Introduction:
Choosing the right mattress for your child is an important decision that can have a big impact on their (and your) sleep quality, comfort and overall health. With so many things to consider such as mattress type, firmness, size and of course safety, it can be overwhelming to know which one is best. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main considerations to help you make an informed choice, so your child can get the restful sleep they need to grow and thrive.
Important Factors When Choosing a Child's Mattress
A child’s mattress should provide the perfect balance of comfort and support whilst being safe, durable and suited to their age, size, and sleep habits. Here are the key factors to keep in mind.
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Safety: The primary consideration for parents is their child’s safety so it’s crucial that a child’s mattress snugly fits the bed it is intended for. It’s also vital to follow any mattress depth guidelines, commonly found on bunk beds and other high sleeper beds where safety rails are present. This information should be provided in the bed description and ensures there is enough space between the top of the mattress and the top of the safety rails.
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Support and Firmness: Children need proper spinal support as they grow, especially at a younger age. Generally, a medium-firm sprung mattress is the best choice for younger children, offering enough support to keep their spine aligned, whilst providing comfort through their growing years.
The best mattress for older children and teenagers will likely be influenced by their size, sleep position and personal preference. For example, a medium soft mattress may be preferable to side sleepers whilst still offering the required support.
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Breathability and Temperature Regulation: Kids tend to get warm at night, so a breathable mattress can help here. Cooling gel layer mattresses and pocket-sprung mattresses with air vents have breathable qualities to keep things cool, while mattresses with Tencel fabric covers are kind to the skin and extremely effective in dispersing moisture, helping to regulate body temperature.
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Hypoallergenic Materials: If your child suffers from allergies or asthma, choosing a mattress with hypoallergenic and dust-mite-resistant materials can make a big difference. For example, Tencel mattress covers are naturally hypoallergenic whilst foam mattresses are generally deemed to be more difficult for mites to penetrate than sprung mattresses.
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Durability: Kid’s mattresses are often put through their paces as they tend to jump, play and move around a lot. Investing in a durable, higher-quality mattress gives it more chance of standing up to this wear and tear, whilst providing a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Waterproof and Washable Covers: Accidents can happen, especially with younger children. A removable, washable cover or a waterproof mattress protector can help keep the mattress fresh and hygienic.
Best Type of Mattress for a Child
When it comes to choosing the best mattress for a child there are various options, each with their own benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular mattress types that are suitable for kids.
Open Coil Spring Mattress
An open coil spring mattress has a supportive core unit featuring interconnected springs and are a great option for growing kids. The firmness of the spring unit is highlighted by the gauge, with a 12.5 gauge being a little firmer than a 13.5 gauge. Whilst they are an affordable and long-lasting option, they may not be as durable as a pocket-sprung alternative.
Pocket Sprung Mattress
A pocket sprung mattress contains individual springs encased in fabric pockets, allowing for even weight distribution and excellent support. These durable mattresses often contain vents promoting better airflow and are a great mattress choice for kids.
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are an excellent option for older children, as long as the firmness and support level aligns with their stage of development. Memory foam reacts with body temperature and moulds to the sleeper’s shape, providing excellent comfort. It can also retain heat so this should be a consideration if the user is a warm sleeper. For this reason, memory foam is often used in conjunction with quality breathable fabrics such as Tencel and within hybrid mattresses.
Memory foam is considered unsuitable for babies and younger children, as the soft foam may not provide adequate spinal support. Instead, consider a medium-firm, sprung mattress while their little bodies develop.
Reflex Foam Mattress
Reflex foam has a higher density than memory foam, giving way to the sleeper’s body then trying to regain its original shape, thus providing greater support. Reflex foam mattresses are a good choice for children’s bunk beds and other beds with mattress depth restrictions, as they generally have a thinner profile.
Hybrid Mattress
A hybrid mattress is a combination of different mattress systems within one mattress. Pocket spring with a memory foam top combines support and comfort, pocket spring and cooling gel enhances breathability or a blend of reflex foam and memory foam can be an excellent choice for older children.
Kids Mattress Sizes Explained
The right size mattress will depend on your child’s age, how much room they need to sleep comfortably and of course the size of the bed. Be aware - European mattress sizes differ slightly from UK sizes so be sure to double check the measurements. The common UK mattress sizes for children include:
Toddler Mattress (70cm x 140cm) – A toddler mattress is ideal for children transitioning from a cot and will typically fit toddler beds and some cotbeds.
Single Mattress (90cm x 190cm) – A single mattress is the most popular size for children, fitting a large choice of kid's beds and the perfect size to support them as they grow.
Small Double Mattress (120cm x 190cm) – Small Double Mattresses are often found as the larger bottom bunk in a triple sleeper bed and are ideal if your child needs more space.
Double Mattress (135cm x 190cm) - Double Mattresses can be the preferred option for teens where space permits a larger bed. Perfect for divans and double bed frames.
Some Common Questions
How often should I replace a child’s mattress?
On average, a child’s mattress should be replaced every 5–8 years which will of course be influenced by the quality of the mattress when new. Over time mattresses can sag and lose support resulting in lower sleep quality for your child. In addition, a child can simply outgrow a mattress regardless of its condition.
Is a firmer mattress better for kids?
Yes, a medium-firm mattress is generally best, especially for younger children as it provides the necessary spinal support while still being comfortable.
Do some beds require a specific depth of mattress?
Yes, bunk beds and other raised sleeper beds have safety rails and will specify a maximum mattress depth, to ensure there is adequate distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the guard rails. Bedsnug displays the maximum mattress depth within the product details of any applicable beds.
What is the best mattress for a child with allergies?
A hypoallergenic mattress would be a good choice for a child with allergies as they can feature dust-mite resistance and anti-bacterial properties. Memory and Reflex foam mattresses tend to be more resistant to allergens compared to open coil mattresses and mattress covers made from Tencel fabric are naturally hypoallergenic.
Should I buy a cheap mattress or invest in a higher-quality one?
While budget is always a factor, investing in a high-quality mattress will provide better support, last longer and improve your child’s sleep quality. Bedsnug offer a range of quality mattresses to suit all pockets.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right mattress for your child may seem a daunting task. However, by considering the factors covered here, you can find the perfect mattress to support their growth and development, ensuring that your child gets a comfortable and supportive night's sleep.
Bedsnug offer a variety of children’s mattresses. For help choosing the right one, all our bed descriptions feature a selection of suitable mattresses. See the Optional Extras tab on any bed for details.
