Best kids mattress in 2026: tried and tested picks for every age and sleep need

Sleep is vital for your child’s development, so choosing the best kids mattress for their age, sleep style and bed setup can make a real difference to how well they rest. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital says children who get enough sleep show improvements in attention, behaviour, learning, memory and overall mental and physical health.

To help you find the best kids mattress for your child, we researched and tested a range of options, looking at comfort, support, practicality and value, as well as features like allergy protection, washable covers and waterproofing.

• Jump to our list of the best kids mattresses
• What to look for when choosing a kids mattress
• What type of mattress is best for a child?

You can also browse our guides to the best baby mattresses, best kids’ bedding sets and best kids’ and toddler travel beds. If sleep is a struggle, take a look at our guides to the best sleep aids and white noise machines. And for grown-ups, we’ve also tested the best pillows and best mattresses.

Quick look: how our best kids mattresses compare

Best kids mattress at a glance

• Best for young kids: The Simba Hybrid Kids Mattress, £350 £280 at Argos (Save £70 or 20%)
• Best for teens: Simba Hybrid Single, £649 at Simba
• Best for memory foam comfort: Emma Original Mattress, £249 £224.10 for a single mattress at Emma (Save £24.90 or 10%)
• Best for natural materials: Little Green Sheep Natural Junior Mattress Single, £345.95 at Natural Baby Shower
• Best for bunk beds: Stompa S Flex Airflow Mattress, £179 £143.20 at John Lewis (Save £35.80 or 20%)
• Best for cot-to-bed transition: Silentnight Healthy Growth Cosy Toddler Mattress, £95 £63 at Argos (£32 or 34%)
• Best for eco-friendly design: Jay-Be Quest Q3 Deep Micro E-Pocket Kids Single Mattress, £295 £219.99 at Amazon (Save £75.01 or 25%)
• Best for waterproof protection: SnüzSurface Max Junior Mattress, £249.95 at Kiddies Kingdom
• Best for allergy relief: Jay-Be Just Kids Anti-Allergy Just Sprung Mattress, £139 at Very
• Best for restless sleepers: Silentnight Healthy Growth Starry Natural Pocket Mattress, £339 £309.95 at Mattress Online (save £29.05 or 9%)
• Best for anti-slip support: Eve The Original Mattress, £549 £329 at Eve Sleep (Save £220 or 40%)

Best kids mattress overall

The Simba Hybrid Kids Mattress, £350

Best for: Young kids

Why we chose it: This is our top pick for the best kids mattress overall because it combines the support of springs with the comfort of foam, making it a great all-rounder for growing children.

We moved from a classic sprung children's mattress to this and can truly say my child's comfort levels have increased hugely and she's sleeping in of a morning! My daughter is on the heavier side but she feels truly supported using this mattress. When she sits on her bed it doesn't dip but evenly carries her weight.

What we like

• Supportive enough for heavier children
• Hybrid design combines foam and springs
• Cooling and hypoallergenic
• Feels durable and built to last
• Comes with a 1-year trial
• Environmentally friendly credentials

What to keep in mind

• Quite a shallow mattress at 16cm
• No removable cover

If you want a kids mattress that feels more premium than a basic sprung model, this Simba is an excellent place to start. It uses titanium Aerocoil springs and CertiPUR foam layers to deliver a supportive but comfortable sleep surface, and it’s one that should work well for a wide range of children.

It also earned strong feedback from our tester Dani, who said it offered enough support for her 9-year-old daughter while still being comfortable enough for parents lying alongside at bedtime.

Available from: Simba Sleep, Argos, Mattress Online

Best kids mattresses for different needs

Simba Hybrid Single, £649

Best for: Teens

Why we chose it: This deeper Simba mattress is a strong upgrade choice for older kids who want more support and more of a grown-up mattress feel.

I’ve literally had the best night sleep ever!

What we like

• Deep 25cm design feels more substantial
• Combines Aerocoil microsprings with deep foam layers
• Breathable cover and cooling foam
• Nine-zoned foam base supports hips and shoulders
• Fills a standard single bed well

What to keep in mind

• Cover is removable but difficult to take on and off
• Expensive

This is a good option if your child has outgrown a shallower children’s mattress or you want to invest in something that could see them through their teen years. It shares plenty of the same features as the Simba Kids mattress, but adds more depth and many more springs for a more substantial feel.

Tester Dani said that extra depth made a noticeable difference to comfort and support, especially for bedtime cuddles and longer stretches in bed.

Available from: Simba Sleep, John Lewis, Habitat

Emma Original Mattress, from £249

Best for: Memory foam comfort

Why we chose it: The Emma Original is a versatile memory foam mattress that works especially well for older children and can continue into adulthood.

After releasing the mattress from its vacuumed pack and once it reached its full potential, it's like laying in a hug for your body. You can feel every part of your body snuggly supported and having shared the bed with my daughter on the odd occasion you can't feel the movement from the other person in the bed.

What we like

• Available in lots of sizes
• Supportive and comfortable for a range of sleeping positions
• Cooling technology helps with airflow
• Machine washable cover
• 200-night trial and 10-year guarantee

What to keep in mind

• Not specifically designed as a children’s mattress

This is a strong choice if you want one mattress that can grow with your child. It isn’t made especially for kids, but that can actually be a plus if you’re buying for an older child or want a mattress that won’t need replacing as quickly.

The four-layer construction is designed to balance breathability, support and stability, while the soft cover can be removed and washed when needed.

Available from: Emma Sleep, Habitat, Mattress Online

Little Green Sheep Natural Junior Mattress Single, £345.95

Best for: Natural materials

Why we chose it: If you want a natural kids mattress without foam or synthetic fillings, this is one of the standout options we tested.

The entire mattress, including the outside cover and quilting is 100% made from natural materials, so it's a great option if you're looking for an organic mattress. It's incredibly well made and feels luxurious.

What we like

• Made from natural materials
• Hypoallergenic
• Temperature regulating
• Feels high quality and well made
• 5-year guarantee

What to keep in mind

• No removable cover

Instead of relying on springs or foam, this mattress uses coconut fibres and natural latex to create support and bounce. That makes it a particularly appealing choice for families looking to avoid synthetic materials and chemical treatments.

It’s also designed to help regulate temperature through the seasons, so it should keep children comfortable whether the room runs warm or cool.

Available from: The Little Green Sheep, Amazon, Natural Baby Shower

Stompa S Flex Airflow Mattress, £179

Best for: Bunk beds

Why we chose it: Its 15cm depth makes it particularly well suited to bunk beds, where mattress height matters for safety as well as comfort.

My first impressions when pressing my hand onto it was that it feels much more comfortable than the previous mattress we used. The mattress itself feels firm and springy and the cover is very soft.

What we like

• Ideal depth for top bunks
• Removable machine washable cover
• Breathable, cooling design
• Comfortable despite its slimmer profile
• Affordable
• Available in UK and EU sizes

What to keep in mind

• May feel thin if you don’t need a bunk-bed mattress

This mattress layers a soft breathable cover with hypoallergenic fibre and an airflow comfort layer that helps reduce moisture and keep sleepers cool. That makes it a practical choice for shared children’s rooms and warmer bedrooms.

Parent tester Christy also liked the fit on her daughters’ bunk bed, noting that it stayed within the recommended height while still feeling comfortable.

Available from: Amazon, John Lewis

Silentnight Healthy Growth Cosy Toddler Mattress, £95

Best for: Cot-to-bed transition

Why we chose it: This is a practical first “big bed” mattress for toddlers moving from a cot or cot bed.

The mattress is a perfect fit for my daughter's toddler bed. It has a soft cover with a lovely cloud design. I was pleased to see that the outside cover is fully removable and washable. It simply unzips and is easy to get off and on. My only reservation is that the mattress cover doesn't have a waterproof side.

What we like

• Good transition mattress for toddlers
• Firm and supportive feel
• Removable washable cover
• Breathable outer fabric with cooling fibres
• Hypoallergenic and chemical-treatment free

What to keep in mind

• Only suitable until your child moves to a standard single bed
• No waterproof side on the cover

If you’re buying for a toddler bed or cot bed, this is a sensible and supportive choice. It’s designed for younger children, with a firm feel and breathable materials to help with temperature regulation.

The main drawback is longevity, as you’ll need to replace it once your child moves up to a standard single.

Available from: Silentnight, Mattress Online, Argos, Dunelm

Jay-Be Quest Q3 Deep Micro E-Pocket Kids Single Mattress, £295

Best for: Eco-friendly design

Why we chose it: This is the best kids mattress here for families who want a more eco-conscious design without compromising on comfort.

From the minute this mattress arrived we knew it was a great quality mattress, it looked so firm and full of thick spongy layers. Amelia absolutely loves her new mattress, it's so soft and bouncy with a gorgeously smooth knitted cover and quilted finish along the top layer.

What we like

• Strong sustainability credentials
• Foam-free and breathable design
• Comfortable and supportive layered construction
• Handles make it easier to move
• 5-year guarantee
• Available in a range of sizes including European options

What to keep in mind

• No removable washable cover

This mattress stood out for its eco-friendly design and recyclable materials, but it also impressed our testers on comfort and ease of use. The built-in handles make it easier to lift into place, and the layered design aims to support airflow as well as body contouring.

It’s a good pick if sustainability is high on your list and you still want a mattress that feels substantial and supportive.

Available from: Mattress Online, Very, Amazon, Argos

SnüzSurface Max Junior Mattress, £249.95

Best for: Waterproof protection

Why we chose it: The waterproof surface and washable cover make this a useful option for accidents, spills and easier clean-ups.

Since having the new mattress my daughter has been staying in her bed all night which may just be a coincidence but either way I am taking it as a win. She has told me the mattress is very comfy. It seems really nice and firm.

What we like

• Waterproof surface
• Machine washable removable cover
• Breathable and temperature regulating
• Anti-dust mite barrier
• Compact delivery box
• 5-year guarantee

What to keep in mind

• Needs to be left flat for 7 days before use

This mattress is especially handy for younger children or any family dealing with occasional accidents. The washable zipped cover adds convenience, while the anti-dust mite barrier is another practical bonus.

The only real downside is the wait time after unboxing, as it needs several days lying flat before it’s ready to sleep on.

Available from: Snuz, Amazon, Kiddies Kingdom

Jay-Be Just Kids Anti-Allergy Just Sprung Mattress, £139

Best for: Allergy relief

Why we chose it: This is the most targeted option here for children who are prone to allergies or skin irritation.

My son has slept well and found the mattress to be comfortable, the material has not irritated his eczema and he's had no issues with skin allergies.

What we like

• Designed for children with allergies and sensitive skin
• Purotex probiotic treatment aims to reduce allergens
• Breathable design helps with temperature control
• Compact vacuum-packed delivery
• 5-year guarantee
• Available in multiple sizes including European options

What to keep in mind

• No removable machine washable cover

For children with eczema, allergies or sensitive skin, this is one of the more specialist mattresses in the round-up. The anti-allergy treatment and breathable comfort layer are both geared towards creating a fresher sleep surface.

It’s also relatively affordable compared with some of the more premium options here, which adds to its appeal.

Available from: Very, Argos, Dunelm

Silentnight Healthy Growth Starry Natural Pocket Mattress, £339

Best for: Restless sleepers

Why we chose it: Its pocket spring design adapts well as children move around in the night, making it a good pick for restless sleepers.

What we like

• Supportive pocket spring layer adapts to movement
• Good for different sleeping postures
• Temperature regulating
• Hypoallergenic
• Foam free

What to keep in mind

• No removable washable cover

If your child wriggles, rolls or changes position throughout the night, this mattress is designed to keep up. The individual pocket springs adapt to posture changes as they move, helping maintain support across the night.

It’s a sensible option for children who don’t stay in one position for long, although it’s less practical if a washable cover is a must-have for your household.

Available from: Silentnight, Dunelm, Mattress Online

Eve The Original Mattress, £549

Best for: Anti-slip support

Why we chose it: The anti-slip base makes this a practical choice for active children who tend to bounce or jump into bed.

We unboxed the vacuum packed mattress and it was so soft and comfortable to touch. My son Jesse said he likes his new bed! After having a brief lie on it myself, I can see why, it's a super comfortable foam mattress and it softly takes on your body weight.

What we like

• Anti-slip base helps keep mattress in place
• Comfortable memory foam feel
• Temperature regulating
• Convenient vacuum-packed delivery
• 1-year trial and 10-year guarantee

What to keep in mind

• No removable cover
• Not specifically designed for children
• Expensive

The standout feature here is the anti-slip base, which helps the mattress stay put even with a more energetic sleeper. That makes it especially useful if your child tends to launch themselves into bed rather than quietly climbing in.

Like the Emma mattress, this isn’t made specifically for children, so it may suit families looking for a more adult-style mattress that can be used for years.

Available from: Eve Sleep

Pics: Website pictures & MFM testers

What to look for when choosing a kids mattress

Sleeping position

How your child sleeps can affect which mattress feels most comfortable. Side sleepers often prefer something softer, while back and front sleepers may get on better with a firmer feel.

Mattress type

Kids mattresses come in a range of types, including coil, hybrid, foam, pocket spring and e-pocket. Each offers a slightly different feel, level of support and price point.

Type of bed

Always check what bed the mattress is going on. Bunk beds often need a shallower mattress, especially on the top bunk, while toddler beds and cot beds need different dimensions to a standard single.

Your child’s age and weight

A younger child may suit a mattress that’s designed specifically for toddlers or early years, while older or heavier children may need something deeper and more supportive that they won’t outgrow too quickly.

Firmness

The right firmness depends on a mix of sleep position, body weight and comfort preference. It’s worth deciding whether you want a firmer or more cushioned feel before you buy.

Temperature regulation

Some children get hot at night, so breathable materials and cooling layers can be especially helpful. Foam mattresses can sometimes feel warmer, while hybrid and breathable fibre designs may offer better airflow.

Allergy protection

If your child has sensitive skin, eczema or allergies, look for hypoallergenic materials or mattresses with anti-allergy features. Regular cleaning can also help, and our guide to the best cordless vacuum cleaners includes models with mattress-cleaning attachments.

Bedwetting and accidents

A waterproof surface or removable washable cover can make life much easier if your child still has the occasional accident. For that, the SnüzSurface Max Junior Mattress is one of the best options in this list.

Price

A more expensive mattress can offer better durability and features, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the best value for your family. Think about how long your child is likely to use it and whether features like a washable cover or extra support justify the extra spend.

What type of mattress is best for a child?

The best kids mattress for your child will depend on their age, weight, sleep style and personal preference, so there isn’t one single perfect option for everyone.

Sleep Foundation says a child’s weight can affect how firm a mattress feels. Heavier children may find a mattress feels softer because they sink in more, while lighter children may find the same mattress firmer. In general, firmer models can be easier for children to move around on, while softer models may offer more cushioning.

If you’re not sure where to start, a medium or medium-firm mattress is often a sensible middle ground for school-age children, while toddlers usually need a firmer option designed for their bed size.

Expert tips for helping your child sleep better

Sleep set-up matters, but so does what happens before lights out. Theresa Ross, sleep therapist and clinical nurse specialist in paediatric sleep services at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, says good bedtime routines should be “realistic, simple, not rushed, not longer than 40 minutes, easy for other caregivers to follow, and fit into your schedule.”

She also recommends looking out for signs that your child is getting tired: “Use your child’s sleep cues to give you an idea of when they are tired and start your routine 30 mins beforehand.”

And consistency is key, according to maternity nurse and sleep expert Jo Tantum: “Babies and toddlers love routine, as they feel safe and secure when they know what happens next. It doesn't matter what the routine is, but it must be the same every night – consistency is the key!”

Read more

• Best kids’ bedding sets
• Best mattress covers and protectors for kids’ mattresses
• Best sleep aids