You love your kids. I know you do. But I also know something else. They are at their best when they’re asleep!
Joking aside, ensuring that kids get enough good, quality sleep is really important. Their development is so fast and getting a great sleep can reduce stress, anxiety and can even increase their attention span. Their teachers will thank you for that one!
Your time is precious and if you have kids running round, you’ll need all the peace and quiet you can get. That’s why I’ve put together this guide on what to look for in a good kids mattress.
I’ve reviewed the top 5 kids mattresses to start, just click the name in the table below or the Price & Reviews button at the mattress reviews to head to John Lewis and you can order yours. It couldn’t be easier!
Top 5 Best Kids Mattress UK
- Top Pick – Silentnight Healthy Grow Single Mattress For Kids
- Best Bunk Bed Mattress – Silentnight Rolled Foam Junior Bunk Bed Mattress
- Best Luxury Children’s Mattress – Sealy Luxury Single Mattress For Kids
- Best Natural Filling – John Lewis Wool Pocket Spring Mattress
- Best Foam Mattress- Stompa S Flex Airflow Single Foam Mattress
1. TOP PICK – SILENTNIGHT HEALTHY GROW SINGLE KIDS MATTRESS
Brand: Silentnight
Filling: Miracoil Spring
Firmness: Firm
- Specially Designed For Children
- Hypoallergenic
- Great Price
- Breathable
- 5-Year Guarantee
The Silentnight Healthy Growth mattress uses their Miracoil spring system. The springs don’t move independently like in a pocket spring mattress but it’s still a step-up from old-fashioned open coil mattresses.
It provides lots of firm support but has a quilted top layer so it’s very comfortable.
Another plus is that it’s completely hypoallergenic, chemical-free and dust mite resistant– the bed bugs won’t be biting tonight!
It’s also a fine choice of twin mattress if your kids share a room because it’s affordable, help save on any arguments that could start!
My top pick of best mattress for kids and an easy choice for young kids right the way through to teenagers.
2. BEST BUNK BED MATTRESS – SILENTNIGHT ROLLED FOAM JUNIOR BUNK BED MATTRESS
Brand: Silentnight
Filling: Foam
Firmness: Medium
- Specially Designed For Bunk Beds
- Great price for two
- 5-year Guarantee
- Hypoallergenic
This mattress is designed specifically for bunk beds. It’s only 14cm thick, which makes it ideal. If the mattress on a bunk bed is too thick, then the safety rail on the top bunk becomes pointless, since your child is raised so high. We don’t want any diving routines!
Once again, this mattress is completely hypoallergenic and is made of memory foam. Because foam mattresses absorb movement, it’s a great choice for a bunk bed since it’ll minimize how much the bedframe shakes and creaks.
And it’s very reasonably priced so buying two for both bunks isn’t going to break the bank.
3. BEST LUXURY CHILDREN’S MATTRESS – SEALY LUXURY SINGLE MATTRESS FOR KIDS
Brand: Sealy
Filling: Latex & Pocket Spring
Firmness: Medium
- Luxury Comfort
- 10- Year Guarantee
- Hypoallergenic
This is a pocket spring mattress, so is very comfortable but what makes it different is that the springs are combined with a comfort layer of supportive latex. This means that your child’s back, shoulders, and hips will have extra support and it’s made from eco-friendly materials.
This is a pretty deep mattress – 29cm. You might find that normal sheets don’t fit, so you may find yourself shopping for deep-fit sheets. Not a huge issue but if your linen cupboard is already overflowing, you might want to think about it!
This would be an investment but it does come with a 10-year guarantee, so you can definitely trust this mattress.
4. BEST NATURAL MATERIALS KIDS MATTRESS – JOHN LEWIS WOOL POCKET SPRING MATTRESS
Brand: John Lewis
Filling: Pocket Spring & Wool
Firmness: Medium
- Breathable Natural Wool and Cashmere Filling
- Temperature Regulating
- Cotton Cover
The Little At Home natural wool kids mattress from John Lewis is a great addition for any kids bed. It’s got excellent breathability and temperature regulating properties from the wool filling that can help dissipate heat and stopping your little one from overheating.
The mattress is no turn so you don’t need to flip it over or even turn it, it’s ready to go on delivery and stays happily in use every day from then.
The cover is cotton which is soft and plush and actually made from cotton felt tufts.
A fine choice of mattress that I’m sure your child will love, all without breaking the budget.
5. BEST FOAM MATTRESS – STOMPA S FLEX AIRFLOW SINGLE FOAM MATTRESS
Brand: Stompa
Filling: Foam
Firmness: Medium
- Removable dry cleanable cover
- Suitable for bunk beds
- hypoallergenic
The Stompa airflow single mattress is a foam supportive mattress with a pillow-top that is ideal for children.
The base layer is a highly durable long-lasting dense foam which provides the supportive base of the mattress. On top of that is the airflow comfort layer that allows air to circulate, regulate temperature and provides some spring to keep the comfort levels up.
The outer cover is a luxury knitted fabric quilted with hypoallergenic fibres, it’s also breathable stopping your little one from overheating.
The mattress cover isn’t quite washable per se but it is removable and you can take it to a laundry to get dry cleaned should anything happen to it. I’d recommend going for a mattress protector however because these are a lot easier to clean.
What Size Of Mattress Does My Child Need?
This is a question that gets asked a lot, but it’s actually quite simple.
A single mattress is just fine.
A good mattress will generally last about 10 years which would take your child from when they grow out of their cot/toddler bed into their teens. This would definitely mean you get great value for money.
If you’re considering other mattress sizes then a double mattress would also work well, but this depends purely on the space you have in their room. A single mattress is more than enough to fit them through their formative years, despite what they may tell you!
You don’t really want any smaller than a single mattress because, if they haven’t already, they’re due a growth spurt and you don’t want to find yourself replacing a whole kids bed 2 or 3 years from now. Best to stick to a full-size single mattress.
What Firmness of Child’s Mattress is Best?
On the whole, there’s a surprising lack of research into what firmness level your child should sleep on. I couldn’t find any definitive studies that have been done.
My own recommendations for your kid’s bed would be these:
- If your child sleeps on their front, don’t get a mattress that’s too soft. Their breathing could be obstructed since they’ll sink into the mattress.
- A mattress that’s too firm might be hard on their growing bones and make your child uncomfortable.
To avoid these problems, stick to a medium or medium-firm mattress.
What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Kids?
There are three main mattress types that you can choose between:
1. MEMORY FOAM
The foam moulds perfectly around your body while you sleep, which means it’s great for support and comfort. Since you create a little groove as you sleep, a memory foam mattress means that you don’t toss and turn. You’ll know what your child’s sleeping habits are like, so if this is a problem for them, memory foam might be a good option.
One problem you might find is that new memory foam mattresses have a strange smell. It’s perfectly normal and just due to the off-gassing of the foam and will disappear after 24-48 hours but you might get some moaning in the meantime!
These mattresses do tend to be more expensive but are very durable, which is something you’d want from a kids mattress.
2. POCKET SPRING
These mattresses are closer to your traditional mattress but they are much more comfortable. A typical mattress – open coil – has springs in it that are joined together, so when you move around all the springs move at the same time.
In a pocket sprung mattress, each individual spring is sewn into a fabric pocket. The reason this is more comfortable is that each spring can move independently. You get support and freedom of movement and this mattress has more bounce than memory foam.
This is a good option if your child can be a bit fussy with new things, since a memory foam mattress can feel strange at first. This mattress is more of a safe choice. You can always opt for a memory foam topper if you want the benefit of both.
3. HYBRID
As the name suggests, this is a combination of memory foam and pocket spring.
With one of these mattresses, you’ll get the best of both worlds: all the support and comfort from memory foam, along with the firmness and bounce that you get from a pocket spring.
Or sometimes you get hybrid mattresses that are made with innerspring and Latex. Latex mattresses are very high quality and are built to last but they do tend to be more expensive, and if you can’t afford it don’t worry. There are lots of affordable kids mattresses and I share my top budget pick below.
SLEEPING POSITIONS
I don’t want to focus too heavily on what type of mattress is best for what sleeping position because young children tend to go through every sleeping position. So even if it seems like they’re side sleepers, stomach sleepers, or even back sleepers they probably move around too much through the night for it to be a factor in choosing them a mattress. Best to focus on getting a high-quality new mattress that provides pressure relief and support to give them a good night’s sleep.
FAQS
MY CHILD STILL WETS THE BED. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
First of all, this is completely normal.
You can still get any of the mattresses on this list, I would just recommend getting a waterproof mattress protector. This means that you’ll get the most out of your mattress since none of them are strictly washable. I’ve written a guide to buying a waterproof mattress protector, so have a read of that for more information.
IS MY CHILD TOO YOUNG FOR A ‘GROWN UP’ BED?
You are definitely the best judge of that, since you’ll know that kids can be the same age but grow at completely different rates!
If they’ve outgrown their cot, then I would say it’s time for the ‘grown-up’ bed. But you know your child best.
ARE ALL OF THESE MATTRESSES SUITABLE FOR BUNK BEDS?
No, only number two on the list (the Rolled Foam Junior Bunk Bed Mattress) is safe to use on a bunk bed.
The others are too thick and might lead to your child tumbling out of the top bunk or be too heavy.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED?
I’ve written all the guides you’ll need to kit out the bedroom. Here’s my guide for duvets. This is the one on Pillows and here’s the one on bedsheets.
I’M CONFUSED, THERE’S A LOT OF OPTIONS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
This might seem like a daunting task, so if you have questions or aren’t sure what to go for, feel free to leave any questions below. I’ll be able to get back to you.
Other Children’s Mattresses Reviewed
Other Kids Mattresses
Silentnight Imagine Miracoil Sprung Kids Mattress
- 18 cm deep
- Eco Comfort Fibre Cover
- Edge-to-edge support
- 5-year guarantee
Firmness: Firm
18 cm deep also make this one the best mattresses for bunk beds but it’s equally as good for a regular single bed.
The comfort is made with SIlentnight’s EcoComfort Fibres which are soft and luxurious while being good for the environment because they’re made from recycled plastics.
Firm feel gives great spinal alignment and relief to pressure points and the fact it’s non-turn makes caring for your child’s bed that little bit easier.
Nautilus Orthopaedic Waterproof Mattress
- Orthopaedic support
- Breathable waterproof cover
- Hypoallergenic
- 5-year warranty
Firmness: Medium-firm
The best mattress for a child who wets the bed thanks to the waterproof cover that’s still soft and breathable. It’s not removable so I’d still combine it with either towels or a waterproof mattress protector to keep the bed as fresh as possible.
Its also got orthopaedic support to ensure your child gets everything they need to support their growing bodies.
Bunk Bed Mattresses
Silentnight Imagine Sprung Bunk Bed Kids Mattress
- 14 cm deep
- Allergy UK seal of approval
- No need to turn
- 5-year guarantee
Firmness: Medium-Firm
This high-quality mattress from Silentnight is perfect for a bunk bed, 14 cm deep is a nice low profile so it’ll be well below the guardrail and your child will be kept secure.
It’s also got the Allergy UK seal of approval meaning it is free from dust mites and allergens so if your child has asthma they can sleep soundly, but even if they don’t it means a cleaner sleeping surface.
Silentnight Comfortable Foam Mattress
- Great price tag
- Soft quilted cover
- 14 cm deep
- 5-year guarantee
Firmness: Medium-Firm
Reflex foam is similar to memory foam with the main difference being it’s a little cheaper! 14 cm again perfect for a mattress for bunk beds and a soft cover for added pleasantness when you lie in it.
It’s a bed-in-a-box so arrives easily and can be brought into your child’s bed and set up with ease and simplicity. A nice choice of kids mattress for a bunk bed.
Dreamland Jasmine Mattress
- 18 cm deep
- Turnable
- Hypoallergenic
- 1-year guarantee
FIrmness: Medium
A little deeper but still within the 14-20 cm range you want for a bunk bed mattress. Standard springs and a medium feel make this a good all-rounder, plus polyester fillings add to the durability and reassurance that you’re getting a great mattress.
The cover is Damask which makes it resilient and tough but also breathable so your child won’t overheat through the night. Twin size and a great bunk mattress for your child.
Single Mattresses For Kids
These are mattresses that can be adult mattresses or kids mattresses, they can be great choices as mattresses for teenagers but certainly, be great for your kids.
Kayflex Pocket Plush 2000 Series Mattress
- Bed-in-a-box
- Memory Foam
- 24 cm deep
- 5-year warranty
Firmness: Medium
This is a really nice mattress, a hybrid mattress of pocket springs and memory foam work together to provide support to growing bones and superb comfort for restful sleep.
Comfort and luxury go hand in hand while the price stays very reasonable which is why I thought it would be a great fit as one of the best single mattresses for kids.
Silentnight Classic 1200 Pocket Deluxe Mattress
- Edge-to-edge support
- Eco Comfort Fibre cover
- Which? Best buy
- 5-year guarantee
Firmness: Medium-Firm
I love Silentnight, they’ve been serving the UK for over 70 years making superb sleep products. So when you’re getting rid of your old mattress consider upgrading to a Silentnight mattress, They do things right and make high-quality kids mattresses.
Anyway, this mattress is perfect for allergy sufferers because of the way it’s been treated while the springs inside work to give you great support right up to the edge of the mattress. A great single mattress.
Silentnight Memory 7 Zone Mattress
- 20 cm deep
- Soft knitted cover
- Reflex foam
- Allergy UK seal of approval
- 5-year guarantee
Firmness: Medium-Firm
This is split into 7 different zones of support, each one tailored to where it is, more support at your hips and shoulders with less at your head and legs. Because of that, it’s better suited to teenagers, small kids will be too small and won’t get the benefits.
A 5-year guarantee for some peace of mind and it’s delivered in a box for easy set up in your child’s bedroom. Plus it’s anti-allergy for a cleaner nights sleep.
Seville Pocket Memory Plus 1000 Mattress
- Pressure relieving
- Memory foam
- 25 cm deep
- 5-year warranty
Firmness: Medium-Firm
1000 pocket springs work hard to give your child a superb sleeping surface that provides pressure relief to pressure points helping your child grow up big and strong.
It works on any bed frame and any sleeping position. Excellent comfort levels and available in a full range of sizes in case you get jealous of the single for your child and want to get one yourself!
Silentnight Double Sided Limited Edition Miracoil Mattress
- Firmness feel
- edge-to-edge support
- 20 cm deep
- 5-year guarantee
Firmness: Firm
perfect for the top bunk in a set of bunk beds, and good for the bottom bunk while we’re on it, but a great single mattress because of the edge-to-edge support and damask cover that work to keep your child cool.
An ideal kids bed with Silentnight’s Miracoil spring that works to provide firmer mattress.
CONCLUSION
And there you have it, everything you could ever want to know about buying a kids mattress.
The most important take away has to be if you’ve got a bunk bed, don’t get a mattress that’s too thick, 16-20cm is more than enough to support your child and gives plenty of room so the safety bar of the bunk bed still works.
Apart from that, it’s remembering that a single size mattress is all you need. As much as your child might complain that they need a double!
Finally, choosing the right mattress doesn’t have to be hard, whether you want an innerspring mattress, pocket spring, memory foam, or even natural latex mattress for your child.
HAPPY SLEEPING!
Related Reading
Best Toddler duvet
Best Silentnight Mattress Reviews
The 10 Best Mattress Protectors UK 2019
Best mattress for slat beds
Comments (9)
Hi Kieran
I’m looking for advice for a single mattress for my 6 year old daughter. She’s quite petite and tends to sleep on her back or sides. Feeling rather overwhelmed by all the choices. Can you help please?
Thank you.
Hi Elaine! Not a problem, it can be a bit of a minefield getting through all the information! I would recommend the Silentnight Health Grow Mattress which you can find here. That should fit the bill perfectly for your daughter.
Hi Kieran, we’re looking for a mattress for our Argos midsleeper for when our youngest is old enough to move into it. It’s in the loft room which gets extremely hot in summer. So we’re looking for a long lasting single mattress which is breathable but most importantly supportive for growing bones. (And, if possible, not too expensive, hypoallergenic etc!)
Thanks
I’m not sure about the Argos mattresses, I haven’t had a chance to try them out or look into them yet. But it sounds like the Silentnight Healthy Grow Single Mattress For Kids would be a good fit. Alongside a bedroom fan for when it gets hot. Hope that helps!
Hi Kieran
I tried the Silentnight Health Grow Mattress and my child cannot sleep. Can you recommend an alternative?
Many thanks
Karen
Hi Karen, is it because it’s too firm? Then you may want to try the Rolled Foam Junior.
Hi there
My son is really struggling to sleep on the Silentnight Health Grow Mattress we bought him – would you recommend another mattress we could try?
Many thanks,
Jean
Hi Jean, it could be that the Healthy Grow is too firm for him?
Try the Rolled Foam Junior instead.
hahah I feel you. Came here to look for a recommendation and got 15 instead. Great post but so overhwhelming. Sometimes the more is not the better.