Hi, I was wondering whether it is safe to use a waterproof mattress protector over the whole mattress in my newborn's bassinet or whether I should use waterproof pads under the fitted sheet under her lower body? The advice on this site mentions well-fitted mattress protectors but there is suggestion elsewhere online that waterproof mattress protectors are not breathable and can increase the risk of SIDS. Many thanks in advance, NT

Red Nose does recommend a mattress protector that is strong and a tight fit.
It is important that a mattress protector does not take away the firmness of the mattress.
To reduce the risk of infant death, it is important that the mattress is firm, well-fitting & flat, not elevated.
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-is-a-safe-mattress

Where did you read the information above about “breathability” ?

I’m also keen to know whether waterproof mattress protectors are an issue due to lack of breathability. I understand that they need to be firm, well fitting, flat etc, but is there any issue with them being made from waterproof plastic that stops water and therefore air (ie a baby couldn’t breath through it). Thanks in advance.

The issue of breathability of fabric can be confusing at times, as often understanding is not clear about the difference between “breathability” and “air permeability”

Most evidence supports the definition of breathability being related to the ability of a fabric to allow water (body moisture) to evaporate & not pool in the fabric.
The comfort properties of a fabric depend on its ability to transmit water and vapor from the body to prevent accumulation of liquid on the skin.

When trying to work out if any product for baby sleep safety (eg mattress protector) is “breathable” it is important, in this case, to look at the following.

Infant positioning - always place baby on their back for sleep, maintain airway & ventilation.
Prevent entrapment/strangulation – keep soft, loose items out of cot.
Prevent suffocation – keep baby’s head & face uncovered - no soft, padded items in cot.

If a waterproof mattress protector were to be soft/padded & reduced the firmness of the cot mattress, then the sleep environment may be “unsafe” & the mattress protector should be avoided.
This risk could also be increased is the baby was placed on tummy (prone) to sleep.

Once a baby is rolling well, in a safe environment, & prefer to sleep on their tummy, then the risk is significantly reduced as baby is able to change position.

Are there any mattress protectors that you can recommend.  I am getting confused as some are quilted.  Some have the terry cloth or some are bamboo.  some say cotton but look still slightly quilted.  I need something to fit a 1300 x 690 x 110mm mattress tasman eco essentials.  It’s difficult to know which ones are safe.

Red Nose does not recommend specific brand names of products

Red Nose does recommend a mattress protector that is strong and a tight fit.
It is important that a mattress protector does not take away the firmness of the mattress.
To reduce the risk of infant death, it is important that the mattress is firm, well-fitting & flat, not elevated.
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-is-a-safe-mattress

This means that any mattress protector that is loose, soft or padded should not be used, as it may take away from the firmness of the mattress, which may create a risk to baby.

Our 6 month old twins have just figured out how to roll onto their bellies but they cannot yet roll back.  One of the twins sleeps face down on her nose. I did a little experiment because I too am worried about breathability. I was able to easily breathe through the mattress but with the mattress protector (a well known brand) I could not breathe. I have tried this with several different products and all the same if not worse. I understand that babies are suppose to sleep on their back’s however this is impossible when your baby has just figured out how to roll and constantly rolls over through the night. Would appreciate confirmation that mattress protectors are safe even though breathability is obstructed.  Thank you

Most babies will be rolling over by 4- 5 months…...some earlier, some later.                             
This is normal as babies grow & become stronger.
Many babies then prefer to sleep on their tummy or side.
This is not something that needs to be stopped. It is important to make their environment as safe as possible.

Are your babies in separate cots now?
Are they still swaddled?
They need the space of the cot & arms free to roll well.

Ensure that the cot mattress fits well & is firm & flat & there is nothing soft or loose in his cot, especially as she is face planting at times. It is the firmness of the mattress that is important.
You can try to turn her face if you see her with face down, but often, like rolling to tummy, babies will just go back to their position of comfort.
**Increasing tummy time when awake is recommended to help build upper body strength so both can roll easily & well.
​**Always continue to place baby(s) on back to sleep.

Red Nose has the following general information now that they rolling.

Give baby extra tummy time to play when awake and supervised as this helps baby to develop stronger neck and upper body muscles which in turn enables them to roll back over.
Make sure that baby is on a firm and well-fitting mattress that is flat (not tilted or elevated).
Make sure that baby’s face and head remains uncovered (do not use lambswool, doonas, pillows, cot bumpers or soft toys)

As babies grow and develop they become very active and learn to roll around the cot.
At this time, continue to put them on the back at the start of sleep time, but let them find their own position of comfort.
By this stage it is not necessary to wake during the night to turn baby over to the back position

Do not use any devices designed to keep baby in a particular sleep position.
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-do-we-do-now-that-a-baby-has-started-to-roll-over