Is a sheepskin safe in a cot?
Short answer: No. The Lullaby Trust says not to line a cot, Moses basket or other sleep space with sheepskin, because the surface becomes too soft and can overheat your baby.
Here is the detail behind that answer, taken from current UK guidance from the NHS and the Lullaby Trust.
Things to check
- Measure the inside of the cot. The mattress should fit with no gaps.
- Choose firm, flat and waterproof. Your baby's head should sink no more than a few millimetres.
- Check for a fire-resistant label and the relevant British Standard.
What the guidance says
- Avoid weighted swaddles, weighted blankets, weighted sleeping bags and sheepskins.
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition, with no raised or cushioned edges, that fits the cot or Moses basket with no gaps.
Related questions
What is a cot mattress?
A firm, flat mattress for a standard cot, usually 120 x 60cm.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
Browse cot mattresses 120 x 60
- Obaby Foam Cot Mattress 120 x 60 cm
- Ickle Bubba All Seasons Premium Pocket Sprung Mattress
- Tutti Bambini Natural Coir Fibre Cot Mattress (60 x 120 cm)
- Obaby Moisture Management Mattress -120x60cm
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Can I buy a second-hand cot mattress?Can my baby sleep face down on a breathable mattress?Guide to cot mattresses: what to look forMoses basket mattress buying checklistIs a Moses basket mattress right for you? Quick quizGuide to mattress protectors: what to look forAll cot and baby mattresses advice →
Sources
- The Lullaby Trust: Baby mattresses and bedding (accessed 2026-10-21)
General information only, not medical advice. Always follow your product's instructions. If you are worried about your baby, contact your GP, health visitor or 111. In an emergency, call 999.