So we’ve bounced through air mattresses, cheap and not, till they sogged into the ground. Currently on little camp beds which seemed to be working well, although the odd bit of tippage has occurred, mainly slept through. However, last weekend we found Middle Boy curled up on the floor of the tent, opining “I’d rather just sleep on the ground”.

Any recommendations for child sized sleeping mats? Mainly concerned about insulation as it appears being cold wakes them up, uncomfortable no effect!

We just went for some cheapo Vango ones (about £20) and ours (8 and 10) seem fine with them.

We bought a toddler bed from Aldi a few months ago. It is very large (like a small rubber dinghy) but fits in our large tent fine. In / under that we put a 3/4 length Hi-gear therma-rest for insulation. If we’re in the smaller tent we just use the 3/4 length mat but she can end up rolled-up in a corner, and cold sometimes.

Decathlon thermarest copies come in kids sizes. Pretty durable too.

If he’s happy on the floor, try a foam mat

Inflatables offer lots more comfort, but foam mats are generally warmer. Most adults opt for the former, if he’s happy on the deck then a foam mat is fine (lots of adult seems to get on with foam too, personally I prefer an inflatable)

Foam doesn’t pack down very small, which is why it’s not in flavour, but its warm and very very robust