Kids Mattresses

Why choose a kids' mattress?

A mattress designed with children in mind can combine supportive construction with practical features for busy family homes. Depending on the model, you may find lower-profile bunk bed designs, washable or waterproof covers, breathable fillings, and supportive edges that make sitting beside your child for storytime more comfortable.

Children also grow quickly, so choosing a mattress with suitable support and durability can help it remain comfortable as their size and sleeping habits change.

How to choose the right kids' mattress

Start with your child’s age, bed frame and how the mattress will be used every night.

Size and mattress depth

Measure the inside of the bed frame before ordering. For bunk beds, high sleepers and trundles, mattress depth is particularly important. Follow the frame manufacturer’s maximum-depth instructions so the finished mattress height doesn’t interfere with guard rails or the space needed to store a trundle safely.

Firmness and support

Children need a mattress that supports them comfortably without excessive sinking. A firm feel can work well for younger children, while older children and teenagers may prefer a different level of firmness, like medium or soft, as their body size and comfort preferences change. Firmness is personal, so consider the complete construction rather than relying on the firmness label alone.

Fillings and temperature

Breathable fibres and constructions with good airflow may suit children who tend to feel warm. Foam can provide closer cushioning, while sprung mattresses tend to feel more responsive.

Practical everyday features

Removable, washable covers can make spills easier to handle, while waterproof surfaces or a separate mattress protector can help protect the mattress. Reinforced edge support may also be useful for children who sit on the side of the bed to get dressed or share storytime with a parent.

Why shop at MattressNextDay?

Next day delivery - Free next-day delivery is available on eligible in-stock mattresses across the UK mainland.

Lowest price promise - Our Lowest Price Promise gives you extra reassurance when comparing your chosen kids' mattress.

Old mattress removal - Add old mattress removal at checkout, and we’ll collect your old mattress when your new one arrives.

Excellent reviews - Compare verified customer reviews before deciding which mattress is right for your family.

Award-winning retailer - Order from a three-time NBF Online Bed Retailer of the Year.

British-designed quality - Choose British-designed mattresses made with carefully selected materials.

Need help choosing your next mattress?

Tell us who the mattress is for, the firmness you prefer and what you’d like to spend. MattressFinder™ will quickly narrow the range to suitable mattresses for you to compare. Find your perfect mattress.

Buying guidance for kids' mattresses

Choosing support as your child grows

For toddlers moving into their first larger bed, focus on a secure fit within the bed frame and an even, supportive sleeping surface. A practical, easy-clean design can be especially useful at this stage.

As children reach primary school age, look for a mattress that provides consistent support across the sleeping surface and is durable enough for everyday use. Supportive edges can also be handy when your child sits on the side of the bed.

Teenagers are closer to adult proportions, so their mattress may need to accommodate increased height and body weight. Consider whether a standard single still offers enough room, then compare firmness, comfort layers and construction in the same way you would for an adult mattress.

Whatever their age, the aim is to support a comfortable sleeping position while choosing a feel that your child is happy with.

Materials and safety information

Check the individual mattress description for clear information about fillings, covers and material testing. If independently tested or low-emission materials are important to you, look for recognised certifications where stated. These may include OEKO-TEX standards for tested textiles, CertiPUR certification for qualifying foam materials, or GREENGUARD certification for chemical emissions.

Certification varies by manufacturer and mattress, so check which specific certification applies before ordering.

Delivery, recycling, and guarantees

Free next-day delivery to most locations - Get your child’s new mattress quickly, with free next-day delivery available across the UK mainland on eligible in-stock mattresses.

Free weekend delivery - Choose a free weekend delivery slot where available to make it easier to arrange delivery around family life.

Choose a delivery date - Pick an available delivery date at checkout so you can plan to replace the old mattress or set up a new bed.

Learn more about our delivery and returns policies.

We make old mattress disposal easy for you

Just £39 to responsibly dispose of your old mattress - Add old mattress removal at checkout, and we’ll collect it when your new mattress arrives.

100% of your mattress is reused and recycled - Your old mattress is broken down into its core components so the raw materials can be repurposed, with 100% reused and recycled.

A greener way to get rid of your old mattress - Collection alongside delivery saves you from arranging a separate way to move and dispose of a bulky mattress.

Find a great value kids' mattress

Looking for the right children’s mattress at the right price? Explore the latest MattressNextDay sale and compare offers across different sizes, firmness levels and mattress types. Shop mattress sale.

Ask the expert about kids' mattresses

Choosing a children’s mattress is easier when you know what to compare. Our product experts answer common questions about firmness as children grow, bunk and trundle bed safety, dual-sided mattresses, and easy-clean features.

Martin Seeley, Product Expert at MattressNextDay, answers questions about kids' mattresses.

What is the best mattress firmness for a growing child?

There isn’t one firmness level that will suit every child. Age, body size, sleeping position and personal comfort all affect how a mattress feels.

For toddlers and younger children, an even, supportive surface that doesn’t allow excessive sinking can provide a steadier feel. As children grow and become heavier, they may prefer a different firmness or a more substantial support system.

Teenagers can usually choose from a wider range of firmness levels and constructions. Side sleepers may prefer more cushioning around the shoulders and hips, while children who mainly sleep on their back may favour a steadier feel.

What mattress height is suitable for a bunk bed, high sleeper or trundle?

Always follow the instructions supplied with the bed frame rather than relying on a single universal mattress depth measurement.

Bunk beds and high sleepers usually require a lower-profile mattress so the sleeping surface remains safely below the intended height of the guardrails. Check the bed manufacturer’s stated maximum mattress depth before buying.

For a trundle, measure the required mattress length and width as well as the available depth beneath the main bed. The mattress needs to fit the trundle correctly and allow it to slide away as designed.

Is a dual-sided or single-sided kids mattress better?

Either can work well, depending on the mattress design and the care routine that suits your family.

Check the individual description carefully. A mattress being flippable doesn’t automatically mean each side has a different firmness.

What easy-clean features should I look for in a kids' mattress?

Removable, washable covers are useful for keeping the sleep surface fresh and making everyday spills easier to manage. Waterproof covers or surfaces can provide extra protection from moisture, while a separate washable mattress protector is another practical option.

Check the care label before washing a removable cover, as cleaning instructions can vary between mattresses.

Are hypoallergenic kids' mattresses a good choice?

A hypoallergenic mattress may be worth considering if you want materials or finishes designed to reduce exposure to common irritants.

The term doesn’t mean a mattress can prevent allergies, so check what the manufacturer specifically means by ‘hypoallergenic’. Breathable covers and washable components may also help you maintain a fresher sleeping environment.

If material testing is important to you, check individual mattress specifications for recognised certifications such as OEKO-TEX, CertiPUR or GREENGUARD, where applicable.

Which mattress size is best for a child?

The right mattress size depends on the bed frame, available bedroom space and how long you expect your child to use it.

A standard single is a common choice for children and teenagers, while a small single may work better in a narrow bedroom or compact bed frame. Bunk beds, cabin beds and trundles can have more specific size requirements.

Measure the inside of the bed frame before ordering, rather than choosing the mattress by age alone.

Can kids' mattresses have reinforced edge support?

Yes, some children’s mattresses have strengthened or reinforced edges. This can make the edge feel more stable when your child sits down to get dressed or when you sit beside them for storytime.

Edge construction varies between mattresses, so check the individual specification if this feature is important to you.