July 7, 2025, 10:55 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Even though the mattress is just one part of the bed, it is a significant component. Especially when purchasing a children’s mattress, it is highly advisable to pay attention to aspects such as comfort, sleep environment, and safety.
Babies and toddlers spend a lot of time in their beds during their early years. With 10 to 16 hours of sleep per day, the bed—especially the children’s mattress—must meet several important requirements in terms of safety, sleep climate, and comfort.
Table of Contents
1. Type of Children’s Mattress
Similar to mattresses for adults, there is a wide range of children’s mattresses available. The breathability of a mattress is crucial. Especially for babies and toddlers, the mattress absorbs various liquids such as sweat, urine, spilled milk, or vomit. Children’s mattresses made of coconut fibers, natural latex, and foam are particularly recommended.
Models made of coconut fiber and natural latex are priced higher but offer the child special sleeping comfort. Additional air chambers and vertical ventilation channels provide better ventilation of the children’s mattress and simultaneously reduce the risk of suffocation.
Related: Four Children’s Mattresses Fail in Consumer Test
2. Dimensions and Distances
Children’s mattresses for babies and toddlers are usually available in sizes 60 x 120 cm and 70 x 140 cm. For slightly older children, the size 90 x 190 cm is recommended later. However, it is important to ensure that it is still a children’s mattress and not an adult model. Adult mattresses often have different zones and firmness levels, factors that are not yet relevant for a children’s mattress. The child should also have about 10 cm of space at the head and foot of the bed.
3. Zones and Firmness Levels
Since babies and toddlers weigh very little and their spines are relatively straight, it is not necessary, as with adults, to support and relieve the natural S-curve of the torso. Therefore, zones are not yet a crucial criterion for children’s mattresses. Firmness ratings are also not needed at this stage. It is important that the children’s mattress adapts to the shape of the child’s body and is neither too soft nor too hard in terms of comfort.
The child’s head should not sink too deeply, as this could lead to the mouth and nose being covered. A mattress with a reinforced edge, known as a step edge, is also recommended to prevent little feet from getting painfully caught between the mattress and bed frame while waiting impatiently for mom and dad or during wild play.
Also interesting: 6 Criteria a High Chair for Children Must Meet
4. Cover Material of a Children’s Mattress
Spilled milk, sweat, urine: A lot of liquids end up in the children’s bed. This is not a problem as long as the mattress cover is removable and washable at 60 degrees in the washing machine. It is also important that the cover material is breathable and skin-friendly. Ideally, cotton should be chosen. If spills occur frequently, it is advisable to use a waterproof pad between the mattress and sheet to catch the mess.
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5. Pay Attention to Labels for Harmful Substances
When buying a children’s mattress, it is crucial to ensure it is free of harmful substances. To be certain, parents should look for trustworthy labels from independent testing institutes. Two important certifications are the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and the Blue Angel.