Buying a mattress for a child sounds simple until you actually try to do it. Parents often begin confidently thinking they just need something comfortable and safe, only to find themselves deep in a world of unfamiliar terminology, size variations, mattress depths, and material differences that seem far more complex than anybody warned them about.

What starts as a quick online browse can swiftly turn into a mild panic about support for growing bones. Whether a single mattress is big enough, if a double mattress is too indulgent, whether a spring mattress is outdated, or whether a pocket mattress is secretly the one thing your child needs but has never asked for. And that's all before you reach the great UK mattress versus European mattress size dilemma.

We've put together this guide to demystify the entire process. It explains mattress types, sizes, lengths, and safety considerations in a way that is clear, with special focus on children's needs at different ages. From bunk bed safety rules to navigating the growing trend of European beds, you'll know exactly what matters and what doesn't by the time you reach the end. 

Spring vs pocket: What's the difference?

One of the biggest questions parents ask - sometimes the very first question - is whether they should buy a traditional spring mattress or a more modern pocket spring mattress. Understanding this difference is critical because the internal structure of a mattress directly affects its comfort, durability, and long term support. 

Spring mattresses

The traditional spring mattress, often called an open coil or open spring mattress, contains a network of metal springs that are all connected. If you imagine a metal grid shaped into coils, you're not far off. The springs work together as a single unit, which keeps the mattress light and easy to move, something that many parents appreciate when changing sheets or rotating mattresses. Costs are also lower, making them more attractive for families on a tighter budget or situations where the mattress is intended for occasional use, such as a guest trundle or a holiday home.

However, the simplicity of an open coil system is also its weakness. Because the springs are linked, movement on one part of the mattress travels across the entire surface. A child who fidgets a lot during the night may feel a slight bounce with every movement, and the support isn't as targeted as other designs. Over time, these are the mattresses that can develop uneven wear, with dips in areas that experience the most pressure. Although they are perfectly serviceable for younger children who weigh less, they're not usually the best long term solution for a growing body.

Pocket Spring Mattress

Pocket spring mattresses, sometimes referred to as pocket sprung, approach support very differently. Each spring is individually wrapped in its own fabric pocket, which allows it to move independently from the others. This means that the mattress responds precisely to pressure, shaping itself to the contours of your child's body without affecting the rest of the bed. If your child sleeps like a windmill in a storm, the mattress won't wobble around them. 

The independent springs also distribute weight more evenly, making them far more supportive for spinal alignment. And that's something that becomes increasingly important as children go taller and heavier. Although pocket mattresses are heavier and generally more expensive, they do last longer and offer more consistent comfort.

For most children over the age of four, pocket springs are the superior choice, particularly when you consider support, durability and air flow. They are especially beneficial for older children, those with restless sleeping habits and teenagers who need more structured support as their frames develop.

How foam, hybrid and latex fit into the picture

While the debate between spring and pocket often dominates, parents frequently encounter foam mattresses, hybrids and even latex options and wonder whether these alternatives are suitable for children's beds.

Foam mattresses

Foam mattresses, including memory foam, are renowned for their body contouring properties. They cradle the sleeper, reducing pressure on joints, which can be comforting for older children or teenagers who enjoy a softer, more enveloping feel. The major issue is heat retention. Some children naturally run warm, and traditional foam can exacerbate this by holding onto body heat.

Breathability varies widely between manufacturers, so it's important to ensure the foam includes ventilation features, especially for younger children. Foam is very quiet and contains no springs, which makes it ideal for wiggly sleepers who are easily disturbed by movement.

Hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine pocket springs with layers of foam or other comfortable materials. They offer a blend of structure and softness and are often considered the best all rounders. They do tend to be more expensive, but are extremely durable and provide excellent temperature regulation when designed with breathable layers. For teenagers, hybrids can be a luxurious and long lasting choice.

Latex mattresses

These mattresses appealed to parents who are seeking something naturally hypoallergenic and breathable. Latex is wonderfully resilient and supportive, offering bounce without the transfer of an open coil system. They tend to last many years but sit at the higher end of the price spectrum. For most families, latex is a premium option rather than a necessity, but a brilliant one if allergies are overheating are a concern. 

Why mattress depth matters

Many parents are unaware that mattress depths are actually a safety issue as much as a comfort issue. When buying mattresses for bunk beds, mid sleepers, or high sleepers, depth becomes absolutely critical.

Guardrails and raised beds are designed to keep children enclosed while they sleep, but they only work if the mattress does not exceed a recommended height of 15cm. A mattress thicker than this size makes it too high, reducing the effective height of the guardrail and creating a risk of rolling out. 

Even the most carefully crafted bedtime routine cannot stop a child from wriggling around on the mattress, and the right depth ensures safety no matter how active they are. 

Mattresses for trundle beds are available from 10cm in height and matched with their trundles. 

UK versus European mattress sizes

All children's beds use UK standard mattress sizes, something that many parents only discover after unwrapping the bed frame. The UK standard single mattress measures 90 x 190cm, which is a size used across most British retailers. Small doubles and double beds are also common in children's rooms, especially for teenagers who prefer extra space as they reach between 120 x 190cm and 135 x 190cm, respectively.

European mattresses, however, are often 10cm longer, measuring 90 x 200cm for a single bed. While this makes them ideal for tall children, parents who want to bed their child can grow into the extra length can be a bit of an issue, if you accidentally buy a UK mattress for a European bed frame or vice versa. A mismatch results in awkward gaps or dangerous overhangs, and neither of these things are suitable for children. 

It's smart to always check whether the bed frame is UK or European sized. Scandinavian inspired children's beds, cabin beds and mid sleepers are increasingly made to European dimensions, so shopping without checking can easily lead to disappointment when the mattress arrives.

Single versus double: Understanding what your children need.

When it comes to picking between a single bed mattress and a double bed mattress, age, bedroom size, and your child's sleeping habits will all play a role in your decision. A standard single is the most common and practical choice for most children from the age of three. It fits well in the smaller bedrooms, works with bunk beds and mid sleepers, and offers plenty of room for solitary sleepers. However, sleeping styles do. Some children starfish roll, twist and turn, and others end up laying horizontally across the bed like a cat. Teenagers especially appreciate the added width of a double, and it also future proofs your investment by serving them well into adulthood.

Bodies change rapidly, and mattress support plays an important role in maintaining healthy posture. The mattress you choose should distribute weight evenly, preventing pressure build up around developing hips and shoulders.

Temperature regulation and durability

Parents frequently report that their children kick off their covers or wake up sweaty, and mattress breathability plays a major role in preventing overheating. Durability varies greatly depending on the material. 

Open coil mattresses last three to five years, making them suitable for younger children who will outgrow their needs before the mattress wears out. Latex has the longest lifespan, sometimes exceeding 15 years. However, children's sleep needs change, so you may not keep a mattress for its full lifespan even if it remains in good condition.

Making the best choice

Choosing the right mattress for kids' beds involves balancing comfort, support, safety and practicality. With the right information, choosing a children's mattress becomes far less daunting. Instead of guesswork between single bed mattress and double bed mattress, a foam mattress, latex or hybrid, you can make a confident decision that supports restful nights, healthy growth, and comfortable sleep for years to come.