Cleaning vs. New Baby Mattress

[Netix]

Hi all,
I know I haven't quite got to this stage of the forum (I'm only due in Feb), but I have a question anyway. I was hoping to get people's feedback on getting a baby's cot mattress cleaned (some really high powered vacuum thing or steam cleaning I think), versus buying a new one. I realise that a new mattress is always better, especially when the one I have is a couple of baby's old (and I don't know who they were, the cot and mattress were given to me), however, my I think my cot is an odd size and I can't find a new mattress to fit it properly.
So, I guess the actual question would be do you go for the freshly cleaned mattress that fits perfectly and is safer in that respect, or a brand new mattress which is the wrong size for the cot but unslept on?
What would you guys do? Thankyou!

[Netix]

Thanks Caro, I would go for all new stuff, but money makes things a bit difficult. For any other children on the way, if I couldn't afford it now, I would hope to be able to get a new cot and mattress then.
I hadn't thought about the wear and tear on the inside of the mattress. This mattress does fit hard up against all side of the cot, and all the others I can find are just totally the wring size. I would have to jam it in the cot, and it wouldn't lay flat, so that can't be a good thing.
I have looked in the phone book, and there are a number of people that clean matresses, some I think steam clean or similar which would remove stains, and another one just seems to vacuum the mattress and get all the dirt and bugs from it. I think the steam clean one may be better, as it would be more hygeinic with the heat involved?
The only proper fitting new mattress I could get for this cot would be a custom made one, which wouldn't be inner sprung. Apparently they are made from some specialist foam, but again, I don't know if that is better or worse that inner sprung, which mine is.

[ShootingStar]

I was lucky and got Jesse's cot and matress from my sister. She did say to me at the time that SIDS recommended you dont use second hand matresses. But because it was my sister and i know none of her kids have any illnesses, my sister and brother-in-law dont smoke or have any pets and the matress was well looked after with matress protectors etc, im using it.
So it is up to you i guess, on how worn the matress is etc, but if i was to be given one from someone other than my family, i would personally purchase a new matress just to be on the safe side.

[Fraser]

I was given a second hand one also - I was slightly concerned but I sprayed with a water/lemon juice solution and left it in the sun to kill any bacteria. it has a plastic sheet then a sheepskin and then the sheet on it - so I really don't think there will be any issues with it.

I personally don't think there is any problems with second or third hand mattresses - I checked mine for stains or dark spots and anything that I thought looked suss I sprayed 100% lemon juice on it because it's a natural bleach.

I understand what you're saying though - new would be better for piece of mind - but honestly will your babe ever be on the mattress with nothing between him/her? probably not.

hope that helps a bit

[Astrid]

I'm just wondering how old is the cot if a new mattress cannot be bought for it. It might be that the cot does not meet the current Australian Safety standards.

[chocolatecatty]

Yep, was going to say the same thing as neverplan....go to Clark Rubber. However small the risk of SIDS is, it's still not worth the risk, spech if the mattress is from another family and has been used a few times.
Have you heard of freecycle? I scored a great cot from that......google it.

[hannanat]

I'm just wondering how old is the cot if a new mattress cannot be bought for it. It might be that the cot does not meet the current Australian Safety standards.

I agree with Astrid. You need to be very careful of lead paint if the cot is very old. This is so important. Lead poisoning can cause all sorts of horrible things. If the cot is very old I wouldn't use it.

[Netix]

I was not aware of the SIDS and old mattress connection. That would make me want to buy a new one.
I dont think the cot is all that old, it has solid MDF ends and powdercoated bars on each side. One side slides down, and has plastic clips holding it in place. If its not that old, I just dont understand why I cant find a new mattress to fit.
I wouldnt anticipate that the baby would be laying on a bare mattress.
Thanks for all your opinions.

[Netix]

I went out and measured my cot...
Turns out that Baby Co have one that fits.... Double
So I can get a new, firm, clean mattress!
Anyway, I called up a couple of mattress manufacturers, and they will make cot mattresses anyway, for around $100, which was handy to know before I measured the cot.
Oh well, thank you all again for your opinions!