How to Choose a Children's Mattress: Healthy Sleep Starts with the Right Foundation

Sleep is a time when a child not only rests but also grows actively. At night, growth hormones are produced, the immune system is strengthened, and impressions gathered during the day are processed. That's why a comfortable and properly chosen bed is not a luxury, but a necessity. And its key component is the children’s mattress.

Why Is It Important to Choose the Right Mattress?

A child’s spine continues to develop until the age of 18, but the most intensive development happens in the first 3–5 years. An unsuitable mattress can lead to poor posture, disturbed sleep, and even back pain. Meanwhile, healthy sleep is the foundation of a good mood, strong health, and full development.

Key Criteria for Choosing

Here’s what to consider when choosing a mattress for your child:

1. Firmness

For children under 3 years old, a firm or medium-firm mattress is recommended. It supports the spine in the correct position and prevents the child from "sinking" into the mattress.
For children over 3, a medium-firm mattress is suitable. Soft models are best left for teenagers and adults — for small children, they may negatively affect spine development.

2. Filling Materials

• Coconut coir – a natural, breathable, and hypoallergenic material. Suitable from birth.

• Latex – elastic and soft, often used in combination with coconut.

• Polyurethane foam (PU foam) – an affordable, yet comfortable and resilient material.

• Memory foam – an "intelligent" foam that adapts to the shape of the body. More suitable for children aged 6 and above.

• Buckwheat Hulls (Buckwheat Sheķi) – a natural filler. A mattress with buckwheat hulls is firm, highly breathable, and provides a micromassage effect. Buckwheat hulls are considered to adapt well to the body's shape, ensuring proper spinal support. Buckwheat hull mattresses are often used as one side of a two-sided mattress (usually as the firmer side, combined with a layer of coir or latex).

3. Size

The mattress must exactly match the size of the bed frame. Gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib are dangerous — a child’s arm or leg could get caught.

4. Removable Cover

An ideal choice is a mattress with a removable cover that can be washed. This makes it easier to keep the sleeping space hygienic.

5. Hypoallergenic Properties

Materials must be safe and non-allergenic. Always check the composition and choose products with quality certificates.

6. Mattress Thickness (Height)

• For cot beds (up to approx. 3 years): A thickness of 6–10 cm is usually sufficient. Quality and firmness are more important than thickness.
• For teenage beds: The mattress can be thicker (14–20 cm or more) if it is made of foam or includes a spring block.

7. Spring Systems (for teenagers)

• Young children (up to approx. 6 years): Spring models are not recommended. Springless models are better.
• Teenagers: Mattresses with an independent pocket spring block ("Pocket Springs") can be chosen, as they provide precise spinal support, because each spring operates autonomously.

8. Certificates and Safety Standards

• Ensure the mattress has quality certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX Standard 100), confirming that the materials do not contain hazardous substances.

Helpful Tips from Our Store

• Replace the mattress every 3–5 years, especially if your child has grown or if signs of wear appear (indentations, squeaks, unpleasant odors).

• For newborns, double-sided mattresses are ideal: one side is firm (with coconut), the other is softer (with latex).

• Use a waterproof mattress protector — it extends the mattress's lifespan and makes cleaning easier.

Conclusion

Choosing a children’s mattress is an investment in your child’s health and development. Take this decision seriously — your little one will sleep peacefully, and you'll have the confidence that you made the right choice.

📌 In our online store, you’ll find a wide selection of children’s mattresses — from models for newborns to options for teenagers. We carefully select products from trusted manufacturers so that every child sleeps soundly and comfortably.