Best Cot Mattresses For 2024

Safety is the first thing that you’ll be considering when choosing the best cot mattress for your little one. Whether you’re a new parent, your baby has outgrown their current mattress, or you’re just looking for something different, choosing the best type of mattress for your baby is key to not only their safety, but their growth and development, too.

What is the best type of mattress for a baby?

As we explain in our guide to kid’s bed sizes, there are a range of different types of mattresses that are suited to different ages. A cot mattress is best for babies ages 0-2 years, while a cot bed mattress is best for toddlers aged 2-4. After this age, you’ll want to start looking at shorty mattresses or small singles, but we’re going to focus on cot and cot bed mattresses in this guide.

While the best type of mattress for your baby will be personal to them and their needs, for example if they have allergies to specific materials, there are a few types that are especially good for young children and babies. Our Cot Bed Mattress Buying Guide will give you more detail, but here are the main best types of mattresses for babies.

Hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic mattresses are the best mattresses for baby cots, as they prevent the build up of allergens and bacteria. As your little one’s immune system is still developing, this helps to shield them from dust and dirt that can easily cause sniffles and coughs. More generally, a hypoallergenic mattress will provide a cleaner, more hygienic sleeping environment for your child, which is important for healthy growth.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are great for babies, as they mould to the unique shape of their little body. This contouring allows the mattress to support them at every curve, applying pressure relief at every touch point. This supports them through their growth and development - which is mostly done at night - and ensures their body is cushioned no matter how they turn or wriggle in the night.

Some memory foam can retain heat, however - and since babies can’t regulate their temperature very well, a memory foam mattress with cool gel or other cooling properties is best for a baby.

Pocket sprung

Pocket sprung mattresses are best for heavier babies, especially firm ones. This is because the independent springs react to your child’s movements, and adapts levels of support based on their weight disbursement over the mattress.

Firm pocket springs will keep their pressure points nicely supported, maintaining a healthy sleeping posture and comforting them in their sleeping position.

Firm pocket springs might not be ideal for very light babies, as they’ll end up just sleeping ‘on top’ of the mattress and not feeling the benefits of the support. For these babies, memory foam is best.

What firmness of mattress is best for a cot mattress?

Babies benefit the most from a firm mattress, as this allows their bodies to be most supported as they grow. In fact, a firm mattress has been said to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and as newborns and young children lack the motor skills to turn their head or roll over properly, they can risk suffocation if the mattress is too soft.

The best cot mattress of 2024

There are far too many innovative, supportive cot mattresses on the market to pick just one, but here are the top 3 cot mattresses if you’re looking for a new sleep surface for your baby this year; or alternatively, if you're wondering how to swaddle a baby for sleep, you can read our handy guide.

Simba Hybrid® Cot Bed Mattress

From creative mattress creators, SIMBA, this mattress features both super supportive Aerocoil® Microsprings and cushioning soft white fibres. This mattress is actually the best investment if you’re a new parent, as it's dual sided, and can be flipped as your child grows.

On one side the mattress is firmer for newborns and young babies, and on the other is softer for toddlers who need to ‘dip’ into the mattress as they get heavier. Therefore, this cot mattress ends up being the best value for money as well as incredibly supportive, as it’ll last you years without having to replace it when your child reaches 2.

Also, this mattress is highly breathable, with air being able to easily circulate around the pocket springs and soft white fibres. This prevents overheating, keeping your baby cool, fresh and safe.

Silentnight Healthy Growth Cosy Toddler Mattress

This cot bed mattress from industry leaders Silentnight is not only one of the best baby mattresses on the market, but the best memory foam mattress for babies.

With firm, orthopaedic support, this mattress is ideal for keeping your baby supported when you lay them down on their back. The memory foam will gently conform to their natural shape, keeping their spine aligned to promote healthy growth.

This cot bed mattress also features soft white fibres, which enhances breathability throughout. This not only prevents overheating, keeping your baby nice and cool all night long, but also keeps their bed clean and hygienic, wicking away excess moisture.

For more help finding the best mattress for your baby, read our guides to buying your child a kids’ mattress, or if you’ve got older children too, how to choose the best bunk bed.