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MattressReviews.ie
Best kids mattress in Ireland
Updated January 2026

Best Kids Mattress in Ireland (2026)

From cot to single bed — waterproof protection, growth-supportive firmness, and safe materials for every stage of childhood.

Jump to our picks

A child's mattress needs to work harder than an adult's. Beyond basic comfort, it must support a rapidly developing spine, withstand inevitable accidents, resist allergens, and remain safe as your little one grows. The transition from cot to toddler bed — and eventually to a full single — represents significant milestones, and the right mattress makes each stage easier. We've researched children's mattresses available to Irish families, focusing on age-appropriate firmness, waterproof options for potty-training years, foam-free alternatives for health-conscious parents, and durability that lasts through the jumping, bouncing, and bed-fort building that childhood demands.

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This doesn't affect our picks or editorial independence.

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Written by Seán — Lead Reviewer, MattressReviews.ie

Testing team: Aoife (Side Sleeper Specialist), Ciarán (Back Sleeper Specialist), Siobhán (Combination Sleeper Specialist) & Oisín (Stomach Sleeper Specialist)

3+ years testing mattresses for Irish consumers. How we test · Meet the team

What Makes a Great Kids Mattress?

Children's sleep needs differ dramatically from adults. Here's what matters most at each stage.

Age-Appropriate Firmness

Infants need firm surfaces for safe sleep — this is a safety requirement, not preference. Toddlers (2-4) still benefit from firm support as spines develop. School-age children (5-12) can transition to medium-firm. Only teenagers should consider softer options.

Waterproof Protection

Essential during potty training and beyond. Look for mattresses with built-in waterproof layers or add a quality protector. Breathable waterproof barriers prevent moisture damage without causing night sweats.

Size & Longevity

Cot bed mattresses (140x70cm) suit ages 0-4. For older children, invest in a single mattress (90x190cm or 90x200cm) that lasts through teenage years. Shorty singles (75x175cm) work for smaller rooms or children under 10.

Safe Materials

Children spend 10-14 hours sleeping. Choose mattresses with Oeko-Tex certification or similar safety standards. Many parents prefer foam-free options to avoid off-gassing concerns. Natural materials like cotton and latex are increasingly popular.

Our 2026 Kids Mattress Picks for Ireland

Hand-tested and researched — the best mattresses available to Irish sleepers right now.

💡 Select up to 3 mattresses to compare side-by-side

Showing 6 mattresses
Emma OriginalEmma Premium Choice

Emma Original

Award-winning hybrid with 5-zone spring system and MemoryAdapt foam — ideal balance of comfort and support.

Why We Like It

  • 5-zone pocket spring system adapts to your body
  • MemoryAdapt foam contours to your unique shape
  • Excellent motion isolation for couples
  • Breathable UltraDry cover keeps you cool and dry

Best For

  • Couples
  • Back and side sleepers
  • Those wanting medium-firm support

Not Ideal For

  • Those who prefer very soft mattresses
  • Stomach sleepers only

Key Specs

Firmness:Medium-Firm (6.5/10)
Height:25 cm
Materials:Hybrid (Springs + Memory Foam)
Trial:200 nights
Warranty:10 years
Price:€€€
See Price at EmmaRead Our Full Review
Silentnight Safe Nights Cot Bed MattressBest for Cot to Toddler Transition

Silentnight Safe Nights Cot Bed Mattress

Dual-sided design with firm infant side and softer toddler side — one mattress that safely transitions with your child from cot to first bed.

Why We Like It

  • Two-sided design: firm for infants, cushioned for toddlers
  • Breathable open-coil spring system prevents overheating
  • Removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning
  • Conforms to BS 1877 fire safety standards
  • Available at Beds.ie with free delivery across Ireland

Best For

  • Newborns to 4 years
  • Parents wanting longevity
  • Budget-conscious families

Not Ideal For

  • Single bed sizes
  • Older children (5+)

Key Specs

Firmness:Firm/Medium (dual-sided)
Height:10 cm
Materials:Foam-free, FR-chemical-free spring/polyester core, soft-touch quilted hypoallergenic machine-washable cover
Trial:60-night sleep guarantee
Warranty:5 years
Price:€
See Price at Beds.ie
Jay-Be Simply Kids Anti-Allergy MattressBest Foam-Free Option

Jay-Be Simply Kids Anti-Allergy Mattress

100% foam-free construction with Purotex probiotic technology — reduces dust mites and allergens by up to 68% for children with sensitivities.

Why We Like It

  • Completely foam-free — no chemical off-gassing concerns
  • Purotex natural probiotics reduce allergens
  • Open coil springs with edge-to-edge support
  • 5-year manufacturer guarantee for durability
  • Available at Beds.ie with free nationwide delivery

Best For

  • Children with allergies
  • Health-conscious parents
  • Ages 4-12

Not Ideal For

  • Memory foam preference
  • Toddler bed sizes

Key Specs

Firmness:Medium
Height:18 cm
Materials:Steel spring core, high-density eco-insulator, foam-free Rebound e-Fibre comfort layers, Purotex anti-allergy; made in UK
Trial:No trial
Warranty:5 years
Price:€€
See Price at Beds.ie
IKEA INNERLIG Spring MattressBest Budget Single

IKEA INNERLIG Spring Mattress

Affordable entry point for children's first proper single bed — bonnell springs provide firm support with a removable, washable cover.

Why We Like It

  • Bonnell spring system suits developing spines
  • Removable cover machine-washable at 60°C
  • Firm support recommended for growing children
  • Available for immediate collection at IKEA Dublin
  • IKEA's 90-day exchange policy for peace of mind

Best For

  • First single bed purchase
  • Budget-conscious families
  • Ages 3-10

Not Ideal For

  • Teenagers wanting soft feel
  • Allergy sufferers

Key Specs

Firmness:Firm
Height:12 cm
Materials:Bonnell springs in a protective foam box, felt pad, soft foam; 3-part extendable; washable cover at 60C
Trial:365-day try-at-home
Warranty:10 years
Price:€
See Price at IKEA Ireland
DFI Hush Kids MattressBest Irish-Made

DFI Hush Kids Mattress

Handmade in County Tyrone with AvaCoil spring technology designed specifically to support growing bodies — proper Irish craftsmanship at an accessible price.

Why We Like It

  • AvaCoil 13.5G open coil system supports developing bodies
  • Framed edge support extends mattress lifespan
  • Handmade in Ireland with quality materials
  • Free delivery throughout Ireland, cash on delivery available
  • Available in all sizes from single to super king

Best For

  • Supporting Irish manufacturing
  • Growing children (5-15)
  • Long-term investment

Not Ideal For

  • Cot bed sizes
  • Those wanting memory foam

Key Specs

Firmness:Medium-Firm
Height:—
Materials:AvaCoil 13.5G open-coil spring system, framed edge support, two-sided, comfort fillings; Irish-made kids mattress
Trial:No trial (retailer returns)
Warranty:5 years
Price:€€
See Price at DFI Beds
Jay-Be Toddler Waterproof MattressBest Waterproof Option

Jay-Be Toddler Waterproof Mattress

Built-in waterproof layer handles potty training accidents without separate protectors — simply wipe clean and carry on.

Why We Like It

  • Integrated waterproof layer — no separate protector needed
  • Anti-microbial and anti-bacterial surface
  • Foam-free spring construction for breathability
  • Easy wipe-clean surface for quick cleanup
  • Free delivery anywhere in Ireland via Beds.ie

Best For

  • Potty training toddlers (2-5)
  • Parents wanting easy cleanup
  • Night-time accident prone

Not Ideal For

  • Older children
  • Single bed sizes

Key Specs

Firmness:Medium
Height:10 cm
Materials:Sprung core, high-density eco-insulator, foam-free e-Fibre layers, breathable waterproof anti-microbial wipe-clean fabric; made in UK
Trial:No trial
Warranty:5 years
Price:€€
See Price at Beds.ie

Understanding Children's Sleep Needs in Ireland

Age-appropriate guidance for each stage, mattress sizing, and where Irish parents can shop with confidence.

Sleep Requirements by Age

Children's sleep needs change dramatically as they grow. Understanding these requirements helps you choose the right mattress firmness and size for each stage.

AgeSleep NeededRecommended FirmnessMattress Size
0-12 months14-17 hoursFirm (safety requirement)Cot 60x120cm
1-2 years11-14 hoursFirmCot bed 70x140cm
3-5 years10-13 hoursFirm to Medium-FirmToddler/Shorty Single
6-12 years9-12 hoursMedium-FirmSingle 90x190cm
13-18 years8-10 hoursMedium (personal preference)Single or Small Double

The Cot to Bed Transition

Most children transition from cot to bed between 18 months and 3 years. Signs your child is ready include climbing out of their cot, showing interest in "big kid" beds, being toilet trained, and demonstrating understanding of bed boundaries.

Option 1: Cot Bed Conversion

Many cot beds convert to toddler beds by removing one side. Your existing cot mattress (70x140cm) continues to work, making this the most economical transition. Look for dual-sided mattresses with firmer infant side and softer toddler side.

Option 2: Direct to Single Bed

Some parents skip toddler beds entirely, using bed guards on a single bed. This requires a new mattress (90x190cm) but eliminates another transition later. Consider shorty singles (75x175cm) for younger children or smaller rooms.

Children's Mattress Sizes in Ireland

Ireland uses both UK and EU sizing standards, which can cause confusion. Here's what you need to know:

Cot & Toddler Sizes

  • • Standard Cot: 60 x 120 cm
  • • Cot Bed / Toddler: 70 x 140 cm
  • • Junior Bed: 70 x 150 cm (less common)

Single Bed Sizes

  • • Shorty Single: 75 x 175 cm (UK only)
  • • UK Single: 90 x 190 cm
  • • EU Single: 90 x 200 cm

Important: Always measure your bed frame before ordering. IKEA beds use EU sizing (200cm length), while many Irish retailers stock UK sizes (190cm length). A 10cm mismatch creates dangerous gaps.

Safety Considerations for Children's Mattresses

Children's mattresses must meet strict safety standards. Here's what to look for:

Fire Safety

All mattresses sold in Ireland must comply with BS 7177 (Ignition Sources 0, 1, and 5). Look for this certification on product labels.

Material Safety

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification ensures fabrics are tested for harmful substances. CertiPUR-EU certifies foam is made without harmful chemicals.

Fit & Gaps

The mattress should fit snugly in the bed frame with no gaps larger than 3cm. Gaps pose entrapment risks for young children.

Where to Buy Children's Mattresses in Ireland

Online Retailers

  • • Beds.ie — Ireland's largest online bed retailer, free delivery nationwide
  • • Smyths Toys — Good cot mattress selection, click & collect available
  • • DFI Beds — Irish-made options, cash on delivery
  • • Emma Sleep — Premium option with 200-night trial

Physical Stores

  • • IKEA Dublin — Affordable options, try before you buy
  • • Harvey Norman — Wide selection including brands like Silentnight
  • • DFS Ireland — Kids mattress section with delivery options
  • • Jelly Bean Ireland — Specialist children's furniture retailer

Related Guides

Explore our other resources to help you make the best decision for your child's sleep:

Irish Mattress Sizes GuideMattress Firmness GuideBest Mattresses in Ireland (Adult Guide)Mattress Care & Cleaning GuideComplete Mattress Buying GuideOptimal Bedroom Temperature for Sleep

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about children's mattresses in Ireland.

Sorting bedtimes as well as the bed? Our kids' sleep guide covers routines, sleep regressions, the cot-to-bed move and night terrors — age by age.

Our Research Methodology

Our children's mattress recommendations are based on verifying Irish availability, analysing age-appropriate firmness levels, reviewing safety certifications, and researching parent feedback. We prioritise mattresses designed specifically for children's developmental needs over adult mattresses marketed to younger users.

  • Age-appropriate firmness verified against paediatric sleep guidelines
  • Irish availability confirmed with delivery options documented
  • Safety certifications checked (BS 7177, Oeko-Tex, CertiPUR-EU)
  • Waterproof options evaluated for practicality and breathability
  • Parent reviews from verified Irish purchasers researched
  • Price points confirmed in Euros from Irish retailers
  • Durability assessed for children's typical usage patterns
  • Updated regularly to reflect current availability and pricing

A Note on Children's Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for children's physical growth, cognitive development, and emotional wellbeing. While a good mattress supports healthy sleep, it's one part of a broader sleep hygiene picture that includes consistent bedtimes, appropriate room temperature (16-20°C), limited screen time before bed, and a calm bedtime routine.

If your child has persistent sleep difficulties, we recommend consulting with your GP or a paediatric sleep specialist. Sleep issues in children can sometimes indicate underlying conditions that require professional attention. A mattress can support good sleep but isn't a solution for medical sleep disorders.