“NEW BABY NEW MATTRESS” was a recommendation that came about in the late 80’s. There was all sorts of scares about bacteria, fungus growing on mattresses, Body fluids reacting with flame retardant chemicals used in foam manufacture and giving off toxic gasses.
This is how it all started:-
There was a television program that highlighted people falling asleep smoking and setting fire to the settee and the house going up in flames!
As a result of this every bit of foam used in the house had to be made with a flame retardant. Then came the Mr Richardson hypothesis that body fluids caused bacteria which in turn were reacting with the flame retardant used in foam production and causing toxic gasses e.g. Stibine gas and this gas increased the risk of Cot death.
This hit the headlines and this theory was promoted by the The press and T.V. show "Cook Report" and as you can imagine caused unimaginable worry to new parents!
The government had to step in. A leading group of experts was put together to analyse the Richardson's hypothesis and found his claims false. If you wish to read the whole story you can see it here > http://www.sids-network.org/experts/limerab.htm.
Even with this report the scare was sealed in stone and to this day it is still has some credibility with some professionals.
Out of that scare came the following:-
Phosphorous, arsenic and antimony compounds are no longer used as fire retardants in mattresses
Cot death prevention advice from FSIDS now the Lullaby Trust
Back to sleep in a well ventilated room
Feet to foot, and no bumpers, so baby cannot get under covers
Ensure your baby does not get to hot or cold, room 16°c - 20°c .
No smoking including E-Ciggs
and also "New baby new mattress"
New baby new mattress in case there was bacterial grown on the mattress and reaction with the foam or plastic components.
Consider this:-
You should NOT use a mattress for a second or third child if :-
1) You do not know its history how it was looked after and how it has been maintained and cleaned
2) If the Mattress does not have washable covers and the core is not protected.
3) If the mattress has the slightest dip or dent, - not supportive.
4) If the mattress is yours and you stored it in the loft and did you seal it in a plastic bag and it is not thoroughly washable, and does not have protection to the core.
You can use a mattress for another child if :-
1) You know its history and how well it was looked after
2) The mattress has a protector (preferably wipe clean and or washable) that will prevent body fluids getting to the core (foam or springs) and the protector sits under the cover and over the foam.
3) The covers have been washed regularly at 60°c the temperature requite to kill dust mites.
4 ) The mattress has no visible dents or dips has been well maintained and turned frequently
5) The mattress has been stored clean and sealed in plastic. All covers or toppers protective core cover machine washable at 60°c . A fixed waterproof protective base cover can be cleaned with an anti-bacterial cleaner like Milton.
NB.As foam ages it Oxidises, goes yellow, this is perfectly normal and does not affect the performance of the foam in any way whatsoever,
Cot mattresses in the UK use a quality of foam called 24 / 130 sold by the major dept stores and trusted web companies this foam that covers springs will last about 1- 3 years depending on how it is maintained and rotated and the heat, weight, activity and dampness of your baby.
Nighytnite® use foam with a strength 30 /150 and 50 / 215, this is a massive step up in quality. Nightynite foam encapsulating pocket springs will give Excellent comfort, support and durability.
The Excellence mattresses are guaranteed 7 years they have full waterproof protection and machine washable covers. You can certainly use these mattresses for a second child if follow the instructions that come with the mattress.