Choosing the best kids mattress is clearly an important decision when it comes to the health of your child. Getting the right mattress for your child will form a crucial part of their sleep health and emotional well-being.
The problem is though, choosing a mattress for your kids is no easy task. There are literally thousands of options available, with a huge range of prices. Generally speaking, you can get a very good kids mattress (single size) for around $400, but this will depend on the specific needs of each child.
Recommended bed sizes for kids
Another consideration when buying a new mattress for your child, is what ‘bed size’ you will choose (e.g. single, double etc). Here are the standard Australian bed (mattress) sizes and the recommended bed sizes for children for specific age ranges:
0 – 6 months: bassinet mattress
6 months – 2 years: cot mattress
2 – 12 years: single, king single, or double
12 – 18 years: single, king single, double, or queen
Please note that the age ranges above are just a guide and the right bed size for your child will depend on your individual circumstances (e.g. co-sleeping, bedroom space, how fast your baby grows).
What makes a good kids mattress?
When it comes to the correct firmness level, health professionals generally recommend a ‘medium-firm’ mattress for children. This will offer a nice balance of comfort and support, and should accommodate growing spines very well.
A good kids mattress should also be well ventilated, hygienic, and non-toxic. This is important in terms of healthy breathing and respiration during sleep. Many kids mattresses (including the ones listed below) have ‘non-toxic certifications’ to reassure parents that the product is safe for kids.
Bedbuyer’s expert team
So the question remains, what are the best kids mattresses on the market? Well, after testing over 1500 mattresses, Bedbuyer’s expert team of health professionals and sleep experts give you Australia’s top picks for kids in 2021.
Be sure also to read to the end for a few handy hints before you purchase!
Australia’s best kids mattresses
Please note: the prices listed below are for a single size mattress and do not include the bed base. To see Bedbuyer’s list of Australia’s Best Kids Beds, click here.
🧸 Best Kids Mattress
1. Eco Kids Mattress – $579*
The Eco Kids Mattress was awarded Australia’s ‘Best Kids’ Mattress in 2021. As you might expect, our review team considers this to be the premier kids mattress on the market. It is Australian made, and uses natural bamboo and cotton fibres.
* Use code BBECO100 to claim this price
This mattress has been specially designed for kids. It is well certified as hypoallergenic and non-toxic, and its ‘Chiro Flex ES’ spring system offers excellent back support for growing spines. The Eco Kids Mattress is suitable for children from age 2, all the way up to teenagers and young adults. Here is our full review (which includes a video review).
2. Zeek Bunk Mattress – $399*
The Zeek Bunk Mattress is a splendid kids mattress that offers good ‘air flow’ and ventilation. As the name suggests, it is ideal for bunk beds as it sits only 15 cm high. With that said, it can also be used on a standard bed base.
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The Zeek Bunk Mattress uses a Tencel fabric cover that sits over a layer of ‘air foam’ and a high density support foam. This offers a lovely balance of comfort and support for growing spines. This mattress is certified as non-toxic by CertiPUR-US®, and also offers a handy 10 year warranty. Here is our full review.
3. Peacelily Mattress – $849*
The Peacelily Mattress comes with a number of non-toxic certifications and is a great option for kids. It is made from 100% natural latex and organic cotton, making it a popular choice for those parents who value health and environmental sustainability.
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The Peacelily Mattress allows your child to choose between two firmness options (firm or medium), simply by flipping the mattress over. It should suit kids of all sizes and comes with a handy 100 night free trial period. Here is our full review.
4. Sleep Republic Mattress – $529*
The Sleep Republic Mattress is ideal for growing spines and is a stand out in the kids mattress market. It offers great support for young, active bodies and is well certified as non-toxic.
* Use code BEDBUYER100 to claim this price
This mattress contains a breathable cashmere fabric, memory foam, and latex in its comfort layer. This sits over a ‘high definition’ pocket spring system that offers ample support for kids. This is a definite contender as one of the best kids mattresses in Australia. Here is our full review (which includes a video review).
5. Noa Lite Mattress – $419*
The Noa Lite Mattress is great value and a beauty for kids. It offers a nice combination of comfort and support and is well certified as eco-friendly and non-toxic.
* Click here to claim this price
This mattress uses a Tencel fabric cover that sits over a layer of cooling gel memory foam and a layer of adaptive transition foam. The robust pocket spring system also provides excellent support for kids and young adults. a breathable bamboo fabric, as well as a combination of quality foams. Here is our full review.
A few handy hints
When it comes to buying a new kids mattress, there are a few things to consider before buying. Here are a few handy hints to keep in mind!
Kids Beds
When we talk about a ‘kids bed’ we are technically only referring to the bed base or bed frame (not the mattress). The products above relate to the mattress only, but if you also need a new ‘kids bed’, here are Australia’s Top 10 Kids Beds in 2021.
Co-sleeping
It is totally normal and healthy for parents to co-sleep with their children at certain times. In these cases, a kids mattress must be able to support the weight of an adult for extended periods. All of the kids mattresses listed above can accomodate the weight of an adult if necessary.
Bunk beds
Bunk beds are a popular type of kids bed in Australian homes. They are ideal for sleepovers, and are space saving solutions for small homes and/or large families.
Bunk beds often require mattresses with a low height (e.g. 20 cm or less). This is worth noting before you buy a bunk bed, as this will limit your mattress options greatly. Make sure you’re clear on what mattress height a bunk bed can accomodate before you buy.
It is also worth noting the safety considerations when buying a bunk bed. Bunk beds are not suitable for children under the age of 9 years old, as the greatest risk of injury in a bunk bed occurs up until this age.
It is also important that you select a bunk bed that complies with the mandatory safety standard based on the Australian Standard for Bunk Beds AS/NZS 4220 outlined by the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission).
Still need help?
Buying a new kids mattress can be very confusing and overwhelming. We hope that the information in this article helps you in your decision, but if you would like to read more, check out our Complete Buyer’s Guide for buying a new mattress in 2021.
If you have any questions for our team, comment below or please contact us. We are here to help you find the perfect kids mattress!
Bedbuyer is Australia’s largest bedding website and leading independent mattress review group. To read our disclosure and disclaimer statement, click here.