How Do You Choose the Right Kids Mattress?
Choosing a mattress for a child is slightly different from choosing one for an adult. You need to consider their age, mattress size, firmness, sleeping habits, comfort and the space available in their bedroom.
A good children's mattress should provide a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface while being durable enough to cope with everyday use. As children grow quickly, it's also worth considering how long the mattress is likely to remain suitable.
6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Kids Mattress
Use these six factors to narrow down your options and find a mattress that suits your child.
01 · AGE
How Old Is Your Child?
Age can help determine which mattress size and type is appropriate for your child.
02 · SIZE
What Size Do You Need?
Choose a mattress that fits the bed frame correctly while allowing room for your child to grow.
03 · FIRMNESS
How Firm Should It Be?
Consider a supportive feel that provides comfort without excessive sinking.
04 · MATERIALS
What Is It Made From?
Compare springs, foam, latex and hybrid constructions to find a feel that suits your child.
05 · COMFORT
What Feels Comfortable?
Think about whether your child prefers a more responsive spring feel or the cushioning of foam.
06 · DURABILITY
How Long Will It Last?
Look at the construction, materials and warranty when comparing mattresses.
Which Mattress Is Best for Different Ages?
Your child's age and stage of development can help guide your choice of mattress. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations and make sure the mattress is suitable for the bed frame.
For babies, use a mattress specifically designed for a cot or cot bed and follow current safe-sleep guidance. The mattress should fit the cot correctly with no gaps around the edges.
Once your child moves into a suitable toddler or cot bed, choose a supportive mattress that fits the frame correctly and provides enough room for them to grow.
Older children can move into larger mattress sizes such as small single or single, depending on the bed frame and available bedroom space.
What Type of Mattress Is Best for Kids?
There are several mattress constructions suitable for children's beds. The best choice depends on the feel, support and features you are looking for.
Open Coil Sprung
Open coil mattresses can provide a supportive and traditional feel and are often an affordable option for children's beds.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses can provide cushioning and a more contouring feel. Look for a mattress designed and recommended for the intended age group.
Latex
Latex mattresses offer a naturally responsive feel and can be a durable option for older children's beds.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine different materials, commonly foam or latex comfort layers with a spring support system.
Kids Mattress Size Guide
Choosing the right mattress size is important for both comfort and longevity. Where possible, choose a size that gives your child enough room to grow.
| Mattress Size | Approx. Size (W x L) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cot | 60 x 120 cm | Babies and infants |
| Toddler / Cot Bed | 70 x 140 cm | Toddlers and younger children |
| Small Single | 75 x 190 cm | Children and smaller bedrooms |
| Single | 90 x 190 cm | Older children and teenagers |
Always measure your existing bed frame before ordering and check the exact mattress dimensions supplied by the manufacturer.
What Firmness Is Best for a Child?
Children need a mattress that provides appropriate support for their age and development. Rather than simply choosing the firmest option available, look for a mattress that is specifically designed or recommended for your child's age group.
A supportive mattress should provide a stable sleeping surface without excessive sinking.
The mattress should feel comfortable for your child and suit their preferred sleeping position.
Always check that the mattress is suitable for the child's age and the bed it is being used with.
What Should You Look for in a Kids Mattress?
Once you've decided on the size and mattress type, consider these additional features before making your choice.
Children can become warm during the night, so consider the mattress construction and cover when looking at breathability and airflow.
A removable and washable cover can make it easier to keep the mattress fresh and clean. A waterproof mattress protector can help protect against spills, bedwetting, accidents and everyday messes, making it a practical choice when choosing a children’s mattress.
If allergies are a concern, consider mattresses made with suitable hypoallergenic materials and covers.
The mattress should be the correct size for the bed frame, with particular attention paid to the fit of cot and cot-bed mattresses.
When Should You Replace a Kids Mattress?
There is no single replacement schedule that applies to every children's mattress. How long a mattress lasts depends on its construction, usage and condition.
- Look for visible sagging, damage or deterioration.
- Check whether the mattress still feels supportive and comfortable.
- Consider replacing the mattress when your child has outgrown the current size.
- Follow the manufacturer's care and replacement recommendations.
- For cot mattresses, check current safer-sleep guidance and replace if the mattress is damaged or no longer suitable.
Common Kids Mattress Buying Mistakes
- Choosing the wrong mattress size for the bed frame.
- Buying based on price alone.
- Assuming the firmest mattress is automatically the best choice.
- Forgetting to consider how quickly your child is likely to outgrow the mattress.
- Ignoring mattress construction and materials.
- Not checking the mattress is suitable for your child's age.
- Forgetting to check the manufacturer's care and warranty information.
Instead, start with your child's age and the bed size, then consider support, materials, comfort, durability and value before making your decision.
Kids Mattress Buying Checklist
Before ordering a new mattress for your child, make sure you've considered:
- Age – is the mattress suitable for your child's age?
- Size – does it fit the bed frame correctly?
- Firmness – does it provide appropriate support?
- Mattress type – springs, foam, latex or hybrid?
- Materials – are the materials and cover suitable for your needs?
- Comfort – will it provide a comfortable sleeping surface?
- Durability – is it suitable for everyday children's use?
- Warranty – have you checked the manufacturer's warranty and care instructions?
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mattress is best for a child?
The best mattress depends on your child's age, bed size and personal comfort preferences. Open coil, memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses can all be suitable depending on the individual mattress and manufacturer's recommendations.
What mattress firmness is best for children?
Look for a mattress that provides appropriate support for your child's age and development. The firmest mattress is not necessarily the best choice, so check the manufacturer's recommendations and consider the mattress construction.
What size mattress does a child need?
This depends on the child's age, bed frame and available space. Toddler mattresses are commonly around 70 x 140 cm, while small single and single mattresses provide more room for growing children.
Is memory foam suitable for children?
Some memory foam mattresses can be suitable for children, provided the mattress is designed and recommended for the intended age group. Always check the manufacturer's specifications before buying.
How often should a child's mattress be replaced?
There is no fixed replacement date for every children's mattress. Consider replacing it if it becomes damaged, develops visible sagging, loses support or is no longer suitable for your child's size and needs.
Explore Our Kids Mattress & Bed Guides
Looking for more advice? Explore our related guides to help you choose the right mattress and bed for your child.
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