Why choosing the right baby mattress can mean a better night's sleep for everyone
Choosing the cot or cotbed for your baby is the fun, cute part of buying nursery furniture – but don't forget that the mattress is just as important – if not as pretty! Choose the right one, and you'll increase the chances of quieter nights' sleep for you and baby, which has to be good news. Remember to check the size of mattress needed - any gaps at the sides or ends should be no larger than 3cm. The distance from the surface of the mattress to the upper edge should be at least 50cm in the lowest cot base position, and at least 20cm in the highest.
You can be sure that all our mattresses conform to all current safety standards. They're made exclusively for us by a leading manufacturer, are fully breathable and PVC-free. Their covers are all removable and washable at 60ºC, ensuring that any house dust mite are killed off!
So, what's the choice on offer?
John Lewis ventilated foam mattress - comfy but firm, this comes in several sizes, and is really good value.
John Lewis organic mattress – provides plenty of support but has the added bonus of natural materials which is particularly useful for babies with very sensitive skin.
John Lewis Baby coir spring mattress – a practical, hardwearing choice great for cotbeds where a longer life may be needed. In this mattress the traditional springs are surrounded by natural coir fibre sealed with natural latex, and with wool pads for extra comfort.
John Lewis pocket cassette mattress (70 x 140cm) has small pocket springs to spread your baby's weight evenly and give more even support and comfort. With a cover providing high moisture transfer and improved ventilation, it's definitely worth the investment for a cotbed.
If you're expecting for your second or third baby, safer sleeping guidelines lead us to recommend you always buy a new mattress. If you're using a cot bed, the hard-wearing coir would be a good choice (especially for young trampolinists!), or the pocket sprung mattress.
Once you've chosen your mattress you need to look after it! Turn it regularly and keep it clean and dry - although our mattresses have washable covers, consider using a waterproof mattress protector too. They're easy to use, comfortable to lie on and wash like a dream (just don't put it in the tumble drier!) If your mattress gets heavily soiled and/or wet it should be replaced.
Don't forget our experts in our shops will be happy to talk you through the choices. If you've inherited or acquired a cot that's not a standard size, we can supply a made to measure mattress to suit you. Contact the nursery department in your local shop (everywhere except High Wycombe and our at home shops) for more details.
Of course, you can buy our mattresses online too, but we do recommend that you visit one of our shops first to check your mattress choice before ordering online. Please bear in mind that whichever way you buy, for hygiene reasons they can only be returned or exchanged if faulty or if unused and with the packaging intact.
Here's to a good night's sleep...
