Type of Mattress is Best – Getting the right mattress for your child shapes more than just their sleep quality — it influences their growth, development, and energy levels throughout the day. With kids growing rapidly between ages 5 and 11, choosing a mattress that adapts to their changing needs saves money and ensures consistent comfort. The right children’s mattress can serve them well through their key developmental years, making this investment worth careful consideration.
Join us below to discover what mattress is best for your kid.
Type of Mattress is Best
Finding the right firmness
Children need a delicate balance between support and comfort. Medium or medium-firm mattresses typically hit this sweet spot, providing enough pushback to maintain proper spinal alignment and sufficient cushioning for their lighter frames.
These moderate firmness levels also prove more durable against the inevitable bed jumping and rough play that comes with childhood.
Parents often gravitate toward firm mattresses, believing they offer better support. However, overly firm beds can create pressure points in children who weigh significantly less than adults. Watch how your child responds to different mattresses — if they love crawling into your medium-rated bed, that strongly indicates their comfort preferences.
Side-sleeping children might benefit from slightly softer surfaces that allow their shoulders and hips to sink inappropriately. However, avoid soft and medium-soft mattresses, which aren’t durable enough to withstand years of jumping.
Pictured: Silentnight Eco Waterproof Bunk Mattress, Hypoallergenic, foam and FR chemical treatment free so your child can sleep in comfort and safety. (available from Bedstar).
Understanding mattress technologies
Each mattress technology brings distinct advantages for children’s sleep. Pocket springs excel in durability and support, with individual coils responding independently to movement—ideal for restless sleepers.
These springs also promote airflow, helping temperature regulation throughout the night. Hybrid mattresses combining pocket springs with comfort layers offer excellent pressure relief while maintaining the responsive feel kids prefer.
Pure foam mattresses present a bounce-free alternative, perfect for parents concerned about energetic bedtime behaviour. They may not last as long as premium pocket spring options, but quality foam beds still deliver consistent support and comfort.
Another cheap option is an open-coil mattress. These lack the targeted support and longevity of their pocket spring counterparts, but they have bounce and durability, making them a decent choice for your child’s bed.
Budget considerations
Smart shopping puts quality children’s mattresses within reach of most budgets. Quality single mattresses with pocket springs or premium foam construction typically range between £300-400, offering excellent value for a product that should last 5-6 years.
While cheaper options exist, investing in better materials and construction often proves more economical over time, eliminating the need for frequent replacements.
The verdict
For most children, a medium or medium-firm pocket spring or open coil mattress with a foam top layer provides support, durability, and comfort. This configuration adapts well to growth spurts while maintaining its structural integrity through years of use.
Check out these models for starters:
- Giltedge Beds Pisa 1000
- Silentnight Classic Miracoil Memory Mattress
- JayBe Pocket Sprung Anti-allergy
- Sleepsoul Space 2000
- Dormeo Octosmart Premium Classic
Pictured: JayBe Pocket Sprung Anti-allergy 3FT Single Mattress
Frequently asked questions
Is foam or spring mattresses better for kids?
Pocket spring mattresses generally offer better support and longevity for growing children. However, foam mattresses work well for kids who need a bounce-free surface or those sensitive to pressure points.
Should kids have a firm or soft mattress?
Medium to medium-firm mattresses suit most children best, offering enough support for proper spinal alignment while providing comfort for their lighter frames. Extremely firm or soft mattresses can interfere with proper support.
Is a pocket-sprung mattress good for kids?
Yes, pocket-sprung mattresses are fantastic for children. They offer targeted support, good airflow, and superior durability versus open coils. Their adaptive support makes them ideal for growing bodies and active sleepers.