As a parent, it can be tricky to figure out what size mattress is right for your child when it comes time to transition from crib to “big kid” bed. There’s a lot of information out there, but 5 Little Monkeys wants to make the process of choosing a mattress as simple as possible. That’s why we designed a mattress to grow with your child - from out of the crib, all the way through to leaving for college. Our standard size childrens’ mattresses are designed to support your child’s growing bodies, and provide lasting benefits like temperature regulation for the best night’s sleep possible.

Learn more about how our childrens’ mattresses are designed for all ages & stages of development, so you can take the stress out of decision making and enjoy the excitement (and comfort!) your child will feel as they transition to their new “big kid” bed.

1. Choosing a Bed Size for Your Child

When it comes to choosing a bed size for your child, the options can seem limitless, which is why it’s important to find a mattress that can fit in different bed types - bunk beds, standard size twin or queen beds, and others - as your child grows. It’s also important to take safety and accessibility factors into consideration when choosing a bed for your child.

Toddler Bed Sizes: Ages 1.5 - 4 Years Old

Transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed can be an intimidating process - but the main things to focus on when choosing a new bed is safety. Toddlers still lack some mobility required for getting on and off of a bed easily, so you’ll want to find a bed frame that sits low to the ground, and consider adding a guard rail for extra safety.

Going with a standard twin or full size bed and mattress is completely fine for a toddler - in fact, by choosing a standard size mattress for the bed, you’ll be able to use the same mattress when transitioning from each development stage, even if the child gets a new bed frame. Finding a sturdy bed with a solid base that can support multiple children and adults is a good idea for bedtime stories & playtime.

The 5 Little Monkeys Sleep System mattress has a base layer that strengthens the layers above for added durability, comfort & resilience. Our Platform Foundation provides the perfect frame for the Sleep System. It provides excellent support, and has removable legs in order to sit low on the ground for easy access.

Childhood Bed Sizes: Ages 5-9 Years Old

As children move past the toddler stage, they gain some additional mobility - and may be looking for more of a “grown up” bed. A low loft bed that measures 50.75” from the floor to the top of the bed is a great option for kids who are 40” or taller, with a staircase to allow them to climb up onto the bed.

This stage is also a great time to add some fun elements to your child’s bed - things like a tent that goes over the bed frame and mattress to block out excess light and sound, a child-safe indoor slide, or keep it classic with some glow-in-the-dark stars to go on the ceiling space above the bed. Making bedtime an enjoyable experience for your child will help make it a stress-free experience for grown-ups as well.

Pre-Teen & Teenager Bed Sizes: 10+ Years Old

Once your child is able to climb easily in and out of bed and has grown taller, they may be ready to upgrade to a higher loft bed, or a taller bunk bed. Make sure that if purchasing a higher loft bed, you check to make sure your child will be able to sit or even stand comfortably underneath. This can allow for extra space for a desk or beanbag to create more hangout space for your pre-teen or teenager.

The 5 Little Monkeys Sleep System Mattress is Made For All Ages & Stages!

No matter what bed frame you choose, the 5 Little Monkeys Sleep System mattress is perfectly designed to follow your kids through all stages of development - saving you hundreds of dollars in the long run. Our quality mattress is built to keep your child asleep throughout the night, as well as the rest of their childhood.

In providing a good night’s sleep, this mattress offers numerous longer-term benefits for each stage of development, allowing children to better regulate their emotions, maintain physical health, perform better in school, and enjoy better social development. The Sleep System mattress is the last bed you’ll buy for your kids - learn more about the product and try it out with our 100 night’s sleep risk free guarantee.