Cot bed matress advice

A question about : Cot bed matress advice

I am looking at buying a cotbed matress and wanted some advice. It is not for a newborn (child is just over 1yr) but I will be using it for a few years and wondered what people's advice would be about buying a middle of the range priced one or one of the more expensive ones?

Would you go for a foam matress or sprung? Also is it worth getting one with a removable cover? Would you go for one with waterproof cover or just buy a seperate cover? So much choice!

Thanks for your advice.

Best answers:

• It's hard to know what to get, but there isn't one right answer and budget plays a big part. I think the quality (and budget) levels approximately are:
  Foam
  Sprung
  Pocket sprung
  Memory foam
  I think you should by the best you can within your budget as pocket sprung and memory foam will last longer than foam and sprung mattresses and probably be more comfortable after a couple of years use. I personally feel foam is best for occasional use or for a small baby, but a growing child sleeping in their bed every day needs sprung or better. Also there's nothing wrong with sprung as a massive proportion of the population sleep on sprung mattresses.
  You can buy ones of each mattress type with or without hypoallergenic or temperature moderating properties or removable washable layers. These are optional extras though and I wouldn't spend money on these if it meant dropping down a level on the type of mattress.
  It's worth keeping an eye on the sales, particularly this bank holiday weekend, and using cashback sites if ordering online. I got a good deal in the Kiddicare sale a few months ago and got a better mattress for my money.
• We opted for pocket sprung, these are normally c.Ј80-Ј100 in Mothercare, Kiddicare etc, but Amazon had some great offers at Ј60 or the sprung (not pocket sprung) for Ј50. I personally don't like memory foam as I don't believe it is supportive and I don't like the smell.
  I would say go for the very best you can afford. That way it will last and it will be the best you can get to avoid future back/neck issues.
• I never got a cot bed as I thought it was a waste of money, but moved my two straight into big boy beds with bed guards. I started off with a basic sprung mattress for the first couple of years with mattress protector but, thankfully, didnt need plastic sheets. we replaced the mattress with a better quality sprung one recently when they were a little heavier. Both mattresses were comfy but the latest one is a bit thicker. They will keep their beds until they decide (and can pay) to replace them - they are teenager style white tubular ones from Ikea so basic and durable.