7 Best Cot Mattresses in Australia for Newborn and Toddler

Our comprehensive guide on how to choose a mattress for your baby, from newborn to toddler, with a list of the best cot mattresses currently available in Australia, for all sizes and price points.

best cot mattress australia

A quality sleeping surface is so important for good sleep, and it’s doubly true for babies, whose tiny bodies are still developing and need all the support they can get whilst ensuring safe sleep.

You’ve already picked out a beautiful cot, and now it’s time to think about the mattress for your baby. With young babies and toddlers spending so much of their time in slumberland, naturally you want to make sure you make the right choice in terms of safety, comfort and support for your newest family member.

With sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) a very real risk, your first concern will be whether or not the mattress is safe. Red Nose, Australia’s leading authority on safe sleep advice, stipulates that a safe sleeping surface for babies should be firm, clean, flat, and the right size. In addition to this, you want your baby or toddler’s body to be properly supported as well as being comfortable enough to sleep well, so there’s certainly a lot to think about when making your decision. 

As cot sizes are not standardised and with some cot brands even having designed their own unique sizing, it can be a hassle just to make sure the mattress you choose fits your cot correctly. For this reason, we have included the dimensions of each of our reviewed cot mattresses to make this as easy as possible.

Read on to see our list of the best cot mattresses for babies and toddlers currently sold in Australia.

Newton Baby Cot Mattress

1. Newton Baby Cot Mattress

100% breathable, 100% washable core, perfect for stomach sleepers and toddlers

Mattress size: 132 x 71 x 14 cm

The Newton Baby Cot Mattress boasts 100% breathability, meaning that air circulates right through the core of the mattress. This is all thanks to Newton’s innovative Wovenaire Core, which is made of 10% food grade polymer. The other 90%? Air! This makes it the most lightweight and breathable mattress on our list with naturally temperature regulating properties. Not only does this provide superior safety for stomach sleepers, it also ensures no sweaty backs and wet pyjamas, even during the hottest of nights.

Completely free from common mattress materials including foam, latex, springs and glue, there are no potentially toxic chemicals and no risk of allergy to these materials. The mattress is naturally protective against dust mites and other allergens, and is 100% washable at home so it’s easy to maintain very high levels of cleanliness and hygiene. 

The zippered, easy to remove polyester cover can be thrown in the wash whilst the body of the mattress can be spot cleaned as needed, or even submerged in your bathtub for a deep clean. It also dries unbelievably quickly ready for bedtime. Such easy cleaning is perfect for messy little bodies and makes this our favourite cot mattress for toddlers.

The Newton Baby Cot mattress will last from the newborn days right up until your toddler outgrows his cot several years later. When this mattress finally reaches the end of its life cycle, all parts of it are fully recyclable for responsible and guilt free disposal.

Love N Care Aloe Vera Mattress

2. Love N Care Aloe Vera Mattress

Our pick for the best cot mattress for eczema and sensitive skin

Mattress size: 130 x 69 x 13 cm

This latex mattress is covered in a luxurious aloe vera enriched cover which not only actively helps to prevent overheating, but also provides moisturising properties to combat delicate dry skin. Highly breathable, it allows air to better circulate around the body and has a lovely, super soft-touch feel. 

With a sleeping surface that is hypoallergenic and naturally antibacterial, it’s the perfect choice for babies suffering from allergies or sensitive skin. The high density core ensures an even, firm sleeping surface for the very best in sleep safety.

Constructed of a high quality tempered steel frame and springs, it’s built to last and will see you right into the toddler years, backed with a 6 year manufacturer’s warranty.

Boori Cot Bed Pocket Spring Mattress

3. Boori Cot Bed Pocket Spring Mattress

Support, comfort and longevity from leading Australian owned brand

Mattress size: 132 x 70 x 12 cm

Take advantage of the renowned quality of Boori products with this wonderful pocket spring mattress. Fitting most newer Boori cots and as well as many others brands, it offers the ultimate in long lasting support from an Australian brand that is well known and trusted within the baby care community. 

At just 12cm in height, you don’t need to worry about your baby potentially being able to climb out of his cot, like you might with taller mattresses. Inside this small package are hundreds of high quality tempered springs, all working independently to react to the pressure applied. Surrounded by multiple layers of a comfortable, breathable foam and covered in a luxe, polyester outer fabric, your little one is bound to sleep well.

The included 5 year warranty promises that this mattress will serve your baby well from the newborn days all the way to toddlerhood.

Clevamama Clevafoam Travel Cot Mattress

 Best For Flat Head 

4. Clevamama Clevafoam Travel Cot Mattress

Versatile travel cot mattress with innovative pressure relieving technology

Mattress size: 95 x 65 x 7 cm

The Clevamama Clevafoam is our choice for the best cot mattress for flat head, and gets full marks for versatility because of its unique tri-fold design which can be converted into several different configurations: full sized cot mattress, play mat and even a comfy lounge for older babies and toddlers. 

Super lightweight at less than 500g, it folds up for easy transportation, fitting most travel cots and is constructed with lightweight, spongy and breathable materials which help to reduce heat retention and, in turn, potential overheating. Despite this, it maintains a firm surface for safe sleep and is suitable for newborns right up to toddlerhood.

Clevafoam technology has been developed to reduce the pressure on the back of the head by 50%, helping to support the shape of your baby’s growing head. This makes it an excellent choice for babies with or at risk of a flat head, with independent studies showing it actively prevents Flat Head Syndrome.

Independently tested, this mattress is hypoallergenic, pH balanced and free from harmful substances. It also has a zippered, machine washable cover for easy washing and is a wonderful choice for babies who spend a lot of time sleeping away from home.

Heavenly Dream Airflow Cot Mattress

5. Heavenly Dream Airflow Cot Mattress

Large holes punctured into the mattress promote air flow and reduce overheating

Mattress size: 131  x 75 x 12 cm

Designed specifically to help combat sudden infant death syndrome, the Heavenly Dream Airflow Cot Mattress features large holes in the polyester pads of the mattress to promote air flow, allowing body heat to be dispersed evenly, in turn reducing the risk of overheating. This protective feature makes this our pick for the best cot mattress for newborn babies who are most at risk of SUDI.

The mattress is firm and sturdy, with independent, tempered steel springs providing even support and structure whilst moving with the body to provide comfort. The surrounding polyester pads provide breathability and can be easily wiped, or even hosed down, to clean, and the quilted cotton cover is removable and suitable for both the washing machine and tumble dryer. So easy to clean and dry, you won’t need a separate mattress protector - simply pop on a fitted sheet and you’re ready to go.

A great choice for babies with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis, this mattress is non allergenic and resistant to dust mites, naturally antibacterial and contains no PVC or potentially harmful chemicals.

Childcare Inner Spring Mattress

6. Childcare Inner Spring Mattress

Solid all rounder with side ventilation that won’t break the bank

Mattress size: 130  x 69 x 12.5 cm

For a budget friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality, this innerspring mattress from Childcare delivers a firm, SUDI safe sleeping surface with ventilation on all four sides. This promotes air flow and reduces moisture retention for a cooler, more comfortable sleep.

High density foam surrounds the tempered steel springs, ensuring this mattress maintains its shape with no dips or lumps for years to come. Its 100% polyester outer cover is low allergenic and durable, and although not the softest surface to touch, once the bed is made it seems comfortable with good response to body weight. This is certainly one of the firmer baby mattresses on our list.

Although it can be spot cleaned, this mattress is not suitable for drycleaning, nor washing or submerging in water and it doesn’t have a removable cover, so we recommend using it with a breathable mattress cover for maximum longevity and cleanliness.

Giselle Bedding Pocket Spring and Memory Foam

7. Giselle Bedding Pocket Spring and Memory Foam

This combination mattress wraps all the best features up in a luxe aloe vera fabric

Mattress size: 131 x 69 x 13 cm

Constructed of eleven layers, this cot mattress provides the perfect combination of reliable innerspring support to promote safe sleep and soothing softness for comfort. 

The built in natural contours and dual foam layers reduce pressure during sleep and respond to the body’s weight and movements. This provides the ultimate comfort for baby, whilst maintaining a surface firm enough to promote good spine posture. We would consider this mattress to be medium in firmness for those who prefer a slightly softer, yet still safe, sleeping surface.

The mattress’s core is made of independent tempered innersprings, with alternating layers of breathable cotton, egg shaped foam to gently massage the body, and a polyester padding for comfort. The whole package is then encased in an outer layer made of a luxurious aloe vera knitted fabric. Not only is this highly breathable, it’s also naturally antibacterial, resistant to dust mites and super soft to the touch.

With baby safe rounded corners, all edges are reinforced for excellent durability and to reduce wear and tear over time. We love that you can flip it over for mattress rotation as it can be used on either side - an underrated and handy feature not all cot mattresses possess. With the cover unable to be removed, we recommend using this mattress with a breathable mattress protector.

Types of cot mattresses

Here we talk briefly about the common types of cot mattresses, so you can better navigate the different options and choose wisely.

  • Innerspring. Typically offering the most support, innerspring mattresses are made of coiled springs that are covered in a layer of foam, and is probably the type of mattress you have for yourself. The springs independently compress under body weight and then spring back again when the weight is lifted. Resistant to sagging, innerspring mattresses usually last the distance however are often quite heavy and more expensive than other types of mattresses.
  • Latex. Latex is a natural material that is both breathable and hypoallergenic and will contour slightly under the weight of your baby. They are long lasting, and although latex does have a natural elasticity, it will remain firm enough to provide a safe sleeping surface and will also hold its shape well.
  • Foam. The most cost effective type of mattress, foam mattresses are lightweight and easy to transport. They are, however, prone to sagging over time and don’t naturally carry the same hypoallergenic properties as latex mattresses, though some are treated to do so.
  • Combination. Many cot mattresses are now constructed of a combination of the above materials, delivering a mattress that utilises the best features of each type. Not surprisingly, combination mattresses often carry a hefty price tag, but it could be worth the investment for the perfect mattress.

How to choose a cot mattress for baby

Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a cot mattress for baby and kids mattresses.

Size. As mentioned previously, there is no standardised sizing system for cots or their mattresses in Australia. For safety reasons, you’ll want a mattress that fits snugly inside your cot with no gaps where baby could get stuck (no more than two finger widths is a good rule), so it’s important you choose a mattress that is the appropriate size. Remember to also consider the height of the mattress - very high mattresses mean its surface is closer to the top of the cot railings and whilst it won’t make any difference for a newborn, older babies and toddlers might be able to use this extra height to climb over the edge of the cot.

Firmness. You can be forgiven for thinking that a soft, plush mattress surface is the best and most comfortable choice for your baby, but did you know that cot mattresses with soft surfaces actually increase the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) and related sleeping accidents? If your baby rolls over onto his face when asleep, a soft surface could potentially envelope his airways, whereas a firm surface won’t have the same “give” and will maintain its flatness, allowing a passage for air. The right mattress firmness will also support baby’s growing skeleton for a healthy development.

Materials. Whilst one is not necessarily better than others, you may have a preference for what materials the mattress is constructed of. Cotton is a popular and natural, breathable material which will absorb moisture. For babies at risk of or with allergies, you might consider mattresses made hypoallergenic materials, commonly latex or memory foam. You might prefer your baby sleeps on natural or organic fibres rather than synthetic, or materials with moisturising or cooling properties such as aloe vera.