Her Honest Space

Buying a mattress as a mum? Get honest, practical tips for co-sleeping, partner testing, base types, and more. A guide tailored to real mum life.

You’d think mattress shopping would be easy — until you’re juggling research, a toddler meltdown, and a salesperson rattling off terms like “zoned coils” and “pressure mapping.” As a trained bedding specialist (and a tired mum myself), I’ve helped countless families find the right mattress — without the jargon or overwhelm. Here’s what I want you to know before you buy.

🤔1. Think About How You Sleep

Before you walk into a store or scroll online, ask yourself:

• Do you sleep mostly on your side, back, or stomach?
• Do you wake up with aches, overheating, or feeling unrested?
• Are you co-sleeping or feeding overnight?

Try mattresses in your usual sleep position. Your comfort comes first — not the salesperson’s script.

👫🏽 2. Bring Your Partner (If You Share the Bed)

Always test mattresses together. You’ll get a better sense of partner disturbance — especially helpful if you’ve got a baby who wakes often and needs a calm transition back to sleep. It’s not about agreeing on firmness; it’s about feeling supported, together.

🛏️ 3. Check Your Base

Your current bed base changes how a mattress feels — and it could void your warranty if incompatible.

✔ Fixed slats or a hard surface = firmer feel than a shop demo.

✔ Gas-lift bed? Try lifting the mattress — some are so heavy it makes changing linen a workout.

Tip: Ask to test the mattress on a base similar to yours.

😳 4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask (or Ask Them to Leave)

You’re allowed to ask the salesperson to step away while you test. I always recommend: “Thanks, I’ll take a moment to try this properly — I’ll come find you when I’m ready.” Comfort takes clarity. No hovering.

5. Try In-Store (Even If You Buy Online)

Mattress-in-a-box brands offer long trials, but returns can be a hassle. In-store? You can lie down, compare options side-by-side, and even haggle for a better deal.

💡 Tip: Ask, “What’s the best you can do?” and request a quote — then take time to think before buying.

💤6. What Type of Mattress Should You Choose?

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Pocket Spring (Mum-favourite!)

✅Great support and breathability

✅ Less partner disturbance

❌Can be heavy to rotate

Foam

✅Contours to your body

✅ Lighter to move

❌Can feel hot and enclosed

Latex

✅Hypoallergenic and durable

❌Heavy and firm

Hybrid

✅Best of both — spring and foam

❌Pricey but often worth it for couples

🛡️7. Protect Your Investment

Mattress protectors = a must. They:

• Extend mattress life
• Prevent stains that void warranties
• Are easier to wash (hello, night leaks and baby spew)

💡Tip: Rotate your mattress every few weeks for the first 6 months, then once per season.

👶 Quick Note on Kids’ Mattresses

If you’re also shopping for your little one, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Choose firm and supportive over plush — it’s safer for growing bodies and spinal health. Aim for a firm to medium-firm mattress, since kids typically need fewer comfort layers built into their mattress.
• Measure the bed size (it sounds obvious, but worth checking!) — especially if your child is moving into a bed with guard rails.
• Look for breathable, low-VOC materials and, if possible,orthopaedic support to encourage healthy sleep posture.
• Edge support matters: if your child is still in a smaller bed with guard rails, you can skip this feature. But for bigger beds, strong edge support stabilises the mattress walls. It also makes the edges safer to sit on — no kids falling off trying to put their shoes on.
• Always use a waterproof protector — night leaks and toddler spills are inevitable, and this simple layer makes life so much easier. It also extends mattress health and longevity.

💡 Tip: If your child is transitioning from a cot into a bed, test the mattress with the guard rails in place to ensure it fits snugly and safely.

I’ll be sharing a full guide on kids’ mattresses soon — stay tuned for a deeper dive into what to look for at every stage.

💭Final Thoughts

Choosing a mattress isn’t just about comfort — it’s about support, ease, and peace of mind, especially in motherhood. And while it can feel overwhelming with all the options (and little people tugging at your sleeve), a few clear priorities make the process so much simpler.

You deserve a good night’s sleep, and so does your family. Remember, it’s not about finding the “perfect” mattress — it’s about finding the right one for your sleep style, your space, and your season of life.

✨ P.S. If you’re buying for your child too, keep an eye out — I’ll be sharing my full Kids’ Mattress Guide soon.

🎤Over to You

💬 Have you bought a mattress recently? What helped (or confused) you the most?

Let’s make this easier for other mums — share your thoughts in the comments.