Choosing a mattress for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make for their health and development. Children spend even more time sleeping than adults—toddlers need 11-14 hours per day, school-age children need 9-12 hours, and teenagers need 8-10 hours. This means the quality of their sleep surface directly impacts a significant portion of their lives, affecting everything from physical growth to cognitive development and emotional regulation.
This guide covers everything parents need to know about selecting single mattresses for children and teenagers, from safety considerations to age-appropriate firmness levels and practical features that make parenting life easier.
Why Children's Mattress Needs Differ from Adults
Children's bodies are fundamentally different from adult bodies, and their mattress needs reflect these differences. Growing bodies are more flexible and resilient, but they're also developing rapidly—proper spinal support during these formative years can influence posture and spinal health for life.
Children are also lighter than adults, which affects how they interact with mattress materials. A mattress that feels perfectly medium to an adult might feel quite firm to a 30-kilogram child who doesn't compress the comfort layers as much. Understanding this weight-to-feel relationship is crucial for choosing an appropriate firmness level.
Additionally, children have developing respiratory and immune systems that can be more sensitive to allergens, off-gassing from new materials, and dust mites. These health considerations should inform both mattress type and protective accessories.
Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours including naps
Preschool (3-5 years): 10-13 hours including naps
School age (6-12 years): 9-12 hours
Teenagers (13-18 years): 8-10 hours
Safety Considerations First
Australian Safety Standards
All mattresses sold in Australia must comply with fire safety standards. Look for mattresses that meet the Australian fire safety regulations, which typically require flame-retardant barriers without the use of harmful chemical treatments. Many manufacturers now achieve compliance through naturally fire-resistant materials like wool barriers or inherently flame-resistant fabrics.
Chemical Safety and Certifications
Children are more vulnerable to chemical exposure than adults, making material safety especially important. Look for certifications that indicate low or no toxic emissions. CertiPUR-US certification means foams are made without harmful flame retardants, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, and have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification indicates fabrics have been tested for harmful substances.
If you're concerned about off-gassing, consider airing out a new mattress in a well-ventilated room for several days before putting it in your child's bedroom. The initial "new mattress smell" typically dissipates within a few days to a week.
Firmness for Growing Spines
Children's developing spines benefit from firmer support than most adults need. A medium-firm to firm mattress helps maintain proper spinal alignment during crucial growth periods. Avoid very soft mattresses for children, as these can create poor sleeping posture habits and may not provide adequate support for developing muscles and bones.
Safety Checklist for Children's Mattresses
- Complies with Australian fire safety standards
- CertiPUR-US certified foams (if applicable)
- No harmful chemical treatments
- Appropriate firmness for age group
- Fits bed frame with no gaps
- Waterproof protector always used
Age-Appropriate Recommendations
Toddlers Transitioning to a Bed (2-4 years)
When transitioning from a cot to a single bed, choose a mattress that's firm enough to prevent entrapment risks and support a lightweight body. Many parents opt for a thinner mattress (15-20cm) at this stage, which also helps with the transition by keeping the sleep surface lower to the ground. Ensure the mattress fits snugly in the bed frame with no gaps where small bodies could become trapped.
At this age, accidents are common, so a waterproof mattress protector is essential—not optional. Look for one that's breathable to prevent overheating while still providing full protection against spills, accidents, and moisture.
Primary School Children (5-10 years)
Primary school-aged children are active, growing, and increasingly aware of their own comfort preferences. A medium-firm mattress around 20-25cm thick typically works well for this age group. The mattress should be supportive enough for proper spinal development but comfortable enough that your child actually wants to go to bed.
This is also an age where allergies often become apparent. If your child shows signs of dust mite allergies or asthma, consider a hypoallergenic mattress or one with a tightly woven cover that resists allergen penetration. Pair it with hypoallergenic bedding for best results.
Tweens and Teenagers (11-18 years)
Teenagers undergo rapid physical growth and hormonal changes that significantly affect their sleep needs. During growth spurts, adequate sleep becomes even more critical—growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep. Choose a mattress that can accommodate your teenager's changing body and increasing weight.
Teenagers also develop more adult-like sleep preferences. While you should still prioritise support, involving your teen in the mattress selection process can help ensure they're comfortable with their sleep surface. A mattress they helped choose is one they're more likely to actually use properly (rather than crashing on the couch).
Consider that teenagers' beds often double as study spaces and social hangouts. While we recommend reserving beds for sleep, the reality is that teens will sit, work, and relax on their mattresses. Choose a mattress with good edge support that holds up to this kind of use.
Mattress Types for Children
Innerspring Mattresses
Traditional innerspring mattresses remain popular for children's beds, offering firm support at various price points. They tend to sleep cool, which is beneficial for children who run warm. Look for quality coil systems with appropriate comfort layers—avoid the cheapest options, which may use inferior coils that wear quickly and develop uncomfortable spots.
Foam Mattresses
High-density foam mattresses can be excellent for children, providing consistent support without the pressure points that can develop in low-quality innerspring options. Look for higher-density foams (at least 32kg/mÂł for support layers) that will maintain their structure over time. Ensure foams are certified for low chemical emissions.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrids combining coils with foam comfort layers can offer the best of both worlds for older children and teenagers. They provide strong support from the coil base with pressure relief from the foam top. These tend to be more expensive but can be worth the investment for teenagers who will use the mattress for several years.
Avoid memory foam mattresses for very young children (under 5), as the heat retention and deep contouring may not be appropriate for small bodies. Also avoid pillow-top mattresses for toddlers, as the soft surface layer can pose suffocation risks for young children.
Practical Considerations for Parents
Durability and Lifespan
Children's mattresses lead hard lives. They endure jumping, bouncing, occasional accidents, and general rough treatment. Invest in a mattress that can withstand this use without breaking down prematurely. Look for sturdy edge support, durable fabrics, and quality internal components. A well-made mattress should last 7-10 years, potentially serving your child from primary school through their teenage years.
Waterproof Protection
Regardless of your child's age, always use a waterproof mattress protector. For younger children, this guards against bedwetting accidents. For older children and teens, it protects against spilled drinks, sweat, and other moisture that can damage mattress materials and create hygiene issues. Quality protectors are thin, breathable, and virtually undetectable while providing full protection.
Easy Care
Look for mattresses with removable, washable covers if available. Being able to easily clean the sleep surface extends mattress life and improves hygiene—particularly important for children who may sweat more, have accidents, or track outdoor dirt into bed.
Budget Considerations
While it's tempting to buy the cheapest option knowing children may outgrow or wear out their mattress, poor quality mattresses can affect sleep quality and physical development. Look for the best quality you can afford, focusing on durability and appropriate firmness. Mid-range options often provide the best value, offering quality construction without premium pricing.
Signs Your Child's Mattress Needs Replacing
Monitor your child's mattress for signs of wear that indicate it's time for replacement. These include visible sagging or body impressions that don't recover, lumps or uneven surfaces, protruding springs or hardware, your child complaining of discomfort or waking with aches, and increased allergy symptoms despite regular cleaning.
Additionally, children gain weight and change shape as they grow. A mattress that was perfect at age 8 may no longer provide adequate support at age 12. Reassess your child's mattress needs every few years, even if the mattress appears in good condition.
By choosing a quality mattress that meets your child's developmental needs and protecting it properly, you invest in the quality sleep that supports their health, growth, learning, and emotional wellbeing throughout childhood.