We all know how important getting a good night’s sleep is - especially for children. However, this is sometimes easier said than done. Choosing the right mattress for your child can make things easier when it comes to bedtime. But how can you make sure you’re choosing the right one?
We answer a common question - how firm should a child’s mattress be, to help you and your little one sleep easy.
What Firmness of Mattress is Best for a Child?
The main thing to remember when it comes to mattress firmness is the heavier your child is, the firmer level of support needed. It also depends on your child’s comfort preferences.
The ideal mattress firmness for your child will be individual to them and their sleeping preferences. However, a medium soft or medium-firm mattress should work well for most children, providing a good balance between comfort and spinal support.
Is a Firm Mattress Good for a Child?
Firmer mattresses are well suited to younger children and babies. If your child tosses and turns a lot throughout the night, you may want to choose a slightly firmer mattress so they can reposition themselves more easily.
However, if your child sleeps on their side, they may require a softer surface to cushion pressure points such as shoulders, hips and ankles.
How Can You Tell if a Mattress is too Firm?
If the memory foam mattress does not contour to your child’s body or they are waking up with soreness around pressure points, this may be a sign their mattress is too firm.
How Firm Should a Baby Mattress Be?
Babies usually require firmer mattresses that allow them to move freely, especially if they turn onto their front in the night. Please check with your healthcare provider if you’re not sure.
What Should I Look for in a Kids Mattress?
In addition to firmness rating, there are other key factors to consider when choosing the perfect surface for your child’s sleep…
- Is the mattress big enough to support them fully?
- Is it appropriate for their sleeping position?
- Does it guard against dust mites?
- Are the materials and fillings safe for children?
- What mattress thickness and memory foam density is best?
Find more information in our comprehensive guide on the best mattresses for kids.
What Kind of Mattress is Best for a Child?
Choosing between the different mattress types can be tricky - especially where your child’s health and wellbeing is concerned. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide…
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are great for allergy sufferers as latex is a hypoallergenic material which forms a barrier against dust and dust mites. However, latex tends to be a more expensive option.
Open Coil Mattresses
Although coil mattresses are often a cheaper option, the coils can become uncomfortable and squeaky over time. Traditional spring mattresses are also more prone to sagging than other mattress types.
Pocket Sprung Mattresses
Pocket sprung mattresses can provide great support for your child. Individual springs enclosed in fabric pockets allow for even, full-body support that responds to movement.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam provides excellent comfort and support, gently contouring and cushioning your child’s body as they sleep. Benefits include;
- Movement absorption
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Spinal support
- Pressure point relief
- Durability
- Easy care
Our memory foam children’s mattresses are safe for children and provide a comfortable sleep surface, whatever their sleeping position.
Take the CoolKids Memory Foam Mattress, a duo layer design that supports their spine whilst keeping them cool. Available in small single, single, small double and double sizes, this mattress offers 4G cooling technology, an easy-care cover and medium-soft support.
Can’t Decide Between a Foam or Sprung Mattress?
Our CoolKids Pocket Sprung Memory Foam Mattress combines temperature-sensitive memory foam with a breathable pocket sprung base - giving them the best of both worlds.
This supportive mattress features a removable, machine washable cover made from Coolmax fibres which wick excess heat and moisture away from the body. Ideal if you’re looking for a breathable, hypoallergenic sleep surface for your child.
To help protect against spills or night-time accidents - why not add a mattress protector or cover? This extra barrier can help to prolong the life of the mattress and minimise cleaning.
Children’s Mattress Sizes
Depending on their age and height, the mattress sizes most suited to children include;
- Small single for transitioning from cot to bed
- Single for growing children
- Small double mattress for larger children or teenagers
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids
Whether it’s for their cot, bunk bed or first ‘grown-up’ bed - finding the right mattress is key to a great night’s sleep.
The best children’s mattresses are supportive, breathable and don’t break the bank. After all - they don’t stay the same size for long!
If you’re thinking of buying a mattress for your little one, we can help. Browse our full range of safe, comfortable and affordable memory foam kid’s mattresses to find the right solution for your loved one.
