Coco Mat For Chicco Next2Me Crib

Newborns can sleep for up to 18 hours a day, and this time asleep is hugely important for their development. Among other things, sleep allows them to mentally process new experiences, gives their immune system time to strengthen, and supports their mental & physical development.

Here are three key reasons you should buy an organic cot mattress for your baby. 

Breathable & Temperature Regulating

As babies cannot regulate their body temperature effectively, natural materials like organic wool naturally wick away heat and moisture and help maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature, reducing the chances of overheating. In contrast, synthetic foam mattresses tend to trap heat and moisture, potentially causing discomfort.

Chemical Free

Conventional mattresses often contain synthetic materials and chemical fire retardants that can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), potentially exposing your baby to harmful substances. The materials inside our mattresses are natural and organic, without chemicals or other nasties, meaning no off-gassing and a healthier sleep space for your little one.

Hypoallergenic

Natural fibres are inherently hypoallergenic, making them suitable for babies with sensitive skin or allergies. Additionally, we treat our mattress covers with a OEKO-TEX approved geraniol-based treatment, creating an environment that's hostile to bed bugs and dust mites while being gentle on delicate skin. Another reason to sleep soundly! 

By investing in an organic baby mattress, you're providing a safer, more comfortable, and environmentally responsible sleeping environment for your child.

To effectively clean your baby's crib or cot mattress, first, remove the Bedding and Mattress Protectors. While cleaning your baby’s mattress, put the bedding and mattress protector in the wash as well.

1. Vacuum the Mattress: Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove dust, dirt, and other debris from the mattress surface. Pay special attention to seams and crevices where allergens can accumulate.
   
   

2. Spot Clean Stains: For any visible stains, prepare a mild cleaning solution using warm water and a gentle, baby-safe detergent. Dampen a soft cloth with the solution and gently blot the stained area. Avoid soaking the mattress, as excess moisture can lead to mould and mildew growth. The outer and inner covers of all our baby mattresses are removable and machine washable at 40°C, if spot cleaning won’t get all the stains out. We recommend using your machine’s delicate or wool cycle. For safety reasons, we remove the zip pull from the outer cover. To open the zip, please use a paper clip or safety pin to draw the zip slide.

3. Deodorise with Baking Soda: To neutralise any odours, lightly sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the nursery mattress. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb any lingering smells. Then, vacuum the mattress again to remove the baking soda.
   
   

4. Air Dry the Mattress: After cleaning, allow your baby's mattress to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, preferably in sunlight, which can help eliminate bacteria. Ensure the mattress is fully dry before placing any bedding back on it to prevent mould growth.
   
   

5. Rotate and Flip the Mattress: Regularly rotating and flipping the mattress can help maintain its shape and ensure even wear. We recommend turning your baby’s crib or cot mattress over after three months, then rotating it 180° after another three months. Continue this pattern every three months to ensure the natural fibres inside the crib or cot mattress get even wear and tear.

To safeguard the mattress from future spills and stains, consider using our Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector. This additional layer makes regular cleaning easier and extends the lifespan of your baby’s mattress.

Regular maintenance provides a hygienic sleeping environment for your baby as well as ensures the mattress serves you and your baby until they grow out of it and need to transition to a bigger sleeping space. 

1. Place a large piece of stiff card or paper onto a firm and flat cutting surface. This is what you will make your template from.
2. Place your existing mattress on top of the card, ensuring the mattress doesn’t overlap the edge of the card.
3. Using a pencil, carefully trace around the outline of the mattress, creating a template on the card. Please ensure that this template exactly matches the shape of the old mattress.
4. Once you have the template, measure the width and length (in cm). Using a pen, write the width and length on the template.
5. With these measurements, select your chosen mattress in the size above the templated measurements. For example, if your template measures 55cm x 115cm, order a mattress in cot size 60cm x 120cm.
6. Beneath the size selection, tick the checkbox “Made To Measure”, and add the words ‘Template to follow’ in the box provided, with details of the dimensions you require.

Once you are happy to proceed, place your order. Please write your order number and the name and contact number associated with the order, next to the dimensions on the template (this is so that when your template arrives at our workshop, we know who it’s from).

Fold the template, taking care not to rip or distort the edges, and mail it to the following address (we recommend using a Signed For delivery service for traceability):

FAO Jon (Production), Naturalmat, Unit 2-3 Mordicus House, Odhams Wharf, Topsham, EX3 0PB

Once we have received your template, we will carefully craft a new mattress to perfectly fit your little one’s crib or cot within our stated lead times, which is 10-15 working days for made-to-measure mattresses. If you need your mattress sooner, please get in touch with our team at nursery@naturalmat.co.uk, and we will do everything we can to speed up production for you.

Please note that during busy times, we cannot guarantee an expedited production of made-to-measure mattresses if we await a template. We do not take responsibility for templates lost in transit.

Yes, a mattress protector is strongly recommended to maintain a hygienic and healthy sleep environment for your baby. Babies are naturally prone to everyday accidents such as spills, nappy leaks, and dribble, all of which can seep into a mattress and lead to staining, bacteria buildup, and unpleasant odours.

A mattress protector acts as a practical barrier, preventing moisture and mess from penetrating the mattress surface and helping to keep your baby’s sleep space clean, dry, and safe.

We are proud to work in partnership with The Lullaby Trust, supporting their safer sleep advice and championing initiatives that give babies the best possible start in life. Cleanliness and hygiene are a critical part of that mission.

To align with The Lullaby Trust’s guidance, we pre-select the Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector box above, but of course, you’re welcome to remove it if you already have one. Please just make sure it fits the mattress dimensions accurately to ensure proper coverage and safety.

Our waterproof nursery mattress protector features a soft organic cotton outer with a silent, breathable waterproof layer inside. It’s machine washable at 60ºC (bed bugs and other nasties are killed at 57ºC), which makes cleaning straightforward and effective — ideal for dealing with life’s little messes.

Importantly, by shielding the mattress from moisture and stains, a protector helps to extend the life of the mattress and reduce the risk of allergens, mould, and bacterial growth, supporting a cleaner, healthier sleep for your baby.

Hand-me-down clothing is commonplace, but should you reuse a nursery mattress? The short answer is no, for good reason.

What is SIDS?

Child sleep charity The Lullaby Trust is the UK's leading authority on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS, previously known as Cot Death). SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby, which cannot be explained by a post-mortem examination.

It is unknown what causes SIDS. According to the Lullaby Trust, 'For many babies it is likely that a combination of factors affect them at a vulnerable stage of their development, which leads them to die suddenly and unexpectedly.

'However, we do know you can significantly reduce the chance of SIDS occurring by following [our] safer sleep advice.' The Lullaby Trust's safer sleep advice covers a range of steps parents can take to ensure their little one is at the least risk of SIDS.

When it comes to a mattress, The Lullaby Trust's advice is that your baby should sleep on a firm, flat and waterproof mattress in good condition, in a moses basket or cot in the same room as you (for at least the first six months).

This two-minute video explains The Trust's advice:

What Are The Risks of Using a Second Hand Nursery Mattress?

According to The Lullaby Trust, ‘There is some research that found an increased chance of SIDS when using a second-hand mattress brought in from outside of the family home, although the link is not yet proven.'

This applies to any mattress you are reusing - cot, crib or Moses basket. Therefore, it is best to buy a brand new, unused mattress for your newborn.

Can I Still Choose to Use a Second Hand Nursery Mattress?

'If you choose to reuse a mattress, check it's still firm, flat, and in good condition.

'Make sure there are no rips, tears or sagging and that the waterproof cover has provided full protection; no fluid has leaked into the mattress. A waterproof cover for a mattress is important for keeping it clean and dry and prevents the harbouring of any bacteria in the mattress.

'We also recommend ensuring the mattress has been stored safely - in a place where there is no chance of mould or wear and tear. If the mattress is no longer in good condition then we would recommend replacing it.

'We also recommend that the mattress is waterproof and that a freshly washed sheet is used over it. If it hasn't been previously protected with a waterproof cover then we would advise replacing the mattress.'

What if I Can't Afford a New Mattress?

If you are struggling to source a suitable nursery mattress for your child, a local Baby Bank may be able to assist you. If you are in the UK we recommend using Little Village’s Baby Bank Map to locate your nearest Baby Bank.

Naturalmat Baby's Recommended Mattress

To provide the safest sleep surface for newborns, we recommend our firm & flat Coco Mat with an Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. Both the cover of the mattress and the waterproof protector are removable and machine washable at 60ºC - bed bugs and other nasties are killed at 57ºc.

Find out more about our supporting partnership with the Lullaby Trust.