Finding the best cot mattress is essential to help your little one get a good night's sleep. Sleep is important to us all, but eight healthy hours of rest can seem hard to imagine with a child. Anything that promotes a good night's sleep for your child is worth investing in—after all, if your child is getting a good night's sleep in their cot or crib, so will you.
If they've graduated from their bedside crib, it is time to find a good-quality cot mattress. We take great measures to find the perfect mattress for ourselves, so it’s only fair we do the same for our kids. However, while we may like the choice of going soft, medium or firm for support, children have specific needs to consider for healthy development in their early years.
The best cot mattress will offer your baby firm support and comfort, ensuring a restful, uninterrupted night's sleep. To ensure your little one gets the best sleep possible, we've spoken to sleep expert Lucy Shrimpton at The Sleep Nanny to find out everything you need to know about choosing a cot mattress, along with our list of the best cot mattresses.
Best Cot Mattress At A Glance:
Best cot mattress overall: Simba Baby Cot Bed Mattress, from £224.25 on Simba
Best waterproof cot mattress: Snuz SnuzSurface Duo Dual-Sided Cot Mattress, from £139.95 on Samuel Johnston
Best cot mattress for support: ClevaMama ClevaFoam Baby and Toddler Cot Support Mattress, £118.75 on Amazon
Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, Lucy explains that buying a new cot mattress is essential when planning where your new baby will rest their head. A new mattress is firm and free from wear and tear, reducing the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. 'You’ll have peace of mind knowing that the mattress is clean and hygienic, free from potential allergens or mould that can develop in used mattresses,' she says.
SHOP: The Best Cot Mattress 2024
Best overall
Credit: Simbasimbasleep.com
The double-sided Simba Baby Cot Bed Mattress leverages Simba’s award-winning technology with eight layers of engineered comfort, ensuring your little one enjoys high-quality sleep every night.
One side is a firm, flat surface that provides optimal support for newborns and protects them from bacteria, allergens, and chemicals. When your child turns 12 months old, flip the mattress over to reveal cushioned, edge-to-edge support that's ideal for toddlers. This innovative design adapts to your child’s changing sleep needs, offering long-term value.
Online parents love the seamless transition and practical removable, washable cover between the two sides. This mattress has useful features and is a comfortable choice, which is why it is our favourite overall.
Our friends at Mother&Baby awarded The Simba Baby Cot Bed Mattress Bronze for Best Sleep Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024. Read their full Simba Baby Cot Bed Mattress review.
Pros
- Eight layers
- Double-sided
- Soft
- Washable cover
- Comfortable
Cons
- Only one size is available
| Size: | |
| Support: | |
| Composition: |
Best waterproof cot mattress
Credit: Samuel Johnston/ Snuz www.samueljohnston.com
Little ones spend more time asleep than awake, even though sleep-deprived parents might feel otherwise. Until about age three, they need 12-13 hours of sleep each day. Despite wearing nappies, children often empty their bladders while sleeping, leading to leaks or spills on the mattress. Therefore, finding a comfortable and waterproof mattress is essential.
While a waterproof cover is an option, this mattress is designed to withstand nightly accidents, ensuring easy cleanup and a hygienic sleeping environment. The removable, machine-washable cover simplifies maintenance, and a two-year guarantee ensures durability.
One thing to note: this mattress must lay flat for seven days before use. Make sure to plan for this when ordering, as some online customers were disappointed to discover this requirement.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Dual-sided
- Removable, machine washable cover
Cons
- It takes up to a week to decompress
| Size: | 60x120cm |
| Support: | Firm |
| Composition: | 100 per cent polyester with Polyurethane membrane (top) |
Best cot mattress for support
Credit: ClevaMama/Amazon The ClevaMama mattress is designed to support your baby's developing head and joints, making it ideal for the early months.
Its uniquely formulated composition, with an 11 cm comfy thickness, supports a fast-growing baby and helps it sleep safely anytime and in any season.
The cover is removable, lightweight, and breathable, and the airflow fabric draws away moisture and increases airflow.
When we tested this mattress, we were impressed by its comfort and liked the machine-washable cover. We loved pairing it with the ClevaMama ClevaFoam Toddler Pillow and found that our little ones slept really well.
Pros
- Reflex foam prevents flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly)
- Hypo-allergenic and toxin Free
- Machine washable
Cons
- Some customers found that this mattress was a little thinner than described.
| Size: | 120 x 60 cm |
| Support: | Firm |
| Composition: | Clevafoam, reflex support foam, soft and breathable outer cover and a protective inner lining |
Best cot mattress for breathability
Credit: Amazon This mattress is made from coconut coir and bonded with latex. It is an excellent option for environmentally conscious parents but, unfortunately, won't be suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle.
It is topped with soft and luxurious lambswool, which regulates body temperature and moisture for maximum comfort and is naturally hypoallergenic. Online customers found that this was a fantastic option for little ones who tend to get hot when they sleep.
The bamboo fabric is softer, more breathable, and absorbent than cotton and tougher on bacteria and odours due to its natural antibacterial properties. It provides kids with a perfect night's sleep and peace of mind for parents.
Pros
- Heat regulating
- Hypoallergenic
- Breathable bamboo fabric
Cons
- Some customers expressed that it was thinner than they had expected
| Size: | 140 x 70 cm |
| Support: | Firm |
| Composition: | Bamboo, lambswool and latex |
Best eco-friendly cot mattress
Credit: Woolroom www.thewoolroom.com
We're long-time fans of The Woolroom, and this writer personally swears by the brand. Woolroom mattresses are excellent for the entire family, especially for children, thanks to their use of natural fibres sourced from the UK, which makes the brand both an exceptional and eco-conscious choice.
The organic wool cot mattress is temperature-regulating, humidity-reducing, and hypoallergenic, ensuring your precious little one a comfortable and healthy night's rest. We can attest to this as we found that Woolroom mattresses are the most comfortable on the market.
Unlike many mattresses on the market, this cot mattress is naturally flame-retardant and free from harsh chemical sprays.
Pros
- All natural and chemical-free
- Naturally flame retardant
- All fibres are sourced and made within 35 miles of Manchester, minimising carbon footprint
- Two size options
Cons
- The mattress needs to be aired regularly
| Size: | 60x120cm (cot); 70x140cm (cot bed) |
| Support: | Firm |
| Composition: | |
| Comfort Fillings: | British Swaledale Wool support layer (both sides) and British Wool and British Alpaca comfort filling (both sides) |
| Cover: | Lancashire Woven 100 per cent organic cotton cover for both border and top/bottom |
Best hypoallergenic cot mattress
This cot mattress from Silentnight (a brand we've all heard of!) features a natural lambswool support system that supports your baby's head and body.
Online parents loved the quality of this mattress and found that their children slept comfortably throughout the night when they slept on it.
The mesh cover is washable and allows air to flow freely. The mattress comes with Purotex, a 100 per cent natural treatment that combats moisture, mites, and allergens for a more hygienic sleeping environment.
Silentnight Safe Nights Superior Pocket Cot Bed Mattress is made with hypoallergenic materials. It is ideal for babies with sensitive skin or allergies, protecting them from dust mites and allergens.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Allergy UK approved
- Double-sided
- Waterproof panel
Cons
- Some users report a slight initial odour when first unpacking the mattress, which may require airing out for a day or two.
| Size: | 140 x 70 cm |
| Support: | Firm |
| Composition: | Natural lambswool, mini-pocket core, waterproof panel and washable cover |
Best budget-friendly cot mattress
Credit: Boots www.boots.com
Made using foam and open coil springs, this budget-friendly yet high-quality mattress supports your baby's natural posture while ensuring breathability for a snug night's sleep.
The mattress comes with a convenient removable washable cover, making it easy to clean in case of accidents. Although it is filled with polyester, it has breathable Just-Tec fabric, which enhances airflow to help keep your little one comfortable.
While it doesn't have some of the impressive features of some of the other mattresses listed, it is still loved by parents online because it still guarantees a good night's sleep for their kids.
Pros
- Affordable
- Fully breathable Just-Tec fabric
- Removable, washable cover
Cons
- A few parents found that it was a little too soft
| Size: | 132 x 70 cm |
| Support: | Medium |
| Composition: | Organic coconut coir fibres are bonded with Latex, micro comfort pocket grid springs, and British lambswool. |
Are organic or hypoallergenic mattresses worth the investment?
Sleep Expert Lucy Shrimpton says, 'Yes, organic or hypoallergenic mattresses are worth the investment if you can afford them. These mattresses are made from natural materials that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins, which is great for your baby’s delicate skin and overall health. Hypoallergenic mattresses also minimize the risk of allergies and respiratory issues, helping your little one sleep soundly through the night.'
What features should I look for in a cot mattress?
When choosing a cot mattress, Lucy recommends prioritising firmness and fit. 'The mattress should be firm and flat to support your baby’s spine and reduce the risk of suffocation. It should fit snugly in the cot with no gaps around the edges. Look for breathable materials to help regulate your baby’s temperature and a removable, washable cover for easy cleaning. Waterproof features are also a plus, as they protect the mattress from spills and accidents,' she explains.
How often should I clean or replace my cot mattress to ensure it’s safe?
Keeping your child's mattress clean is essential. Lucy states, 'You should clean the cot mattress regularly, ideally every couple of weeks or immediately after any spills or accidents. Use a mild soap and water solution, and make sure it’s thoroughly dry before putting it back in the cot. As for replacement, a good rule of thumb is every 3-5 years, or sooner if you notice any sagging, damage, or excessive wear and tear.'
Is it better for little ones to have pillows, duvets, sleeping bags or loose blankets?
In addition to having a good mattress, we asked Lucy what sort of cot bedding was best for the children. She said, 'For babies under 12 months, it’s best to avoid pillows, duvets, and loose blankets due to the risk of suffocation and SIDS. Instead, use a well-fitting sleeping bag, which keeps your baby warm and safe without the danger of covering their face. As they get older and transition out of a cot, you can introduce a light blanket or duvet, but always make sure it’s appropriate for their age and size.'
Should you use a mattress protector on a cot mattress?
As well as investing in a brand-new mattress, we wondered whether we should add a mattress protector to our basket or whether we could save a few pennies without it. However, Lucy says, 'Using a mattress protector is a great idea. It helps keep the mattress clean and dry, protecting it from spills, leaks, and allergens. Just ensure the protector is breathable and fits snugly without creating any wrinkles or bunching up under the sheet.'
Are mattress protectors and mattress toppers safe?
'Mattress protectors are safe and highly recommended for keeping the mattress clean and hygienic. However, mattress toppers are generally not advised for babies as they can make the sleeping surface too soft, increasing the risk of suffocation and SIDS. Stick to a firm, supportive mattress with a good-quality protector,' says Lucy.
What are your top tips for creating the best sleeping environment?
Having a good mattress plays a crucial part in creating a peaceful and safe sleeping environment, but it isn't the only thing that you can do. We asked Lucy for her top tips as a sleep expert. 'Keep the room cool and comfortable, ideally between 18-20°C. Use blackout curtains to create a dark environment, and consider a white noise machine to drown out any household noises. Ensure the cot is free from toys, pillows, and loose bedding. Finally, establish a consistent bedtime routine to help signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep, promoting better and longer sleep for everyone,' she says.
What to consider when choosing a cot mattress
Safety
The Lullaby Trust recommends using a firm, flat mattress protected by a waterproof cover. It'll need to fit your baby's cot snugly, and there should be no gaps where fingers or toes get trapped. If in doubt, look for the BSI (British Standards Institute) number BSEN716 on swing tickets and product specifications, as this is the standard for cots, prams, and mattresses.
According to the Lullaby Trust, it’s also important to avoid the use of soft or bulky bedding, as they can increase the risk of SIDS. Firmly tucked-in sheets and blankets (not above shoulder height) or a baby sleep bag are safe for a baby to sleep in. Duvets and pillows can be introduced when your little one gets older.
Visit the Lullaby Trust website for more information about the best and safest way for your baby to sleep.
Composition
Another important fact to consider is the composition of your baby’s mattress—this is especially vital for little ones with allergies or asthma.
Natural fibres and breathable fabrics are better suited to allergy sufferers and will promote a better night’s sleep. Excellent options that feature eco-friendly and highly renewable materials are available for environmentally conscious parents.
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Types of cot mattress
You have three main composition choices when it comes to picking the best mattress for your baby's cot:
• Foam cot mattress - They are designed to provide the right support and maintain your baby's natural posture.
• Spring or pocket-spring cot mattress: The Coiled spring interior has felt and foam padding layers. A spring inner core will support your baby and hold its shape well.
• **Coir or natural fibre cot mattress—**These mattresses tend to be more breathable and naturally hypoallergenic, with a core of coconut fibre.
How thick should a cot mattress be?
Your baby's cot mattress should be at least 10cm thick—most cot mattresses range between 10 and 12cm on the market. This ensures that the baby's body doesn't sag through and hit the base underneath.
How long will a cot mattress last?
Although it can differ depending on the type of mattress you buy, a cot mattress typically lasts 3-5 years. Look out for company warranty policies to ensure you are getting the best customer care and value for money.
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Meet the expert
Lucy has an incredible passion for serving the world through better sleep. She recognises the need for support from parents and caregivers of babies and young children and provides a form of coaching rather than the old-fashioned ideas of ‘sleep training’.
Taking sleep expertise, coaching and positive psychology, Lucy combines science with soul in the coaching she and The Sleep Nanny Certified Partners provide to aid healthy sleep development at all ages! Lucy has trained hundreds of sleep consultants around the world before launching The Sleep Nanny franchise.
Hannah Carroll is a Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product writer for Grazia, specialising in product testing and reviews. With three children, Hannah loves testing the latest industry products on her own family.