A children's mattress is chosen by three things: the age of the child, the exact size of the bed, and firmness. A baby needs a level, springy surface that fits the cot snugly, and a schoolchild or teenager a mattress that does not give way under a weight that is growing fast. Below is how to make sense of this without unnecessary terms, and what is not worth economising on.
Why a child needs a mattress of their own
Handing a mattress down from an older child to a younger one looks like sensible economy, but it is a poor option. Over several years the filling settles under the body of its previous owner, and dust and moisture that cannot be washed out build up inside. Besides, children jump on the bed, and after that kind of life a mattress no longer keeps its surface level.
The same goes for an adult mattress put “for the time being” in a child's room: it is made for a different weight, so a light child lies on it as on a board or, on the contrary, sinks into the soft top layer.
Firmness by age
Up to 3 years
A baby needs a level, springy surface: the mattress has to be firm enough not to dip into a hollow under the child's weight. Low springless models are most often taken for this age: they are light, and easy to lift out of the cot and air. Your paediatrician will give specific advice on a baby's sleep.
An example of such a mattress is the Veneto Children's Bio Mattress: firm, springless, of latexed coir Cocos Shield, 70 mm high.
From 3 to 7 years
The child is heavier and more active, so the surface can be a little softer, but the base has to stay springy. The main check is simple: when the child lies on their side, the shoulder and hip sink in slightly and the back stays level, with no dip at the waist.
Double-sided models are handy here. The Veneto Children's Lux Mattress, 90 mm high, has two sides of different firmness: firm and medium. Inside are coir Cocos Shield and natural latex Latex Care. The firmer side is usually used for the youngest, and when the child grows the mattress is turned over.
Schoolchildren and teenagers
Here a mattress is chosen much as for an adult: taking account of weight, height, sleeping position and the specification of the particular model. What matters is that the surface gives enough support and that the length leaves a margin over the child's height; as a practical guide, 150–200 mm more than the height.
If the child complains about their back, or a doctor has already mentioned posture, discuss the firmness of the mattress with an orthopaedist. A mattress helps the body lie level, but it does not replace treatment.
Size: exactly to the bed
Measure the inner length and width of the bed with a tape, not “by eye” and not by the size of the old mattress. A mattress that is too small leaves a gap by the side, where an arm or a leg can get caught; one that is too big humps up and deforms quickly.
Both Veneto children's models are made in three sizes, from 600 × 1200 mm for a cot to 800 × 1900 mm for a first “grown-up” bed. There is an important detail here: teenagers' beds are often made for a larger mattress. The Unity C1 Bed, for example, has a sleeping place of 900 × 2000 mm, and a children's mattress will not fit it. For such a bed a model is chosen from the general mattresses catalogue. If you need a non-standard size, ask a consultant about it.
Bear height in mind too. In a cot with sides a high mattress “eats up” the height of the side, so thicker does not mean better.
Spring or springless
| Type | How it behaves | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Springless (coir, latex, foam) | A level surface of even springiness, low height | Babies and toddlers; older children as the firm option |
| With independent springs | Every spring compresses separately, the mattress adapts to the body | Schoolchildren and teenagers |
| With a Bonnell unit | The springs are linked, the surface is springy and even | Older children as a simpler option |
Coir adds firmness, latex adds springiness. If the child likes jumping on the bed, be honest about it: spring units are not made for that, and a springless model will last longer.
Both Veneto children's mattresses are rated for a load of up to 80 kg. All the models for children are gathered in the children's mattresses collection.
Cover, protection from moisture and textiles
A children's mattress gets dirty more often than an adult's, so a removable cover is no small thing. On Children's Bio and Children's Lux the outer cover comes off, and under it there is also an inner one, of cotton knit.
Spilt juice or a night-time “accident” is an ordinary thing, and a wet mattress is far harder to dry than a protector is to wash. The Veneto Fresh mattress cover has a moisture-proof membrane fabric and elastic fastening; its sizes start at 800 × 1900 mm, so it is too big for a small cot.
Choose a pillow and a duvet by age. The Veneto Sweet Dreams Pillow, 380 × 580 mm and 135 mm high, is meant for children from 3 years, and the Veneto Comfort Blanket for children, 1100 × 1400 mm, from 5 years.
Common mistakes
- Buying a mattress “to grow into” that is larger than the bed.
- Choosing the softest one because “it is cosier”: a small child needs springy support, not a feather bed.
- Leaving the factory film on after setting the bed up: it gets in the way of normal air exchange around the mattress.
- Putting the mattress on a solid base with no ventilation and never lifting it.
- Going only by the word “orthopaedic” in the name. It is the name of a class of product, not a medical purpose.
How to check and look after it
In the showroom press on the mattress with your palm in several places: the surface should spring back evenly, with no dips. Lay a child of 5–6 years or older on their back and on their side for a few minutes and look at the line of the back from the side.
At home, air the mattress regularly, and wash the cover and the protector according to the label and the manufacturer's instructions. The warranty conditions are on the warranty page.
In short
- Up to 3 years — a level, firm mattress exactly the size of the cot; for older children, medium firmness with weight taken into account.
- Measure the bed with a tape: there should be no gaps by the side.
- A double-sided mattress “grows” with the child: it can be turned over.
- A removable cover and a moisture-proof protector save a lot of trouble.
- On posture and complaints about the back, consult a doctor, not the label.
Frequently asked questions
Can a child sleep on an older brother's or sister's mattress?
Only a mattress in good condition can be considered: with no hollows, deformation, damage or traces of damp. For a child it is especially important to check that its size and specification are suitable; a worn mattress is better not passed on.
Which mattress should I take for a 900 × 2000 mm bed?
One of exactly that size. Children's models end at 800 × 1900 mm, so here you need a mattress from the general catalogue, chosen for the child's weight.
What is better for a schoolchild: springs or springless?
Both options are suitable. Independent springs adapt to the body better; a springless one is usually firmer and lower. Let the child lie on both.
When should a children's mattress be replaced?
When the child has outgrown the size, dips or humps have appeared on the surface, or the child's weight has changed noticeably.
