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Best Cot Bed Mattress in the UK for 2023

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Are you welcoming a new member to your family? Getting ready to open your home and heart to a tiny bundle of joy? One of the most important things you’ll need is a flat and firm sleeping surface for your little one to rest and dream the night away. 

How to choose the best cot bed mattress for your baby? We are here to help!

We compiled a list of the top-rated cot mattresses in the UK based on:

  • Quality and durability 
  • Comfort and support
  • Ease of maintenance 
  • Value for money

Let’s get started! 

Written by, Viktor Gruevski

Updated December, 12, 2022

1. Silentnight Safe Nights Luxury Pocket Sprung Cot Mattress

  • Best designed cot mattress
  • Purotex-treated, hypoallergenic cover
  • Contains chemical-free fibrous filling

2. Silentnight Safe Nights Essentials Cot Mattress

  • Best budget cot mattress
  • No-foam construction
  • Firm and durable

3. Mamas & Papas Essential Pocket Spring Cot Mattress

  • Best cot mattress overall
  • Pocketed springs for responsiveness and support
  • Hypoallergenic, removable cover

4. Obaby Natural Coir/Wool Mattress

  • Best natural cot bed mattress
  • 100% natural materials
  • Removable bamboo cover

5. Silver Cross Cot Bed Mattress-Superior

  • Best cot mattress for newborn baby
  • Fully reversible mattress
  • Made with nursery-grade foam

6. Eve Sleep Cot Mattress

  • Most reputable mattress brand
  • Certi-PUR & Oeko-tex Standard-certified
  • 5-year warranty

7. Little Big Dreams Sleep Tight Pocket Sprung Cot Mattress

  • Best cot mattress for allergies
  • Anti-allergy cover
  • 220 supportive pocketed springs

Detailed Reviews

1 . Silentnight Safe Nights Luxury Pocket Sprung Cot Mattress Review

Best designed cot mattress
  • Rating: 9.7
  • Mattress Type: Pocket Spring
  • Size: 140x70x10cm
  • Trial Period: 60 nights
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Delivery: Up to 14 days 
  • Price: £159.00
  • With over 70 years of bed making experience, Silentnight is one of Britain’s most popular mattress brands. All their beds (both for adults and babies) are handmade in the UK and are regularly tested to meet the highest British and European standards.

    The Silentnight cot bed mattress has many features that put it among the top three best-rated; however, it’s in the construction where this model really shines. 

    Designed with mini-pocket springs, this cot bed has a support system that is firm enough for your baby but sufficiently responsive to adapt to your child’s growing body.  What’s more, the foam is chemically treated to provide the cleanest and freshest slumber for your tiny sleeper. 

    The Luxury Pocket mattress is encased in a 3D mesh cover that boosts airflow, allowing the body to breathe freely during the night, thus ensuring better sleep. Moreover, the surface has been treated with Purotex, a 100% natural technology to keep allergens, dust mites and moisture away from your child. The outer shell is also easily removable and machine-washable for when those inevitable incidents and accidents happen.

    The Silentnight Safe Nights mattress is sold with a 3-year warranty and arrives at your door anywhere in the UK and Northern Ireland within two weeks. If for whatever reason, you are not happy with your purchase, you can return it within the first 14 days or replace it with another product in 60 days. 

    This bed is a bit on the higher end of the spectrum, price-wise. Nevertheless, it provides excellent value for money, delivering superior comfort and support packed in an amazingly well-designed baby mattress. Not to mention that that is chemical-free and naturally treated to make sure your baby is safe from various allergens and harmful particles. In short, it ticks all the boxes when it comes to choosing the best cot bed mattress in the UK. 

    Pros
    • Pocket springs for responsive support 
    • No chemicals or harmful materials 
    • 3D mesh cover for increased breathability
    Cons
    • A bit pricey

    2 . Silentnight Safe Nights Essentials Cot Mattress Review

    Best budget cot mattress
  • Rating: 9.5
  • Mattress Type: Eco Comfort Fibre 
  • Size: 120x60x10cm
  • Trial Period: 60 nights
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Delivery: Up to 14 days 
  • Price: £89.00
  • Another model from the Silentnight product range, the Safe Nights Essentials Cot Mattress, is inexpensive, comfortable, safe and supportive. 

    Like all other beds from this brand, the Silentnight Safe Nights Essentials cot mattress is made of the finest, premium British materials.

    These materials include a core made out of 100% recyclable Eco Comfort Fibre layers, which is much safer for babies than foam beds. What’s more, the body is odour and chemical-free, provides excellent natural air circulation, and is incredibly firm, so unlikely to sag or dip over time. 

    The foam-free core is placed within a knit cover that is hypoallergenic and machine-washable for easy maintenance and care. 

    This Silentnight model is cheaper than the Luxury Pocket, but that doesn’t mean it ranks lower in quality. In fact, it comes highly recommended by plenty of best cot bed mattress reviews by happy customers who declare their children simply love napping on this bed. 

    The brand offers the same warranty, delivery, and exchange conditions for all its cot mattresses. That means all beds are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty for three years and can be returned or exchanged within the first two weeks of purchase. 

    Affordable and durable, this bed is ideal for parents on a budget. However, it does not sacrifice comfort and support for the sake of the price. Simply put, it still provides the responsiveness, temperature regulation and superior design one would expect from a reputable mattress company like Silentnight. 

    Pros
    • Fully-recyclable, eco-friendly core  
    • Easy to clean and maintain 
    • Incredibly affordable
    Cons
    • Delivery is not free on all orders

    3 . Mamas & Papas Essential Pocket Spring Cot Mattress Review

    Best cot mattress overall
  • Rating: 10
  • Mattress Type: Pocket Spring 
  • Trial Period: NA
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Delivery: 2–5 days
  • Price: £89
  • Mamas & Papas Essential Pocket Spring Cot Mattress is one of the highest-rated baby beds and our top choice for the best cot mattress in the UK. 

    What makes this bed stand out from the competition? 

    First off, it is incredibly well-built, with pocket springs that work independently, meaning they contour and respond to changing weights and shape. In other words, the mattress will adapt to the size and shape of your growing baby and is thus suitable from birth and beyond. The springs also promote airflow and combined with the fibre core lining, the bed keeps your child cool and comfy through the night. 

    The Mamas and Papas cot mattress is further equipped with crush-resistant walls for additional support and a hypoallergenic cover to protect your little one from environmental triggers. 

    This mattress is also unbelievably easy to care for. It is encased in a waterproof, removable and machine-washable top cover, while the inner shell can be wiped down to ensure the core stays dry and fresh. You might need to rotate and flip the mattress occasionally to air it out and keep it in shape, but this should not take up a lot of your time and effort. 

    Best of all, this UK-made cot mattress is one of the lowest-priced on the market. Plus, it is sold with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty and is delivered free-of-charge for orders over £50 within five working days. 

    The Mamas and Papas cot mattress is among the best choices available right now. It’s safe, secure, and inexpensive—all the features you should look for when buying a mattress for the most important little person in your life. 

    Pros
    • Eco-friendly, breathable materials
    • Exceptional edge support 
    • Made in the UK
    • Biodegradable packaging
    Cons
    • Not reversible 

    4 . Obaby Natural Coir/Wool Mattress Review

    Best natural cot bed mattress
  • Rating: 9.9
  • Mattress Type: Coconut Coir & Wool 
  • Size: 140x70x10cm
  • Trial Period: NA
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Delivery: 2–5 days
  • Price: £129.99
  • Made from organic materials from cover to core, the Obaby cot bed mattress is a parents’ favourite and one of the best green options on the market right now. 

    What exactly goes into the construction of this cot bed mattress?

    The inner core consists of coconut coir bonded with latex to give the bed some bounce and adjust to the baby as it grows and develops. The combination of latex and coconut coir also increases the bed’s breathability, durability, and resilience. 

    The interior of the mattress is then wrapped in soft and plush natural lambswool, which not only provides optimal protection against dust mites and allergens but also helps regulate the baby’s body temperature. 

    The entire construction of the Obaby mattress is encased in an organic, super-gentle bamboo cover. The natural cover protects the bed from bacteria and odours, and it’s more breathable and softer than cotton, thus providing superior temperature regulation. On top of that, it’s removable for easy cleaning after spillages, leaks and other “accidents”. 

    Parents and babies have a lot to like about the Obaby cot bed mattress. In addition to its high-quality, eco-friendly materials, it is reasonably priced and sold with a generous warranty of five years, which can be redeemed by registering on the official website in the first 28 days of purchase. 

    All in all, this Obaby mattress is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a 100% natural and safe option for their children.

    Pros
    • Biodegradable
    • Superior temperature regulating properties 
    • Tough on bacteria, odours and allergens 
    Cons
    • No trial period

    5 . TrueFit Superior Mattress by Silver Cross Review

    Best cot mattress for newborn baby
  • Rating: 9.7
  • Mattress Type: Hybrid  
  • Size: 140x70x10cm
  • Trial Period: NA
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Delivery: 5–10 days  
  • Price: £149.00
  • Made and designed in Britain, the Silver Cross Superior cot bed mattress features six layers of high-quality materials for ergonomic support and superior comfort for babies of all ages—from newborns to toddlers. 

    What exactly makes this bed ideal for your growing baby?

    For starters, the Silver Cross cot bed mattress is fully reversible. Thanks to the Dual Care design, this bed comes with a firmer side for babies aged 0-18 months and a softer side to suit little ones aged 18 months and over. 

    On top of that, the Silver Cross Superior features a total of 190 pocketed springs in the core that actively respond to your baby growing and changing shape. The coils are cushioned between a layer of polyester padding and high-density nursery-grade foam for added comfort, protection and durability. 

    Another standout feature of this cot bed mattress is the unique True Fit element, i.e. the mattress has square-shaped corners for exceptional edge support, keeping the surface flat at all times and providing extra protection for your tiny angel. 

    Finally, the cover is made from Tencel—a breathable, soft and natural fabric with extraordinary moisture-wicking qualities that will keep your infant dry and cool through the night. Not to mention that the cover is waterproof, hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, and it can be removed and cleaned in any standard washing machine, to boot. 

    The Silver Cross cot bed mattress does not come cheap. However, bear in mind that it is of exceptional quality, quite durable and suited to babies of all ages and sizes, so consider it a long-term investment into your child’s quality slumber. 

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic, waterproof & removable cover 
    • True Fit borders for superior edge support 
    • Made in Britain
    Cons
    • More expensive than the competition

    6 . Eve Sleep Cot Mattress Review

    Most reputable mattress brand
  • Rating: 9.5
  • Mattress Type: Hybrid 
  • Size: 120 x 60 x 10cm
  • Trial Period: 30 nights
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Delivery: 3 days
  • Price: £149.00– £169.00
  • An award-winning brand, Eve Sleep has applied the renowned expertise and skills that has made them so popular among adult users to tiny sleepers as well. The design of their cot mattress closely follows that of their premium Eve beds and is guaranteed to provide the same level of comfort and support.

    The Eve baby cot mattress is a 5-layer bed that combines foam and pocketed springs to ensure a safe, cool, and comfy sleeping environment for your little cherub. The premium foam ensures the bed stays flat and doesn’t dip or sag, while the pocketed springs adapt to your baby’s growth and boost airflow. 

    Moving up from the core, the cover is made of soft, breathable and antibacterial material to keep bugs and mites away from your kids. To make maintenance easier for busy mommies, the cover features a waterproof laminate layer (to protect the core from “accidents”), and it is also removable and washable. 

    In addition to being exceptionally comfortable, the Eve cot mattress is versatile too — it’s available in two sizes: a cot mattress and a cot bed mattress, and thus suitable for children from birth to the age of six. 

    On top of all these perks, the Eve bed is quite well-priced and offered with a 5-year guarantee and a 30 night trial period.

    Best of all, Eve mattresses, especially their baby collection, have been tested and certified as compliant with all environmental, health and safety standards. The foams in the Eve baby mattress are nursery-grade, as well as Certi-PUR and Oeko-tex Standard 100 Class I certified.  

    Eve Sleep is a well-established company that is completely transparent about their design, manufacturing, and delivery process. Buying this brand means parents can rest assured that their precious munchkins are safe, comfy and cool as they go off into dreamland. 

    Pros
    • Made in the UK
    • Waterproof, antibacterial & breathable cover 
    • Regularly tested and certified
    Cons
    • A slightly unpleasant smell from the new mattress, though it quickly dissipates

    7 . Little Big Dreams Sleep Tight Pocket Sprung Cot Mattress Review

    Best cot mattress for allergies
  • Rating: 9.0
  • Mattress Type: Pocket Spring  
  • Size: 120x60x10cm
  • Trial Period: NA
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Delivery: 7 days
  • Price: £129.00
  • If you’re on the hunt for safety and allergy protection in a supportive and cosy baby mattress, look no further than Little Big Dream’s Sleep Tight Cot Mattress.  

    The key is in the cover. The Sleep Tight cot bed is encased in ultra-breathable, anti-allergy fabric that protects your bundle of joy from potentially harmful materials and triggers, as well as keeping irritation through the night at a minimum. 

    The cover is also easily removable and washable, so it stays fresh and clean all the time. Like all other baby beds, this mattress has an inner, water-repellent cover that keeps the core safe from spills and leaks. The difference here is that this waterproof layer can be used as an outer cover when the removable one is in the wash. 

    This Dreams cot mattress also features 220 pocket springs in the core that effortlessly adapt to your baby’s changing shape and size. There is no foam in the design and so no trace of the potentially dangerous chemicals commonly used in foam manufacturing.  

    Available for only £129, the Sleep Tight baby mattress comes with a 40-night Comfort Guarantee, meaning if you’re not satisfied with the mattress between 30 and 40 nights of use, Dreams will exchange it for another mattress in the same size.

    This bed might not offer many unique features, but it covers all the safety and comfort basics necessary for your baby to sleep safely and comfortably through the night. What more could we ask for?

    Pros
    • Foam-free design 
    • Complies with all British safety standards
    • Easy to maintain
    Cons
    • Shorter warranty period

    How to Choose the Best Cot Mattress: A Buyer’s Guide

    We put a lot of thought and effort into choosing a mattress for ourselves. When it comes to choosing a bed for babies, there are even more factors and considerations to take into account.

    Here we will list all the important features one needs to consider when selecting the best, safest, and highest-quality baby mattress. 

    Mattress Firmness 

    The firmness of the cot mattress is one of the most important factors when choosing the best bed for your baby. 

    The baby’s mattress should be firm, flat, supportive, and ranging between 8 and 10 cm in depth. 

    Don’t choose a mattress that feels comfortable for you! The best way to check the firmness is to do a simple test. If a cot mattress responds to pressure by quickly snapping back to its original shape, both in the centre and the edges, then it should be firm enough for your little one.

    Safety Certifications

    Choosing a baby mattress that complies with British Safety Standards is a must. No one likes to think of the risks involved, but the fact of the matter is that the safety regulations are in place for a reason, so there can be no compromise in this area. 

    These are two standards baby mattresses in the UK need to follow: 

    • BS 1877-10:2011 + A1:2012, which covers the materials used, the construction and dimensions. 
    • BS 7177:2008 + A1:2011, certifying that the mattress is fire-retardant. 

    Another one to look for is BS EN 16890:2017—the most recent standard, which is not currently mandatory. It refers to mattress firmness, the presence of zips (which could be a choking hazard) and the mattress cover (which could shrink in the washing and create a dangerous gap between the mattress and the sides of the cot).

    Cot Mattress Sizes

    The standard cot mattress size is 60x120cm, while a cot bed mattress size is typically 70cmx140cm. Cot bed mattresses are generally bigger as they can be used when the bed is transformed from a crib to a toddler bed. 

    Always carefully check the bed and cot mattress sizes before you buy. The mattress must fit the bed with no more than a 3cm gap around the edges or sides so that babies don’t get their hands and feet trapped in the gap during the night. 

    Also, make sure that there is at least 50cm space from the top of the cot to stop your baby from climbing out of the mattress. 

    Mattress Materials and Breathability

    Cot bed mattresses can include different materials to help improve breathability. Your best choice is to go with a hypoallergenic and breathable cover, which can be removed and washed in any standard machine to eliminate dust mites and other potential environmental threats to your baby.

    What about the material of the mattress?

    The most common materials for baby mattresses are foam, springs and organic fibre.

    A memory foam cot bed mattress is generally the most affordable option. Foam cot mattresses are lighter than spring ones, making them easier for cleaning and manoeuvring. They can, though, lose shape after a few years, so they are better for short-term use.

    A spring cot bed mattress is more durable than foam but also more expensive. The interior features coils and padding layers, supporting the baby and enabling the mattress to keep its shape. The more coils the bed has, the better the support. On top of that, the space between the springs allows air to circulate more freely, keeping your baby cool and comfortable. 

    Organic beds, considered by many as the best baby cot mattress, are made from chemical and allergen-free natural materials such as bamboo, wool, coconut coir, natural latex, or eco fibre. Natural beds are ideal for allergy-prone households as they have antibacterial properties, and they are breathable and incredibly supportive.  Bear in mind, though, that these beds are the most expensive and not that easy to find on the market. 

    Easy Maintenance

    Baby spills or nappy leaks will inevitably happen, so you’ll need a cot mattress that you can clean effortlessly. It’s best (and easiest) if the baby mattress has an outside fabric layer that is removable and machine-washable.

    Those without a zip-off cover can be cleaned by wiping them down or vacuuming them.  However, if you want to ensure maximum cleanness and freshness, you might want to consider investing in a cot mattress protector

    Durability and Quality

    Durability and quality often complement each other. The better the quality of the mattress you choose, the longer it will last. 

    Before buying a mattress, think about how long your child would use it. If you have a crib that converts to a toddler bed, it might be worth it to spend a little more money on a high-quality, long-lasting mattress. 

    If you’re using it just for the crib, you won’t have any issues with durability. Most baby mattresses last for at least two years, by which time your baby will have grown out of the cot. 

    Avoid Secondhand Mattresses 

    Even though rumours that second-hand mattresses could cause cot death have never been confirmed, used beds are not considered to be the safest baby mattress

    If you do decide on a second-hand bed, ensure that the mattress is still in good shape (in terms of firmness and flatness) and that there are no rips or tears in the cover. 

    Check the Price

    The price should never be the most important factor; however,  it is something to consider as well. 

    Instead of shopping around for the cheapest cot bed, find one you believe is of good quality and durability and check for certain buying perks offered by the manufacturer. Luckily, most mattress brands out there offer a variety of discounts and coupon codes, as well as more than one cot bed mattress sale throughout the year to ease some of the strain on your budget. 

    Brand Reputation 

    Sadly, many companies label their products “natural” or “organic” without specifically adhering to certifications. For that reason, parents must read the fine print in the product specification. It’s also worth looking into the company’s background and checking how transparent they are about their manufacturing process. 

    Wrapping Up

    Choosing the right mattress will increase both the parents and child’s chances of having a good night’s sleep!  

    With that in mind, don’t look at just the price, but carefully consider all aspects starting from firmness and material to ease of maintenance and durability. Once you cover all these factors, you can easily choose the best cot bed mattress for your LO. 

    FAQ

    What is a cot bed?

    A cot is smaller and suitable from birth till about 1 to 2 years old, whereas a cot bed is bigger and can be used from birth to about five years old. They both come in standard dimensions, the former is usually 120x60cm, while the latter is 140x70cm.

    What thickness should a cot mattress be?

    Ideally, the baby’s mattress should be around 8 to 10cm thick. This depth is considered ideal for handling the baby’s weight and not sag or dip under pressure, thus ensuring that your child is lying flat on its back all night.

    Is foam or spring mattress better for babies?

    Both types of bed, if they are of sound quality, would be a good choice. Keep in mind that foam beds tend to be lighter and thus easier to handle and maintain. Spring mattresses are bouncier, more durable and cooler, but tend to cost more.

    Do I need a mattress protector?

    A mattress protector will help the bed last longer, which is especially important if you’re planning on using the same mattress for a second child. Look for a breathable mattress protector that is waterproof and hypoallergenic to further protect your bambino from allergens and dust mites.

    How often should you change a cot mattress?

    If you see dents, surface damage, or stains on your baby’s mattress, or if the mattress has lost its firmness and shape, it’s time to replace it.

    How long does a cot bed mattress last?

    The lifespan of a cot mattress is determined by several factors, including the material and cover, as well as how well the bed is taken care of. Typically, the cot mattress should last for about five years.

    How do I know if my baby’s mattress is firm enough?

    As we mentioned in our guide, the best cot bed mattress for your baby must be flat and firm. To test it, press on the mattress in the centre and at the edges. If it snaps back easily and does not conform to the shape of your hand, then it is firm enough for your baby.