We’ve been designing cot mattresses for over 40 years, and fortunately we’ve learnt a thing or 2 along the way. Considering that your new baby will spend approx 65% of their first 12 months sleeping, it’s important that you consider this item carefully. Most cot mattresses can be grouped into two main categories – innerspring or foam (read about the pros & cons of each). When it comes to foam cot mattresses, we’ve found that many new parents or parents-to-be have some common misconceptions. In this article, we cover off on the main misconceptions. Misconception 1: Foam Mattresses are too soft and are unsafe This depends on the firmness of the foam used for the core of the cot mattress. Babyrest cot mattresses have been independently tested by a certified test laboratory in Australia and they pass the AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 Test for Firmness. Mattresses in Australia are not required to meet this standard by law. It is a voluntary standard that has been developed to provide consumers with extra information in relation to the safety of their mattress. This test involves checking how far a baby sinks into the mattress. If it sinks below the recommendation, it is unsafe and does not pass the test. However, Babyrest believes that safety does not have to be at the expense of comfort. Therefore, our foam cot mattresses have been developed to provide the right balance of support and comfort. Support, meaning that it is firm enough for your baby’s safety and provides the correct support for development of your baby. Comfort, meaning it provides the right surface for your baby to have comfortable sleep. Many mattresses in Australia would pass the firmness test, but they don’t provide the level of comfort your baby deserves. Misconception 2: Polyurethane foam is not a safe material for my baby to sleep on. I have read negative information regarding VOC’s released from foam. Polyurethane foam is a safe material for your baby to sleep on. In fact, most innerspring mattresses would have polyurethane foam as an overlay on the springs and/or in the quilting of the fabric. So whether you choose an innerspring mattress or a foam mattress, both would have elements of polyurethane foam. The foam used in Babyrest foam cot mattresses is safe for your baby. The foam has been independently certified by Global Greentag as being ‘Considered Safe to Use’ and having ‘Healthy VOC levels’. Most products would emit some VOC’s; our foam has been tested to ensure the level of VOC’s is safe. Misconception 3: I have read that mattresses can emit toxic fumes that are harmful to the baby. Is this true? There is no evidence to substantiate this claim. Red Nose (formerly SIDS and Kids) are considered the leading authority on safe sleep in Australia. They are an independent not-for-profit organisation with a goal to reduce the number of babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers who die suddenly to 0. They have a National Scientific Advisory Group that is made up of experts in the fields of infant and child safety. Based on their research, they formed the view that there is no evidence to prove a link between ‘toxic gas’ from mattresses, and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI). Misconception 4: I have heard that foam mattresses have to be fumigated. Will this leave chemicals in my mattress that are unsafe? No Babyrest cot mattress is/has ever been fumigated. The reason for this misconception is due to the fact that sometimes (imported) cot mattresses are packed together with cots and furniture in the same container. Timber often requires fumigation (depending on the material and the source) to ensure nothing harmful is brought into the country. Therefore when the furniture shipment requires fumigation, the mattresses in the same container will also be fumigated. Out of this has arisen a misconception that all foam mattresses have to be fumigated. Babyrest foam cot mattresses are made fully in Australia, which includes all labour and raw materials components. There is no requirement for these mattresses to be fumigated. Babyrest offers a range of cot mattresses, both innerspring and foam core. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic further with an expert we’d be glad to assist. Don’t hesitate to get in touch. Now read about the Babyrest DuoCore Bamboo Cot Mattress. An innovative new mattress combining form, function & safety in a single solution, without compromising on comfort.
