Looking for simple and reliable guidance to choose your child's bedding? You've come to the right place. In this guide, we've gathered everything you need to know about children's bedding, with clear, helpful advice and practical tips. Our aim is to help you select the right size, choose healthy materials, understand the appropriate firmness, and opt for removable, machine-washable covers to handle everyday accidents without stress. As bedding specialists, we share the essentials here, without the jargon.
Why children's bedding is essential for a good night's sleep
Sleep and development: what the body and brain experience
A child grows during the night: growth hormones, memory consolidation, nerve and muscle recovery… everything happens while they sleep. Appropriate bedding supports this natural process. A child's mattress that provides good back support helps align the spine, promotes muscle relaxation, and reduces nighttime awakenings. The result? Calmer days, better concentration at school, and less irritability.
Support, alignment, and breathing: the 3 pillars of healthy sleep
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Support: density and firmness should be adapted to age and weight.
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Alignment: the mattress should conform to the body without sinking in, especially at the shoulders and pelvis.
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Breathability: ventilated materials prevent excess heat and humidity, wash away odors, and reduce the proliferation of dust mites.
Everything you need to know about children's bedding: sizes, ages and uses
The size of the bed directly influences comfort, durability, and the feeling of security. Here are some simple guidelines:
Birth to 3 years: cradle, bassinet and cot (60×120 - 70×140)
For infants and toddlers, choose a crib with a firm, breathable mattress, measuring 60×120 cm or 70×140 cm. The 70×140 cm size offers a bit more longevity if your child grows quickly. Always check that the mattress fits snugly in the crib frame, with no gaps on the sides.
3 to 6 years: junior bed (70×140 - 80×160), the reassuring middle ground
A junior bed is a gentle transition. It's suitable for children moving from a crib without feeling overwhelmed by a larger bed. Sizes like 70x140cm and 80x160cm are common: enough space to move around, yet still a snug, enveloping feeling. This is also the stage where sleeping bags, waterproof mattress protectors, and washable covers become your best friends.
Ages 6 and up: Children's and teens' bed (90×190 - 90×200) built to last
From first grade onwards, 90x190 cm or 90x200 cm beds are the most versatile. The 90x200 cm offers more flexibility for pre-teens and teenagers, without needing to change beds too soon. For smaller rooms, a 90x190 cm bed can be used while focusing on ergonomics (slatted base, well-ventilated mattress, thin headboard). A storage bed can also be used to save space.
Special cases: 80×200, 120×190, bunk beds and trundle beds
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80×200: useful in a mezzanine or to optimize passage.
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120×190: a comfortable solution for children who like to spread out, or for stories for two.
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Bunk beds & trundle beds: check the maximum mattress thickness (often 12–16 cm) for safety and storage.
How to choose the ideal children's mattress
Choosing a mattress means finding the right balance between support, comfort and hygiene.
Firmness adapted to age: neither too soft nor too hard
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0-3 years: high firmness, flat and stable surface.
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3-6 years: medium-firm to support nighttime mobility.
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6-12 years: medium to medium-firm, with a flexible welcome but a core that holds the axis.
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12 years and over: adjust according to body shape; the important thing is to keep the spine aligned.
A good home test: when the child is lying on their back, the lower back should not “float”, and on their side, the shoulder should not be compressed.
Foam, latex, springs, hybrids: advantages and limitations
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Polyurethane (PU) foam: lightweight, affordable, provides even support. For quality, choose certified foam (e.g., CertiPUR™).
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Memory foam (visco): enveloping feel, useful for distributing pressure points; use sparingly to avoid the “heating” effect.
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Latex (natural or synthetic): very elastic, breathable if alveolar, durable.
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Pocket springs: independent sleeping and excellent ventilation; check the thickness suitable for children.
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Hybrids: combine foam(s) + springs to optimize support/breathability.
Height, density, ventilation: what you really need to look at
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Height: 12-18 cm for junior; 16-22 cm for 90×190/200.
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Density: a guarantee of support and durability; the more it is controlled, the more stable the comfort remains over time.
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Ventilation: air channels, open foams, breathable knit: this limits humidity, odors and dust mites.
Removable cover & machine washable: a parent's best friend
This is the life-changing feature! A zipped, removable and machine-washable cover allows for quick cleaning after minor nighttime accidents, perspiration, chesty coughs or allergies.
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Preferred features: removable cover, washable at 40°C (or even 60°C according to the instructions), easy drying, soft knit.
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You can also add a waterproof and breathable mattress protector (PU membrane) to protect the mattress core while allowing air to circulate. Alternatively, you can add a mattress topper with an integrated mattress protector .
Bed bases and bed frames: the foundation of good support
Fixed or flexible slats: which to choose for a child?
Slatted bed bases are a safe choice: stable, durable, and breathable. Flexible (multi-ply) slats offer some elasticity, while fixed slats provide greater firmness. It's important to avoid solid slats, which block ventilation. We offer a very good fabric bed for children .
Frames & barriers: safety, stability and rounded corners
A sturdy frame with rounded corners provides greater peace of mind when the child is climbing and playing. For the transition to a junior bed, removable guardrails offer reassurance and prevent falls. Also, check the bed height: a bed that isn't too high is more reassuring.
Pillows, duvets and protective covers: the comfort and hygiene kit
Children's pillow: from what age, and which one to choose?
Before age 2, it's best to avoid using a pillow as a precaution. After that, choose a flat, soft yet supportive, breathable, and washable pillow. A pillow that's too bulky disrupts the alignment of the head, neck, and back.
Duvet & filling: warmth, lightness, care
For a duvet, aim for a breathable filling (siliconized hollow fiber, ethical down, Tencel™).
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TOG/weight depending on the season and room temperature (ideally 18–20 °C).
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Priority is given to machine washable items with easy drying.
Waterproof and breathable mattress protector: a must-have
A good mattress protector shields the core of the mattress from liquids and dust, while still allowing air to circulate. It's the first line of defense against dust mites and odors.
Textiles & hygiene: soft, healthy and easy-to-care-for materials
Cotton, Tencel™, bamboo: for sensitive skin
Cotton remains a classic; Tencel™ (a wood-based fiber) is very breathable and soft; bamboo is plush and absorbent. Choose fitted sheets that fit the mattress snugly (important to avoid creases that disrupt sleep).
Smart maintenance: cycles, frequencies, anti-dust mite tips
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Wash removable covers according to the instructions (often 40°C).
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Air the room every day.
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Wash pillows and duvets 2–3 times a year (or more in case of allergies).
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Vacuum the mattress cover once a month.
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Use a mattress protector that has been washed regularly.
Security & certifications: what really matters
Standards, labels (OEKO-TEX®, CertiPUR™…) and absence of harmful substances
Choose products certified free of undesirable substances:
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OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 for textiles (covers, sheets).
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CertiPUR™ for foams (free from certain solvents and heavy metals).
These benchmarks reinforce confidence and peace of mind.
Brand spotlight: Sampur children's bedding
Appropriate sizes, breathable cores, meticulous finishing
At Sampur , the goal is simple: to offer children's bedding that grows with your family. Adjustable sizes, breathable fillings, skin-friendly finishes… everything is designed for everyday and long-lasting use.
Zipped, removable and washable covers: everyday peace of mind
Removable mattress covers with machine-washable covers simplify life: a zip, a gentle cycle, and it's clean. Combined with a waterproof mattress protector, you keep the mattress core healthy for longer.
Where to buy: direct link to the children's bedding category
Discover the Sampur children's bedding selection.
Design tips: a bedroom conducive to sleep
Establish a bedtime ritual, dim the lights, reduce noise
A good bed isn't everything. Consider a simple bedtime routine (short story, cuddle, calm breathing), dimming the lights 30 minutes before bedtime, and limiting screen time in the evening. Very soft white noise can be soothing for young children.
Managing growth and bed moves without stress
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Anticipate the next size when buying: a 90×200 can last until adolescence.
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Explain the change of bed as a positive step (“big kid bed”).
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Keep familiar objects (blanket, nightlight, favorite sheet) to secure the transition.
FAQ - 10 frequently asked questions about children's bedding
1) What is the best bed size for a 6-year-old child?
THE 90x190 is perfectly suitable. If you want to maximize longevity, 90x200 offers more flexibility without needing to be changed before adolescence.
2) Firm or soft mattress for a child?
A medium to medium-firm mattress is best, depending on age and body type. The important thing is to ensure proper spinal alignment; avoid mattresses that are too soft.
3) Are mattresses with removable covers really useful?
Yes. A removable, machine-washable cover simplifies maintenance after minor accidents and extends the life of the mattress.
4) Pillow: from what age?
After about 2 years, and initially in a flat format, so as not to break the head-neck-back alignment.
5) How often should bedding be washed?
Fitted sheets every 1-2 weeks, mattress cover as needed, mattress protector every 1-2 weeks, pillows and duvets 2-3 times a year (more if allergies).
6) How to limit the heat at night?
Opt for breathable materials (Tencel™, cotton), ventilated mattresses, and keep the room at 18-20 °C.
7) Bunk bed: what mattress thickness?
Often 12-16 cm (to be checked according to the frame) to respect the safety barriers and avoid exceeding the recommended height.
8) Doesn't a waterproof mattress protector cause sweating?
Choose a waterproof and breathable model (PU membrane). It protects without suffocating the mattress.
9) How long can you keep a child's mattress?
On average 7-10 years depending on quality and care. Change if it sags, smells damp, or if the child complains of discomfort.
10) Can I use a memory foam mattress for a child?
Yes, to A small proportion and good ventilation are needed to avoid excessive heat. The whole structure must remain supportive and stable.
Choose wisely today, sleep well every night
You now know everything about children's bedding: from sizes and materials to firmness and fabrics, including hygiene and removable, machine-washable covers. Remember the essentials:
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a size suitable for age and room,
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a breathable, medium to medium-firm mattress
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a slatted bed base for ventilation,
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washable protective products and soft, certified textiles,
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a soothing ritual to fall asleep peacefully.
