What Size Mattress Does a UK Child's Bed Need?
A UK child's bed needs a mattress that matches the frame exactly, and the size changes with each stage from cot to single bed.
| Bed type | Mattress size | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Boori standard cot | 119 x 65cm | Birth to about 2 years |
| Boori oval cot | 119 x 64cm | Birth to about 2 years |
| Boori cot bed | 132 x 70cm | Birth to about 5 years |
| UK single bed | 90 x 190cm | From about 3 years to teens |
| UK small double | 120 x 190cm | Older children and teens |
| Boori double bed | 135 x 190cm | Older children and teens |
UK and European sizes differ. A European single is 90x200cm, 10cm longer than the UK single, so it will not sit flat in a UK frame. Many cot beds from other brands take a 140x70cm mattress, which is why you should always check the size your frame needs before ordering.
How Do You Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment for a Child?
You create a comfortable sleep environment for a child by combining a supportive, breathable mattress with bedding that suits the room temperature.
Create the perfect sleep environment with our range of breathable mattresses and soft cotton bedding. Designed with comfort and safety in mind, our mattresses provide the right level of support for babies, children, and adults. Pair with our fitted sheets and waterproof protectors to keep beds fresh and cosy.
Comfort is about more than softness. A good sleep setup considers airflow, the right level of cushioning, and reliable support underneath. Children benefit from bedding that keeps temperatures steady through the night, which is why our kids bedding sets are designed to sit comfortably over both cot mattresses and larger beds.
From lightweight summer layers to snug winter options, each piece is crafted to work with your child's natural movements. Soft textures wrap around them without feeling heavy, and flexible materials help regulate warmth, giving them a settled night's sleep.
If you love matching details, explore our quilt covers through the Quilt Cover Set collection, where gentle colours and simple patterns blend easily with your room style.
Place the bed away from radiators and direct sunlight, so the mattress and bedding stay at an even temperature through the night.
Which Safety Standards Apply to Children's Mattresses in the UK?
BS EN 16890:2017 applies to children's cot and crib mattresses in the UK, while all mattresses sold for home use must meet UK fire safety rules.
Boori mattresses are fire-retardant and fully compliant with UK safety regulations, giving you added peace of mind.
Cot and Cot Bed Mattresses
BS EN 16890:2017 is the UK and European standard for cot and crib mattresses. It covers safety requirements and test methods for mattresses used by babies and young children, and Boori describes its cot and cot bed mattresses as BS EN safety certified.
Kids Single and Double Mattresses
Mattresses sold for home use in the UK must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, with resistance to ignition commonly tested to BS 7177. Check each product page for the certification that applies to that mattress.
Safety is one of the most important parts of sleep. Materials should feel soft while still meeting strict standards. Boori's designs follow UK guidelines closely, making it easier to choose pieces that fit your home with confidence.
Breathable layers, stable stitching, and high-quality fills all work together to give your child a secure sleep surface. When the foundation is right, bedtime routines become calmer and more predictable.
Baby and Toddler Mattresses and Bedding (0-3 Years): What Do You Need?
Babies and toddlers need a firm, flat, well-fitting cot mattress, fitted sheets, a waterproof protector and a baby sleeping bag instead of a loose duvet.
Which Cot and Cot Bed Mattress Do You Need?
Give your baby the best start with our hypoallergenic cot and cot bed mattresses. Made with breathable materials and free from harmful chemicals, they offer a safe and comfortable sleeping surface.
Babies spend many hours lying down, so the mattress beneath them needs to balance gentle cushioning with steady support. A breathable cot or cot bed mattress helps prevent overheating and keeps little bodies aligned during naps and night sleep.
When paired with soft fitted sheets from our Cot and Cot Bed Fitted Sheets collection, you create a sleep surface that stays gentle on delicate skin and easy to keep fresh.
Boori cot bed mattresses, such as the Babysafe Fibre and Pocket Spring model, measure 132x70cm and suit Boori cot beds that are 70cm across. Older Boori cot beds measured 77cm across, so measure yours before ordering. Browse the full range of cot and cot bed mattresses.
What Bedding Is Safe for Babies Under 12 Months?
Babies under 12 months should sleep on their back on a firm, flat mattress, with no pillows, bumpers or loose duvets, as The Lullaby Trust advises. A fitted sheet over the mattress and a baby sleeping bag in the right TOG for the room keep them warm without loose covers.
Boori sleeping bags come in 0-6 and 6-18 month sizes, alongside muslins and blankets in the baby sleeping bags range. Keep two or three cot fitted sheets so there is always a clean one ready for night-time changes.
How Do You Protect a Cot Mattress and Keep Bedding Fresh?
Keep mattresses fresh with our fitted sheets and waterproof protectors. Made from soft cotton, our bedding provides a cosy and gentle touch for delicate skin. Explore snuggly cot bedding for baby's first dreams.
A practical sleep setup always includes protection. Bedding that washes well saves time while keeping the space feeling new. Waterproof layers help shield mattresses from spills and accidents, making the whole sleep environment easier to maintain.
Families often choose the same bedding textures for both toddler and older children, creating a sense of continuity from one stage to the next. For extra warmth on cooler nights, the Muslins, Blankets and Sleeping Bags collection offers soft layers that feel reassuring without being too heavy.
Kids Mattresses and Bedding (3 Years and Up): What Do You Need?
Children from about 3 years need a supportive single mattress, a mattress protector, fitted sheets, a duvet in the right TOG and a quilt cover set.
Which Single or Double Mattress Suits a Growing Child?
Our high quality pocket spring and breathable mattresses offer long lasting comfort for children and adults. Designed for growing bodies, our range of kids mattresses provide essential support for a restful night's sleep.
Older children need a mattress that supports their back, hips, and natural sleep movements. This is where high quality fillings and pocket springs make a real difference. A supportive base helps keep the spine aligned, while breathable materials prevent heat from building up.
As children grow into bigger beds, families often upgrade to kids single bedding or choose wider kids double bedding for extra space. The right bedding set ensures comfort, even as sleeping styles change over time.
If you are browsing for seasonal deals, look out for a kids bedding sale online, where you can find fresh sets to update your child's space without compromising quality.
The Boori Single Bed Pocket Spring Mattress has a medium-firm feel, with independent springs that respond only to the pressure above them. Compare sizes and depths in the kids bed mattresses collection.
When Should a Child Move to a Single Mattress?
Most children move to a single mattress between 2 and 5 years old, often when they start climbing out of the cot or outgrow the cot bed. A cot bed converted into a junior bed keeps its 132x70cm mattress, so the move to a 90x190cm single can wait until your child is ready.
What Bedding Sizes Fit UK Kids Beds?
- UK single: fitted sheet 90x190cm, duvet cover 135x200cm.
- UK small double: fitted sheet 120x190cm, duvet cover 200x200cm.
- European single: fitted sheet 90x200cm, duvet cover 140x200cm.
European-sized sheets will sit loose on a UK mattress, so always buy bedding to match the mattress size, not the bed name. Add a waterproof layer from the mattress protectors range to extend mattress life.
What Duvet TOG Does a UK Child Need?
The right duvet TOG for a UK child depends on the bedroom temperature through the year.
- 4.5 TOG: summer, when the bedroom is above 20°C (usually June to August).
- 9-10.5 TOG: spring and autumn, when the bedroom sits at 16-20°C.
- 13.5 TOG: winter in rooms below 16°C, or a 4.5 plus 9 TOG combination set.
Aim for a bedroom temperature of 16-20°C, the range the NHS recommends for a baby's room and a good guide for children too. Use a room thermometer, because a well-insulated new-build and an older terraced house can differ by several degrees. For babies under 12 months, skip the duvet and use a sleeping bag in the right TOG.
How Do You Choose Bedding for Each Season?
You choose bedding for each season by switching to lighter, breathable layers in summer and warmer layers in winter, while keeping airflow in both.
Children sleep best when their bedding suits the season. Summer calls for lightweight sheets and breathable covers that prevent overheating. Winter benefits from warmer textures that still allow gentle airflow. With the right layering, a room feels cosy without becoming too warm or too cold.
Boori's kids bedding selection includes a mix of cotton, muslin, and soft filled sets that adapt well throughout the year. Light fibres help regulate temperature, and durable weaves hold their shape wash after wash. Families who enjoy festive themes also look for kids Christmas bedding that brings a touch of fun during the holiday season while keeping sleep routines comfortable.
For children with sensitive skin, natural fibres feel smooth and reduce irritation. This makes the bedtime transition easier and helps little ones settle into a steady rhythm each night.
How Do You Match Bedding to Your Child's Room?
You match bedding to your child's room by choosing soft, neutral tones that work with the furniture, then adding pattern through one or two pieces.
Bedrooms feel more settled when the bedding blends smoothly with the furniture. Neutral bedding tones pair well with most children's beds, while gentle patterns add personality without overwhelming the room. Boori's designs keep colour palettes soft, making it easy to match your bedding with bookcases, drawers, and beds already in the space.
A consistent bedding theme also helps transition children through different ages. Calmer tones work well for both young toddlers and older children, allowing you to update the room without replacing everything.
The flexibility of the kids bedding sets range means you can mix and match patterns, layering favourite pieces over time. This helps create a room that feels personal and comforting without becoming cluttered.
How Do You Care for Kids Bedding Every Day?
You care for kids bedding by washing sheets weekly, keeping a waterproof protector on the mattress and rotating two or three bedding sets.
Parents value bedding that fits into daily life. Machine washable fabrics, strong stitching, and quick drying materials keep everything simple. Because children often spill, snack, or play near their beds, reliable protection keeps the mattress fresh and extends its lifespan.
Many families rotate two or three kids bedding sets so the room always feels clean. This also makes it easier to involve children in caring for their own space by helping fold bedding or pick out their favourite cover for the week.
Wash sheets and protectors at the temperature shown on the care label, and let the mattress air for a while each morning before making the bed. Rotating a kids mattress every three to six months also helps it wear evenly.
Boori UK is an online-only store, so there is no UK showroom. All mattresses and bedding are available at boori.co.uk/collections/mattresses-bedding with free delivery to mainland UK, and bedding typically arrives within 4-5 business days by Royal Mail.