The best cot mattress for your baby’s comfort and safety

You've already bought the best cot or crib for your baby to safely sleep in, so now it’s time to find the very best cot mattress for your baby. We know how important sleep is for babies, and the best way to encourage sleep is by creating a sleep environment that's cosy and safe for your baby. The right toddler mattress can do just that.

Safety is paramount when you're a parent, and with evidence finding that second-hand mattresses can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), it's safer to buy a brand-new cot mattress if you can. This is because older mattresses may not be firm or flat enough to provide the right support and could result in suffocation.

Along with safety, there are a few other features you'll want to consider. The size of the cot mattress you buy will depend on the size of your baby's bed, as there is a slight difference in size between cots and cot beds. You may also be looking for your child's cot mattress to be made of a certain material, especially if they suffer from allergies. It's also likely that you'll be after a cot mattress that can be either washed or comes with a removable, washable cover. While this can all feel like a lot to consider, we've done the hard work for you and rounded up our top 11 choices.

The best cot mattress at a glance:

• Best overall cot mattress: CuddleCo Lullaby Hypo-Allergenic Bamboo Cot Bed Mattress
• Best cot mattress for adaptive comfort: CuddleCo Signature Hypo-Allergenic Bamboo Pocket Sprung Cot Bed Mattress
• Best budget cot mattress: Tutti Bambini Sprung Cot Bed Mattress
• Best long-lasting cot mattress: The Little Green Sheep Natural Twist Cot Bed Mattress

Remember, if you are planning to use a bedside crib for your newborn to sleep in, you would need a different-size mattress for this. Similarly, if you plan to use a travel cot in the future, this will usually come with its own mattress.

The best cot mattress 2023

Cot mattress – All you need to know

Types of cot mattress

When it comes to choosing a mattress for your baby's cot, you have three main choices:

Foam cot mattresses: They are designed to provide the right support and maintain your baby's natural posture.

Spring or pocket-spring cot mattress: With coiled spring interior with layers of felt and foam padding. A spring inner core will support your baby and hold its shape well.

Coir or natural fibre cot mattress: With a core of coconut fibre, they tend to be more breathable and naturally hypoallergenic.

Hollow frame (PurFlo) cot mattress: Made only by brand PurFlo, this mattress is supposedly the only fully breathable and fully washable mattress.

Choosing the right cot mattress for you and your child

Safety

According to the Lullaby Trust, it’s best to choose a firm and flat mattress. It'll need to fit your baby's cot snugly and there should be no gaps for fingers or toes to get trapped. Keep an eye out for the British Standards’ with the prefix BSI number BSEN716 on swing tickets and product specifications as this is the standard for cots, prams and mattresses.

It's important to avoid adding any extra bedding in the cot, such as duvets, as they can increase the risk of SIDS. If it’s cold, it's recommended you opt for a baby sleeping bag instead of extra blankets or covers. You can introduce a duvet when your little one gets older.

Cleaning

You'll want a cot mattress that is protected by a waterproof cover. This will help keep the mattress clean and dry, as the cover can be wiped down.

Can I use a second-hand mattress?

Generally, it is advised that babies should sleep on a new mattress as there is some evidence to suggest that bringing in a mattress from another home might increase the risk of sudden infant death (SIDS) very slightly, however this link has not been proven.

If you do want to use a second-hand cot mattress - perhaps given to you by a friend or family, or from your older child, The Lullaby Trust say "to make sure the mattress you choose was previously completely protected by a waterproof cover, with no rips or tears and is in good condition. The mattress should also still be firm and flat to keep your baby sleeping safely."

What size mattress do I need for a cot or cot bed?

Baby mattresses come in a variety of sizes, depending on what sort of bed your baby is sleeping in.

Moses basket mattress: normally 28cm x 75cm but it depends on the brand of Moses basket

Travel cot mattress: 65cm x 95cm

Small cot mattress: 54cm x 90cm

Cot mattress: 60cm x 120cm

Cot bed mattress: 70cm x 140cm

Although it can differ depending on the type of mattress you buy, typically, a cot mattress will last between 3-5 years.

Stephanie Anthony is the Deputy Digital Editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four aged 7 to 2 months old. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.