Best Mattress for Kids

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1.) Best Overall - Saatva Youth

Saatva is a company that’s known for making high-quality mattresses at reasonable price points. The Saatva Youth is their entry in the kids’ mattress category, and it’s aimed at those three years and older. It offers a dual-sided design that makes it highly adaptable as your child grows up. It’s also made with resilient materials, made to be accident-resistant.

2.) Best for Side Sleepers - Helix Midnight

For kiddos that curl up on their sides, pick a mattress that will softly envelop them as they drift off. The Helix Midnight hybrid mattress has materials geared towards soft support, from its plush top layer to responsive individually-wrapped coils below. These structural elements keep pressure from building around your child’s main pressure points (hips and shoulders) while keeping their lower backs properly supported.

Learn more in our Helix Midnight mattress review.

3.) Best Firm Mattress - Brooklyn Bedding Titan

Brooklyn Bedding’s Titan is a surefire way to ensure your child is getting the firm support they need from their bed. This supportive mattress combines gel memory foam with adaptive foam, plus extra sturdy coils to evenly support the mattress surface. The result is excellent spinal support and responsiveness to movement. Because this mattress is so durable, it's an investment built to last as your child gets older.

4.) Best Value Mattress - Nectar

The Nectar memory foam mattress aims to be an affordable, high-quality mattress that’s attainable for your budget. Memory foam has a contouring effect that’s wonderful for pressure relief and replicating a soft “hugging” feeling. To only further your mattress investment, Nectar provides a 365-night sleep trial before you make a decision. There’s also a lifetime warranty and free accessories that are sent with your new bed purchase.

Read more about Nectar in our Nectar mattress review.

5.) Best Twin Mattress - Nest Puffin

Twin mattresses are perfect for bunk beds and trundle beds––which is helpful for saving space and sleepovers. The Puffin by Nest is one of the best mattress in a box options that’s made exclusively for kids. It offers an affordable, easy-to-set-up, and versatile sleep experience, which makes it a pretty good starting point if you feel lost in all these other options.

 

7.) Best Memory Foam Mattress - Casper Original

Casper is one of the top online mattress retailers, making online mattress shopping truly a breeze. This bed in a box offers three layers of memory foam, with a special design that splits up support zones around key areas of the body. With a perfect responsiveness score and near-perfect spine alignment score, this memory foam mattress is a great choice for all sleep positions and ages.

Learn more in the Casper mattress review.

8.) Best Organic Mattress - Avocado

The Avocado mattress uses natural latex, organic wool, cotton, as well as recycled steel springs to provide a green sleep experience. These materials make the Avocado the best hypoallergenic mattress, perfect for repelling dust mites and allergens. Avocado also produces a popular crib mattress for babies and toddlers.

Learn more in our Avocado mattress review.

9.) Best Flippable Mattress - Layla

Layla’s claim to fame is their signature dual-sided mattress, that can be flipped to either a soft or firm side based on your child’s sleeping preferences.

Find out more in our Layla mattress review.

Compare the Best Mattresses for Kids

Mattress Name	Quick Overview	Special Offer
Saatva Youth	Material: Innerspring Firmness: Dual firmness Customer Rating: Coming soon! MA Score: 8.7/10 Delivery: 9-18 days Trial Period: 120 days Warranty: 15-year limited warranty Price: $	Check Price
Helix Midnight	Material: Hybrid Firmness: Medium-firm Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 8.9/10 Delivery: 3-7 business days Trial Period: 100 nights Warranty: 15-year limited Price: $	Save $350 off and get 2 free pillows with purchase Check Price
Brooklyn Bedding Titan	Material: Hybrid Firmness: Firm Customer Rating: 4.7/5 MA Score: 9.2/10 Delivery: 3-4 business days Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: 10-year Price: $$	Save 25% off with code WINTER25 Check Price
Nectar	Material: Gel memory foam Firmness: Medium-firm Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 8.7/10 Delivery: 2-5 business days Trial Period: 365 nights Lifetime Warranty Price: $	Save 33% off Check Price
Nest Puffin	Material: Foam Firmness: Firm Customer Rating: 4.9/5 MA Score: Coming soon! Delivery: 3-8 business days Trial Period: 120 nights Lifetime Warranty Price: $	Save up to 50% off mattresses Check Price
Casper Original	Material: Memory foam Firmness: Medium-firm Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 9.1/10 Delivery: 2-7 business days Trial Period: 100 nights Warranty: 10-year limited Price: $	Check Price
Avocado	Material: Hybrid (latex and coils) Firmness: Medium-firm, Firm Customer Rating: 4.6/5 MA Score: 8.5/10 Delivery: 5-7 business days Trial Period: 365 nights Warranty: 25 years Price: $$	Save up to $880 off mattresses Check Price
Layla	Material: Memory foam Firmness: Medium-soft and Medium-firm Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 8.8/10 Delivery: 3-7 business days Trial Period: 120 nights Lifetime Warranty Price: $$	Save up to $200 off and $1,100 off bundles Check Price

MA Score: The Mattress Advisor Score is a weighted score that takes into account 14 different factors related to the mattress’ performance, function, convenience and the brand’s social responsibility.

Compare Features and Materials

As you shop for your child’s new bed, it’s also important to compare materials and primary selling points. Here’s how our six selections stack up against each other.

Saatva Youth	Helix Midnight
What’s inside: Organic cotton cover. The top layer of the mattress is made with soft, breathable fabric. 5-zone support layer. This inner layer is made to offer full spine support. Dual-sided coil unit. These innerspring coils offer strength and promote good posture. High-density support foam. The base layer is the same one Saatva uses in its mattresses for adults.	What’s inside: Breathable cover: Soft, cozy, and cooling Soft foam layer: Foam that aims to relieve pressure Support foam layer: Assists with pressure relief and conforms to sleeper’s body Coil network: Layer dedicated to support, airflow, and durability Base: Stabilizes and supports the above layers
Scored best in: Durability Cooling Spine alignment	Scored best in: Spine alignment Responsiveness Pressure relief

Brooklyn Bedding Titan	Nectar
What’s inside: Gel memory foam layer: Quilted cover supported by a cooling gel memory foam top layer. You also have the option to add an additional cooling panel for an extra charge. Support foam: Both responsive and pressure-relieving Coils: Durable and strong coil network for optimal spine alignment and responsiveness Base layer: Protects coils and stabilizes mattress	What’s inside: Memory foam cover: The quilted mattress cover is soft and cushioning Gel memory foam: Built to help cool and provide pressure relief Support memory foam: Assists with durability and support Base layer: Supplies stability for the bed Bottom cover: Prevents the bed from moving around
Scored best in: Responsiveness Spine alignment Durability	Scored best in: Motion isolation Responsiveness Pressure relief

Nest Puffin	Layla
What’s inside: Cooling foam: Designed to be responsive and cooling like a latex foam Base foam: Thick, dense layer yields firm support	What’s inside: Cover: Made of organic cotton Wool layer: Working with the cotton cover, this layer helps the bed be naturally hypoallergenic and cooling Latex layer: Cools while parlaying pressure relief Coil system: Recycled coils arranged to give optimal back support and responsiveness Second latex layer: Serves as the base while assisting with cooling and support
Scored best in: Cooling Responsiveness Durability	Scored best in: Durability Cooling Spine alignment

Casper Original	Avocado Green
What’s inside: Cooling top layer: Does not retain heat, and is highly responsive Support layer: Split into sections that vary in firmness Base: Support foam	What’s inside: Stretch cover: Soft material covers both sides of the bed Soft side: Offers more “sink” and cushion Support layer: Assists with pressure relief and keeping the body elevated Core: Helps the mattress maintain its overall support and longevity Firm side: Keeps the body more uplifted than the soft side
Scored best in: Durability Cooling Spine alignment	Scored best in: Spine alignment Responsiveness Pressure relief

Shopping for the Best Mattress for Kids

Firmness and Support

When shopping for the best mattress for kids, parents have a number of considerations before them. One important aspect is choosing a mattress that promotes healthy posture and paying attention to how your child sleeps. Spinal alignment and relief for key pressure points are both important here, especially if your child chooses a sleeping position that needs extra back support. Additionally, it is important to pick a firmness level that will offer your child a comfortable night’s rest, something that can be hard to deduce; most of the time, picking a medium-firm mattress is the wisest approach. Durability is also important to consider, which is how well the mattress will hold up as your child moves into the teen years.

Hypoallergenic

Also, choosing an option from our list of the best hypoallergenic mattresses or best organic mattresses  can be crucial for the health of your son or daughter. Finally, looking for a CertiPUR-US certified and/or Greenguard accredited bed helps you to be confident that you’re picking a good mattress that was made without harmful toxins.

Size

What is the right mattress size for a child? For smaller, young children, a twin mattress or Twin XL mattress will usually be sufficient. Note, however, that a full-size mattress will give your growing children some wiggle room, which may mean you can use it for some additional years as they go through growth spurts. A full mattress may give you the best bang for the buck, but only if you have the room and the budget for it. (Also, it’s understandable if you feel that it’s perhaps a bit too spacious for a child who’s just graduating into a toddler bed from a crib. In these scenarios, the twin size is great.)

Performance Factors

Set-up: Does it take you a long time to configure the mattress in your child’s room? Parents should be mindful of this and seek a mattress that minimizes their setup frustrations.

Pressure relief: Your child deserves a comfortable night’s sleep, one that doesn’t leave them sore or creaky in the morning. Seek a mattress that evenly distributes weight and keeps the burden off of key pressure points.

Spine alignment: For growing boys and girls, good posture is crucial… even at night time. Be mindful of how your child’s mattress supports the spine, which can really impact comfort level.

Durability: If you choose a mattress that’s made from high-quality materials, there’s a better chance that it will last you for many years to come.

Temperature regulation: For little ones who tend to run hot, a temperature-regulating bed can prevent them from waking up all sticky and sweaty.

Price

How much should you pay for a child’s mattress? While grown-up mattresses often surpass the $1,000 mark, you can find some little-people equivalents that come out to half that price. Read more about the best mattresses under $1,000.

Types of Mattresses

Memory foam: Memory foam is made to be a softer, yet supportive material that allows the body to sink down. Foam beds are popular for side sleepers and those suffering from back and joint pain, where a firm mattress may cause discomfort.

Hybrids: A hybrid mattress uses two or more mattress types and infuses them into one bed. Combining mattresses allows the best of each type to be offered.

Latex: Latex mattresses are made of rubber sap and is a material that naturally cools, offers pressure relief, and is hypoallergenic.

Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses rely on a coil construction to give support and maintain structure. This mattress type offers good edge support and firmness for back and stomach sleepers.

Shipping and Delivery

One additional note as you look for a new mattress for your child: Be sure to check on how long it will take to arrive; whether a white-glove delivery service will set it up for you; and what fees are associated with shipping.

FAQ About Mattresses for Kids

1. Should I get an organic mattress for my child?

   In the United States, a mattress can only be certified as “organic” if it’s composed of at least 95 percent organic/recycled materials. Organic mattresses can help ensure your child is not exposed to any toxins. They are also an eco-friendly option. Most organic options are latex mattress products. There are also natural mattresses, which don’t meet the same high standards but can still be good options if you want a bed made primarily of natural materials.

2. Do I need to buy a bed frame for my child’s bed?

   Most kids prefer a fun bed frame, and it can also provide a little additional support. That said, you can check each individual mattress review for a recommendation on compatible foundations.

3. How do sleep trials work?

   From the moment your mattress is delivered, you’ll have a certain number of nights in which your child can “break it in” and see if it’s the right type of mattress for them. If you decide it’s not a good option, you can generally return it for a full refund. Often, unwanted mattresses are donated to a local shelter or mattress recycling program.

Summary of Our Top Picks for the Best Mattress for Kids

• Best Overall - Saatva Youth
• Best for Side Sleepers - Helix Midnight
• Best Firm Mattress - Brooklyn Bedding Titan
• Best Value Mattress - Nectar
• Best Twin Mattress - Nest Puffin
• Best Memory Foam Mattress - Casper Original
• Best Organic Mattress - Avocado
• Best Flippable Mattress - Layla

About the Author Josh Hurst

Josh Hurst lives and writes in Knoxville, TN. A recovering insomniac, he has a long-standing appreciation for the power of a good night's sleep.