10 Best Cot Mattresses UK 2022 | Silentnight, Snüz and More

1. Select an Internal Structure That Will Provide Enough Comfort and Support
   
2. Consider the Outer Material and Choose a Removable Cover for Easy Cleaning 
3. Check the Industry Standard Measurements to Determine the Right Mattress Size
   

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.

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.

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.

For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:

1. Snüz - SnüzSurface Duo Cot Mattress for £137.99
   
2. Mother Nurture - Classic Foam Travel Cot Mattress for £22.99
3. Niimo - Soft Mattress for £31.99
4. Obaby - Foam Cot Bed Mattress for £34.99
5. Silentnight - Safe Nights Superior Cot Mattress for £170.00

This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.

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Written and researched by Alicia Byrne