Choosing a cot mattress might not be the most exciting part of preparing for a baby, but it’s one of those purchases that deserves a little extra thought.
Your baby can spend many hours a day sleeping, so choosing a mattress that is safe, supportive, practical and made to last can make a big difference to your everyday routine.
With so many cot mattresses on the market, what should you actually be looking for?
Here are 5 things to consider before purchasing a cot mattress.
1. Is it firm and flat?
When it comes to your baby's sleep space, softer isn't necessarily better.
Newborns and babies should sleep on a firm, flat sleep surface that supports them without allowing them to sink into the mattress. A mattress should also be used flat, without additional layers or toppers that could change the sleep surface.
When shopping for a cot mattress, look for one that has been appropriately firmness tested for infant sleep surfaces.
The airnest Cot Mattress has been tested in accordance with AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 – Methods of testing infant products, Method 1: Sleep Surfaces – test for firmness.
2. Does it fit your cot properly?
One of the most important things to check before buying a mattress is whether it will actually fit your cot.
A mattress should fit snugly against the sides and ends of the cot, without large gaps where a baby could become trapped or wedged.
As a general guide, Growbright recommends that the gap should be no more than 20mm from any cot side or end when the mattress is centred, and no more than 40mm when the mattress is pushed to one side or end.
Don't simply assume that every "standard" cot mattress will fit every cot. Measure your cot first and check the mattress dimensions before purchasing.
The airnest Cot Mattress is available in multiple sizes, including Standard, Wide, Long, Oval and Small, making it easier to find the right fit for your cot.
3. Think about breathability
Babies aren't always the best at regulating their temperature, so breathability is another feature worth considering when choosing your mattress.
The airnest system is designed with a highly breathable core that allows airflow through the mattress. Its breathable construction is designed to help reduce the risk of airway obstruction if baby rolls during sleep and assist with temperature regulation.
Of course, a breathable mattress doesn't replace safe-sleep practices. Baby should still be placed on their back, on a firm and flat surface, with their face and head clear of soft items.
4. How easy is it to keep clean?
Here's something you might not think about when you're standing in a baby shop comparing mattresses:
Babies are messy.
Nappies leak. Bottles spill. Babies get sick. And eventually, there's the inevitable middle-of-the-night nappy-free incident.
So while a mattress might look beautiful and comfortable in the nursery, it's worth asking yourself:
"How easy will this be to clean?"
The airnest Cot Mattress has a removable, washable core and spill-resistant cover, allowing the mattress to be cleaned at home and dried quickly. Its washable construction is designed to help reduce the build-up of bacteria, mould and allergens.
And because the mattress can be thoroughly cleaned, it can also be reused for another child without simply passing on years of accumulated spills, stains and allergens.
5. Will it last beyond the newborn stage?
A cot mattress is an investment, so it's worth thinking beyond those first few sleepy newborn months.
Look for a mattress that is designed to grow with your child and can continue to be used throughout their time in the cot.
The airnest Cot Mattress is designed for use from infancy through to when your child transitions from their cot to a bed. Its durable construction also means it can be reused for another child, making it a more considered long-term purchase.
And because the airnest core is made from food-grade polypropylene, with no chemical-based foams or adhesives, it offers an alternative to traditional foam mattresses. The core is also 100% recyclable at the end of its life.
So, what makes a good cot mattress?
When you're comparing cot mattresses, don't just look at the price tag or how soft it feels.
Think about:
✓ Firmness – Is it firm and flat enough for your baby's sleep space?
✓ Fit – Does it fit your cot snugly, without unsafe gaps?
✓ Breathability – Does the construction allow for good airflow?
✓ Cleanability – Can it be properly cleaned when those inevitable accidents happen?
✓ Longevity – Is it durable enough to last and potentially be reused?
The airnest Cot Mattress was designed with all of these considerations in mind – combining a firm, supportive sleep surface with breathable technology, washable components and a durable construction.
Because when it comes to your baby's sleep space, the little details matter.
Ready to find the right mattress for your cot?
Discover the airnest Cot Mattress and find the size that's right for your little one's sleep space.