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Sleep is essential for children’s growth and development, contributing to mental and physical health, learning, memory, attention, behavior, and emotional regulation. Along with developing a bedtime routine and creating a calming bedroom atmosphere, investing in a comfortable mattress is one way to encourage adequate and quality sleep for your child.
It can be difficult to settle on a mattress choice for a child who is still growing and whose needs are constantly changing. Our expert team tested dozens of models to assess which options are well suited to children. We’ll discuss how to choose the right mattress for your child and share our recommendations for the best mattresses for kids available today.
Children’s bodies grow every year, which means sleep preferences might change. Shop for a mattress that can accommodate evolving sleep needs, whether it’s a flippable design or a versatile mid-range firmness level.
The Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall
Saatva Youth
The Sleep Doctor
4.8
Details
Trial Length 365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
365 Nights ($99 Return Fee) / Lifetime, Limited
Type Innerspring
Firmness Medium (5), Firm (7)
Price $749 – $999
The Sleep Doctor’s Take
The flippable Saatva Youth features two distinct sleep surfaces, one intended for kids between the ages of 3 and 7 and the other for kids aged 8 to 11. Zoned polyfoam and sturdy coils help ensure proper alignment and healthy growth, and all orders include free White Glove delivery.
Highlights
- Flippable design provides two firmness levels
- Organic cotton cover and natural flame barrier
- Free White Glove delivery
Drawbacks
- May feel too firm for kids who prefer softer mattresses
- More expensive than the average child’s mattress
The Saatva Youth is specifically designed for growing children, with a flippable design that caters to different age groups. Organic materials and a water-resistant surface help boost the appeal for parents.
How Does It Feel?
For children between the ages of 3 and 7, the softer side features a layer of polyfoam with five zones, followed by an innerspring coil support core made with recycled steel. This side has a medium feel that registers as 5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. For children ages 8 to 12, the other side of the mattress features slightly firmer convoluted polyfoam with enhanced lumbar support over the same innerspring support core. This side is firm (7).
Innerspring mattresses are consistently responsive in our tests, and the Saatva Youth is no exception. The coils lend a bouncy feel that is ideal for children who like to move around in bed. They also help stabilize the edges and provide airflow to reduce the risk of overheating. Our side, stomach, and back sleepers under 230 pounds received good support and pressure relief from this bed.
Why We Like It
Our testers found that the Saatva Youth’s versatile, two-sided design makes it comfortable for growing children. The responsive coils also facilitate position changes, so this model is a good option for kids who toss and turn.
The two sides share a mattress cover made with GOTS-certified organic cotton. The mattress also has a natural thistle flame barrier. A water-resistant finish and a waterproof barrier shield the internal components from accidents, and an antimicrobial treatment is designed to inhibit mold and bacterial growth. The foams carry CertiPUR-US certification, indicating that they are free of harmful substances, like heavy metals and formaldehyde.
The Saatva Youth is 10 inches thick and available in twin, twin XL, and full sizes. As with Saatva’s other mattresses, the company offers free White Glove delivery and old mattress removal in the contiguous U.S. The Saatva Youth comes with a lifetime warranty and a 365-night sleep trial. Returns are subject to a $99 processing fee.
Best Value
Nest Bedding Puffin
The Sleep Doctor
4.5
Details
Trial Length 30 nights
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
30 nights / Lifetime, Limited
Type Foam
Firmness Firm (7)
Price $499 – $749
The Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Nest Bedding Puffin is a firm, supportive all-foam mattress with dense layers to properly support your child and aid their development. The Puffin is approachably priced in all three sizes, and you can add an accident protection plan that covers stains and liquid damage.
Highlights
- Energex foam combines responsiveness and pressure relief
- Phase change material designed to regulate temperatures
- Made with a non-chemical fire barrier
Drawbacks
- Too firm for some children
- Relatively short trial period
Designed with growing bodies in mind, the Puffin Memory Foam Kids Bed from Nest Bedding is available in twin, twin XL, and full sizes. It measures 7 inches tall and consists of a quilted cover, 2 inches of Energex polyfoam, and 5 inches of high-density polyfoam. Our team found that the Energex polyfoam felt like a blend of memory foam and latex, providing conforming pressure relief with bounceback that enabled easy movement.
How Does It Feel?
The Puffin’s firm feel is rated 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale. While the mattress is designed for children under 110 pounds, our testers between 130 and 230 pounds found it comfortable for all sleep positions. Our back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also felt the mattress’ sturdier support helped keep their spines aligned. However, some side sleepers under 130 pounds reported pressure buildup around their hips and shoulders.
Why We Like It
To avoid heat retention, the cover contains phase change material designed to maintain temperature neutrality by adapting in response to body heat. As a result, our evaluations showed that the mattress slept much cooler than most all-foam beds. The Puffin’s foams are certified low in emissions by CertiPUR-US. Instead of a chemical flame retardant, Nest Bedding utilizes a silica fire barrier. Thanks to the bed’s temperature-regulating features, the Puffin may be ideal for kids who sleep hot.
We also liked that the Nest Bedding Puffin’s responsive foam design provides pressure relief without limiting movement.
Shipping is free in the contiguous U.S. The Puffin comes with a 30-night sleep trial and is protected by a limited lifetime warranty.
Most Comfortable
Helix Kids
Details
Trial Length 100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty 10 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights (30-night requirement) / 10 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6)
Price $749 – $999
The Sleep Doctor’s Take
A reversible design makes the Helix Kids an excellent choice for parents seeking a mattress that can adapt with their child as they grow. Foam layers offer cushioning along the spine to help kids maintain healthy spinal alignment, while pocketed coils keep the body on an even plane.
Highlights
- Adaptive foam comfort system helps alleviate pressure
- Low profile and reinforced perimeter help kids get in and out of bed
- Breathable Tencel cover helps regulate surface temperature
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for kids over 12 years old
- Foam layers can emit off-gassing odor after unboxing
The Helix Kids is another flippable mattress crafted with young sleepers in mind. A hybrid model, the Helix Kids features a comfort system on both the top and bottom surfaces and a shared coil support core sandwiched in between.
How Does It Feel?
Polyfoam and gel-infused memory foam in the comfort systems contour to the body to alleviate pressure. The level of contouring depends on the side your child uses, since their firmnesses differ. Coils are reinforced along the perimeter to stabilize the entire sleep surface and prevent your child from feeling like they might roll off the mattress. Each side is encased in a Tencel cover with a water-repellent barrier that blocks liquid much like a mattress protector without trapping too much heat. An AEGIS antimicrobial treatment is meant to protect against harmful bacteria to help keep the mattress hygienic.
Why We Like It
Both sides have midrange firmness levels, but the medium firm (6) surface intended for children ages 3 to 7 is slightly firmer than the medium soft (4) side for ages 8 to 12. This helps ensure enough support for proper development throughout childhood, but also provides a bit of extra cushioning for older kids. We also recommend the mattress for hot sleepers thanks to the steady airflow through the coils and a breathable cover. The waterproof barrier makes the Helix Kids a great option for children who are prone to bedwetting.
Twin and full sizes are available. The Helix Kids is competitively priced and all purchases include two Helix pillows at no extra charge. Shipping is free to all 50 states, and your order comes with a 100-night trial period.
Best Organic
My Green Mattress Kiwi Organic Mattress
The Sleep Doctor
4.4
Details
Trial Length 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty 20 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
120 nights (30-night requirement) / 20 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Price $749 – $1474
The Sleep Doctor’s Take
The My Green Mattress Kiwi’s latex hybrid design ensures a responsive, bouncy surface to help kids get in and out of bed with ease. GOLS and GOTS certifications also make the mattress a good option for parents who want to invest in eco-friendly products.
Highlights
- Latex and wool offer gentle contouring
- Coil system supports the body
- GOLS and GOTS certification
Drawbacks
- Limited cushioning for children who prefer softer mattresses
- Somewhat expensive compared to other kids mattresses
The Kiwi Organic Mattress from My Green Mattress is an excellent choice for parents seeking an eco-friendly bed for their child. The thoughtful design features organic materials and offers plenty of support and cushioning for a child’s growing body.
How Does It Feel?
The medium firm (6) feel is ideal for kids – firm enough to support their bodies through development but soft enough to feel comfortable and reduce pressure buildup. Latex, wool, and cotton are all naturally breathable materials, so even children who tend to overheat during sleep should feel fairly comfortable. For an additional fee, you can upgrade to a two-sided option. The dual-sided design allows you to use both sides of the mattress, which can extend the bed’s lifespan.
Why We Like It
The latex has GOLS organic certification and the wool and cotton both have GOTS organic certification, so eco-conscious parents can rest assured that the materials are organically sourced. The comfort layer contains a thin layer of wool batting and 1.25 inches of Dunlop latex. Beneath is an 8-inch coil system with a zoned design that enhances support in the lumbar area. The perimeter is reinforced with stronger coils to boost support along the edges, and a quilted organic cotton cover encases the entire mattress.
My Green Mattress offers a 120-night sleep trial with the Kiwi Organic, plus a 20-year warranty. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S.
Most Versatile
Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress
The Sleep Doctor
4.7
Amazon
4.5
Details
Trial Length 30 nights
Warranty 10 years, limited
Trial Length / Warranty
30 nights / 10 years, limited
Type Innerspring
Firmness Medium (5)
Price $699 – $899
The Sleep Doctor’s Take
As the name implies, Naturepedic’s 2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress is a reversible model with gentle foam layers and supportive shared coils. One side features a waterproof membrane and is suitable for children who are potty training, and the other is intended for older kids.
Highlights
- Dual-sided design with waterproof coating on one side
- Shorter and thinner versions available for trundle or bunk beds
- Made with GOTS-certified organic cotton
Drawbacks
- May feel too bouncy for some kids
- Firm design provides minimal cushioning
The Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress has a flippable design with two surface options to suit a child’s changing needs. The twin and full sizes are 7 inches thick. A modified 6-inch version is available in twin trundle and twin trundle short sizes. Naturepedic designed the mattress to fit with bunk beds as well.
How Does It Feel?
With a medium (5) firmness level intended for children up to 150 pounds, the Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress shares the benefits that typically characterize innerspring models. Our evaluations showed that the perimeter does not sink excessively under weight, which can make it easier for kids to get into and out of bed. In our temperature readings, the surface retained minimal body warmth, so children are unlikely to overheat. The innerspring core also provides plenty of bounce to facilitate movement.
Why We Like It
The Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress is a good option for parents looking to reduce their child’s exposure to chemicals without sacrificing comfort. A GOTS-certified organic cotton cover wraps around the mattress. One side is quilted for a plusher feel, while the other side is waterproof to protect against nighttime accidents. The waterproof coating is derived from sugarcane to avoid harsh chemicals. Each side also features a 1-inch layer of organic cotton batting, and they share an innerspring support core.
Naturepedic provides free shipping in the contiguous U.S. along with a 100-night sleep trial and a 25-year limited warranty. The mattress meets material safety criteria set by Made Safe and GREENGUARD Gold.
Best Luxury
Avocado Eco Organic Kids Mattress
The Sleep Doctor
4.5
Details
Trial Length 100 nights
Warranty 10 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights / 10 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Firm (7)
Price $649 – $849
The Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Avocado Eco Organic Mattress combines responsive latex with sturdy pocketed coils, creating a sleep surface that’s bouncy, easy to move on, and highly supportive for children. The low-profile design is ideal for any type of kid-friendly bed frame, including bunks and trundles.
Highlights
- Latex and coil design is responsive and buoyant
- Wool and cotton comfort layers provide cushioning
- GOLS and GOTS organic certification
Drawbacks
- Lack of cushioning may be uncomfortable for some children
- Only available in one firmness level
The Avocado Eco Organic Kids Mattress is an ideal bed for parents seeking a mattress made with non-toxic materials and sustainable practices. The latex and coils create a nice even balance of support and cushioning for kids as they age from preschool into adolescence.
How Does It Feel?
The mattress is 6 inches thick and has a firm (7) feel. It begins with layers of wool and cotton that excel at regulating temperature and wicking moisture. This is followed by a latex layer, which gives the mattress a firm yet buoyant quality. Beneath is a base of pocketed coils that generate sturdy support. The bed is designed to support kids who weigh up to 115 pounds.
The latex gently conforms to the body so your child should feel amply cushioned while still getting enough pushback and support from the coils and firm feel. Thanks to the natural breathability of latex, wool, and cotton, plus airflow through the coils, this mattress also sleeps very cool.
Why We Like It
Avocado is known for using eco-friendly materials with the certification to back up their claims. The latex has Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certification and the cotton and wool are both certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The mattress is also GREENGUARD Gold-certified to ensure low chemical emissions.
Avocado offers a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty with the Eco Organic Kids Mattress. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S.
Why You Should Trust Us
A mattress is a big purchase, which is why we aim to make the process easier for our readers. Our team has years of experience working in the sleep industry, and we base our reviews on extensive research and testing.
We narrow down our final recommendations through a stringent evaluation process that incorporates objective measurements as well as the subjective experiences of our testers. For this article, we focused on metrics that are more applicable to children, bearing in mind their different body types, activity levels, and other needs.
More Mattress Options for Unique Groups
What Do Kids Need for a Good Night's Sleep?
Choosing a mattress for kids comes with a few different requirements than picking a bed for adults. We’ll look at some useful considerations to keep in mind and then examine each one in depth.
Find the Type of Mattress That Works Best for Your Child
One of the first decisions to make when buying a mattress is whether you prefer a hybrid, innerspring, foam, or latex design. Each has potential advantages and disadvantages for different sleeper types.
Choose the Right Mattress Size and Firmness
When deciding on mattress size and firmness level, parents should consider how the needs of their child may change as they grow. Some mattresses designed for kids feature a flippable construction tailored for multiple age groups.
Price and Lifespan of Your Child’s Mattress
As with any product, you generally pay more for a higher-quality mattress. It might be worthwhile to invest in a higher-end model if you anticipate your child will use the mattress for many years.
Allergies and VOCs
For children who are sensitive to odors or those with allergies to certain materials, it’s important to find a mattress that doesn’t cause discomfort while sleeping. Some models release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) after unboxing in a process known as off-gassing. Though the VOCs don’t carry any known health risks, some children may dislike the chemical-like odor.
Best Mattress Types for Kids
In terms of pressure relief and support, different mattress types vary in their benefits and drawbacks. Some also offer additional perks, like better ease of movement or edge support. Meanwhile, others are more durable or have superior temperature regulation.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine a comfort system made with foam, latex, or other pressure-relieving materials over a coil support core. The core is typically made with pocketed springs that provide added support and bounce while reinforcing the edges. Hybrid mattresses tend to sleep relatively cool, and may have other cooling features depending on the materials in the comfort system.
Are Innerspring Beds Good for Kids?
Traditional innerspring mattresses may feel too firm for children, who often need a softer surface to prevent pressure points. However, the boundary between innerspring and hybrid mattresses is sometimes blurred.
Regardless of how it is advertised, a mattress is generally considered a hybrid if it has at least a few inches of cushioning materials on top. Although our testing shows that many innerspring mattresses are not as durable, some models advertised as innersprings are closer to hybrids in their construction.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses contain a polyfoam support core and layers of polyfoam, memory foam, latex, or cushioning fibers in the comfort section. The all-foam construction typically provides ample support and pressure relief for sleepers under 130 pounds.
Some foam mattresses limit movement or trap heat, though manufacturers often take steps to reduce these inconveniences, such as infusing the foam with cooling gels. On the other hand, all-foam models tend to be virtually silent in our tests, so kids can play in bed without the squeaks and creaks of an innerspring mattress.
Latex Mattresses
Mattresses made entirely of latex offer a responsive surface. Parents who want to keep chemicals out of their child’s bedroom often prefer natural or organic latex mattresses, which may also include other organic materials, such as cotton and wool. Though expensive, natural latex is highly breathable and tends to be more durable than other mattress types.
Choosing the Right Mattress Size and Firmness for Your Child
Size and firmness play significant roles in the overall feel of a mattress. In addition to a child’s height and weight, it’s important to consider their preferred sleep position.
How Much Space Does Your Child Need to Sleep?
Considerations when choosing a mattress size for your child include their age, weight, and whether they tend to sprawl out or move in their sleep. Most parents choose a twin, twin XL, or full size mattress for their kids. Queen and king sizes come at a higher price-point that may not be a good value for smaller bodies. However, if your kids share a bed or you plan to continue using the mattress for many years to come, larger sizes may be worth considering.
Twin Mattress
Twin size is the smallest of the standard mattress sizes. Created to fit one sleeper, this size should accommodate the needs of most children. Additionally, many bunk beds and trundle beds are made to fit a twin size mattress.
Twin XL Mattress
A twin XL mattress has the same width as a twin mattress but is 5 inches longer. This provides extra leg room for growing children or teens.
Full Size Mattress
For active sleepers, a full size mattress allows more room to toss and turn. The extra width of a full mattress can also accommodate two people if you like reading bedtime stories with your child. Similarly, your child may be able to sleep more comfortably with a pet in a full size bed.
How Firm Should Your Child’s Mattress Be?
A good mattress for kids should provide equal parts support and pressure relief to keep the spine aligned without causing pressure points. The right firmness level depends on your child’s preferred sleep position, body type, and personal preference.
Contouring
Contouring refers to the ability of a mattress to mold to the body. Mattresses with more contouring feel softer and provide more cushioning. Sleepers under 130 pounds tend to find surfaces subjectively firmer, so they may prefer a mattress with greater contouring.
Sleep Position
Sleep position determines which body parts take the brunt of the impact against the mattress. Side sleepers put more pressure on the hips and shoulders, so they typically need a softer mattress to cushion these areas. By contrast, stomach sleepers usually require a firmer mattress to support their midsections and relieve pressure in their lower backs. Back sleepers are generally comfortable on a medium firm mattress that balances contouring and support.
Edge Support
Mattress firmness directly influences edge support. A softer mattress usually allows more give around the perimeter, making its edges feel less stable. If your child frequently sits or sleeps near the edge of the bed, we suggest considering a firmer mattress or a model with reinforced edges.
Cost and Average Lifespan of a Kid's Mattress
A new bed can represent a significant investment, so you may need to weigh several factors when deciding on a mattress budget.
How Much Should You Invest in a Kid’s Mattress?
Because children typically use smaller sizes, the cost of kid’s mattresses can start as low as $200, though some models run as high as $1,000 or more. Most mattresses last at least several years, and spending a little more for a higher-quality mattress may save money in the long run.
Will Your Child’s Mattress Survive Until They Move Out?
On average, we expect most mattresses to last 7 to 10 years. Warranties generally have terms of at least 10 years. If you are buying a mattress for an older child or a teen, you might want to consider purchasing a model that they can continue to use once they move out.
Kids Can Be Messy, So Invest in a Mattress Protector
Mattress protectors are a good idea for any sleeper — and especially for children, who run a higher risk of spills, bedwetting, and other accidents. Most warranties don’t cover mattresses with stains or other physical damage, and trial policies are also often voided should the bed sustain such damage. A mattress protector helps protect your investment and may extend the lifespan of your bed.
Use a Mattress Topper to Adjust the Bed as Your Child Grows
If your child’s firmness preferences change over the years but the mattress itself is still supportive, a mattress topper can be a cost-effective way of adjusting the feel of the bed.
Keep Your Mattress Clean
Mattresses that are well-maintained are more likely to go the distance. Since kid’s mattress are prone to stains and spills, it’s helpful to be prepared when things get messy. Watch our video below for tips on how to keep your child’s bed clean.
Does Your Child Have Allergies or a Sensitivity to VOCs?
Some mattresses are made with materials that trigger allergies in certain sleepers, which in turn can interfere with sleep. Children may be more likely to have allergies to natural materials, such as down and latex. Mattresses that allow room for dust to collect and attract dust mites are also frequently problematic for allergy sufferers. We recommend talking to your healthcare provider before buying a mattress if your child is sensitive to odors or any of the materials commonly found in mattresses.
Many parents are also justifiably concerned about the chemicals often used in mattress production. Foam-based mattresses typically emit a relatively harmless but unpleasant odor after unboxing, which is caused by the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Mattresses made with synthetic materials, such as polyfoam or memory foam, should be left in a well-ventilated space for a few days to let them off-gas before use.
When buying a mattress for your child, we suggest you look for third-party certifications from organizations like CertiPUR-US or OEKO-TEX. These organizations test mattresses to verify that levels of harmful chemicals are kept at a minimum.
CertiPUR-US
CertiPUR-US is a program specifically designed to test synthetic foam. To gain CertiPUR-US certification, manufacturers must demonstrate that a mattress does not contain ozone depleters, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and certain chemical flame retardants and phthalates. Emission levels of VOCs must also measure less than 0.5 parts per million.
OEKO-TEX
The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label guarantees that a textile product has been tested and found free of substances considered harmful to human health. Whereas CertiPUR-US tests foams, OEKO-TEX puts greater focus on the cover of a mattress.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- Position: Side sleeper
- Temperature: Hot Sleeper
- Chronotype: Lion
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