How to Choose a Mattress for Children
For children choose a medium surface that fits the bed with no gaps, a breathable washable cover and a protector. For babies, follow safe-sleep guidance: a firm, flat sleep surface, on the back, with no soft bedding.
Older children
Medium comfort, correct size and an easy-clean cover; children grow, so consider thickness and longevity.
Infants
Use a firm, flat, bare surface that fits the cot; no pillows, bumpers or soft toys.
Hygiene
Washable protectors and regular airing.
Frequently asked questions
Do kids need orthopaedic mattresses?
Not for healthy children; a medium mattress suits.
Which size?
Choose to last several years but fit the bed.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. A parent's guide to safe sleep (HealthyChildren.org). Source
Links go to PubMed searches for the paper title or to the official guideline or regulator page. Standards and regulations are revised, so check the current edition before relying on them. Mattress and pillow research is limited; treat findings as a starting point.
Go deeper
How to Choose a Pillow for Children
When children can have pillows, what loft and fill suit them and safety cautions.
Read more →Life stageWhat Should Parents Consider When Designing a Child's Bedroom?
Safety, darkness, quiet, temperature and storage in a child's bedroom, with cord safety.
Read more →Life stageHow to Create a Comfortable Bedroom for New Parents
Room-sharing, night feeds, dim amber lighting and a safe infant sleep setup.
Read more →Sleep scienceCan Music Help Children Sleep Better?
Calming sounds as part of a bedtime routine: what to try and what to avoid.
Read more →Sleep scienceSleep Problems for New Parents and Practical Solutions
Broken nights are normal; protect rest with shared duty, naps, a dark room and help-seeking.
Read more →Keep reading
Sleep by Age and Life Stage: Children to Older Adults
How sleep needs, mattress and pillow choices and bedrooms change for babies, children, teens, pregnancy, menopause and older age.
Read more →Sleep healthHow Much Sleep Do Adults Really Need?
What AASM, the Sleep Research Society and the National Sleep Foundation say about recommended sleep for adults.
Read more →Life stageHow to Choose a Pillow for Children
When children can have pillows, what loft and fill suit them and safety cautions.
Read more →Life stageWhat Should Parents Consider When Designing a Child's Bedroom?
Safety, darkness, quiet, temperature and storage in a child's bedroom, with cord safety.
Read more →Pillows & beddingHow to Choose a Mattress Protector (and Why You Need One)
Types of mattress protectors, what waterproof means and how to pick a breathable one for humid weather.
Read more →This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have persistent pain or sleep problems, please speak to a doctor.
Related reading
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