Children’s mattresses are specially designed to meet the specific needs of a growing body. Proper spinal support and optimal firmness are key factors that mattresses for children must provide during growth. In addition to orthopaedic properties, high material breathability for temperature regulation and anti-allergy protection that prevents allergen build-up are also very important. Learn how to choose a children’s mattress that ensures safe and healthy sleep.
Children spend up to 14 hours a day sleeping, and during that time the body grows, bones develop and the spine forms its natural curve. A mattress that does not provide proper support can have a long-term effect on posture and sleep quality. Unlike mattresses for adults, a children’s mattress should be adapted to the lighter body of a child and different sleeping needs. It should also be easy to maintain and made from safe materials without harmful substances.
What makes a good children’s mattress:
● Firm and even support - children are lighter than adults and need a single-zone mattress that is equally firm across the entire surface, without soft zones that could cause improper body positioning
● Safe materials - a child’s mattress should be made from materials without harmful chemicals, ideally with an OEKO-TEX certificate that guarantees safety for skin contact
● Washable cover - children are exposed to spills, sweating and allergens, so a washable cover is a practical necessity, not just an extra feature
● Breathability - materials that do not retain heat ensure a comfortable sleeping temperature and reduce moisture build-up
● Suitable dimensions - a standard baby cot uses the 120x60 cm size, while junior beds most often require 140x70 cm or 90x200 cm for older children
Needs change with the child’s age, so it is useful to know what suits each stage.
Babies and newborns, 0 to 2 years
● Standard cot size is 120x60 cm
● A firm mattress without soft inserts is recommended, as an overly soft mattress is not safe for the youngest children
● A washable cover is essential for hygiene reasons
● No wire elements in the core
Preschool and younger school-age children, 2 to 10 years
● 140x70 cm for children’s beds or transition to 90x200 cm
● A single-zone structure is still recommended because children of this age sleep restlessly and often change positions
● Medium firm to firm models support proper spinal development
Older children and teenagers, 10 years and above
●Transition to standard adult sizes, such as 90x200 or 120x200 cm
● Multi-zone mattresses or models with memory foam may be considered, similarly to adult mattresses
Here are a few practical guidelines to make the choice easier:
Firmness
For children up to 10 years old, medium firm to firm mattresses are recommended because they provide a stable surface for proper spinal development. Soft models may suit adults, but they can be counterproductive for children.
Core material
PU or HR foam mattresses are the most popular choice for children because they are lightweight, contain no wire elements and come with washable covers. HR foam is also more breathable and longer lasting than standard PU foam. Pocket spring cores can be a good choice for older children moving to larger mattress sizes.
Cover and certificates
A washable cover with antibacterial treatment and an OEKO-TEX certificate ensures hygiene and protection against dust mites. This is especially important for children with allergies or sensitive skin.
Size and bed
Always check the bed dimensions before buying a mattress and choose a mattress that fits firmly without gaps along the edges, especially for newborn cots. For more information about choosing the right option, see Hespo’s blog on how to choose a children’s mattress.
Along with the mattress, for a complete children’s sleeping area, explore children’s beds and bedrooms, as well as bed bases that support a children’s mattress.
For children up to around 10 years old, medium firm to firm mattresses are recommended because they provide even support across the entire surface. Children sleep restlessly and constantly change positions, so a single-zone structure without soft zones suits their needs better than multi-zone models for adults. An overly soft mattress can cause improper body positioning and negatively affect spinal development.
PU or HR foam mattresses with an OEKO-TEX certificate are a safe choice because they do not contain wire elements or harmful chemicals. HR foam is a more breathable and longer-lasting option, while a washable cover with antibacterial treatment should be considered standard, not a bonus. Memory foam should be avoided for newborns because its softness is not suitable for the youngest age group.
A standard newborn cot uses the 120x60 cm size. Junior beds most often require 140x70 cm, while older children move to 90x200 cm or larger standard sizes. Always measure the inside of the bed before buying, as non-standard sizes also exist, and the mattress should fit firmly without gaps along the sides.
A mattress should be replaced when the child outgrows the current size or when visible indentations and deformations appear on the surface. Regardless of visible condition, replacement is recommended every 5 to 7 years due to allergen build-up and natural material wear. A mattress used by an older child is not necessarily suitable for a newborn.
A smaller adult mattress, such as 90x200 cm, can technically suit an older child or teenager, but younger children and newborns should use a dedicated children’s mattress. The difference is in firmness, single-zone structure and safety standards specific to children’s mattresses. An adult mattress may be too soft or have zoning that is not suitable for a child’s developing body.
Wash the removable cover according to the instructions, and use a waterproof mattress protector under the sheet to protect against spills and extend the mattress lifespan. Air the mattress once a week without bedding, and rotate it every few months to distribute the load evenly. With proper care, a quality children’s mattress lasts 5 to 7 years, depending on the material and intensity of use.
