Spring Mattress: What Parents Need to Know About Sleep Safety for Kids

When it comes to your child’s sleep, the spring mattress, a type of mattress with internal coil support often used in adult beds. Also known as innerspring mattress, it might seem like a natural choice—but it’s not always the safest option for babies and toddlers. Many parents assume a firmer mattress means better support, but not all firm mattresses are created equal. A spring mattress designed for adults can be too soft in spots, too bouncy, or even create gaps between the mattress and crib sides—risks that directly increase the chance of suffocation or entrapment.

The crib mattress, a specially designed, firm, flat pad made to fit snugly in a standard crib is the gold standard for infants under one year. Pediatricians and safe sleep guidelines from the AAP stress that a firm, flat surface with no soft bedding is the only proven way to reduce SIDS risk. toddler mattress, a slightly thicker but still firm mattress designed for use in toddler beds after age 2 follows similar rules: no memory foam, no plush layers, no springs that can compress unevenly. Even when your child moves to a bed, the same principle holds—your child’s spine needs consistent, even support, not give-and-take that mimics an adult bed.

What’s often overlooked is how baby sleep safety, the set of practices and product choices that reduce risks during infant sleep ties directly to the mattress. A spring mattress might look sturdy, but if it doesn’t meet CPSC or ASTM safety standards for infant use, it’s not safe. Look for certifications, check for gaps (you shouldn’t fit more than two fingers between mattress and crib frame), and avoid any mattress that’s been used by another child unless you know its full history. Many parents switch to a spring mattress too early—thinking their toddler doesn’t need a crib mattress anymore. But the truth is, kids under 3 still need the same level of firmness and stability as infants.

If you’re upgrading from a crib to a toddler bed, don’t assume any mattress labeled "toddler" is automatically safe. Some are just thinner versions of adult mattresses with hidden springs or foam layers. Stick to models specifically tested for children’s sleep safety. The spring mattress has its place—in adult bedrooms, guest rooms, or older kids’ rooms—but for babies and toddlers, it’s not the right tool for the job. Your child’s sleep environment should be simple, stable, and stripped of anything that could compromise their breathing. What you find below are real, practical guides from parents and experts who’ve navigated these choices: from crib mattress standards to when it’s truly safe to switch beds, and what to avoid in your child’s sleep space.