Sleep is a vital factor in childhood growth and development. A supportive mattress will allow your child to get refreshing and essential rest.
Key considerations when choosing your child’s mattress include size, quality, support and comfort for growing bodies, and overall safety concerns.
This article provides an expert guide to help you navigate the options, understand common problems with kids’ mattresses, and choose a bed that offers comfort, support, and peace of mind for both you and your child.
Why mattress choice matters for kids
Children and teenagers need more sleep than adults for growth and brain development. In fact, young children need to nap regularly in addition to sleeping at night. During sleep, the body releases hormones crucial for the growth of muscle, bone, and tissue, and it plays an important part in immune function.
Sleep also supports brain development. It promotes learning and problem-solving, builds memories, and helps to regulate mood. Without sufficient rest, your child’s physical development is disrupted, and their emotional well-being may suffer, resulting in irritability or behavioural concerns.
It is important that children have a bed that is supportive, comfortable, and durable to ensure their sleep is plentiful and restful.
Key factors to consider when choosing the best mattress for kids
There are a number of considerations to keep in mind when choosing a bed for your child, including mattress size, support, firmness and safety.
Size & age suitability
Babies and some toddlers may be more suited to cot mattresses, which come in a range of sizes (from bassinet cots to standard-sized cots). We discuss these options in our article: The Ultimate Cot Mattress Guide in Australia
As they grow, children will need to transition to a larger mattress. Most children are suited to a standard Single size mattress, which is 91.5cm wide and 190cm long.
If your child is likely to grow quite tall, the Single XL offers more length, at 203cm long. For more room, the King Single is the largest mattress in the Singles range at 105.5cm wide and 203cm long.
Older children and teenagers may wish for more room to spread out. In this case, a Double or Queen may be a viable option for your child as they grow toward adulthood.
Appropriate support
As your child grows, it is important to promote spinal health. Look for a mattress that offers orthopaedic support, maintaining the natural alignment of your child’s body while they rest.
This often means choosing an innerspring or hybrid mattress with sufficient support technology. Sealy mattresses are proudly designed and built with orthopaedic excellence in mind. Our beds are backed by decades of research with the Orthopaedic Advisory Board, using patented coil technology and optimal comfort layers. Learn more: Why Sealy Posturepedic.
Firmness level
Mattresses come in a range of firmness levels (or comfort levels), including plush, medium, and firm options. The Sealy comfort choices also include ultra firm and ultra plush. As adults, we know that selecting a comfort level is a very personal decision and depends on our sleep position and general comfort preferences.
It may be harder for a child to tell you which comfort feel they prefer. We recommend models in the firm to medium range as children typically need fewer comfort layers built into a mattress. An in-store Sealy consultant can look for optimal spinal alignment and advise you on what models may suit your child best.
Safety & materials
In terms of safety, consider whether your child’s bed should include guardrails. Many toddlers are used to the confines of a crib, and may rely on the safety of railings when rolling around on their mattress. Many bedframes include temporary safety guardrails as children adjust to sleeping in a bigger bed. If this is a good idea for your child, you may need to choose a mattress that will fit your desired bedframe.
If railings are not a possibility, consider choosing a mattress that includes edge support. Sealy mattresses include edge support technology that stabilises the perimeter of the mattress. Not only does this extend the sleeping surface of the mattress for edge-to-edge comfort, but it helps to prevent mattress “roll-out”.
Additionally, you may need to assess the materials of your child’s mattress and whether the fabric or foams are suitable for any allergies or safety concerns. Sealy mattresses, for example, include SmarTex® with HealthShield®. This fabric treatment draws away moisture to cool and regulate the sleep climate while maintaining a clean and hygienic surface.
How to choose the right mattress for your child
When it comes to choosing the right mattress, you may wish to involve your child in the shopping process. We have a guide on testing a mattress in-store with helpful tips on buying criteria and the best ways to try a mattress in person.
Some of the key things to keep in mind are summarised below:
- Narrow down your options by sticking to a budget, but be conscious of balancing this with mattress quality and durability
- Keep a few size options in mind that work for your child and their bed frame or space in the room
- Consider your child’s usual sleep position, and whether they are better suited to a soft, medium or firm mattress
It is important to take your time in-store, weighing your options, or you may end up needing to purchase another mattress in the near future if the size, comfort, or general durability of the mattress is insufficient for your child’s needs. A good-quality mattress should last 7-10 years or more.
What are the most common problems with kids’ mattresses that you need to be aware of?
There are a number of common issues parents experience when choosing kids’ mattresses, including size concerns, a lack of edge support, or poor support and comfort.
Inadequate size
If you are transitioning from a cot, avoid the temptation to buy a cheaper, temporary mattress designed for toddlers and very young children. It is better to move straight from a cot to a Single or Double mattress that your child can grow into. This will prevent the need to upgrade to another mattress in a handful of years as your child grows.
Also keep in mind the possibility that your child may need a longer mattress. Very tall children may need more room for their legs and feet. If this is the case, your child may be better suited to a Single XL or King Single rather than a standard Single. Or, instead of a Double, they may prefer the longer Queen size bed.
Lack of edge support
Edge support has a number of benefits. It stabilises the walls of the mattress and extends the usable surface right to the very border. This provides a stable seating option, allowing children to sit on the edge of the bed without fear of slipping off.
Mattresses without this feature are naturally weaker at the sides. Without edge support, your toddler may roll out of the bed if they shift too close to the edge while they sleep. You may need to supplement this feature with a bedframe that includes guardrails.
Improper comfort & support
Try to avoid mattresses that are cheaply or poorly made. There are options for quality Single size mattresses on a budget, and it is important to weigh your budget against a mattress that offers durability and support.
A poor quality mattress may lack adequate support or comfort. This can result in your child tossing and turning, waking up frequently or experiencing dissatisfying sleep. Interrupted sleep may affect your child’s physical growth and mental development. More immediately, your child may complain of neck or back pain, or they may exhibit moodiness and behavioural concerns.
Top recommended kids’ mattresses
We have a number of recommendations to help you choose the best mattress for your child or teenager. If you’re unsure where to start, you might also wish to try our Mattress Selector.
Each of these options includes Single, Single XL and King Single sizes, while the Acclaim and Advantang ranges also include Double, Queen and King options.
Best Sealy Mattress for Kids Overall
| Support | The intuitive two-stage AlignSupport® coil system senses your weight and responds with the support needed to help maintain your body’s natural alignment. |
| Comfort | High quality, locally sourced materials. Enjoy pressure relieving Quality Comfort to help growing bodies rest and recover. |
| Edge | EdgeGuard is a full perimeter edge support system that adds stability and provides a firm seating edge. |
| Fabric | Sealy foam and quilt treated with antimicrobial HealthShield® that maintains a clean and hygienic surface. |
| Lenka, South East QLD ★★★★★ June 2022 We purchased the Sealy Posturepedic Singles for both our kids when they turned 2 years of age, they are now 3 years & 5 years and the mattresses are so comfortable – we both love reading books and having naps in the kids beds! Update: after selling our home fully furnished, we purchased the same kids mattresses again which we still LOVE after 2 years. |
| Snowflake, South East QLD ★★★★★ November 2019 We recently purchased a Sealy Posturepedic king single mattress to help our 2 year old son transition from a cot to a bed as he still wasn’t sleeping through the night. Within 4 weeks he now sleeps soundly and he wakes up a total different toddler. Great quality that even I sneak in and enjoy the plush comfort with him. Thank you Sealy! |
Jess, Greater Melbourne, VIC |
Best Sealy Mattress for Growing Teens
Designed to keep your spine aligned, innovation never felt so good
| Support | The two-stage support coil offers up to 14% better conformance, delivering additional pressure relief and ultimately a better feeling product. |
| Comfort | An enhanced centre third ComfortCore® layer with SenseGel Material reduces pressure on your back. |
| Edge | Dynamic FlexiCased® reinforces the mattress walls for edge-to-edge support. It also features BasePlank, which absorbs shock and reinforces the underside of the mattress for use on slat bases. |
| Fabric | Sealy foam and quilt treated with antimicrobial HealthShield® that maintains a clean and hygienic surface. SmarTex® draws away moisture to cool and regulate your sleep climate. |
| Viv ★★★★★ January 2022 Bought the Queen Size Sealy mattress for our teenage granddaughter. She absolutely loves it. The firmness is just right. Thank you Sealy for making such wonderful products. |
Jan L |
Ted |
Best Sealy Mattress Budget Option
| Support | Reliable support is delivered through the exclusive CoreSupport system. This coil features six turns for conformance and is twice tempered to provide deep down support that stands the test of time. |
| Comfort | High quality, locally sourced materials. Enjoy pressure relieving Quality Comfort to help you rest and recover. |
| Edge | EdgeGuard is a full perimeter edge support system that adds stability and provides a firm seating edge. |
| Fabric | Sealy foam and quilt treated with antimicrobial HealthShield® that maintains a clean and hygienic surface. |
| Leen ★★★★★ September 2022 Great bed. I bought this for my teenager son. He loves it. Just the right size and right comfort. The materials are breathable. The support is just right. I also bought the matching bed base. They work seamlessly together. Very happy shopping experience! |
Buyer, South East QLD |
Angela G |
MATTRESS SELECTOR
Not sure which mattress is right for you?
Discover your perfect Sealy by using our personalised mattress selector tool.
FAQs on choosing the best mattress for kids
What type of mattress is best for kids?
The best mattress for kids is one that offers plenty of room to grow with sufficient support and comfort for growing bodies. Try a Sealy in-store and discover the Posturepedic difference for your child.
What mattress size is best for younger children?
The best size mattress for younger children is one that offers plenty of room to grow. Many children will suit a standard Single size, but if your child is likely to be tall, consider a Single XL or King Single for extra leg room.
Should children have soft or firm mattresses?
Children should have the comfort level that suits their sleep position and comfort preferences. For some children, this may be soft or firm, and in many cases may be a medium. Try our Mattress Selector for a tailored recommendation.
Does my child need a firm, medium or soft mattress?
Children should have the comfort level that suits their sleep position and comfort preferences. For some children, this may be soft or firm, and in many cases may be a medium. Try our Mattress Selector for a tailored recommendation.
When should kids get their ‘Big Kids Bed’?
Children should move up to a “Big Kids Bed” when they are ready to transition from a cot, usually around 2 or 3 years old. Ensure their next bed offers plenty of room to grow and is supportive, durable and safe.
