How to choose the right mattress for your child

As parents, we want the very best for our children – especially when it comes to something as important as their sleep. Sleep is essential for your child's development, well-being, and overall health. That’s why the mattress your child sleeps on also plays a key role.

In this article, we explore what makes a good children's mattress, why mattress hygiene is so important, and how you as a parent can make a safe and informed choice.

Why is mattress choice so important for young children?

During the first years of life, children spend up to 12–15 hours a day on their mattress. It’s during sleep that the body grows, the immune system is strengthened, emotions are regulated, and the brain processes the day’s experiences. A good mattress supports the child’s body correctly, helping to promote restful sleep and contribute to a healthy and safe sleeping environment.

Which mattress is best for babies and toddlers?

There are many types of mattresses for babies and young children. When choosing a mattress for your child, we recommend looking for the following:

Firmness and support
The mattress should be firm enough to support the child’s spine, neck, and head properly – without being too hard. Mattresses that are too soft can increase the risk of the child sinking into the surface, which is associated with a higher risk of sudden unexpected infant death. This is also in line with recommendations from health authorities.

Practical features make a big difference

Ventilation and temperature regulation
A mattress with good airflow reduces the risk of overheating and helps wick away moisture – which is especially important for small children who cannot yet regulate their body temperature effectively.

Removable and washable cover
Babies and toddlers spill, sweat, and have accidents. A washable cover is therefore not just a practical detail – it’s an essential part of maintaining mattress hygiene.

Durable mattress with the right fit

Durability without compromise
A mattress should retain its shape and function even as the child grows. However, it’s important that mattresses are not passed down – more on that below.

The mattress and bed must be the same size
Before purchasing a crib or mattress, make sure the two fit together exactly. The mattress should fill the base of the bed without gaps. A properly fitting mattress minimizes the risk of the child getting arms, legs, or their head stuck – helping to create a safer sleep environment.

Peace of mind through proven safety

Look for certifications

There are several certifications to look for when purchasing a new mattress. These certifications ensure that the mattress has been tested for harmful chemicals and allergens – for example, OEKO-TEX, which provides reassurance that the mattress is safer for your child to sleep on.

You can also use the Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s free app Tjek Kemien to scan the product and check whether it contains substances from the EU’s candidate list of particularly concerning chemicals. You can also ask directly in-store.

The European standard EN 16890 sets safety requirements for baby mattresses – covering chemical content, flame resistance, design, and firmness. If a mattress meets this standard, it is a clear sign of quality and safety. Keep in mind that not all mattresses declare this, so don’t hesitate to ask specifically about it.

A healthy sleep environment starts with good hygiene and fresh air

A good indoor climate is essential for your child's health and sleep quality. Below you’ll find tips on how you can create a safe and healthy sleep environment at home.

Air out the mattress and children's room regularly

Both the mattress and your child's room should be aired out daily – ideally in the morning and evening – to help prevent moisture, mold, and the buildup of dust and particles. Fresh air reduces humidity and improves air quality.

When you've purchased a new mattress, it's a good idea to unpack it and let it air out for a few days, preferably outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.

Many new mattresses can release what’s known as off-gassing – chemical vapors from the materials, which can be bothersome or, in some cases, problematic for young children. By allowing the mattress to air out before use, you reduce your child’s exposure to any residual chemicals from production.

Wash the cover before use

Before using the mattress, you should wash the mattress cover to remove dust and any possible chemical residues. Wash it regularly to keep the sleep environment clean and allergy-friendly – especially if your child has sensitive skin or allergies.

Choose a breathable bed base and rotate the mattress regularly

A mattress can better release moisture and heat when placed on a bed base that allows air to circulate – such as a slatted base or one with ventilation holes, rather than a solid surface. To ensure even wear and good airflow, it’s also a good idea to rotate or flip the mattress from time to time.

Avoid making the bed too tightly

Instead of tucking in the duvet tightly during the day, drape it loosely over the side of the bed. This allows both the mattress and duvet to breathe and dry out, which helps reduce moisture and limits the growth of dust mites and bacteria.

Avoid secondhand mattresses: Mattress hygiene matters more than you think

Reusing items is often a great idea – both for the environment and your wallet. But when it comes to children's mattresses, it’s worth considering whether reuse is truly the best choice. A mattress that has been used by another child may have lost some of its original firmness and support.

Over time, the foam inside the mattress is affected by weight, moisture, and general wear, which can mean it no longer provides the support a child’s body needs – or that it has become so soft that it’s no longer completely safe to sleep on. This is especially important for younger children, where the firmness of the mattress plays a key role in both sleep quality and safety.

In addition, a used mattress – even if it looks clean – may contain dust, moisture, and microscopic allergens that have built up over time and may not be removed through regular cleaning. This can negatively affect the sleeping environment, particularly for children with sensitive skin or allergies.

For this reason, it can be a good decision to purchase a new mattress when welcoming a new baby. Not because everything has to be brand new and perfect, but because the mattress plays an important role in your child’s sleep, well-being, and health.

Final advice for you as a parent

As a parent, you’re faced with many decisions – and some can feel more overwhelming than others. Choosing a mattress is one of those, and while it’s an important decision, it’s just one piece of the bigger picture when it comes to your child’s sleep and well-being.

The right mattress can provide a safe and comfortable foundation that supports your child’s need for rest – but it’s not the only factor in your child’s health and development. Sleep is about many things – routines, rhythms, closeness, and a sense of security.

If this is your first time choosing a mattress for your little one, it may feel like a big task to find the “best” one. But remember, it’s not about finding the perfect solution. It’s about choosing thoughtfully and with care – making small decisions that create calm and comfort for your child’s sleep. A mattress that suits your child is just one part of the overall package of care, love, and attention that makes up a safe and healthy sleep environment.

So while the mattress matters, it’s your care and attentiveness to what truly matters to your child that makes the greatest difference.

Nordic Sleep Academy

We are Sine Ditlev Bihlet, a certified health visitor, and Karen Kildahl, a certified midwife. Together, we founded Nordic Sleep Academy – a knowledge platform for parents focused on sleep.

Our expertise is built on both hands-on experience from guiding thousands of families through sleep-related challenges and the latest research across various fields of sleep science.

We are dedicated to communicating what is normal and to be expected when it comes to your child’s sleep. And we take great care in highlighting the areas where you, as a parent, can actually influence your child’s sleep – and most importantly, how to do it.