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YOUR little one's first single bed is a long term investment so you want to make the right choice - and a good quality mattress is essential.

The best kids' mattress should be able to withstand the test of time, provide adequate support for your growing child and - most importantly – encourage them to want to sleep.

We’re in the middle of a wellness boom and sleep is a critical component of that, which is why you’ll notice a plethora of brilliant new mattresses - at reasonable prices - including the Casper Essential memory foam mattress and Otty’s hybrid mattress - being purchased for the tot set.

Cost can be a factor when it comes to buying the best mattress for kids, and these top mattresses start at just over £100.

Just like choosing a mattress for an adult, the decision ultimately comes down to cosiness - and getting the best night of sleep possible.

Some experts insist that innerspring mattresses offer more support for children than foam; however, memory foam mattresses can be a comfy choice for older children and teens to help evenly absorb their body weight (they’re also less fun to bounce on, which can be a plus or a minus, depending on what kind of parent you are).

As parents, we can tell you that finding the best mattress for your kids is a crucial investment: sleep is everything, and repeated broken sleep – nightmares, bedwetting, night terrors, fighting sleep - can dramatically take its toll on the whole family.

As a rough guide, children between six and 13 should be sleeping roughly 10 hours a night. Let’s meet the mattresses that can make it happen with our 12 best kids' single mattresses for 2023.

Not ready for a full-sized single? Check out our 12 best toddler mattresses here.

Best single mattresses for kids at a glance

1. Simba Hybrid Kids Mattress

• Simba Hybrid Kids Mattress, £499 at Simba Sleep - buy here

This mattress combines five layers of open-cell foam and titanium springs for optimal comfort, fits most bunk bed frames and kids frames, and even has an extra layer and enough space for grown-up comfort (important to consider as many a parent will end up spending a night in the top or bottom bunk at some stage).

You can also test it out with a 200-night trial. Parents rave about how it finally got their child sleeping through the night... and how they'll be buying one for themselves now. Suitable for kids three and up.

Need to know more? We've tested out the Simba Hybrid Kids Mattress so why not find out what we thought before you buy. Here's a quick summary of the pros and cons:

Pros

• Easy to manoeuvre
• Supportive for growing bodies
• Comfortable
• Safe to use with almost all bed bases (including mid-sleepers and bunk beds)
• Breathable
• 200 night trial
• Ten-year guarantee

Cons

• Expensive
• Has a plasticy smell for around a day
• The cover isn't removable, so a mattress protector is advisable

All-in-all, our reviewer felt the Simba Hybrid mattress was worth the investment as it did improve her child's sleep - keeping him cool and comfortable and helping him sleep for longer periods without night wakings - money well-spent for sleep deprived parents! Read our full Simba Hybrid Kids Mattress review here.

Dimensions: W:90, L:190, D:16cm Type: Pocket springs Guarantee: 10 years

2. Silentnight Imagine Traditional Sprung Mattress

• Imagine Traditional Sprung mattress, £249 at Silentnight - buy here

Silentnight's Healthy Growth range is specially designed for toddlers through to teens, with foam and chemical-free spring mattresses coated in a breathable Eco-Comfort fibre layer, made from 100% recyclable plastic bottles.

We love this classic design and its price; however, if you're willing to spend a bit more on Silentnight's Miracoil or Mirapocket designs (starting over £200), they are zoned at the hips and shoulders to help with alignment and can even improve posture, according to the company's research with UClan.

Dimensions: W:90, L:190, D:21..5cm Type:Pocket springs Firmness: Medium

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3. JAY-BE Open Coil Waterproof Kids Single Mattress

• JAY-BE Open Coil Waterproof Kids Single Mattress, £155 at Argos - buy here

Because we've all been there when it comes to nighttime accidents, and a wipe-clean mattress can be a lifesaver.

JAY-BE's well-liked version is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and hypoallergenic, and easy to wipe clean. Perfect for when you are potty-training and beyond! It's also high on the comfort stakes too.

One happy parent said, "Love love love these mattresses, I had the toddler one and have recently upgraded to a single for my son. So easy to wipe down when an accident occurs. My son sleeps through the night so comfort is not an issue here. Best mattress I've used by far, seems very durable. Actually fits the bed frame properly leaving no gaps at the sides."

Dimensions: W:90, L:190, D:18cm Type: Open coil Firmness: Medium Guarantee: 5 years

4. John Lewis Deep Open Spring Bunk Bed Mattress

• Deep Open Spring Bunk Bed Mattress, £135 at John Lewis - buy here

This is a great-value basic mattress with a seven-year guarantee that's made from recycled cotton, wool and polyester.

It has an open coil spring system and works in a variety of kid's beds, whether they're in a high sleeper, regular single bed or a bunk. John Lewis is known for their quality children's items and this mattress fits the bill perfectly.

Dimensions: W:90, L:190 Type: Open spring Firmness: Medium Guarantee: 7 years

5. Otty Hybrid Mattress

•  Hybrid mattress, £439.99 (on offer) at Otty - buy here

Want a mattress that helps to regulate your child's body temperature? Then this hybrid mattress with gel-infused memory could be just the thing so they don't overheat.

With pocket springs for support and comfort, the mattress is composed of five layers, including a hypoallergenic cover you can unzip and wash, and this mattress also has a 100-day trial period and a 10-year warranty.

Dimensions: W:90, L:190 Type: Open spring Firmness: Medium Guarantee: 7 years

6. Casper Essential Kids Mattress

• Casper Essential, £500 (saving 20%) at Mattress Online - buy here

Perfect for teens (although parents of toddlers and school kids also rave about it), the Casper Essential memory foam mattress "lives up to the hype," according to fans.

The lightweight design has two layers of foam, an easy-clean, zip-off cover and a breathable, comfortable design.

It almost makes you want your little one to wake up in the night so you have an excuse to snooze in it. We said almost.

Dimensions: W:90, L:190 Type: Pocket springs Firmness: Medium Guarantee: 10 years

7. The Little Green Sheep Natural Junior Mattress

• Natural junior mattress, £294.06 (on offer) at The Little Green Sheep - buy here

Prefer something a little more au natural? Then try The Little Green Sheep. Ideal for any allergy-prone children, The Little Green Sheep's handmade mattress is chemical-free, hypoallergenic, insulating and breathable and is made with cotton, wool, coconut and latex - no nasties.

Suitable for children from 12 months, parents like its firmness, lack of "chemical smell" and the fact it fits onto an Ikea bed frame.

Dimensions: W:90, L:200. D:13cm Type: Memory foam/coconut coir Firmness: Medium/Firm Guarantee: 5 years

8. Stompa S Flex Airflow Mattress

• Stompa S Flex Airflow Mattress, £179 at John Lewis - buy here

Stompa's good-value-for-money mattresses for kids are made with three layers: a foam base providing medium support, a hypoallergenic, textured top layer with moisture-wicking technology and a breathable, removable cover. Made in Yorkshire, it is a five layer mattress which is perfect for cot beds, toddler beds and even bunk beds for kids aged three and above.

Dimensions: W:90, L:200 Type: Foam Firmness: Medium Guarantee: 5 years

9. Button & Sprung Borderdale Single Mattress

• Borderdale Single Mattress, £425 at Button & Sprung - buy here

Bring a whole new meaning to 'treat yourself' with this beautifully made pocket sprung mattress which has a casual 1,880 springs in four layers for pure comfort and luxury.

To add to this, it's breathable, temperature-regulating, handcrafted and just plain gorgeous.

Dimensions: W:90, L:190, D: 23cm Type: Pocket springs Firmness: Firm Guarantee: 10 years

10. Naturalmat Quilted Spring Mat

• Quilted Spring Mat Single, £565 (small single), from Naturalmat - buy here

As if we couldn't get more of a splurge, then along comes the Naturalmat children's mattress!

A mattress that is entirely natural, organic, and is made to measure to the bed of your choice.

Winner of 2018 MadeForMums Awards, it is handcrafted in Devon, using organic coir (coconut fibre) for support and breathability. Add in natural latex from the rubber tree, and Organic lambswool for softness and insulation, and you have yourself the ultimate sleep zone.

You can get a cot bed mattress for a little cheaper (£280) and longer single mattresses for a little more (£520). Although a real investment piece it is a dual support mattress, which is ideal for toddlers and beyond - you simply turn the mattress as your little one grows!

Dimensions: W:90, L:190 Type: Pocket springs Firmness: Firm one side/softer one side Guarantee: 5 years

11. SnuzSurface Max Junior Mattress

• SnuzSurface Max Junior Mattress, £249.95 at Snuz - buy here

Suitable for kids from 4 to 13, you'll get plenty of bang for your buck with this SnuzSurface junior mattress.

It offers plenty of support for growing kids with pocket springs and a breathable mesh cover, which is waterproof and has an anti-dust mite barrier to help avoid any nighttime snuffles.

The cover is also removable and machine-washable so you don't need to worry about any spillages or leaky nappies.

The Snuz mattress has received plenty of five-star reviews as one happy customer says "Definitely improved my little one's sleeping." and another says "Wow that’s all l can say!"

Dimensions: W:92, L:192, D: 16cm Type: Pocket springs Firmness: Medium Guarantee: 5 years

12. Ikea 

With pocket springs and softer comfort zones, this Ikea

The five 'comfort zones' are intended to offer targeted support to your child's shoulders and hips - essential comfort for growing kids.

The pocket springs are also intended to improve air circulation so your little one doesn't overheat in bed.

All this for a great price and with a 10-year guarantee to put your mind at rest too.

Dimensions: W:90, L:190, D: 24cm Type: Pocket springs Firmness: Firm Guarantee: 10 years

What to look for in a kids' mattress

In general, a medium/firm mattress would provide the support that a child needs when sleeping - spinal support is particularly important for kids as they grow.

Consider the age of your child when picking a mattress as babies and young children need a firm and flat mattress to support their growth.

Also, ensure the outer layer or cover is made from a breathable material and look for features such as anti-allergy treatment, which can help to prevent nighttime snuffles and sneezing from dust mites.

Finally, a waterproof layer and removable cover are benefits for younger children who may wet the bed occasionally.

Are foam mattresses bad for kids?

Memory foam mattresses are perfectly safe for kids as long as you buy one that is fit for purpose and has been designed for children.

However, the majority of children's mattresses are pocket sprung as this provides the firmness and spinal support that kids need, whilst also being comfortable to sleep on.

How much does a children's mattress cost?

Kids' mattresses range in price from around £100 to £500.

Quality mattresses can be pricey but this is a long term investment - your child could use this mattress for up to 8 years so it's important to buy a mattress that will be comfortable and support their growth.

We would recommend a mid-range option such as the SnuzSurface at £249.95.

Where to buy children's mattresses

Many bed and mattress brands now offer a single mattress suitable for kids - check out the following:

You can find plenty of great deals on mattresses online as there are usually seasonal sale events but you may also want to visit a store to test the mattress out before you make a purchase.

Is a kids single mattress the same size as an adult single mattress?

Yes, the most standard size for a single mattress - for adults and kids - is 90  x 190 cm.

But there are smaller single beds for younger children so always check that you select the appropriate sized mattress for the bed.

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