Factors such as brand, size and the types of material used can all have a significant impact on cost. But our mattress tests have found that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a mattress that will support your spine and last for years. The most popular size for cot mattresses is 120cm x 60cm, while for cot bed mattresses, which are designed for older toddlers, the common dimensions are 140cm x 70cm. These two sizes should fit the majority of both cots and cot beds without being pushed up at the ends or squeezed on the sides. The mattress should lay flat to make sure your little one has a comfortable night’s sleep. Buying a mattress online might be cheaper and more convenient, but unless you’re buying a bed-in-a-box or a rolled up mattress or one with a home sleep trial, it’s always best to try before you buy if you possibly can. First, make sure there's a removable, waterproof, easily washable cover that comes with a cot bed mattress. For tiny spills and splashes, you can just wipe it clean with warm water and antibacterial spray, but if things get really messy, you can toss in the washing machine and clean it. Open Coil - open coil mattresses feature hundreds of steel springs running across the mattress connected by a wire rod to maintain the mattress’ shape.

Be sure to remove any soft toys from the cot before each sleep period. Specific types of bedding to avoid: Coil spring – a little more expensive and sturdier than a pure foam mattress, coil spring mattresses are like the traditional spring mattress you may have on your own bed. These cot mattresses usually hold their shape for longer, while the space between the springs allows air to flow more freely, keeping your baby cool in hot weather. We understand that plagiocephaly usually corrects itself within a year, but if you feel it is severe you may want to speak to your health professional or seek corrective treatment. Our advice for using a second-hand mattress

Cot bumpers can post the risk of an accident to your baby once they begin to roll and move about the cot. There have been a number of cases in the UK and abroad where infants have become entangled in the ties and material, or fallen from pulling themselves up on the bumpers. Out of the box, the mattress’s configuration allows it to be used up until the age of one. After your child’s first birthday – or when they’re heavy enough – you can simply rerearrange the foam layers inside the mattress’ cover to adapt the level of support to suit a larger child. Once your child is around 3 years of age, you can rearrange the layers once more to create a softer mattress suitable for children up to the age of 7.

Hypoallergenic mattresses – if your baby has been diagnosed with allergies or asthma (or is at risk owing to asthma or allergies in the family), a hypoallergenic cot mattress is a great idea. These feature a detachable layer that can be washed at 60°C to kill any dust mites. Hypoallergenic cot mattresses may be made of any of the above materials, including natural fibres. The detachable layer adds a few pounds to the price but if allergies are a concern the resulting washability is invaluable.Spring interior: Made from coil springs that are covered with a foam layer, as well as cotton and wipe-clean plastic.