Best Mattresses for Kids

Written by Loren Bullock, Certified Sleep Science Coach

Methodology

Here at Mattress Nerd, we’ve tested hundreds of mattresses to bring you unbiased, expert reviews of the top brands. Learn more.

In This Article

We’ll tell you everything you need to know about selecting a great mattress for kids and share ten of our top choices.

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All parents want the best for their kids, don’t we? Shouldn’t that include a good sleeping experience? Fortunately, we’ve done all the research and can offer you some great options for the kiddos, whether it’s a toddler who has outgrown their crib mattress or a pre-teen who is complaining about their uncomfortable old mattress.

What factors should you consider when you choose a mattress for your child? Rapid growth and proper support for growing pains, for one. We can help there, too. We understand that the considerations for a kid’s mattress will differ from those for an adult’s mattress and that’s why we will cover these considerations as well.

In this guide, we’ve reviewed our top picks of the best mattresses for kids, and the important factors to consider when choosing a mattress.

Bottom Line: What’s the Best Mattress for Kids?

We selected the Saatva Youth as the best mattress for kids. Its flippable construction and water-resistant finish make it a great fit for little sleepers.

The Best Mattresses for Kids

• Saatva Youth – Best Organic Mattress for Kids
• Helix Kids – Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids
• Nectar – Best Value Mattress for Kids
• Brooklyn Bedding Bowery – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Kids
• Bear – Best Mattress for Back or Stomach Sleepers
• DreamCloud Original – Best Luxury Mattress for Kids
• Nolah Original – Best Mattress for Restless Kids
• Helix Midnight – Best Cooling Mattress for Kids
• Birch – Best Latex Mattress for Kids
• Puffin by Nest – Best Full Mattress for Kids

Best Mattresses for Kids: Video Review

Chosen by Experts and Advocates

To put together this list of the best mattresses for side sleepers, our Certified Sleep Science Coaches performed hands-on testing to evaluate elements like motion isolation, edge support, and pressure relief.

Best Organic Mattress for Kids: Saatva Youth

The Saatva Youth isn’t just a smaller Saatva mattress for kids. It’s actually packed full of thoughtful designs to be suitable for kids at a variety of ages and as they grow. Let’s name a few…

Starting with the basics, this mattress is coming from Saatva, and like its normal mattresses, they put a lot of time and money into quality and durability. This mattress is a hybrid, meaning it contains foam layers coupled with innerspring coils. Not only that, but Saatva has arranged the layers so the mattress is dual-sided. A three-year-old and a 12-year-old have very different bodies. This mattress is flippable to find the right level of comfort and support based on age and weight.

On the outside, you’ve got an organic cotton cover that is soft, breathable and hypoallergenic so you don’t have to worry about chemical smells due to off-gassing. Not to embarrass any of your youngins, but it also comes with a water-resistant finish to make it “accident-proof.”

Pros of the Saatva Youth

• High-quality organic materials
• Hypoallergenic
• Water-resistant to protect against accidents

Cons of the Saatva Youth

• Expensive

What our testers say: “The Saatva Youth mattress feels a lot like a traditional innerspring mattress with a foam comfort layer. It’s pretty firm on both sides, but the softer side offers a little more cushion. This bed is springy, thanks to a core of flexible steel coils.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full Saatva Youth Mattress Review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Saatva Youth mattress, check out our list of the best organic mattresses for more great options.

Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids: Helix Kids

Helix is known for making some of the highest quality mattresses, and the Helix Kids is no different. It’s a durable hybrid mattress with a classic innerspring feel, complete with strong coils for support and gel memory foam for cooling, pressure-relieving comfort.

With its unique flippable design, this hybrid caters to many sleeping positions, and also children of many ages. Each side of the mattress has its own firmness level, which you can change depending on your child’s age and sleep preferences. However, we think that the firmer side is best for kids between three and seven, and that the softer side is best for children between eight and 12. This is especially useful because it allows you to simply flip the mattress rather than buying a new one as your child changes and grows.

Pros of the Helix Kids

• Water and stain repellant
• Hypoallergenic
• Antimicrobial treatment

Cons of the Helix Kids

• Doesn’t have a memory foam feel
• Expensive

Love the Helix brand, but want a different model? Check out our Helix mattress reviews to learn more or our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses for more options.

Best Value Mattress for Kids: Nectar

Four unique layers of quilted foam culminate for a great night’s sleep with the Nectar memory foam mattress. Its TENCEL cooling cover helps to circulate air and regulate temperature to keep your child comfortable as their body temperature rises throughout the night. It’s also bed-bug resistant. 

Beneath the cover lies a layer of gel memory foam that allows for superior contouring and circulation. In the center is high-density foam that distributes weight throughout the mattress for support and stability. Finally, there is a base layer of foam engineered for great airflow to keep your child cool and supported all night long.

The Nectar mattress is CertiPUR-US certified and comes with a 365-night trial and Lifetime warranty.

Pros of the Nectar

• Lifetime warranty
• Sleeps cool

Cons of the Nectar

• Not water-resistant

What our testers say: “The Nectar successfully achieves a balance of contouring and support. It also provides the “hug” of memory foam with cooling gel to help regulate temperature. “ – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

See our full Nectar mattress review to learn more! If you aren’t interested in the Nectar mattress, check out our list of the most affordable mattresses for more great options.

Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Kids: Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid

The Bowery mattress is made with three layers of proprietary foam, and one 6″ layer of pocketed coils. The combination of comfort and support that these two materials (innerspring and foam) makes for a bed that will allow your child to move easily, but settle in nicely once they find a comfortable position.

The Bowery’s build also marries pressure-point relief and cooling gel, so your child stays cool, comforted, and properly supported while they sleep. Best of all, Brooklyn Bedding has its own factory where they build all their mattresses, meaning they can offer a high-quality, handcrafted product at a value price point.

The Bowery is CertiPUR-US® certified and comes with a 120-night trial and a 10-year warranty. 

Pros of the Brooklyn Bowering Hybrid

• Sleeps cool
• Great repsonsiveness

Cons of the Brooklyn Bowering Hybrid

• Feels firmer than expected for a medium-firm mattress

What our testers say: “The Bowery Hybrid has a universal medium-firm firmness level. The Bowery didn’t perform well in our pressure relief test, though, with high pressure at areas like the hips and shoulders of side sleepers.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid mattress review to learn more.

Best Mattress for Back and Stomach Sleepers: Bear Original

Based on the calculations of our super scientific Mattress Nerd lab tests, stomach and back sleepers under 130 lbs receive excellent support on the Bear mattress. So, whether your child sleeps in one of these positions or both, the Bear should keep them comfortable.

Since the Bear mattress has a medium-firm feel, lighter sleepers may feel like they are floating on top of the mattress as opposed to sinking beneath the surface. This is perfect for back and stomach sleepers, whose hips need a good deal of support in order to maintain proper spinal alignment.

Pros of the Bear Original

• Sleeps cool
• Great support for proper spinal alignment

Cons of the Bear Original

• May be too firm for some

What our testers say: “The Bear Mattress uses CertiPUR-US foams that have little to no smell. If anything, it may give off a very slight odor when you first unpack the mattress—similar to a new pair of sneakers—that will dissipate within a couple of days.” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full Bear mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in this Bear mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers for more great options.

Best Luxury Mattress for Kids: DreamCloud Original

The DreamCloud Original is a luxury, hybrid mattress that feels like a hotel bed in your own home. It features a cozy cashmere cover, gel-infused foam, and has an overall medium-firm feel. However, firmness is subjective depending on body weight. For kiddos, who are going to be lighter in weight than an average adult, of which we base our firmness ratings on, expect the feel to be a bit firmer. 

When put through our mattress testing, we found this bed to be most comfortable for back and stomach sleepers. The foam layers that sit at the top of this bed’s construction won’t be impressionable enough for side sleepers to be able to sink into. When you lie back, you’ll stay atop the surface, rather than feel hugged by it. However, back and stomach sleepers will still get great pressure relief in sensitive areas like the lower back and hips, while staying elevated and supported for proper spinal alignment. 

If you’re interested in trying out this model for your child, rest assured in the fact this bed comes with free shipping and returns, an entire year to try it out risk free, and a lifetime warranty.

Pros of the DreamCloud Original

• Sleeps cool
• Lifetime warranty

Cons of the DreamCloud Original

• Expensive
• Not flippable

What our testers say: “The DreamCloud has a true hybrid feel. When you first lie down, you feel cushioned by the soft memory foam top layers. The further you sink into the mattress, the more you notice the support of the coil layer. I feel more “on top” of this mattress than hugged by it.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full DreamCloud mattress review for more information. For more luxury options, read our best luxury mattresses page.

Best Mattress for Restless Kids: Nolah Original

If you’ve noticed that your child tosses and turns for a while before settling comfortably into a sleeping position then you’ll want to look for a mattress that supports these movements. The Nolah has an ease of movement score of 4 / 5, meaning that the top layers of foam respond and adapt to the sleeper’s changing of positions rather than resisting them. 

A Twin sized Nolah mattress will cost you $649 before sales—pretty standard for a bed in a box of this quality. What’s different about the Nolah, however, is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Of course, your kid likely won’t be sleeping on this bed forever, but the knowledge that Nolah has that much confidence in their product does provide some peace of mind. 

Pros of the Nolah Original

• Cooling properties
• Lifetime warranty

Cons of the Nolah Original

• Not water-resistant

What our testers say: “As an all-foam mattress, the Nolah has a dense, conforming feel. It offers the great pressure relief of memory foam without the “hugging” sensation.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full Nolah mattress review to learn more.

Best Cooling Mattress for Kids: Helix Midnight

If you’ve ever checked on your kid to find they’ve kicked their comforter onto the floor, it might be because they tend to get uncomfortably warm in their sleep. Thankfully, many mattresses these days will often incorporate technology to ensure that your sleeping situation remains comfortably cool. The Helix Midnight is one such mattress. 

The hybrid construction of the Helix Midnight combines a layer of individually wrapped coils with three layers of foam. Since it’s not a solid block, air passes through it more easily which makes it more breathable than a traditional all-foam mattress. Plus, the included mattress cover is designed to promote airflow, which also aids in breathability.

Pros of the Helix Midnight

• Affordable
• Hybrid construction sleeps cool

Cons of the Helix Midnight

• Not flippable

What our testers say: “The Midnight feels like a hotel bed—cushioning on top that’s balanced by a supportive, springy coil base. You’ll sink an inch or two into the memory foam top layer and feel the foam contouring around your curves.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

To learn more about this model, read our full Helix Midnight mattress review. For more cooling mattress models, check out our best cooling mattresses page.

Best Latex Mattress for Kids: Birch Natural

This all-natural, organic mattress by Birch provides support while still cradling your child’s pressure points. The innerspring coils and Talalay latex give the bed bounce and support, while the latex and organic New Zealand wool top offer plenty of cushioning.

Wool and latex are known for their superior cooling properties compared to memory foam, so if you’re located in a hotter climate, this bed could be a good option. As a medium-firm bed, the Birch mattress works for all sleep positions.

Pros of the Birch Natural

• Organic materials
• Cooling materials

Cons of the Birch Natural

• Expensive
• Not flippable

What our testers say: “The Birch Natural provides a responsive, breathable, and firm surface with a bouncy feel. Its steel coil support layer can be noisy and squeaky, though.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full Birch mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Birch mattress, check out our list of the best latex mattresses for more great options.

Best Full Size Mattress for Kids: Puffin by Nest

The Puffin (formerly called The Big Kid’s Bed) is another sturdy, multi-layer memory foam bed at a value price point. There’s a top layer of Energex foam that has better responsiveness than traditional viscoelastic foam, but it still keeps the conforming properties that help relieve pressure points for young sleepers. The layer of edge-support foam provides stability for your child and durability for the life of the mattress. 

The Puffin is best for kids who are transitioning from a toddler bed, as it has a maximum recommended weight of 120 lbs. It’s also CertiPUR-US certified, and comes with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty. 

Pros of the Puffin by Nest

• Affordable
• Specially designed for kids

Cons of the Puffin by Nest

• May be too soft for some

Read our Nest mattress reviews for more information. If you’re interested in seeing a few more options, check out our list of the best full size mattresses for more great options.

What Mattress Size Is Best For a Child?

Mattress size is definitely a factor to consider, not only because children go through growth spurts but also because sleep positions and habits change for young children. It may seem like an easy decision to just purchase a regular Twin mattress and be done with it, but don’t be so quick to make that judgment.

If you think you might be better off with a slightly bigger size, keep in mind most mattress companies offer a Twin XL and a Full size. If you want more info on these specific subjects, take a look at our Twin vs. Twin XL mattress and Twin vs. Full mattress guides.

In their younger years, kids sometimes suffer from nightmares or fear of the dark and may want you to sleep with them. If this is a common occurrence, it might be better to go for a larger mattress. In addition, the same can be said for siblings. If they often sleep together, it may be better to get a larger size.

Additionally, consider how long they will be sleeping on this bed. It’s possible they’ll still be on the same mattress up until high school graduation. In that case, spending the extra $100 for a Twin XL or Full size bed may be worth the investment.

To learn more about the most common mattress sizes for kids, check out our best Full mattress and best Twin mattress articles.

Things to Consider When Buying a Children’s Mattress

Support

You might think support is more important for adults and seniors, since they’re more likely to suffer from sleep-related back pain, but children need proper support too—maybe even more so. Their bodies are changing and growing at a rapid rate, and this can frequently cause growing pains.

Finding a mattress that offers pressure-point relief, spinal alignment, and recovery will help reduce the likelihood and severity of the aches and pains they experience during growth spurts.

How Much Should a Child’s Mattress Cost?

Lastly, you will want to be mindful of your budget. Luckily, mattress manufacturers know that the budget for a child’s mattress is typically much smaller than that of adults, and many well-known companies have designed value options. These types of mattresses are perfect for kids, especially if you are considering buying two for a bunk bed. 

What Type of Mattress is Best For Kids? 

Foam Mattresses for Kids

What is a foam mattress? Foam mattresses are made of layers of various types of foam. These mattresses have a contouring and hugging feel that many people love. Additionally, foam mattresses can be found at a very reasonable price. Read our best foam mattresses roundup for more information.

Are foam mattresses safe for kids? Foam mattresses are made with the most potentially toxic materials. However, many popular brands have stepped up and made commitments to ensuring their products are not harmful to any sleepers. 

Innerspring Mattresses for Kids

What is an innerspring mattress? Innerspring mattresses are made of coils that support the bed, causing them to be on the firmer side. Unlike hybrid mattresses, they usually don’t have a very thick comfort layer, so you feel more of the support from the coils. Head over to our list of best innerspring mattresses if you’re interested.

Are innerspring mattresses a good value for kids? These mattresses are also reasonably priced, but you may find your child does not find them as comfortable. However, like we always say, comfort is relative, and if your child is used to this type of mattress, they may find the support suits them just fine. 

Latex Mattresses for Kids

What are latex mattresses? Usually the most eco-friendly mattress material, latex has gained a good reputation from its use of all-natural materials, making these beds naturally dust mite resistant and hypoallergenic. 

Are latex mattresses good for kids? Yes, the best latex mattresses are great for kids! Especially if your child has allergies, sensitive skin, or other health concerns. The latex gives a bouncy effect to the surface, but it still does a good job of minimizing motion transfer if that is a concern. 

Hybrid Mattresses for Kids

What is a hybrid? Hybrid mattress are a mix between coils and a comfort layer of foam, cotton, wool, or latex. They range in price depending on what materials they are made of, how thick the comfort layer is, and what additional features are in the mattress. Our best hybrid mattress roundup has some wonderful options.

Are hybrid mattresses good for kids? Hybrids were invented for a reason. They really are the best of both worlds. Kids will likely agree. The coil base makes them easy beds to move around on, and the comfort layer can be as plush as you and your child choose. 

Accessories for a Kid’s Mattress

Mattress Protectors for Kids

One essential accessory to add to your kid’s new mattress is a mattress protector. These thin pieces of fabric go on just like a fitted sheet and protect against dust mites, spills, and any other accidents that may take place. When you are dropping a few hundred dollars on a new mattress, they’re worth every extra penny. 

Pillows for Kids

A pillow can have a significant impact on the quality of your child’s sleep. As such, you’ll want to find one that caters to their sleeping preferences. As with mattresses, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pillows. Factors such as your child’s sleep position, age, and whether they overheat at night should all play into which pillow you decide to buy for them.

For example, the best pillows for stomach sleepers tend to be on the thin side, because too much height can put the neck at an angle that causes stress and pain. If your child gets uncomfortably warm at night, then you’ll want to look at latex pillows, or ones made with special cooling technology.

Though pillow shopping may not call for as much research as mattress shopping, finding the perfect one for your child still requires a good bit of thought. For some help, check out our best pillow guide.

FAQ

What size bed should a four year-old have?

It depends! Most children are switched from a crib to a toddler bed between the ages of one and two. After that, the next change will be from toddler bed to Twin bed.

A toddler bed tends to be around 45″ shorter than the average Twin bed, so when you decide to switch them over may depend on how fast your child is growing. You may find that your kid still comfortably fits in their toddler bed at the age of four, but we’d say that by five years-old you should begin transitioning them to a Twin mattress.

Is a soft or medium mattress better for kids?

Medium-firm mattresses accommodate the widest range of sleeping positions and body types, but a soft mattress will allow your child to comfortably sink into the top layers despite their lighter weight.

Medium-firm or firm beds provide the best support, which is crucial for growing bodies. Children’s bones and joints are growing so quickly that it’s important for them not to spend all night with their spines out of alignment. For more info, check out our mattress firmness guide.

Is sleep important for children?

You’ve probably heard many times that a good night’s rest is imperative for your overall well being. That is doubly true for children, who are constantly developing, both mentally and physically. Studies conducted on the matter have shown that getting the right amount of quality sleep can improve behavior, attention, and memory, and can even prevent obesity and depression.

How much sleep is enough for children?

The American Academy of Pediatrics has put together recommended ranges depending on a child’s age. The older a child gets, the less sleep they need. Children between the ages of three and five should get between 10 and 13 hours of sleep. Ages six to 12 can stay in the 9 to 12-hour range, and for anyone older than 13, eight to 10 hours is sufficient.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the right mattress for your child will provide room to grow, be comfortable, and will stand the test of time. Also, you’ll want an option that provides good support to kids who may experience growing pains and growth spurts.

Finally, take into account the firmness level of the mattress based on any established sleeping patterns. If your child is very young, this may not be an issue yet. For more mattress recommendations, check out our best mattress page.

Recap of the Best Mattresses For Kids in 2023

Mattress Model	Award
Saatva Youth	Best Organic Mattress for Kids
Helix Kids	Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids
Nectar	Best Value Mattress for Kids
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery	Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Kids
Bear	Best Mattress for Back or Stomach Sleepers
DreamCloud Original	Best Luxury Mattress for Kids
Nolah Original	Best Mattress for Restless Kids
Helix Midnight	Best Cooling Mattress for Kids
Birch	Best Latex Mattress for Kids
Puffin by Nest	Best Full Mattress for Kids

Loren Bullock

Certified Sleep Science Coach

About Author

Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd and a Certified Sleep Science Coach, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.

Education and Credentials:

• Certified Sleep Science Coach

Sleeper Type

Combination Sleeper