Mattresses, Pillows

A newborn needs a firm, flat mattress — a soft surface is dangerous because the baby sinks into it. Cot mattresses are deliberately firmer than adult ones, and that is not a saving on quality.

The common fillings are: coconut coir — the firmest, highly breathable, suitable from birth; polyurethane foam — softer and cheaper, suitable for children over one year; double-sided mattresses, with a firm coir side for a newborn and a softer side for an older child, which last the longest.

Thickness is usually 6–12 cm. The mattress must match the internal dimensions of the cot — the gap between mattress and cot side must not exceed 2 cm.

The cover should be removable and washable. It is worth adding a waterproof protector straight away; it shields the mattress and extends its life.