A great night’s sleep is essential for children to grow and develop. Memory formation, physical development and emotional regulation are all augmented by sleep – which is why kids need so many hours of rest. Toddlers need 12+ hours, preschoolers need 10+, primary school kids need 9+, and teens – as much as they hate to admit it – need 8+ whole hours of sleep.
All this time snoozing in bed means you’ve got to find the best kid’s mattress for your child’s needs! In this guide, we’ll cover key factors such as size, materials and firmness. You can help form healthy sleep habits and support your child’s growing body by providing them with a comfortable sleep environment and a good-quality mattress.
What mattress size is good for kids?
The perfect mattress size depends on your child's age – ‘kids’ is a broad category! Most children move from cot to bed between 2-3 years old. At this age, a Single (91cm x 188cm) can be a suitable mattress for your child as it is big enough to accommodate growing kids.
We recommend changing mattresses every 8-10 years; beds get saggier as they age, which can cause serious back problems and soreness in the future. So, the perfect time to upgrade your child’s mattress is right as their teenage growth spurt hits. King Single mattresses (107cm x 203cm) provide extra length, while Double mattresses (137cm x 188cm) offer more room to roll around. Queen mattresses (153cm x 203cm) provide the best of both and also make suitable adult mattresses.
Keep in mind that you aren’t just buying your kid’s mattress but also their bed base. You might want to purchase a ‘big kid bed’ while your child is still young to avoid buying another base later. Just make sure that the bed is low enough that your child can safely reach the ground.
Is a softer or firmer mattress better for kids?
How firm your mattress is can affect your posture and comfort during sleep. The same applies to children’s mattresses and can be even more important as kids’ bodies are still developing.
You’ll want to pick a mattress that’s firm enough to promote proper spinal alignment. A mattress that’s too soft could cause your child’s body to become misaligned during sleep, affecting their posture. At the same time, the mattress should provide adequate pressure relief for body parts that come in contact with the bed (A.K.A the pressure points), creating a more comfortable experience.
Generally, a medium-firm mattress provides firm spinal support while still being soft on pressure points, making it a suitable option for children regardless of sleep preferences. As your child ages, they may want a mattress that better suits their natural sleeping position. Back and stomach sleepers may prefer a firm or medium-firm feel, while side sleepers are more suited to using a soft mattress. Whichever mattress firmness you choose, it must provide support and comfort for the child’s pressure points as they sleep.
What type of mattress is best for kids?
When it comes to structure and material, the best kid’s mattresses are pocket-spring and innerspring mattresses. These mattresses feature hundreds of tiny springs which help evenly distribute body weight. As such, the mattress supports the spine adequately, which is crucial for growing children whose bodies are not fully developed, resulting in more restful sleep.
Hybrid mattresses are another suitable option. A hybrid mattress offers the firm backing of a spring-based mattress and the softer, more comfortable foam layers of an all-foam mattress. Overall, it’s a supportive mattress type suitable for children of all ages, regardless of sleeping positions.
Memory foam mattresses can also provide good comfort and support for older children. However, you should be cautious when buying a memory foam mattress for a toddler with hypotonia. Since this type of mattress is made entirely of foam, it moulds to the body, which could pose the risk of suffocation for toddlers if they sleep on their stomachs.
What else should I consider when buying mattresses for kids?
Allergies
Some mattress materials may be unsuitable for children with allergies. Buying a hypoallergenic mattress free of harmful chemicals can provide your child with comfortable and supportive sleep.
Temperature regulation
Research suggests that people sleep better in cooler environments, so a colder mattress makes it easier for your child to get the good night’s sleep they need. The right mattress should provide adequate breathability, using natural materials such as wool or organic cotton. Wool is an excellent material for children's mattresses, offering superior moisture absorption to keep skin dry, regulating body temperature for optimal cooling, and enhancing sleep quality.
Find the perfect kid’s mattress with Comfi
Make sure your child gets a restful night’s sleep with a comfortable mattress made with high-quality materials. Comfi offers a wide range of beds and children's mattresses, each made in New Zealand with real wool and other hypoallergenic materials. Complete your child’s bedroom with a new mattress to ensure they get the comfortable sleep experience they deserve.