10 Best Cot Mattresses UK 2024 | Silentnight, Snüz and More
Providing comfort and safety is a top priority for any parent, so choosing the best cot mattress is an important task. Not only will it need to fit the dimensions of the bed, but the perfect mattress should have a suitable level of support and breathability. This is key to increasing the quality of your baby's sleep, which ensures the healthy development of their body and mind.
Unsure whether to go for a pocket sprung, coil sprung or foam mattress? We'll run through the different types of internal mattress structure and their benefits. Plus, we'll explain all about hypoallergenic and waterproof materials, as well as the importance of removable covers for ease of cleaning. Then, when you're ready to make your purchase, take a look at our list of the 10 best cot mattresses currently available in the UK at Amazon, Argos and John Lewis.
Quick List - Top Cot Mattresses
Snüz
A Flippable Pocket Sprung Mattress That Offers Up to 4 Years of Premium Support
Obaby
10 cm of Hypoallergenic Foam With Dent Resistance for Increased Longevity
Niimo
All-Natural Materials With a Moisture-Wicking Bamboo Cover to Protect Against Allergens
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How to Choose a Cot Mattress in the UK
- Select an Internal Structure That Will Provide Enough Comfort and Support
- Consider the Outer Material and Choose a Removable Cover for Easy Cleaning
- Check the Industry Standard Measurements to Determine the Right Mattress Size
Select a Mattress With a Suitable Internal Structure, Taking Into Consideration Your Budget and the Intended Length of Use
The internal structure of your mattress will determine the type of support your baby will feel throughout the night. Consider your budget and intended period of use when deciding between the following options:
- Foam mattresses are lightweight and inexpensive. They provide medium-firm support which is great for your baby's comfort and development. However, they can lose their shape over time so while they're okay for short-term use, they'll need to be replaced eventually.
- Coil sprung designs feature layers of foam or felt to increase comfort and breathability, but the main support comes from the metal springs inside the mattress. They keep their shape for a long time so they are a popular choice for many parents.
- Pocket sprung mattresses are similar to coil sprung, but each spring is individually housed in a pocket of fabric which helps it to keep its shape and last longer. Although they're the most expensive option, they can save you money in the long run if they will be used for years.
- Double-sided mattresses feature one soft side and one firm side, making them adaptable for different ages. The firm side will provide the support that your baby needs from birth to pre-school age. Then, the mattress can then be flipped to the softer side once your child is older.
- Organic materials like coconut coir or bamboo are sometimes used as wadding for mattresses. In addition to being supportive, they're naturally anti-bacterial, breathable and hypoallergenic. If your child suffers from asthma, allergies, or is otherwise immuno-compromised, this may be the best choice for them.
Provide optimal head and neck support for your infant with a baby pillow.
Look for a Removable Cover Made From Lambswool, Cotton or Bamboo to Combat Allergies, or Pick Polypropylene and Polyester for Easy Cleaning
When it comes to the outer material of your mattress, you should consider potential allergens, waterproofing and ease of cleaning. Natural materials such as lambswool, cotton or bamboo are great for children with allergies, while synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene and polyester tend to have better water resistance so they shouldn't retain odours if your child has an accident during the night.
Ideally, your chosen mattress will have a removable cover, allowing you to machine wash it at your convenience. If it doesn't have a cover, the surface may need to be wiped down or vacuumed regularly in order to keep it clean. You could also buy a cover separately but this will come at an extra cost and it may be difficult to find the exact size and shape that you need to fit the mattress.
If your little one has allergies, make sure you wash their mattress cover with a laundry detergent for sensitive skin.
To Keep Your Child Safe, Select a Mattress That’s at Least 8 cm Thick With a Gap of No More Than 3 cm Around the Edges of the Cot
The size of your mattress is the final factor that you'll need to consider. If it's too small, your baby could risk getting their arms or legs trapped down the sides while they sleep. A small gap around the edges is okay, but it should be no larger than 3 cm to avoid accidents or injuries.
For long-term use, a mattress should be at least 8 cm thick to provide the proper level of support. Thinner mattresses are suitable for short-term use in travel cots or Moses baskets but once your baby is big enough for a full-sized cot, they will need a thicker mattress to support their body.
The dimensions of the mattress will generally fall into one of four categories depending on the type of bed they will be used with. Those designed for travel cots are the smallest at 65 x 95 cm. Small cots are 54 x 90 cm, standard cots are 60 x 120 cm and cot beds are 70 x 140 cm. There may be slight variations from brand to brand but these industry-standard measurements should give you an indication of which size you'll need.
Use a baby sleeping bag to keep newborns and toddlers warm all year round.
10 Best Cot Mattresses in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Snüz SnüzSurface Duo Cot Mattress | | A Flippable Pocket Sprung Mattress That Offers Up to 4 Years of Premium Support | |
2 | Obaby Foam Cot Bed Mattress | | 10 cm of Hypoallergenic Foam With Dent Resistance for Increased Longevity | |
3 | Niimo Soft Mattress | | All-Natural Materials With a Moisture-Wicking Bamboo Cover to Protect Against Allergens | |
4 | Mother Nurture Classic Foam Travel Cot Mattress | | An Affordable Foam Design Manufactured in the UK | |
5 | Silentnight Safe Nights Superior Cot Mattress | | A Sturdy Pocket Sprung Cot Bed Mattress With a Removable Lambswool Cover | |
6 | The Little Green Sheep Twist Natural Dual Sided Cot Mattress | | Organic Coconut Coir and Latex Provide Varying Levels of Support for Many Years of Use | |
7 | Cuggl Sprung Cot Bed Mattress | | A Traditional Coil Sprung Mattress Featuring Two Layers of Breathable Foam | |
8 | Kub Comfy Eco Spring Cot Mattress | | A Pocket Sprung Design That Adapts to Your Child’s Weight and Movements | |
9 | Baby Elegance Microfibre Cot Bed Mattress | | A Synthetic Microfibre Blend That Offers Both Softness and Durability | |
10 | Cuggl Foam Cot Mattress | | A Lightweight Travel Cot Mattress for Overnight Trips and Holidays |
A Flippable Pocket Sprung Mattress That Offers Up to 4 Years of Premium Support
This mattress combines a pocket sprung structure with a flippable double-sided design, so it will be suitable for children from 0 all the way up to 4 years old. You'll just need to flip the mattress over once they get bigger to ensure that they get the appropriate level of support for their body.
The polyester cover is removable, so it can be easily machine washed and thanks to the waterproof and breathable surface, your child will be protected from overheating. Plus, the anti-dust mite barrier will help to combat allergens. All of these great features make this cot mattress our top pick!
10 cm of Hypoallergenic Foam With Dent Resistance for Increased Longevity
Designed for a cot or cot bed, Obaby's foam mattress is a soft yet supportive option that won't break the bank. The 10 cm depth is dent-resistant so it will last much longer than other foam mattresses on the market.
The removable cover is machine-washable at up to 60°C, which is the ideal temperature for neutralising dust mites and other potential allergens. The foam itself is also hypoallergenic, with a breathable structure that will help to regulate your child's temperature for a comfortable night's sleep.
All-Natural Materials With a Moisture-Wicking Bamboo Cover to Protect Against Allergens
The core of this mattress consists of a layer of pocket springs, which are housed between two thick layers of foam for ultimate comfort and breathability. Best of all, every material used to make this mattress is 100% fireproof and chemical-free.
An Affordable Foam Design Manufactured in the UK
Manufactured in the UK to cut down on carbon emissions, this mattress has low transport costs which means it can be sold at a bargain price. In fact, it's the cheapest option on our list, so you may want to snap it up quickly!
A Sturdy Pocket Sprung Cot Bed Mattress With a Removable Lambswool Cover
Silentnight is one of the most trusted brands in sleep technology, so if you want the very best for your little one then you may prefer to purchase one of their designs. This Safe Nights mattress is suitable for cot beds between 134 and 140 cm in length.
The pocket sprung structure means this mattress will hold its shape and should last for years to come. There's a removable lambswool cover too, that can be washed as often as needed but won't irritate your baby's sensitive skin.
The Little Green SheepTwist Natural Dual Sided Cot Mattress
Organic Coconut Coir and Latex Provide Varying Levels of Support for Many Years of Use
This award-winning mattress is comprised of coconut coir and hypoallergenic latex for premium comfort without synthetic materials or harsh chemicals. The firm side is ideal for babies aged 0 to 12 months, while the softer side can support children all the way into their toddler years.
It's the most expensive mattress on our list, so it won't be ideal if you're shopping on a budget. However, with a 5-year guarantee and double-sided structure, you may feel that it's worth the initial investment for long-term use.
A Traditional Coil Sprung Mattress Featuring Two Layers of Breathable Foam
The Cuggl coil sprung mattress features steel springs for a firm structure, plus 2 layers of foam for comfort and breathability. The 10 cm depth will ensure adequate support for children of all ages, meaning it can be used for years to come.
Although the mattress is described as hypoallergenic and the machine-washable cover is incredibly convenient, the manufacturer doesn't specify which material it's made from. So, if your child has allergies to certain fibres, it may be better to choose another mattress on our list.
A Pocket Sprung Design That Adapts to Your Child’s Weight and Movements
The SensiSpring design of Kub's mattress provides adaptive support as your child tosses and turns throughout the night. This helps to promote healthy growth, soft skin and a peaceful night's sleep, so you can snooze soundly too!
Unfortunately, it only comes in one size, so if your cot isn't between 114 x 54 and 120 x 60 cm then this mattress won't be suitable. For the right bed though, this is a budget-friendly, hypoallergenic and breathable design that will keep your little one happy and healthy while they rest.
A Synthetic Microfibre Blend That Offers Both Softness and Durability
The microfibre cover on this mattress from Baby Elegance is comprised of a polypropylene polyester blend. Not only is it durable and easy to clean, but it should feel as soft as natural fibres on your child's skin.
Unfortunately, this product is neither waterproof nor water-resistant, which is why it's so low in our ranking. To simplify cleaning, this mattress is best paired with a waterproof topper that you'll need to buy separately.
A Lightweight Travel Cot Mattress for Overnight Trips and Holidays
This foam mattress comes with a removable synthetic cover for easy cleaning. It's hypoallergenic and water-resistant but still breathable, so it will protect your little one from allergens as well as overheating during the night.
As this mattress is only 5 cm thick, it won't be suitable for long-term use and will not be supportive enough for older children. Considering the small size, though, it could be a great choice for younger babies or short-term use in a travel cot.
Top 5 Cot Mattresses
No. 1: Snüz｜SnüzSurface Duo Cot Mattress
No. 2: Obaby｜Foam Cot Bed Mattress
No. 3: Niimo｜Soft Mattress
No. 4: Mother Nurture｜Classic Foam Travel Cot Mattress
No. 5: Silentnight｜Safe Nights Superior Cot Mattress
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.