Mattress Protectors for Babies – Which One is Right for Your Nursery?
Babies. How can something so cute be so messy? As the mother of four lovely cherubs, I ask myself this daily.
After bringing home cherub number one, I was astounded at the amount of spillage that could come from such a tiny person. The spills came from both ends and usually at the most inconvenient times. I needed a practical solution fast — and that’s how the Sarah Anne and Little Lion range of custom mattress protectors was born.
There are many ways to protect your baby’s mattress while also adding comfort, warmth, and breathability to their sleep environment. Whether you are looking for waterproof protection, luxurious natural fibres, extra cushioning, or an entirely synthetic-free nursery, there is an option to suit your family.
Our mattress protectors are designed to be practical, durable, and comfortable, with custom sizing available for a wide range of bassinets, prams, cots, and specialty mattresses.
All mattress protectors feature either:
- A premium elasticised fitted skirt for a firm and secure fit, or
- A pillowcase-style construction for thin bassinet mattresses so the mattress sits flat and secure.
The result is a high-quality product designed to last long after baby has grown out of the cot.
Mattress Protector Options Include
- Standard Waterproof
- Standard Quilted Waterproof
- Premium Quilted Waterproof
- Cotton Quilted Waterproof
- Cotton Quilted (not waterproof)
- 50% Wool Quilted Waterproof
- Wool Quilted Waterproof (Cotton Upper Fabric)
- Polyester Sherpa Fleece Waterproof
- 100% Wool Fleece Underlay (not waterproof)
- 100% Cotton Fleece Underlay (not waterproof)
- Waterproof Fitted Sheet
- Waterproof Fitted Sheet (Organic Upper Fabric)
Further detail on each mattress protector and the care instructions are explained below.
Standard Waterproof
The Standard Waterproof protector is a high-quality item designed to keep baby’s mattress clean and dry. Made with premium polyester knit fabric and backed with a soft polyurethane laminate (PUL) waterproof layer, this protector is practical, durable, and quiet — no noisy crinkling sounds during sleep.
The premium waterproof layer has excellent durability and is designed to withstand frequent washing while maintaining performance.
This protector is perfect underneath wool underlays or quilted protectors when you want reliable waterproof protection without adding too much thickness.
Always use a fitted sheet on top.
Care Instructions
Normal machine wash in cold water with gentle detergent. May be tumble dried on low heat, although line drying will maximise longevity.
Standard Quilted Waterproof
The Standard Quilted Waterproof protector combines reliable waterproof protection with a lightly quilted upper for extra softness and comfort.
Designed for everyday use, this protector helps shield the mattress from spills, leaks, and accidents while providing a slightly cushioned sleep surface for baby.
Made with quilted polyester fabric and backed with a soft waterproof layer, it offers a practical balance between comfort, durability, and protection.
Care Instructions
Cold gentle machine wash. Line dry recommended. Tumble dry on low heat if required.
Premium Quilted Waterproof
The Premium Quilted Waterproof protector offers enhanced comfort with a thicker, more luxurious quilted construction.
This style provides additional loft and cushioning while still delivering reliable waterproof protection to keep your mattress safe from spills and accidents.
The extra padding creates a soft and supportive sleep surface and is popular for families wanting a more premium feel in their nursery bedding.
Care Instructions
Cold gentle machine wash. Line dry recommended. Tumble dry on low heat if required.
Cotton Quilted Waterproof
The Cotton Quilted Waterproof protector combines natural cotton comfort with practical waterproof protection.
Encased with a breathable cotton upper fabric and quilted cotton filling, this protector absorbs moisture while maintaining a soft and natural sleep surface. The waterproof backing underneath helps protect the mattress from spills and accidents.
This is an excellent option for families wanting waterproof protection while incorporating more natural fibres into their nursery.
Care Instructions
Cold gentle machine wash. Line dry recommended. Tumble dry on low heat if required.
Cotton Quilted (Not Waterproof)
The Cotton Quilted protector is designed for families seeking an entirely synthetic-free nursery sleep surface.
Made with cotton upper fabric and cotton quilted filling, this protector provides breathable comfort and light padding while remaining completely free from waterproof synthetic layers.
This style is popular for parents wanting a natural fibre sleep environment for their baby.
For waterproof protection, pair it with a Standard Waterproof protector underneath.
Care Instructions
Cold gentle machine wash. Line dry recommended. Tumble dry on low heat if required.
50% Wool Quilted Waterproof
This beautifully quilted protector combines the natural comfort and temperature-regulating benefits of wool with practical waterproof protection underneath.
The wool blend provides warmth, cushioning, and breathability while helping wick moisture away from the body for a more comfortable sleep environment.
The waterproof backing helps protect the mattress from spills and overnight accidents while maintaining a soft and luxurious feel.
A wonderful option for families wanting the benefits of wool with the convenience of waterproof protection.
Care Instructions
Cold wash only on wool cycle using wool-friendly detergent. Line dry only. Do not tumble dry or use warm water.
Wool Quilted Waterproof (Cotton Upper Fabric)
This premium protector combines natural fibres with waterproof practicality.
Featuring a breathable cotton upper fabric quilted with wool filling, it provides softness, insulation, and excellent temperature regulation while helping protect the mattress from spills and moisture.
The natural wool filling helps keep baby warm in winter and comfortable in warmer weather by assisting with airflow and moisture management.
Ideal for parents seeking a more natural bedding option without sacrificing waterproof protection.
Care Instructions
Cold gentle wool wash only with wool detergent. Reshape gently after washing if required. Line dry only. Do not tumble dry or use warm or hot water.
Polyester Sherpa Fleece Waterproof
Soft, cosy, and practical, the Polyester Sherpa Fleece Waterproof protector combines plush fleece comfort with built-in waterproof protection.
The soft sherpa-style upper adds warmth and cushioning, making it particularly popular during cooler months or for toddlers transitioning into larger beds.
Underneath, a quiet waterproof backing protects the mattress from spills and accidents while maintaining a soft sleep surface.
Care Instructions
Cold gentle machine wash. Do not bleach or tumble dry. Line dry only.
100% Wool Fleece Underlay (Not Waterproof)
This luxurious underlay is made from genuine 100% wool fleece, offering natural warmth, breathability, and comfort.
Wool is well known for its ability to regulate temperature and wick moisture away from the body, helping create a comfortable sleep environment throughout the year.
This non-waterproof underlay is ideal for families wanting a natural fibre bedding option for their baby’s nursery. Note that fleece is attached to a polyester netting underside which makes this item machine washable for easy care.
For waterproof protection, pair it with a Standard Waterproof protector underneath.
Perfect for adding softness and extra comfort during cooler weather.
Care Instructions
Cold wool wash only using wool detergent. Line dry in shade. Do not tumble dry or use warm or hot water as wool fibres may shrink.
100% Cotton Fleece Underlay (Not Waterproof)
This luxurious underlay is made from fluffy cotton fleece, offering natural warmth, breathability, and comfort.
This non-waterproof underlay is ideal for families wanting a natural fibre bedding option for their baby’s nursery. Note that fleece is attached to a polyester netting underside which makes this item machine washable for easy care.
For waterproof protection, pair it with a Standard Waterproof protector underneath.
Perfect for adding softness and extra comfort during cooler weather.
Care Instructions
Cold gentle machine wash. Do not bleach or tumble dry. Line dry only.
Waterproof Fitted Sheet (Organic Upper Fabric)
Convenient fitted sheets with a built-in waterproof mattress protector — genius!
This premium option features a certified organic cotton upper layer combined with a waterproof backing underneath to protect the mattress from spills and accidents.
The fitted design makes middle-of-the-night sheet changes much easier while reducing the need for multiple bedding layers.
Manufactured using premium-quality fabrics with a soft and quiet waterproof layer.
Care Instructions
Normal machine wash in cold water and line dry. May be tumble dried on low heat. Do not iron.
Waterproof Fitted Sheet
Equally practical and convenient, these fitted sheets also include a built-in waterproof mattress protector.
Choose from a range of upper sheet fabrics while enjoying the convenience of changing both the fitted sheet and waterproof layer at the same time.
The waterproof backing remains soft and quiet while protecting the mattress from everyday spills and accidents.
A premium elasticised skirt keeps everything securely fitted in place.
Care Instructions
Normal machine wash in cold water and line dry. May be tumble dried on low heat. Do not iron.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Every family’s needs are different — and that’s why I created such a wide range of protector options.
If you want simple everyday waterproof protection, the Standard Waterproof or Standard Quilted Waterproof protectors are excellent practical choices.
If comfort is your priority, the Premium Quilted Waterproof or Sherpa Fleece Waterproof options add extra softness and cushioning.
For parents wanting more natural fibres in the nursery, the cotton and wool ranges offer beautiful breathable alternatives while still providing practical protection options.
Personally, my favourites are the wool protectors. My babies slept beautifully on wool, and I loved the warmth, softness, and natural comfort they provided.
Whatever your preference — practical, luxurious, waterproof, natural, or somewhere in between — there is a Sarah Anne and Little Lion mattress protector designed to suit your nursery perfectly.