Sleep is essential for childhood growth and development. The right mattress provides the support and comfort kids need for deep, restorative rest, helping them wake refreshed and ready to learn, play and grow.
When choosing a mattress for your child, key considerations include: size, support, firmness, comfort and safety. This guide will help you navigate the options, avoid common pitfalls and select a bed that offers peace of mind for parents and healthy sleep for kids.
Childhood development & sleep
Why mattress choice matters for kids
Children and teenagers require more sleep than adults to support growth and brain development. During rest, the body releases hormones that build muscle, bone and tissue, while also strengthening the immune system.
Sleep also fuels the brain – enhancing memory, problem-solving and emotional regulation. The right amount of rest helps children stay balanced, supporting their mood, behaviour and healthy growth.
A supportive, durable mattress is therefore vital to ensure kids get the quality sleep they need.
Key factors to consider for children's mattresses
Size & age suitability
Age & development | Suitable mattress size |
|---|---|
Babies & toddlers | Cot mattresses are suitable early on |
Primary school age | Single mattress is the most common choice |
Tall children | Single XL offers extra legroom |
Growing room | King Single provides more width and length |
Teenagers |
Appropriate support
Spinal health is critical during growth years. Look for mattresses with orthopaedic support that maintain natural alignment. Sealy Posturepedic mattresses are designed with input from the Orthopaedic Advisory Board, and feature patented coil systems and comfort layers that adapt to growing bodies.
Firmness level
Children typically need fewer comfort layers than adults. Firm to medium mattresses are often best, providing stability without excessive softness. At Sealy New Zealand, we offer a range of comfort feels, from ultra firm to ultra plush. Sealy-trained in-store consultants can help identify the right option for your child’s posture and sleep profile.
Safety & materials
Guardrails: Can be helpful for toddlers transitioning from cots
Edge Support: Prevents roll-out and extends the usable sleep surface; our Sealy mattresses feature a reinforced edge technology for added stability
Allergy-friendly fabrics: Our SmarTex® with HealthShield® draws away moisture, helps regulate temperature and maintains a hygienic sleep surface
Kids' mattresses
How to choose the right mattress
When shopping, involve your child where possible – comfort is personal, even for kids.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Balance budget with quality and durability
- Match mattress size to your child’s needs and take into account the bedroom size
- Consider your child’s sleep position when choosing firmness
Common problems with kids’ mattresses
Before choosing your child’s mattress, be aware of some common concerns that may arise from selecting the wrong type of bed:
- Inadequate size – make sure your child has room to grow, especially if the mattress is intended for use during teenage years
- Lack of edge support – without reinforced edges, children may roll out or feel unstable sitting on the side of the bed
- Poor comfort & support – cheap mattresses often lack durability, leading to restless sleep and body aches
Sealy New Zealand recommendations for kids' mattresses
We recommend the following mattresses for children and teenagers.
Best overall for kids
SEALY POSTUREPEDIC
Sleep is one of the most important requirements in early childhood development. Our Sealy Posturepedic® range is designed to support growing bodies. A child’s mattress should be soft enough for it to be comfortable, yet firm enough to provide the right level of support.
Which Sealy Posturepedic range is best for my child?
We recommend you try our Bed Selector to help find the model best suited for your child. You can also find some helpful information here.
Best budget option
SEALY ADVANTAGE
Representing exceptional value for money, this range is backed with the knowledge and experience of Sealy Posturepedic®. This mattress offers leading technology and quality at an affordable price.
Which comfort level is best for my child?
The ideal firmness or comfort level depends on your child’s sleep position and personal preferences. You can read more about this here.
Final word
Choosing the right mattress for your child is an investment in their health, comfort and future. With our trusted designs and advanced sleep technology, you can be confident your child is getting the support they need for many years to come.
FAQs
The ideal mattress for children provides room to grow, along with reliable support and comfort for developing bodies. Our Sealy Posturepedic mattresses are designed with orthopaedic excellence, helping ensure your child gets the restorative sleep they need. Visit your local Sealy stockist to experience the Posturepedic difference.
Most young children are well suited to a Single mattress (91.5cm x 190cm). If your child is likely to be tall, consider a Single XL (91.5cm x 203cm) or a King Single (105.5cm x 203cm) for extra legroom and space.
Comfort levels depend on your child’s sleep position and preferences. While some children may prefer a softer feel, many benefit from a medium to firm mattress. Our Sealy Bed Selector can provide tailored recommendations based on your child’s needs.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right comfort level depends on your child’s posture and sleep style. Medium mattresses often strike the best balance, but firm or soft options may also suit. Head into your local Sealy stockist to see what option might be best for your child.
Most children transition from a cot to a larger bed around 2–3 years old. Their new mattress should be supportive, durable and safe, with plenty of room to grow. Our range of Single, Single XL and King Single mattresses are designed to meet these needs.
