Kid’s Mattress Buying Guide for Parents

Photo by Marisa Howenstine from Unsplash.

Shopping for a Kids’ Mattress? Here’s What Parents Need to Know

Table of Contents

What are the best kid’s mattress options available?

When choosing a kid’s mattress, key factors to consider are comfort, support, and safety. A medium-firm kid’s mattress is ideal, promoting healthy spinal alignment without being too soft. Suitable types include:

Memory foam: Kids can sleep very comfortably on memory foam mattresses because they relieve pressure points and mold to the body. Although traditional memory foam tended to get warm, newer types are made to dissipate heat.
Innerspring: The innerspring construction provides lasting durability and the traditional bounce many are familiar with.
Hybrid: Kids can sleep comfortably through the night on hybrid mattresses, which combine durable support with enhanced airflow for a breathable and cool surface.
Latex: For eco-conscious families, latex stands out as a fantastic natural material that is also durable and responsive, making it ideal for kids’ mattresses.

Some mattresses are flippable, with different firmness levels for growing kids. Look for non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials, good breathability, and washable or water-resistant covers. The best choice depends on your kid’s age, needs, and any health concerns.

What are the signs of a durable and well-constructed mattress?

A high-quality, durable kid’s mattress shows key signs of good construction and long-lasting performance. Look for the following:

Long Warranty: This often indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the mattress’s longevity.
Natural, High-Quality Materials: Mattresses with natural latex, organic cotton, or wool tend to be more durable and resilient than those with synthetic materials.
Spring/Coil Quality: In innerspring and hybrid mattresses, thicker gauge and individually wrapped coils offer better support and motion isolation. A higher coil count can also indicate greater durability.
High-Density Foam: Denser memory or polyfoam offers better support, resists sagging, and lasts longer. Check density specs when available.

Why choose a mattress specifically designed for kids?

Kid-specific mattresses focus on safe spinal alignment and reduced suffocation risk due to their firmness. Plus, they’re made with durable, easy-to-clean, and non-toxic materials for developing and young kids.

Are all mattress materials safe for health?

Yes, some mattresses do contain harmful chemicals. While not all mattresses are made this way, some conventional options unfortunately still include chemical flame retardants, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), formaldehyde, or phthalates.

These substances can release gases (off-gassing) that may negatively impact a kid’s respiratory health, skin, and overall development. It’s especially important to be aware of these materials if a kid has asthma, eczema, or allergies, as they can be particularly sensitive.

What are the health and safety benefits of choosing an organic kid’s mattress?

Non-toxic, hypoallergenic mattresses are highly recommended for kids due to their vulnerability to toxins and allergens during sleep.

Opting for these materials can significantly lower the risk of respiratory problems, skin irritation, and prolonged exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

When should you consider replacing a kid’s mattress?

A good quality kid’s mattress typically lasts between seven and ten years. However, it’s important to regularly inspect the mattress, ideally every year, for any signs of wear and tear such as tears in the fabric, noticeable sagging in the middle or uneven spots, or the development of lumps in the padding.

Photo by Helena Lopes from Unsplash.

See Our Top Kid’s Mattress Brand Selections

Eco Kids

Eco Kids is an Australian brand specialising in natural,
chemical-free mattresses for children. Their mattresses
are made with materials like bamboo fabric and natural
cotton, providing a hypoallergenic and breathable sleep
surface.

The design includes a high-density Dunlop foam layer and
a Chiro Flex ES spring system for optimal support.
Recognised for its quality, the Eco Kids mattress has been
awarded Australia’s Best Kids Mattress by Bedbuyer
for three consecutive years (2023–2025).

Ecosa

Ecosa’s Kids Mattress is crafted for children aged 2–12,
featuring a low-profile hybrid design that combines
CertiPUR-US® certified support foam with individually
wrapped pocket springs. It includes a breathable
Tencel™ cover and 3D mesh panels to enhance airflow,
promoting a cool and comfortable sleep.

The mattress also comes with a free waterproof protector,
making it a practical choice for growing kids.

Snooze

Snooze offers a range of kids’ mattresses and beds,
including the 6-inch Memory Foam Twin Mattress
by Delta Children.

This mattress features a 2-inch layer of comfort memory
foam atop a 4-inch supportive base, providing pressure
relief and support for growing children. It comes with a
water and stain-resistant knit cover, ensuring
durability and ease of maintenance.

Kids’ Top Mattress Picks

Eco Kids Pillow Top Mattress Range

Non-Toxic & Low-VOC: Pillow top layer is
attached without glues or spray adhesives,
creating a healthier, low-emission sleep surface.
GECA-Certified Foam: Includes 50mm of
Dunlop foam for added comfort and spinal
support.
Award-Winning Design: Bronze winner in the
2024 Clean + Conscious Awards and named
Australia’s Best Kids Mattress (2023–2025)
by BedBuyer.
Australian Made: Proudly manufactured locally
to support quality and sustainability.