Hi ladies,

My MIL in planning on using a second hand travel cot for when bubs stays over at their house - this has rang alarm bells with me - is a second hand travel cot ok? Is it not the same rules for a travel cot as a standard cot - ie, should be a new mattress?

But I'm thinking, when you stay in hotels and they give you something for the baby to sleep in - it's a travel cot, which has been slept in by god knows how many babies.....

My Dad on the other hand is just going to buy a cot and the cheapest matress from Ikea - should be about ??50 in total....I feel happier with this.

Anyone any advice?

Thanks Rucky 24 weeks & 7

Hi Rucky - we have been given a 2nd hand travel/cot playpen and I had not really thought about the mattress issue. I have to admit that I have not had it out the bag yet so not sure what condition it is in - it's from a good friend, so would think it was clean.
I guess for the odd night of use it would be OK - it's not like you will be using it on a permanent basis.
Helen

Hi there..
Most travel cots come with a 'Mattress' thats it basically a foldable board, which is slightly padded and covered in plastic. therefore the mattress itself it wipe clean and shouldnt harbour any germs as such.. my mum used to add an extra form of padding on top of the mattress anyway as it is often rather hard and cold with just a cot sheet on! I would make sure any mesh cot sides are scrubbed down and aired out before using though x

Hi there..
Most travel cots come with a 'Mattress' thats it basically a foldable board, which is slightly padded and covered in plastic. therefore the mattress itself it wipe clean and shouldnt harbour any germs as such.. my mum used to add an extra form of padding on top of the mattress anyway as it is often rather hard and cold with just a cot sheet on! I would make sure any mesh cot sides are scrubbed down and aired out before using though x