while the little one is sleeping.
🍼 Check safety standards
Always check that your mattress meets Australian safety standards. Not all mattresses do, so this is an incredibly important feature to look out for.
Are second-hand cot mattresses safe?
We’re all about sustainability at Koala. But when it comes to your baby’s cot mattress, reusing and recycling might not be the best idea. If you’re considering a second-hand mattress, it’s important to know that it’s been well stored and is free from damp or mould. If in doubt, always invest in a new, quality mattress.
Why choosing the best cot mattress is so important
At Koala, we understand the importance of a quality mattress. That’s why – along with our adult-size mattresses – we’ve designed a range for your little ones, too. Our Joey collection features bedroom furniture, cots and toddler beds. We’ve even got OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified mattresses to fit.
Those little spines are still developing, so you want to make sure they’re sleeping on a high-quality cot mattress. Made with premium pocket springs and CertiPUR-US®-certified foam, our range of Joey mattresses are Red Nose approved for safer sleeping and have been tested to voluntary Australian and UK standards. Designed with you in mind, their water-resistant inner layers and zip-off removable, machine-washable covers mean spills or late-night accidents are easy to handle.
Dealing with a fussy sleeper? Try the Joey mattress with our 120-night trial. If bub doesn’t seem happy for any reason, get in touch for a return and a refund. You’ll get no fuss from us!
Say hello to Joey
When it comes to your kid’s sleep and their cot mattress, the first and most important thing you (and we!) care about is safety. That’s why we worked our tushes off to ensure our Joey Kids and Baby Cot Mattress meets Red Nose Australia Safer Sleep criteria. Now both you and bubs can sleep like babes.
Get the kids down for a peaceful night’s sleep with a cot mattress from Joey. Designed to fit perfectly inside our Joey cot, we’ve got you covered. From babies and toddlers right through to those tricky tween years, discover our full range of high-quality, certified bedroom furniture and mattresses for kids of all sizes.
