A child can spend more of their early years asleep than awake. Depending on their age, kids need somewhere between 9 and 14 hours rest a night.
Finding the right mattress for a child means weighing up support for growing bodies, comfort that actually suits their preferences, and materials you're confident having in their bedroom. It's a decision that affects sleep quality now and durability over the years ahead.
What to Look for in the Best Mattress for Kids
A good children's mattress should provide support without feeling uncomfortably rigid, and enough comfort to help them settle into sleep. Growing bodies need a surface that holds them well, but the "right" firmness depends on the child's build, age, and what they personally find comfortable.
Practical features matter just as much. Washable or removable covers save real headaches with younger children. Breathable materials help with temperature regulation overnight. Mattress height becomes a factor if you're working with a bunk bed, trundle, or low-profile frame. And for families managing allergies or chemical sensitivities, the materials inside the mattress deserve close attention.
Our kids mattress range is built around GOLS-certified organic latex cores, natural wool and organic cotton-hemp covers, and rigorous material certification, making it a strong fit for parents who want their child's sleep environment as natural as possible.
Our Best Kids Mattresses at a Glance
Rather than a broad market roundup, this comparison focuses on three TNBC mattresses that are perfectly suited to children and young adults. Each offers a different feel, practical advantage, and price point within the premium organic range.
Best for support & easy care
Aurora Latex Mattress
TNBC's most popular option for children and young adults. A single 15cm layer of organic latex, so it's light to flip, with a removable, washable cover for the inevitable spills.
Aurora Latex Mattress: Best for Support and Easy Care
The Aurora is TNBC's most popular option for children and young adults. It delivers a medium-firm feel with reliable support, and sits at the more affordable end of the premium range. It's 100% organic and vegan, made without wool.
The standout practical feature is a removable, washable cover. For anyone who's dealt with spills, accidents, or mystery stains in a child's bedroom, that alone makes a meaningful difference. As a single 15cm layer of organic latex, it's also one of TNBC's lightest mattresses, so flipping and rotating it isn't a two-person job. The Aurora suits families looking for a straightforward, low-tox mattress that's easy to maintain and doesn't compromise on material quality.
Priced from $1,779 to $3,262 depending on size, it's a great choice for parents who want dependable support in a vegan-friendly, fuss-free design.
Best for a cushioned feel
Cloud 7
The most plush of the three. Layered latex wrapped in wool contours gently to the body, while the latex core keeps the support a growing child needs.
Cloud 7: Best for a More Cushioned Medium-Firm Feel
The Cloud 7 is popular with children and young adults who prefer a softer sleeping surface without sacrificing support. Layered latex wrapped in wool gently contours to the body, while the latex core underneath maintains the structural support a growing child needs.
If your child finds very firm mattresses uncomfortable or takes a while to settle at night, the Cloud 7's balance between cushioning and support could be a better match. It's designed to feel comfortable from the first sleep.
Priced from $2,683 to $4,135, this mattress suits families willing to invest more for that medium-firm, body-contouring feel.
Best for firm support with give
Artemis
A single dense latex core wrapped in wool and hand-stitched into place. Firm at its core but noticeably softer on the surface, sitting between the Aurora and Cloud 7 in feel.
Artemis: Best for Firm Support Without Compromising on Comfort
One of TNBC's newer designs, the Artemis is built for firm support with a plush surface feel. A single dense latex core is wrapped in wool and hand-stitched into place, creating a secure foundation that still feels inviting to lie on. The result is a mattress that's firm at its core but noticeably more comfortable on the surface than a purely firm option.
The cover is an organic cotton and hemp blend (55% natural hemp, 45% organic cotton), chosen for durability and breathability. That hand-finished, layered construction gives the Artemis a premium, crafted quality that's built to hold up over years of use.
Priced from $2,485 to $3,947, the Artemis sits between the Aurora and Cloud 7 in feel, slightly softer than the Aurora thanks to its wool layer, and lands mid-range on price, making it a great middle ground for kids who want firm support with a little extra give.
How to Choose Between Aurora, Cloud 7 and Artemis
- Choose Aurora if your priority is dependable medium-firm support, vegan materials, and a removable washable cover.
- Choose Cloud 7 if your child prefers a more cushioned, medium-firm feel with gentle contouring.
- Choose Artemis if you want firm support with a slightly softer, plush surface and hand-finished construction.
That said, mattress feel can be subjective. Two children in the same family can have completely different comfort preferences. If you're in the Sydney area, visit The Natural Bedding Company in our beautiful Stanmore showroom.
Why Natural Latex Mattresses Are a Good Fit for Kids
TNBC's children's range is built around organic latex and natural fibres. Organic latex is naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, with an open cell structure that lets air circulate through the mattress. For children who sleep warm or have sensitive skin, that airflow makes a real difference.
Parents reducing unnecessary chemical exposure in their child's bedroom often look to natural materials as a starting point. TNBC's mattresses are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and free from the synthetic foams, chemical flame retardants, and adhesives found in many conventional mattresses.
Low-Tox, Non-Toxic and Health-Focused Features Parents Often Prioritise
TNBC's material sourcing is backed by third-party certifications: GOLS-certified organic latex, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified latex and select protectors, and GOTS-certified organic cotton.
For households managing allergies, asthma concerns, or chemical sensitivities, certified organic and low-tox bedding is often preferred. TNBC selects suppliers whose standards align with our own, and the brand has long prioritised transparency about exactly what goes into each product.
Australian Made, Handcrafted and Built to Last
Every Natural Bedding Company mattress is handmade to order in their Sydney workshop. Each mattress is crafted by hand, from needle tufting to final stitching, using premium organic materials sourced from verified suppliers.
That combination of quality materials and careful construction means these mattresses are designed to last well beyond the lifespan of a typical budget mattress. For a child's bed, that durability can mean a single mattress carries them from primary school through to young adulthood, avoiding the cost and waste of frequent replacements. Custom sizing is also available for non-standard bed frames or room layouts.
Best Mattress Size for Kids by Age Range
The right mattress size depends on room dimensions, bed type, and how long you'd like the mattress to last. Here's a general guide based on TNBC's available sizes.
Typical Mattress Size Guide by Age
- Toddler to early primary years: Single (92cm x 193cm) is a practical first "big bed" size for most children.
- Primary school years: Single suits most children. King Single (107cm x 203cm) works well for kids who want more room or are growing quickly.
- Older children and teens: King Single for added length and width. Double (137cm x 193cm) or Queen (153cm x 203cm) where space allows and a longer-term setup will help you in the future.
Please keep in mind that this is just a rough guide, and shouldn't be seen as prescriptive. TNBC can also produce custom sizes for specific furniture or room requirements - contact us to learn more.
Choosing the Best Mattress for a Toddler
Once a child transitions out of a cot, many parents want a mattress that's supportive, practical, and appropriate for the next stage. A firmer feel is often preferred for younger children, and easy-clean features become especially valuable at this age.
The Aurora tends to be a natural fit for toddler-transition households: it's firm, supportive, vegan, low-tox, and has that removable washable cover. The best choice will still depend on your child's bed frame height and your family's material preferences.
FAQ
Is a soft or firm mattress better for children?
Many parents prefer a supportive feel for children, but comfort still matters. Going to try some mattresses with your child is the best way to get an understanding of their preferences.
Are latex mattresses suitable for children with allergies?
Natural latex is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and dust mite resistant, which is why many parents managing allergies or asthma gravitate towards it. Keep in mind the latex core usually sits beneath several layers of wool and cover fabric, so there's little direct skin contact. Still, if your child has a diagnosed latex allergy, check with your GP first.
What makes a mattress "low-tox"?
It comes down to what's inside and how it's verified. TNBC's latex carries GOLS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, so the low-tox claim is backed by third-party testing rather than marketing alone.
How long does a TNBC mattress take to arrive?
Each mattress is made to order, so allow around 10 to 15 working days depending on the model and size. Custom sizes may take a little longer.
