Choosing A Mattress Protector

Mattress protectors are a must for every toddler bed and part of your child's toddler bedding collection! At some point your toddler will have an accident - perhaps whilst potty training or maybe when he's sick in the night. Mattress covers protect your toddler bedding and mattress and saves you a lot of stress and excessive cleaning.

You can get a plastic mattress covers but most protectors now have a polyurethane layer. Polyurethane is undetectable (rather than noisy plastic), breathable (not sweaty) and protects your toddler from grim dustmites and bacteria.

Ensure that your protector is machine washable - we have not come across one that isn't, but always check!

You might want to consider having two types: one that is elasticated over the mattress for complete protection and also have a waterproof mat. You can then bring the waterproof mat if you go visiting and if your toddler is sleeping in a single bed the host's mattress will be protected.

This is convenient and it's reassuring for everyone to know that if your child has an accident the mattress will be fine.

There is quite a range of mattress protectors. Here's a few to consider:

Built in sheet and protector in one
This is where the sheet has a waterproof polyurethane layer in the sheet. Hippychicks and Snugnites sell a fitted mattress protector for a cot bed where the top sheet is made from 100% brushed cotton.

This protector also has an anti allergy barrier which protects against dustmites. This option is very practical but if you or your toddler are keen on coordinating all the bedding then a separate protector might be preferable with your coordinated sheet on top.

Separate mattress protectors
These go under your existing bedding and can either be fitted or be loose mats. Personally we've used fitted protectors as they protect the whole of the mattress which has proved useful....But for travelling, they're great to slip under any bedding or on top of a chair.

Two protectors in one!
The "SOS Mattress Protector" will be useful for those children who wet the bed more than once a night. It has two sheets and protectors in one and fits like a normal fitted sheet. If the top sheet becomes wet or soiled you can simply unzip it and immediately you have a sheet and protector ready without having to change the bed!

These can be machine washed cold on a gentle cycle and tumbled dried on a low heat. The waterproof layer is vinyl.

Organic
For those green households out there, and the more the better, you can buy an organic protector mat from Beaming Baby. These are mats made from organic cotton and come in two sizes, 50cm x 70cm or 100cm x 70cm. This protector lies on top of the bed sheets. Inside the cotton there is a thin layer of polyurethane.

Natural Mat's protector is made with two layers of soft organic flannelette with a waterproof layer in between. You can also get mats which have elastic bands on each corner which can then be pulled over the mattress to stop them moving.

Tencel
Tencel is a natural fibre made from 100% biodegradable wood pulp cullulose. This soft, strong and is very absorbent. This together with a polyurethane layer is another "natural" choice for your toddler to keep him dry.

Mattress protectors are inexpensive and make your life much easier at the times when your little one has an accident or is sick. In the middle of the night when your toddler is almost going to the toilet by himself you'll be very glad to have one!

Without too much fuss you can change the bed and back off to sleep you all go! Sleep and slumber....