Mattresses for Children: What To Consider As They Grow

One of the hard truths you learn as a parent is your children grow up way too fast. While this is difficult to handle on an emotional level, it also leads to troubles of them outgrowing the things you buy for them—most particularly, their beds. Even outside of growth problems, your child’s sleep needs change as they grow, and the wrong mattress can lead to restless nights and cranky mornings.

Whether you’re shopping for a crib mattress for your baby or upgrading your teen’s bed, this guide breaks down what you need to consider when shopping for your child’s new mattress as they grow. Let’s break down the main points that’ll help you make the best decision for your child’s comfort, health, and growth.

How Mattress Needs Change Through Childhood

Each stage of childhood comes with its own unique sleep requirements, and their mattress should reflect those changes. Here are some things you should consider depending on the age of your child.

Infants (0–12 months)

For infants, safety comes first. Most parents opt for a firm, breathable crib mattress to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and provide adequate spinal support. Since babies grow rapidly, many crib mattresses are dual-sided. One side is firm for infancy, while the other is softer for when they first transition into their toddler years.

Toddlers (1–3 years)

Once your child starts outgrowing their crib (usually around age two or three), it’s time for a transition mattress. Many parents move their toddler directly to a twin bed to avoid purchasing multiple mattresses over the years, but smaller options are available. Either way, at this stage, an option with medium-firm support is ideal. It provides the comfort they need while also supporting proper posture during those critical formative years.

School-Age Children (4–12 years)

By the time your child is in elementary school, durability becomes key. School-age kids are more active, and their mattresses should be robust enough to handle jumping, rolling, and (perhaps) the occasional pillow fight. Of course, comfort will still be vital—you’ll want something comfy but still firm enough to align their growing spine. If space allows, you might even consider a full-size mattress at this stage to give them more room to move around.

Teens (13–18 years)

Teenagers grow—fast. This is when upgrading to a twin XL or full-size mattress often makes sense. Since they’re spending more hours studying, gaming, and hanging out on their bed, you’ll want to prioritize one with high-quality comfort layers that balance pressure relief with strong support.

Which Mattress Materials Are Ideal

When you start looking into materials, it can feel a bit overwhelming due to the number of choices available—memory foam, innerspring, latex, and hybrid, to name a few. Here’s a quick breakdown of each of these popular options for kids.

Memory Foam

Memory foam adapts to the sleeper’s body, offering excellent pressure relief. It’s a great option for kids who are side-sleepers. However, some lower-cost memory foam mattresses can retain heat, so look for one with cooling technology if this is a concern.

Innerspring

The classic innerspring mattress offers strong support thanks to its coil system. It’s also highly breathable, which can be a win if your child is a sweaty sleeper. But be mindful—lower-quality models might lack the plush comfort layers kids enjoy.

Latex

Latex mattresses are durable, naturally hypoallergenic, and highly breathable. Plus, they offer balanced support and softness. Keep in mind that they tend to be pricier, which might not fit every family’s budget, but their longevity often justifies the cost.

Hybrid

While not technically a material, hybrid mattresses are worth mentioning because they combine layers of foam (or latex) with a coil-based support system. These provide a good balance of support and comfort, making them an excellent choice for growing kids. They can also be a bit more expensive, but they’re a solid investment for long-term use.

Why Firmness Matters for Children

The right firmness level is crucial for ensuring your child’s spine stays aligned while they sleep. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between comfort and support. Of course, this sweet spot will vary depending on their age.

• Infants: A firm crib mattress is non-negotiable, as it minimizes the risk of suffocation.
• Toddlers: A medium-firm mattress works best, keeping things supportive while offering a touch more comfort.
• School-Age Kids: Medium-firm is still a good choice here, as it promotes healthy posture and prevents sagging issues as they grow.
• Teens: Medium or medium-soft mattresses can provide the added pressure relief teens might need, particularly if they’re side-sleepers.

A good rule of thumb? Test a variety of mattresses out with your child to see what they think. Have them lay on their back. If their spine maintains a straight, natural alignment, you’re good to go.

Choosing the Right Size

When deciding on which types of mattresses to get for your child as they grow, the most important consideration will be the bed’s size. Your child’s age, height, and how much space you have in their room are all factors when choosing the right mattress size.

• Crib Mattress: Typically 28” x 52”. Ideal for infants and toddlers before transitioning to a bigger bed.
• Twin Mattress: Measuring 38” x 75”, the twin is great for toddlers and younger kids transitioning out of a crib.
• Twin XL Mattress: At 38” x 80,” this size provides extra legroom, making it a good option for taller teens.
• Full Mattress: At 54” x 75”, a full-size mattress offers more width, ideal for kids who move a lot in their sleep or teens who want extra room.

For many families, choosing a slightly larger size ensures your child can use the mattress for longer, which is cost-effective in the long run.

Safety Certifications and Allergen Concerns

When buying a mattress for your child, health and safety should also top your list of concerns. Look for certifications that confirm the mattress materials are non-toxic while considering how it could affect your child’s allergies if they have any.

Certifications to Look For

The CertiPUR-US certification guarantees that the foam used in the mattress is free from harmful chemicals and heavy metals, ensuring a safer and healthier sleeping experience. Additionally, the Greenguard Gold certification confirms that the mattress has low chemical emissions, helping to improve indoor air quality and create a cleaner, more comfortable environment in your home.

Potential Allergens

If your child has allergies or sensitive skin, opt for a hypoallergenic mattress to minimize dust mites and other allergens. Natural latex mattresses can be a great choice (as long as your child isn’t allergic to latex), but double-check they’re free of synthetic fillers to avoid chemical sensitivities.

Where To Buy Your Child’s New Mattress

Regardless of which type of bed you choose for your child, you’ll want to make sure you don’t overpay for it. Click N Furnish is here to make sure that doesn’t happen. We have a wide variety of affordable mattresses that’ll offer your child everything they need to have a good night’s sleep.