Why choose a cot mattress?
A cot bed mattress, or a crib mattress, is designed for babies and toddlers, so its priorities differ from those of an adult mattress. Instead of a soft, sink-in feel, younger children need a mattress that feels firm, flat and supportive.
The right cot bed mattress should also fit the frame closely, without gaps around the edges. Removable or wipe-clean covers can make everyday clean-ups easier, especially through nighttime accidents, spills and toddler years.
How to choose the right cot bed mattress
Start with the cot or cot bed frame you already have. The safest mattress is the one that properly matches the frame size, sits flat, and leaves no gaps along the sides.
Compare:
Size: Check whether your cot needs a 120cm x 60cm mattress or a larger 140cm x 70cm cot bed mattress.
Fit: Measure the inside of the frame, not the outside, so the mattress sits snugly without being squeezed or leaving gaps.
Firmness: Choose a mattress designed to feel firm and supportive for babies and toddlers, rather than soft or deeply cushioned.
Hygiene: Look for removable, washable or wipe-clean covers to make accidents easier to manage.
Breathability: Breathable materials can help air move through the mattress, which is useful for a fresh and comfortable sleep space.
Why shop at MattressNextDay?
Next day delivery - Choose an eligible in-stock cot mattress and get free next-day delivery across the UK mainland.
Lowest price promise - Compare cot bed mattresses from trusted brands with added price reassurance.
Old mattress removal - Add old mattress removal at checkout and make switching to a natural mattress easier.
Excellent reviews - Read verified customer reviews to compare comfort, service and delivery before you buy.
Award-winning retailer - Order from a three-time NBF Online Bed Retailer of the Year.
British-designed quality - Shop British-designed mattresses made with carefully selected fillings, fabrics and support systems.
Need help choosing your next mattress?
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Buying guidance for cot mattresses
What should parents look for in a cot bed mattress?
The most important things to check are fit, firmness and hygiene. The mattress should sit flat in the bed frame, feel firm and supportive, and fit snugly with no gaps around the edges.
For peace of mind, look for a mattress designed specifically for babies and toddlers, not a cut-down version of an adult mattress. The surface should feel supportive rather than soft or sink-in, and the cover should be practical enough for everyday nursery use.
What size cot bed mattress do you need?
The most popular size for cot mattresses is 120cm x 60cm, while for cot bed mattresses, which are designed for older toddlers, the common dimensions are 140cm x 70cm. These two sizes should fit most cots and cot beds without being pushed up at the ends or squeezed on the sides. The mattress should lie flat to make sure your little one has a comfortable night’s sleep.
Our top tip: Measure twice, buy once! Remember to measure the interior dimensions of your crib, cot, or cot bed (not the exterior) to ensure your mattress fits perfectly.
What should a cot bed mattress feel like?
A cot bed mattress should feel firm, flat and comfortable. Babies and toddlers do not need a soft, cushioned mattress in the same way an adult might.
If you press gently on the surface, it should feel supportive and return to shape. Avoid using a mattress that sags, dips, feels overly soft or no longer sits level in the frame.
What cover should a cot bed mattress have?
Look for a cot bed mattress with a practical, easy-to-clean cover, or buy waterproof bedding to go alongside it. Removable, washable or wipe-clean covers can make everyday accidents easier to manage without leaving the mattress feeling damp or difficult to refresh.
A waterproof inner layer or suitable mattress protector can also help protect the mattress core. Before ordering, check the care instructions to know how to clean the cover and whether it can be removed for washing.
Delivery, recycling, and guarantees
Free next-day delivery to most locations - Choose an eligible in-stock cot mattress and get free next-day delivery across most UK mainland locations.
Free weekend delivery - Choose a weekend delivery slot, if available, so your mattress arrives when it is easier for someone to be home.
Choose a delivery date - Pick your preferred delivery date at checkout to make it easier to plan around work, moving day, or replacing an old mattress.
Learn more about our delivery and returns policies.
We make old mattress disposal easy for you
Just £39 to responsibly dispose of your old mattress - Add old mattress removal at checkout, and MattressNextDay will take care of your old mattress when your new one arrives.
100% of your mattress is reused and recycled - Every mattress is broken down into its core components so the raw materials can be repurposed instead of going to landfill.
A greener way to get rid of your old mattress - Avoid the hassle of arranging disposal yourself and choose a recycling service that is designed to be convenient and work around your needs.
Find a great value cot bed mattress
Looking for a supportive mattress for your baby or toddler? Explore the latest MattressNextDay sale and compare nursery and children’s mattresses by size, cover type, support and delivery availability. Shop mattress sale.
Ask the expert about cot mattresses
Choosing a cot bed mattress can feel more important than choosing your own. Parents want to know their baby or toddler has a mattress that fits properly, feels supportive and is easy to keep clean.
Martin Seeley, Product Expert at MattressNextDay, answers common questions about cot bed mattress sizes, firmness, hygiene and delivery.
Do all cots use the same size mattress?
No. Some cots use a 120cm x 60cm mattress, while many cot beds use a 140cm x 70cm mattress.
The mattress should fit the frame snugly and lie flat, without gaps around the edges.
How firm should a cot bed mattress be?
A cot bed mattress should feel firm and flat. It should support your baby or toddler evenly and should not sag, dip or feel overly soft.
How thick should a cot bed mattress be?
Many cot bed mattresses are around 10cm thick, but you should always check the cot or cot bed manufacturer’s guidance. The mattress needs to fit the frame safely and leave the correct height around the sides.
Can I use a second-hand cot bed mattress?
A new mattress is usually preferred for a baby. If you do use an existing mattress, it should be firm, flat, clean, dry, waterproof, in good condition and fit the cot with no gaps.
Do not use a mattress that is torn, sagging, damaged or no longer lies flat.
Are cot bed mattresses waterproof?
Some cot bed mattresses include a waterproof or wipe-clean cover, while others may need a separate protector. Check the product details before ordering.
A waterproof layer can help protect the mattress from accidents and keep the sleep surface easier to clean.
Are cot bed mattresses hypoallergenic?
Some cot bed mattresses are made with hypoallergenic or anti-allergy materials, but this varies by product.
Check the full product specification if allergies or sensitivities are a concern.
When should I replace a cot bed mattress?
Replace a cot bed mattress if it no longer feels firm and flat, has started to sag, is damaged, has a torn cover, or no longer fits the frame properly.
A mattress should also be replaced if it cannot be cleaned or dried properly after an accident.
Can I get next-day delivery on a cot mattress?
Selected in-stock cot bed mattresses are available with free next-day delivery across the UK mainland. See the delivery page or individual product pages for the latest information.