What Size Is a Cot Mattress? Dimensions, Variations, and How to Choose

If you’re searching “What Size Is a Cot Mattress,” you’re likely trying to match a mattress to a specific cot, crib, or travel bed. Cot mattresses don’t follow one universal size, and that can be confusing when you’re shopping or measuring a sleeping space.

This FAQ-style guide walks through standard cot mattress dimensions, regional differences, and what to measure so you can choose the right size with confidence.

What size is a cot mattress, exactly?

There is no single global standard for cot mattress size. The answer to “What Size Is a Cot Mattress” depends mainly on your region and whether the cot is a standard cot, compact cot, or travel cot.

Here are some of the most commonly seen cot mattress sizes:

Dimensions can differ slightly by manufacturer, so always check the actual measurements of your cot frame and the mattress.

Why do cot mattress sizes vary so much?

Cot mattresses vary because:

• Different regions use different standards.
  For example, some countries favor 60 × 120 cm cots, while others commonly use 70 × 140 cm “cot bed” sizes.

• Cots are built for different purposes.
  Compact or mini cots save floor space, while cot beds are designed to last longer as the child grows.

• Travel cots are often foldable.
  Their mattresses are adapted to fit a portable frame, which can be slightly shorter or narrower than a standard cot.

Because of these differences, the cot itself should guide your mattress size, not the other way around.

How do I measure my cot for the right mattress size?

To find the right answer to “What Size Is a Cot Mattress” for your specific cot, measure:

1. Internal length – inside the frame, from head end to foot end.
2. Internal width – inside the frame, side to side.
3. Recommended maximum depth – often listed by the cot manufacturer.

Write down the exact internal dimensions of the cot, then look for a mattress that is:

• As close as possible to those measurements
• No more than a small gap (typically no more than a couple of fingers wide) between the mattress edge and the cot sides

A mattress that is significantly smaller than the cot can move around and leave large gaps. A mattress that is too large may bend or not lie flat.

Are cot bed mattresses the same as regular cot mattresses?

Not always. While both are for cots, they usually refer to different sizes:

• Cot mattress often means 60 × 120 cm (24 × 47 in) in many markets.
• Cot bed mattress is typically larger, around 70 × 140 cm (28 × 55 in).

Cot beds are often designed to convert to a small toddler bed, so the cot bed mattress size is meant to last through more stages of growth. When you’re checking product details, look for whether it says “cot” or “cot bed” and confirm dimensions.

What about travel cot mattresses?

Travel cots (or portable cots) come in various shapes and folding designs, so their mattress sizes can vary more than standard cots.

Common features:

• Often close to 60 × 120 cm, but not always
• May be slightly thinner and lighter for portability
• Sometimes come with a basic mat; some people look for separate, better-padded options made for their specific model

For safety and fit, it’s helpful to:

• Measure the internal base of the travel cot
• Check if there is a recommended mattress size in the travel cot instructions
• Use a mattress that lies flat and snug without curling or bending

How thick should a cot mattress be?

Thickness can vary, but most cot mattresses fall within a moderate depth range that balances comfort and support.

When choosing depth:

• Check the maximum mattress thickness recommended for your cot model.
• Make sure the mattress does not sit too high in the cot, which could reduce the effective side height of the rails.
• Avoid mattresses that are so thin they don’t feel supportive or so thick that they interfere with how the cot is designed to be used.

What else should I consider besides size?

Once you’ve answered “What Size Is a Cot Mattress” for your specific cot, it helps to look at a few additional factors:

• Support level – Many caregivers look for a mattress that feels reasonably firm and even.
• Breathability – Some prefer designs or materials that allow air to circulate.
• Removable cover – A washable cover can make cleaning easier after spills or leaks.
• Weight and handling – Lightweight mattresses are often easier to lift, rotate, or change.

None of these change the required length and width, but they influence everyday practicality.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “What Size Is a Cot Mattress”

• There is no single universal cot mattress size; always check your specific cot’s internal measurements.
• Common sizes include about 60 × 120 cm for standard cots and 70 × 140 cm for cot beds.
• Compact and travel cots can be smaller or slightly different, so dimensions vary by design.
• A good fit means minimal gaps between the mattress and cot frame and a mattress that lies flat.
• Always confirm the maximum recommended mattress thickness for your cot model.
• After size, consider support, breathability, cover type, and ease of handling as practical extras.

By focusing first on the exact internal size of your cot and matching a mattress closely to those dimensions, you can choose a cot mattress that fits well and works smoothly in everyday use.