Banaby.ie   »   Foam vs. Latex Mattresses: Which is Ideal for Kids?

Choosing the right mattress for children is crucial for their healthy growth, spinal development, and overall well-being. When furnishing a children’s room, we often face the decision between a foam and a latex mattress. What are their main differences, benefits, and what else should you consider when choosing? We’ll guide you in our article!

Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses are among the most popular options mainly due to their light weight, affordability, and wide range of firmness levels. They are usually made of PUR foam or cold foam (HR).

Advantages of foam mattresses:

• Lightweight: Easy to handle, suitable even for bunk beds.
• Affordable: Typically lower in price compared to latex mattresses.
• Wide range of firmness: You can choose softer or firmer versions depending on the child’s age and needs.
• Good breathability: Modern foams wick away moisture well and are hygienic.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are made from natural or synthetic latex, or a combination of both. They are known for their excellent orthopedic properties.

Advantages of latex mattresses:

• Excellent flexibility and support: Perfectly adapt to the body shape and provide optimal spinal support.
• Long lifespan: Latex is a very durable material; the mattress lasts for years without losing quality.
• Hypoallergenic properties: Naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and bacteria – ideal for allergy sufferers.
• Silent use: No creaking or unpleasant sounds when moving.

TIP: Choose a mattress with a mattress protector to easily keep it hygienically clean.

Main Differences Between Foam and Latex Mattresses

• Material: Foam mattresses are made from various types of foam, while latex mattresses use natural or synthetic latex.
• Flexibility: Latex mattresses are more flexible and adapt better to the body; foam mattresses offer more firmness options.
• Durability: Latex mattresses are generally more durable and longer-lasting.
• Price: Foam mattresses are usually cheaper; latex ones are a long-term investment.
• Allergies: Latex is naturally hypoallergenic, which can be crucial for allergic children.

Tips for Choosing the Right Size of Children’s Mattress

The correct mattress size is just as important as the material. A mattress that's too small or too large can cause discomfort or compromise safety.

What to watch out for:

• For babies and toddlers, ideal sizes are 120 × 60 cm or 140 × 70 cm – these match the most common baby cots.
• For older children, we recommend mattresses sized 160 × 80 cm or 180 × 80 cm – these will last for several years.
• For school-age kids and teenagers, you can opt for standard “adult” sizes like 200 × 90 cm, which offer comfort even during growth spurts.
• Mattress thickness – for small children, at least 8–10 cm is recommended; for older kids, a thickness of up to 15 cm increases both comfort and lifespan.

Remember, there should be no large gaps between the mattress and the bed frame – for safety reasons, we recommend choosing a mattress that exactly fits the bed or cot size.

Mattresses for Baby Cots

Our range also includes mattresses for baby cots. These mattresses meet strict safety and hygiene standards, are made from high-quality materials, and ensure your baby gets a healthy and safe sleep from the very first months.

Why Is the Right Mattress Choice Important?

A child’s body is still developing, and a quality mattress is essential for spinal support and healthy sleep. An unsuitable mattress can cause back pain or negatively affect sleep quality. Therefore, we recommend choosing a mattress not just based on price, but primarily with your child’s needs and health in mind.

Special Offer

Right now, when you buy a children's bed, you’ll get a discount on the mattress! Don’t miss this offer and ensure your child has a quality and healthy sleep at a reduced price.
Choose the perfect bed and mattress for your child in our e-shop and give them the best!