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 spillage of bodily fluids. The spills would come from both ends; she had no particular preference as long as it was messy. I had to find a solution fast, so my custom mattress protectors were born.
There are many options to protect baby's mattress from spills and for comfort. They are practical and durable in design. Both waterproof and non-waterproof options are available with options to suit most people's needs. All mattress protectors have either:
- a polycotton skirt with premium elastic for a firm fit, or
- for thin bassinet mattresses, the construction is a pillowcase style cover, so the mattress sits flat.
The result is a quality item that will last long after baby has grown out of the cot.
Mattress protector options include:
- Standard Waterproof
- Polyester Sherpa Underlay (not waterproof)
- Waterproof Quilted
- Waterproof Cotton Quilted
- Cotton Quilted (not waterproof)
- 50% Wool Quilted (not waterproof)
- Woollen 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 a premium quality polyester knit fabric with a polyurethane laminate (PUL) waterproof layer on the underside, this protector is machine washable and extremely hard-wearing. PUL is a soft and quiet fabric; there will be no noisy crinkling with this protector! This PUL fabric has been shown to endure 300 washes at 90 degrees C and still show no signs of wear.
This protector is perfect to use underneath a woollen underlay, offering waterproof protection to the mattress. Always use a fitted sheet on top.
Care instructions
Caring for your Standard Waterproof protector is easy - normal machine wash (I always use cold water with a sensitive laundry detergent). This protector may be tumble dried; however, this may reduce the life expectancy of the protector - line dry where possible.
Polyester Sherpa Underlay (not waterproof)
The Polyester Sherpa Underlay is an excellent mattress topper for the chillier months, providing warmth, support, and cosiness while adding extra comfort to your sleep. Babies don't need a very thick mattress because they are so small and light, but as baby turns into a toddler, the Sherpa underlay can add some extra comfort to a cot or toddler bed.
Top Fabric - 100% Polyester Sherpa Fabric
Bottom Fabric - 100% Polyester
Filling - 100% Polyester Padding
If you are after a waterproof solution, pop a Standard Waterproof protector underneath the Sherpa Underlay to keep the mattress in pristine condition.
Care instructions
Cold gentle machine wash - Do not bleach, soak or tumble dry. Line dry only.
Waterproof Quilted
Protect your mattress to give it a longer life with the Waterproof Quilted Mattress Protector from Sarah Anne and Little Lion. This fully fitted protector is waterproof whilst remaining soft and comfortable under your sheets. You get waterproof protection with the extra padding giving more comfort and an extra layer between the waterproof layer and baby. Keep peace of mind knowing your mattress isn't at risk of moisture getting in.
Made of polyester fabric with polyester fill and backed with a quiet yet waterproof polyurethane layer.
Care instructions
Cold machine wash. Do not tumble dry; line dry only.
Waterproof Cotton Quilted
The Sarah Anne and Little Lion Waterproof Cotton Quilted mattress protectors are encased with a cotton top and filled with cotton padding. The extra quilted layer absorbs moisture and is suitable for year-round use. The waterproof layer is the same high-quality PUL used in the Standard Protector. It sits on the underside, protecting the mattress from spills. Perfect if you are after a waterproof solution but also want a natural fibre option for baby's nursery. It is sure to add years to the life of your mattress.
Care instructions
Cold gentle machine wash. Do not bleach. Line dry in the shade. Do not tumble dry.
Cotton Quilted (not waterproof)
The Sarah Anne and Little Lion Cotton Quilted mattress protectors are encased with a cotton top and filled with cotton padding. The extra quilted layer absorbs moisture and is suitable for year-round use. This option is popular for families looking for an entirely natural fibre solution for baby's nursery.
Care instructions
Cold gentle machine wash. Do not bleach. Line dry in the shade. Do not tumble dry.
50% Wool Quilted (not waterproof)
Shield your mattress with this comfortable protector. The combination of wool and polyester gives both stability and bounce, with the wool providing support and structure, while the polyester fibres have a soft, cushioning effect.
Wool traps body heat quickly and efficiently and has the unique ability of being able to draw moisture away from the body like a natural evaporative cooler. This helps to keep baby from overheating, ensuring a restful sleep.
This item features a quality cotton cover for added breathability. Team this luxurious product with a Standard Waterproof protector (used underneath the 50% Wool Quilted protector) for a waterproof solution.
Care instructions
This is a natural wool product and needs care when cleaning. The cover is machine washable; cold wash only on wool cycle with a wool-friendly detergent. Cold hand wash with wool detergent is an alternate care option. The underlay can be gently pulled into shape after washing if required. Note that hot or warm wash will shrink this item - like it would a wool jumper! Line dry only.
Woollen Underlay (not waterproof)
Woollen underlays are an excellent option to add natural fibres to baby's bedding. This product is made of a low pile 100% genuine wool fleece on a polyester netting – this means that it can be machine washed (cold only!!!) and is fully fitted for a firm and secure fit to prevent the underlay moving around. You get the luxury of baby sleeping on wool which can help regulate temperature for a more comfortable night's sleep. This is an excellent option for cooler climates but can also be used in warmer climates. When sleeping on wool, ensure baby doesn't get too hot during warm weather.
This wool underblanket will offer extra warmth and cosiness for a sweet slumber - perfect for chilly nights. Put it underneath baby's sheet to get the benefits of sleeping on wool. You can also use a Standard Waterproof protector underneath the underlay to protect the mattress.
Care instructions
This is a natural wool product and needs care when cleaning. The cover is machine washable; cold wash only on wool cycle with wool detergent and line dry. Cold hand wash with wool detergent is an alternate care option. The underlay can be gently pulled into shape after washing if required. Note that hot or warm wash will shrink this item - like it would a wool jumper!
Waterproof Fitted Sheet (Organic fabric upper)
Conveniently fitted sheets with built-in waterproof mattress protector - genius! This stunning natural product is super soft with a certified organic cotton upper layer. A waterproof layer (the same material as the Standard Waterproof protector) protects the mattress from the inevitable 'spill'. A high-quality elastic skirt holds it all firmly in place and makes changing the sheets a breeze – perfect for the middle of the night changes. This design is beautiful, hygienic, environmentally conscious and functional.
These items are available in pale grey or natural cream and support sustainable and ethical practices. Manufactured in Australia, the premium knitted jersey fabric Certton has a highly regarded reputation, using 100% organic certified yarn and dyestuffs. The BPA/PVC-free waterproof layer uses premium PUL fabric that is soft and quiet - no noise or crinkling with this protector!
Care instructions
Normal machine wash in cold water and line dry. It May be tumble dried, do not iron.
Waterproof Fitted Sheet
Equally genius, but with additional fabric options, these fitted sheets also conveniently have a built-in waterproof mattress protector. The BPA/PVC-free waterproof layer uses premium PUL fabric that is soft and quiet - no noise or crinkling with this protector! A high-quality elastic skirt holds it all firmly in place and makes changing the sheets a breeze – perfect for the middle of the night changes. Choose the upper sheet fabric, and I'll build it into the mattress protector so you can change them in one go. This design is beautiful, hygienic, and functional.
Care instructions
Normal machine wash in cold water and line dry. May be tumble dried, do not iron
So, which one to choose? My favourite is the Woollen protectors on which my babies slept so well. The Quilted Protectors are great for comfort and protection, or you may like the Standard Waterproof protector with a fluffy sheet. Perhaps you would prefer an entirely natural fibre solution. I have the range; the choice is yours.