12 best cot bedding sets that see baby into the sweetest slumber

Mamas & Papas dominates the baby world, and for good reason. If you’re wanting to theme your nursery, the range of themes on offer is vast, with a style to suit every babe. We opted for the jungle essentials range, which is both daring and adorable in equal measure.

Given the two-pack nature of this set, we were surprised that the quality is one of the softest we tested, mimicking a jersey-like feel. Made from OEKO-TEX-certified 100 per cent cotton, the sheets are fully elasticated making it a doddle to change. We also found it washed well, keeping its shape. Many two-packs offer one printed and a more neutral second option, but with this set it’s tough to choose a favourite.

It’s no surprise that this two-pack of fitted sheets from Clair de Lune is a bestseller for the nursery stalwart. We opted for classic white but there are bolder colour choices (grey, pink and blue) if you so wish. Firstly, we must commend the quality of the material using an ultra-soft 100 per cent cotton jersey. The fabric is also OEKO-TEX 100 certified meaning no nasties on baby’s delicate skin.

Offering a secure fit, the elasticated edging provided an easy stretch over the mattress and we found the material had great breathability. While there’s no fancy patterns, if you want to keep baby’s sleep space a simple white, we can’t fault this budget buy. Plus, we found it washed well, too.

The combination of 70 per cent organic cotton and 30 per cent linen makes for superlative softness. Perfect for warmer nights, linen is known for its absorbent and breathable qualities and we found it outweighed others in the washing department.

Much like a stretchy jersey texture, this sheet boasts a fully elasticated fit. The sheet fitted our cot bed mattress like a glove , given it’s from the same brand, but we were somewhat flummoxed by its claims to fit smaller cots too (60cm x 120cm), which it would swamp. The ‘honey rice’ design is rich in a deep caramel tone which would lend itself to many nursery themes. It’s also presented prettily in a box, which would make a practical yet plush gift.

Snuz is a brand synonymous with sleeping babies thanks to its award-winning Snuzpod and cots. While we rate its well-made furniture, how did the more delicate world of bedding fare? The good news, we found it just as impressive. Coming in at mid-entry price point, this two pack of fitted sheets boast great quality.

Made from 100 per cent jersey cotton, we found the sheets both breathable and soft to the touch. Stretching over our cot bed mattress with the elasticated edging, it offers a good fit. However we feel it would be a little baggy on a traditional cot size, despite claiming to fit both. The rainbow design is whimsical, while the white sheet is a classic second option. We found these washed well too, affirming the quality.

Many households have come to rely on Habitat for stylishly kitting out their homes, without the crippling costs. And that starts right from day dot with its safari nursery twin pack. Firstly, we love the contrast between the two sheets, the lion print is a bold and gallant choice in a rich mustard colourway, while the second set is muted with a subtle tribal pattern.

Offering a good fit and made from 100 per cent cotton, it carries the OEKO-TEX label meaning the textiles have been thoroughly tested against nasty chemicals. While it wasn’t the smoothest to the touch, the 144 thread count is soft on baby’s skin and representative of the cost.

Mori is a baby brand praised for its sleep essentials, from sleepsuits and clever swaddle bags to super soft pyjamas. All of Mori’s pieces are crafted using sustainably-sourced fabrics and manufactured in trusted factories, meaning products come in at a higher price tag. Made from 100 per cent organic cotton percale, percale being the luxury weave method you’re likely to find in top-end hotels, the quality is undeniable with a brushed finish.

Fully elasticated, it has a little more depth (20cm) than some of the others we tested, working well with deeper mattresses. Feeling just as soft after a wash, Mori uses vegetable ink for its playful prints – and the safari print is charming – plus, there’s a matching blanket available too.

As part of a two pack, this clearance price of Ickle Bubba’s cot bed sheets in ‘mono mountains’ design is set to stay, making it a purse friendly option. And we didn’t notice a big drop in quality, the 100 per cent cotton is soft to the touch and it’s fully elasticated. They didn’t feel as luxurious as some of the premium sheets, but we can’t argue with the price, plus they washed well. It’s worth bearing in mind though if your mattress is any thicker than 10cm it may be a stretch to fit.

These sheets are also brilliant for sensory stimulation, as young babies love to look at high-contrast black-and-white patterns, which they’ll get in abundance from the mountains and funky zig zag print.

The standout feature of this fitted sheet from Willa & Bear is the muslin composition. Muslin fabric is famous for its durability, withstanding multiple washes which makes sense when it comes to baby bedding. In fact, they get softer with each wash and we can attest this.

Block printed by hand, this is a premium piece of bedding. The brand’s signature double layer of cotton muslin is super breathable and lightweight, plus we love the unique nautical inspired print, although rest assured there are nine more to choose from. Presented in a gift bag, while we can’t ignore the expensive price tag, it would make a wonderful present.

Australian sleep brand ergoPouch has been providing babies and children safe sleep solutions since 2009. Scooping many awards for its sleep bags, expectations were high for its fitted sheet, particularly given the price tag. But from simply unpackaging the organic fitted sheet, the quality was obvious. Made from 95 per cent GOTS-certified organic cotton, plus five per cent elastane for a bit of stretch, it’s soft to the touch with a jersey feel, while the elasticated edging offered a snug fit.

This fitted sheet is available in two sizes; crib size for those sleeping in a Moses basket or bedside crib and cot size. While the cot size would fit a traditional cot mattress we also found it fit our cot bed mattress snugly thanks to the stretchiness. Available in three colours (wheat, grey marle and sage), the premium fabric is dyed with non-toxic water-based dyes, but we were also pleased to learn that all of ergoPouch’s products are reviewed by the Eczema Association of Australasia as being skin-friendly. While it’s pricey we can’t deny the welcoming natural sleep space it provides.

You may often ask yourself what you did with your home before Dunelm. And it’s not only for adult spaces, as Dunelm has plenty to offer in the nursery department too, with a great example being this two pack of affordable fitted sheets.

We love the nature-inspired eucalyptus print on both of these, meaning when wash day arrives your cot can still look stylish. But it’s not all about style. Made from 100 per cent cotton, this collection is verified by OEKO-TEX and is soft to the touch. The jersey-like quality means it’s a doddle to stretch over the mattress, although we did find the sides sagged a little, but overall a great choice for just £7 per sheet.

This fitted sheet is such an elegant choice, with delicate chamomile details and neutral colourway. British brand Avery Row only works with sustainable materials, and its range of fitted sheets have been lovingly crafted using organic cotton percale. We can’t deny the luxury hotel quality feel, which we feel goes a way to justify the cost.

Designed to be a snug fit, this fitted sheet certainly hugged our mattress, creating a super flat surface for our tester to sleep soundly, but you may struggle if your mattress is any deeper than 10cm.

While the baby world is full of parenting hacks and gadgets, we don’t often see many new launches in the baby bedding department. Say hello – or goodnight (hopefully!) – to the baby tuck sheet from ErgoPouch. Essentially a fitted sleeve, the innovative tuck sheet has been designed for babies that crave closeness with a hugging fit.

But how does it work? Slide the tuck sheet onto your mattress (you will still need a fitted sheet for underneath) unzip and place baby under with their feet touching the end of the cot. There are two zips to alter the firmness as your baby grows, but you must ensure you can fit two fingers between the sheet and your baby. Providing a close sleeping environment, we like that you can flip the sheet round to adjust the tog rating. The differing sides are clearly labelled 1.0 and 0.2 tog side. Both feel wonderfully soft but the thicker tog is made from 55 per cent bamboo, 40 per cent organic cotton and five per cent elastane, while the lighter side is 40 per cent organic cotton and five per cent elastane. It comes with a handy temperature guide, so parents know how to layer according to the room’s temperature.

Our little tester seemed very content with this close sleep environment, and it has the potential to be a miracle product for newborn babies suffering with startle reflex. Plus, it removes the worry of blankets as it can’t come untucked.