As your toddler grows, so does their bed, and they'll need a toddler mattress to go with that bed. Whether you bought a cot bed that can easily be transformed into a toddler bed, or you've decided to invest in a new 'big bed', you'll want the best toddler mattress to replace the smaller cot mattress so that they can get the best night's sleep.
Most toddlers either sleep in a cot bed or toddler bed or even a single bed – you can buy small single beds or normal-size single beds.
It's important for your little ones to be comfy at night so it's worth investing in the best toddler mattress. Remember that safety comes first, and the safest mattresses are firm and flat and protected by a waterproof mattress cover. Having a cover keeps the mattress safe when there's an accident, so it stays clean and dry while you wipe the cover clean or even wash it if possible.
Editor's Choice:
• Best toddler mattress overall: CuddleCo Lullaby Hypo-Allergenic Bamboo Cot Bed Mattress - £59
• Best dual-sided toddler mattress: SnuzSurface Pro Adaptable Cot Bed Mattress - £149.95
• Best toddler mattress for hygiene: Silentnight Safe Nights Superior Pocket Cot Bed Mattress - £155.99
• Best natural toddler mattress: Little Green Sheep Group Twist Natural Cot Bed Mattress - £186.15
• Best toddler mattress with removable washable cover: Ickle Bubba Finest Premium Cot Bed Mattress - £199.99
How we tested the best toddler mattresses
We've rounded up some of the top-rated toddler mattresses on the market that have all been reviewed by real parents, so whether you're looking for a hypo-allergenic bamboo mattress, or a dual-sided mattress you're bound to find something suitable for your little one.
How to choose the best mattress for your toddler
Generally a firm mattress is the best type to buy for your toddler. Memory foam mattresses aren't recommended for babies, toddlers and other younger children, as it moulds to their body shape and might not support their growing spine.
We've taken a look at lots of different types of toddler mattresses, so if your child has allergies, or you want one that's eco-friendly, there might be other factors you want to consider.
Remember toddler mattresses come in different sizes, so it's important you get one that fits the bed frame exactly.
Toddler mattress safety
There are several safety codes you should look out for when buying a toddler mattress. These codes are British Standards (BS) codes, BS 1877-10:2011+A1:2012 which covers the kinds of materials, construction and dimensions of the mattress, and BS 7177:1996 guarantees it has passed flammability standards.
Buying a second-hand mattress isn't recommended, however, we know sometimes it's necessary. If you're buying a second-hand mattress, make sure it has always been covered by a waterproof cover. Plus, check that it's still firm and flat, with no damage or rips.
Ideally you should turn your toddler's mattress around every six months, this will help maximise its lifespan and freshen up their sleep space.
The best toddler mattresses tried and tested by our mums 2024
Best toddler mattress overall
www.cuddleco.co.uk
Description
Award: Won Gold at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 for Baby Sleep Product
The CuddleCo Lullaby mattress has a popular dual-side design, one side is designed for a baby and another for a toddler. The side for a baby is a typical soft mattress, while the other side has a waterproof layer, perfect for your potty training toddler.
The mattress is also made from natural hypo-allergenic and anti-microbial properties, which means it promotes a germ-free and clean sleep environment. CuddleCo say this mattress provides comfort for your baby, and it certainly does according to our mum tester, who was very happy with it. However, one downside of this mattress is that it doesn't come with a spare cover, which could leave you hunting of an alternative when you have to change it in the middle of the night.
Mum tester Steph said: "My son has really taken to this mattress, and it's given him plenty of good nights' sleep! I feel I can put him down easier and feel more at ease knowing he's on a comfortable mattress for the night. I'm also looking forward to testing out the waterproof side, as this is really ingenious for the potty training days!"
Read our full review of the CuddleCo Lullaby Hypo-Allergenic Bamboo Cot Bed Mattress
Pros
- Offers support to babies while they sleep
- Has two sides, one for potty training and one soft side for your little ones
- Bamboo keeps the child cool in warm weather
- Removable cover
Cons
- Doesn't include a spare cover
Best bamboo toddler mattress
www.boots.com
Description
Award: Won Bronze at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 for Baby Sleep Product
Like the CuddleCo Lullaby mattress above, this Signature version is also a two-sided mattress, with a normal fabric layer and a waterproof layer. The mattress also comes with the natural hypoallergenic and anti-microbial properties, meaning it is a germ-free, cleaner environment. This version is a pocket sprung mattress, meaning it will contour to your little one's movement and body shape, something our mum tester loved. As with the Lullaby mattress above, this one also doesn't come with a spare cover, which is worth taking into consideration.
Mum tester April said: "This mattress seems really comfy, it's really soft and springy and easy to clean. My daughter really liked it, it felt like it contoured to her shape, and she looked so cosy when she was sleeping. She moves a lot in her sleep, and the mattress supported her well as she was sleeping. She slept just as well, if not better than usual from the first night using it."
Read our full review of the CuddleCo Signature Hypo-Allergenic Bamboo Pocket Sprung Cot Bed Mattress
Pros
- Two-sided
- Suitable from birth to 5 years old
- Helpful with nighttime toilet training
Cons
- Doesn't come with a spare cover
- Some felt it was too soft for under 6 months
Best toddler mattress with removable washable cover
Description
Award: Won Silver at the Mother&Baby Awards 2022 for Baby Sleep Product
The Ickle Bubba Finest Premium cot bed mattress really is premium, as our tester described it as making her life easier. Something every parent needs! This mattress has the dual-core design, with a firmer newborn side, and a softer side designed for toddlers. It also features a washable zipped cover, which our tester said was easy to remove and wash, however it does take a while to dry. For the full premium treatment, this mattress also has more 220 individual pocket springs, and clever Coolmax performance fabric to help regulate body temperature.
Mum tester Charlotte said: "This mattress definitely makes life easier as a mum because of the removable, washable cover. It is so easy to zip off, wash and put back on again when we've had those nights with a few mishaps! We still use a mattress protector on top, but this is an extra layer of protection. The cover washed really well and dried easily, saving time and worry about getting the mattress ready for the next night's sleep."
Read our full review of the Ickle Bubba Finest Premium Cot Bed Mattress
Pros
- Lightweight
- Body temperature regulation
- Removable cover
Cons
- Cover takes a while to dry
- High price
Best dual-sided toddler mattress
Description
Award: Won Bronze at the Mother&Baby Awards 2022
Another mattress which has the popular dual-sided design, is the SnuzSurface Pro Adaptable cot bed mattress. Offering two levels of firmness, depending on your child's age, this mattress also has a waterproof membrane, perfect for those nights when you're potty training. With a pocket spring core, you can simply change the firmness by unzipping the mattress and flipping over the insides, however it will take a while to settle. An added bonus is that it will last up until your child is seven!
Mum tester Stefanie said: "I would definitely recommend this mattress due to the stability and longevity. I love the idea that it can grow with the child and can move sections around to go from a stable firm mattress for a newborn right through to a comfy mattress for a toddler/child. You can tell it is well made, and that it will last throughout the years, which as so many baby products have such a short lifespan, I would say that this is a huge positive."
Read our full review of the SnuzSurface Pro Adaptable Cot Bed Mattress
Pros
- Two levels of firmness
- Well made
- Memory foam
- Longevity
- Removable cover
Cons
- The mattress needs time to level out (7 days)
- High price
Best organic toddler mattress
Description
Award: Won Silver at the Mother&Baby Awards 2020 for Best Sleep Product
If you're looking for a mattress which is suitable for asthma sufferers, then this is perfect, with its breathable and self-ventilating organic coconut fibre. The Naturalmat Coco Mat Quilted Cot Bed Mattress is handmade and has been a huge hit with our real mum testers, who said it was very comfortable for their kids, however the mattress is said to be quite heavy, which could be difficult for some parents, especially if you need to change it in the middle of the night.
M&B awards tester Sam said: "Such a lovely mattress. I love that one side is tailored for babies and the other for growing toddlers, which saves the need to purchase another mattress as my baby grows and her needs change. The machine washable cover is essential and it is easy enough to remove and refit once clean. The cover is also breathable and self-ventilating, which in this recent hot weather has been excellent."
Read our full review of the Naturalmat Coco Mat Quilted Cot Bed Mattress
Pros
- High-quality and long-lasting
- Two sides
- Removable cover
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Thick mattress, so standard sheet doesn't fit
Best toddler mattress for hygiene
Description
Award: Won Silver at the Mother&Baby Awards 2019 for Best Sleep Product
Featuring a natural lambs' wool support system, the Silentnight Safe Nights Superior Pocket Cot Bed Mattress is supportive for your baby's head and body. Our tester said her little boy slept on it better than he had in the next to me crib, so it definitely gets the baby's seal of approval. And if you're wondering about how hygienic it is, then it comes with Purotex, a 100 per cent natural treatment that combats moisture, mites and allergens. Despite a glowing review from most parents, one did comment that it appeared to 'dent' after just seven days use.
M&B award tester Natalie said: "My little boy was previously in a 'next to me' crib and seemed to love it, so I was a little concerned that the mattress wouldn't be as comfortable for him. But since moving him into his cot using this mattress, he has slept even better and settles down to sleep fabulously. I know I can pop him into his cot and be confident that he will happily chill out and pop himself off to sleep."
Read our full review of the Silentnight Safe Nights Superior Pocket Cot Bed Mattress
Pros
- Lightweight
- Removable cover
- Three layers
Cons
- Could do with care instructions
- Appears to mould to shape of body 'permanently'
Best natural toddler mattress
Description
Award: Won Gold at the Mother&Baby Awards 2021 for Best Sleep Product
This multi-award-winning mattress is made using coconut coir, natural latex, wool and cotton. The Little Green Sheep Group Twist Natural Cot Bed Mattress is also free from harmful chemicals and has a firm supportive core. Once again, this has a double-sided design, which means there is a firm side for babies and a softer side for toddlers and beyond, something which is increasingly important to parents. One downside of this mattress is that it doesn't come with a waterproof cover and the recommended cover is an additional £30.
Mum tester Elizabeth said: "I loved the ethos behind this brand and the use of natural products within the mattress. I was reassured by the literature inside the product, which described it as being free from chemicals and also hypoallergenic. I value these features when purchasing products for my child. I was also impressed that the mattress was dual-sided with directions on which side to use based on age. This is important to me as in the past I have been uncertain which type of mattress to use in terms of spinal support and found this feature reassuring."
Read our full review of the Little Green Sheep Group Twist Natural Cot Bed Mattress
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Two sides
- Breathable and hypoallergenic
- Temperature regulating
Cons
- No waterproof mattress protector
What size toddler mattresses are there?
Cot mattress: 60cm x 120cm
Cot bed or toddler bed mattress: 70cm x 140cm
Small single mattress: 75cm x 190cm
Single mattress: 90cm x 190cm
Being a little bit bigger than toddler beds for up to four years old, small single beds are narrower than a normal single and are ideal for small box rooms.
It's important to make sure your mattress fits your bed frame properly, and also check the size of bed you're buying will fit in your child's room.
What sort of mattresses can you buy?
Traditional spring mattresses: Feature a series of connected springs for support over the entire sleeping area.
Pocket spring mattresses: Individual springs move independently to fit to body shape and relieve pressure.
Combination mattresses: Combined springs and a layer of memory foam, latex or gel, providing enhanced comfort and pressure relief.
Advanced mattresses: The ultimate in comfort and support. Advanced materials like memory foam, latex or gel provide enhanced support and comfort.
Memory foam mattresses: Innovative and responsive memory foam; conforms to your shape and provides superior comfort.
Natural mattresses: Layers of natural fibres provide a comfortable sleeping surface while also providing support for your body.
When should I start using a toddler mattress?
It's important not to rush the transition of moving your toddler into a big kid bed or feeling like you have to instantly change their mattress. Between the ages of 18 months to 3 years is considered the normal time to start using a toddler mattress.
Some mattresses even have dual use, with one side for newborns up to 18 months and the other side for 18 months+.
Sophie Knight is a journalist and mum of two, and previously edited motherandbaby.com before moving on to write about family cars for Parkers.co.uk. Now Sophie is Commercial Content Editor for Mother&Baby, Closer, Heat, Empire, Yours, Garden News, and WhatsTheBest.