Baby and Toddler Mattress Protectors

A cot mattress protector is one of the most important pieces of bedding you will buy for your baby cot or junior bed. Bedwetting and toilet training can quite often mean that you are changing sheets and cleaning mattresses on a regular basis. (Nappies are fine but will occasionally leak at night). A waterproof mattress protector adds a protective layer between your child and their mattress minimising any potential damage to the mattress.

In recent years mattress protectors have radically changed - instead of just a sheet with a plastic underside - manufaturers are now able to produce waterproof mattress protectors that are as soft as cotton and have anti-allergic properties. Newer still is the introduction of organic mattress protectors which are made from 90% bamboo (viscose) and 10% polyester.

The two types of mattress protector available are:

• The traditional PVC mattress protector which has a soft polyester and cotton terry toweling on one side and a waterproof PVC layer on the back.
• The soft waterproof mattress protector which is made from 100% cotton towelling. (available in organic which is made of 90% bamboo "viscose" and 10% polyester).

The traditional mattress protectors are very reasonably priced on account of the fact that they are a basic entry level polyester/cotton sheet with a PVC backing. Some parents do consider the PVC layer to feel rather stiff or rigid which does not make the product inferior as it is still a good protective measure for your childs mattress. The only downside to these protectors is that the PVC backing isn't breathable and can cause you baby to feel hot and sweaty.

The soft waterproof mattress protectors have a number of benefits - the most obvious is the fact that the material is soft which makes it feel like any other bed sheet. The additional properties include: its anti-allergenic, dust mite proof and the material is water proof and breathable - this prevents your child overheating due to the breathable qualities.

Lets take a look at some mattress protectors on the market

The Snug Nights junior bed waterproof mattress protectors are available in two sizes (75 x 190cms and 90 x 190cms). They have an absorbent polyester/cotton terry upper surface on a waterproof PVC membrane. Unlike many budget mattress protectors these will last and withstand a regular washing cycle.

The Snug Nights anti-allergy mattress protectors are available in most baby cot and junior bed sizes. They are 100% waterproof and dust mite proof. A quality product recommended for asthma suffers waterproof mattress protectors are a must for keeping your baby or childs cot mattress clean and dry. It has a soft cotton terry upper surface with a waterproof polyurethane underside. It does not rustle and does not make you hot and sweaty, in fact it is virtually undetectable in use. It has elasticated sides and goes on and off just like a fitted sheet.