Why You Should Always Buy a New Mattress for Your Baby (Even If Everything Else Is Second-Hand)
At Bumpstart, we love seeing how baby essentials are passed down through families and friends. A crib from your own childhood, a Moses basket from your best friend, or a travel system being used again for baby number 2. It’s sustainable, practical, and often full of sentimental value.
But there’s one key piece of baby equipment that should be brand new: the mattress.
Why a New Mattress Matters
According to The Lullaby Trust, every baby should sleep on a firm, flat mattress that is in good condition and fits their sleep space perfectly. They specifically recommend buying a new mattress for each baby, even if the cot, crib or pram is reused.
Why? Because mattresses can lose firmness over time, may harbour bacteria or dust mites, or maybe they don’t meet the latest safety standards. A second-hand or ill-fitting mattress can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Are Second-Hand Baby Products Safe?
Many second-hand baby items are perfectly fine to use as long as they meet current UK safety standards and are in good condition. However, when it comes to mattresses and bedding, safety experts strongly advise caution.
Here’s what to look out for when using second-hand baby gear:
✔️ Mattresses should be new for each baby, firm, flat, and have a waterproof cover (this can be a removable mattress protecter - This will help keep the mattress clean and dry)
✔️ Sleep products like pods, hammocks, or sleep positioners are not recommended for babies to sleep in overnight or unsupervised, as they often don't meet safe sleep guidelines.
✔️ Prams, cribs, cots, and Moses baskets are generally fine second-hand, provided they meet British safety standards and are undamaged.
You can read more from The Lullaby Trust’s mattress guidance here.
Bumpstart's Made-to-Measure Mattress Service
Got a gorgeous vintage crib that’s an awkward size? A hand-me-down Moses basket? A second-hand pram with a worn mattress? No problem.
At Bumpstart, we offer custom-made baby mattresses in any shape and any size — made just for your unique sleep space. Whether you need an oval, round, corner-cut or completely quirky shape, we can help you get the perfect fit that’s safe, comfortable, and brand new.
Our mattresses are:
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Handmade to your measurements
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Supportive and breathable
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Fitted with removable quilted covers
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Fully compliant to current UK safety standards
- Made in UK
💷 Prices start from just £29.95, with size options including:
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Moses Basket: £29.95
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Crib: £34.95
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Travel Cot: from £39.95
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Cot: £79.99
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Cotbed: £99.99
We’ll always provide a clear quote before you order so you know exactly what to expect.
How to Order
You can order your made-to-measure mattress in-store at Bumpstart — just bring your measurements or even the mattress itself that you'd like to replace and we’ll guide you through the process. Not sure how to measure? We’re happy to help!
Peace of mind, personalised to you.
Make second-hand sleep spaces safe with a new mattress from Bumpstart.
📍 Visit us in-store or get in touch to find out more.