Mattresses for kids' beds & bunk beds

Rule one: the maximum thickness on raised beds

Every bunk bed and high bed made to EN 747 must be permanently marked with the maximum mattress thickness it can safely take, as a line on the frame, a label or in the instructions. That limit keeps the top of the safety rail high enough above the mattress that a child can't roll over it.

The mattress quiz can filter children's mattresses by the maximum depth marked on your bed.

Sizes for children's beds

The mattress should match the bed's stated size; a mattress that's too small leaves gaps at the sides or ends where small arms and legs can slip. For more on sizes, see bed sizes in Ireland.

Foam, open coil or pocket sprung?

• Foam mattresses are light, often slim, and easy to lift when you change the sheets on a top bunk, which is why they're a common choice for raised beds.
• Open coil mattresses use one interconnected spring unit and are usually the budget sprung option.
• Pocket sprung mattresses have individually wrapped springs that move independently. They're generally deeper, so check the depth limit on a bunk.

Most children are comfortable on a medium to medium-firm mattress. Our firmness guide explains the ratings.

Keeping it fresh

• A waterproof mattress protector is worth it for younger children.
• Turn or rotate the mattress as its care label says.
• Air the room and the bed regularly; the EN 747 instructions for raised beds also recommend good ventilation to keep humidity and mould down.

• Kids mattresses (13)
• Single mattresses (28)
• Small double mattresses (24)
• Shorty mattresses (5)
• Mattress protectors (2)