Best Mattress For Kids

Editor’s Pick | Best Value | Best Memory Foam | Best for Bunk Beds | Best for Toddlers | Best for Bed Wetters

Every parent wants the best for their kids, and this includes a positive sleeping experience. While a good night’s sleep can benefit everybody, children rely on quality sleep to fuel their learning and growth.

Compared to adults, children require more sleep on average. Indeed, children aged 3 to 5 should get about 10-13 hours of sleep per day. The older the child gets, the less sleep they need. Kids between the ages of 13 to 18 only need 8-10 hours each day.

---

Our Research:

---

Finding the best mattress for kids can help your child sleep throughout the night comfortably. Many of the factors you consider for an adult mattress differ when selecting the best mattress for kids. Items like firmness, relief of pressure points, and edge support may be similar. However, concerns about mattress size, whether to opt for a Full or Twin Xl, or spill-proof material are specific to mattresses for kids; best to arm yourself with knowledge before buying..

Best Mattresses For Kids

• Editor’s Pick – Saatva Youth Mattress
• Best Value – Big Kid Bed by Nest
• Best Memory Foam – Leesa Studio
• Best For Bunk Beds – Purple Kid Mattress
• Best For Toddlers – Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress
• Best For Bed Wetters – Zinus Green Tea Mattress
  

First Time Buying A Kids Mattress?

Hop down to our Buyer’s Guide to better understand what you should be looking for!

1. Saatva Youth Mattress

Saatva Youth Overview

When you’re researching the top mattress choices for children, Saatva is one of the most popular options – and for a good reason. Nearly every aspect of this mattress is specifically for kids.

Thanks to the versatile dual-sided design of this mattress, as your child grows, the mattress will adapt. It has additional useful features as well:

• Innerspring mattress design
• Hypoallergenic, organic cotton cover and padding
• Dual-sided: one side for children ages 3-8 and the other for children 8+

The mattress features hypoallergenic organic cotton, memory foam and cover that don’t have any harmful chemicals. It is also accident-proof; it’s safe from accidental spills or bedwetting.

It’s suitable for children at least three years old and up. It’s also one of the best mattresses for kids, best also for parents who want a unique high-value option. If you prioritize luxury and high-quality materials for your child’s mattress, the Saatva can deliver.

Pros

• Dual-sided mattress design for adaptability
• Accident-proof
• Hypoallergenic and chemical-free
• Luxury mattress

Cons

• Pricey
• Not compatible with loft or bunk beds

Our Verdict

This handcrafted luxury mattress is hard to overlook, as it’s one of the best mattresses for kids and for parents who want to invest a bit more in their child’s sleep, earning it the Editor’s Pick.

2. Big Kid Bed by Nest Bedding

The Big Kids Bed (or Big Kid Bed) by Nest Bedding is a more affordable mattress that still provides some of the top comfort features but in a smaller, child-sized mattress. The Big Kid Bed memory foam mattress is available in various kid-friendly sizes.

The Big Kids Bed all-foam mattress-in-a-box product is plusher and softer than a standard spring mattress. It’s also the first mattress-in-a-box of its kind as a solution for this younger age group. 

The design provides proper support and breathability. This mattress is ideal for any position your child sleeps in, whether on their stomach, back, side, or all of the above.

Specifications

• All-foam Nest Bedding BKB design
• For children under 100 lbs.
• Mattress-in-a-box

Who Is This Kids Mattress For?

It’s ideal for parents who are on a budget. If your children are graduating from their toddler mattress or crib mattress to a bigger bed, the Big Kids Bed by Nest is a suitable choice. It offers a comfortable sleep, providing enough contour without any compression or sinking.

Pros

• Original box-in-a-mattress for kids
• Soft foam with ideal firmness levels
• Temperature neutrality with BKB Nest Foam
• Breathability
• No off-gassing
• Affordable

Cons

• Less firm than a spring construction
• Less variety of size options (no Twin XL available)
• Foam materials can be hot even with breathability/temperature control

Our Verdict

Overall, this product makes the list of the best 6 mattresses for kids; best because it is an excellent product for the price. Foam mattresses are notorious for being hot, however, the Nest Bedding BKB is harder to sink into as it is not as thick as a typical foam mattress. It is also a bit firmer than other foam beds.

An all-natural manufacturing process goes into the creation of this product. As such, there are hardly any strange or odd smells upon unpacking your mattress. With competitive specifications and price tag, it is one of the top contenders for an all-foam mattress for kids.

3. Leesa Studio by Leesa

Leesa’s value mattress in a box is here, and it comes in swinging with its balanced foam feel and promise of soft comfort. On a scale of 1 to 10, this mattress feels around a 7.5, making it firmer than your average mattress for kids.

The Leesa Studio is one of the best memory foam mattress choices with a pillow top comfort layer which is soft, but it is not overly thick. Sleepers may still feel the firmer support layer. However, this shouldn’t impact your child’s sleep. They may be light enough to not sink in past the memory foam top with this firm mattress.

Because of the foam design, the Leesa Studio product is one of the best memory foam mattress choices suitable for children and other lightweight sleepers. It is an excellent contender for the best memory foam mattresses for kids; best not ignore it!

Also, this option sports open-cell foam layers and a breathable cover to help prevent overheating.

Specifications

• Firmness rating of 7.5
• Memory foam cover
• Three-layer open-cell foam construction
• Breathable cover

Who Is This Kids Mattress For?

Like the well-known Tuft & Needle brand, this mattress is preferable for teens and children who don’t need a lot of support from their beds. It may also be appealing to shoppers who prefer the classic feel of memory foam mattresses. If you’re a parent looking for a good value mattress for your child, Leesa Studio makes this product with a lower price point than Tuft & Needle mattresses.

Pros

• Breathable
• Higher firmness rating for a foam mattress
• Three layers for extra comfort and support
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Better for lightweight sleepers
• No bounce

Our Verdict

The Leesa Studio mattress by Leesa is a reliable, cost-effective mattress for your child created by a reputable brand. If its qualities check all the boxes for you, it may be just the right fit. Because this is an all-foam mattress made up of three different memory foam layers, it probably will not be the right fit for exclusively side sleepers or hot sleepers.

Leesa also produces some of the best CertiPUR-US certified mattresses.

Learn more from Leesa.

4. Purple Kid Mattress

You won’t get far into your mattress search before coming across this famous brand. Purple has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative companies on the child’s mattress market, thanks to its well-known Original Purple mattress.

Hyper-Elastic Polymer is Purple’s patented material which makes it unlike any other mattress for young children on the market, and it’s not your usual memory foam feel.

The Hyper-Elastic Polymer top layer of the Purple mattress feels (and looks) similar to a silicone or gel-like material. This comfort layer is very responsive, flexible, and soft.

Like any bed, though, the sleeper’s weight can impact the feel, so heavier sleepers and side sleepers will find this kids bed has more cushion while lighter sleepers may find it firmer.

Specifications

• Purple Grid layer 2 inches
• Comfort foam dual-layering
• For young children less than 115 lbs.
• Machine-washable cover

Who Is This Kids Mattress For?

This mattress is for parents who prioritize body heat temperature regulation in their child’s mattress for quality sleep. Parents looking for a unique mattress in a box, or kids bed in a box solution will find it with Purple. It’s one of the best! Also, parents looking for a reliable mattress to support their child from toddler to teen will love it.

Pros

• Breathable design for a cooler sleep
• A comfortable but firm mattress
• Mattress is designed for kids from toddlers to teens
• Non-toxic and hypoallergenic – certified CleanAir GOLD
• 100-night sleep trial

Cons

• Pricey
• Does not ‘sink’
• Not a traditional or standard mattress

Our Verdict

Overall, the Purple Mattress is a reliable option for all types of sleepers, and so one of our top picks for best product. The Purple Grid technology design cradles the body’s natural shape, regardless of your child’s preferred sleeping position. However, due to the nature of the gel grid top layer, lightweight sleepers may not enjoy this bed’s optimal comfort levels.

Learn more from Purple.

5. Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress

Established back in 1881, Sealy is another one of the best brand names in this industry. The Cocoon Chill is another all-foam product featuring memory foams and a comfort layer. Unlike traditional dense foam mattresses, Sealy uses low-density foam to make this mattress much more breathable than others.

One of the best aspects of this product is that you can choose between the medium-soft Cocoon Chill or the medium-firm for each size.

The medium-soft has an added cushioning layer for extra softness made up of transitional high-density polyfoam for support. This firmness option tends to be the most sought-after for younger children.

The medium firm option features the same build but provides a much sturdier transitional layer. With more support and a firmer feel, sleepers will not sink into it as much.

Specifications

• Cool-to-touch knit cover with phase change material
• Medium-soft or medium-firm available
• Zero-Gravity elevation for feet and head

Who Is This Kids Mattress For?

This mattress is for parents who want their kids to have the option to choose between different comfort levels on the same mattress. Parents who want medium-level sink and contouring will enjoy this product. Also, children who get hot while sleeping will appreciate the proprietary phase-change cover which gives the best results.

Pros

• One of the best mattress brands with an excellent track record
• Firmness selection
• Absorbs and disperses heat
• 100-night sleep trial
• Made in the USA

Cons

• No bounce
• Pricey

Our Verdict

The Sealy brand’s expertise speaks volumes for its expected durability and quality. Although low-density foam, such as used for this model, will not be as durable as traditional foam beds or those that use an Energex foam layer.

The Cocoon has broad appeal – whether your kid prefers to lie cradled in the bed or on top of it. This Chill model mattress may stand out best for its use of cutting-edge temperature phase technology.

Learn more from the Sealy website.

6. Zinus Green Tea Mattress

Zinus is another brand that prioritizes the fresh scent of their product straight out of the box. The Zinus Green Tea Mattress includes both charcoal and green tea in their infusion process of natural materials. The result? It ensures the freshest smelling product from unboxing through years of use.

The all-foam makeup of this mattress features a durable base of 7 inches of high-density foam. Its middle 2 inches of comfort foam support airflow and a top layer of 3 inches of memory foam provides ultimate comfort.

This mattress is suitable for lightweight sleepers, such as kids. Another reason this product is a good fit for kids is that Zinus offers a 10-year warranty for worry-free usage.

Specifications

• All-foam construction
• Green tea and charcoal infusion
• Three foam layers
• 10-year limited warranty

Who Is This Kids Mattress For?

This mattress is for budget-friendly parents who will appreciate the quality of materials used and children who prefer plush mattresses. It is ideal for scent-sensitive sleepers, too, with its unique green tea and charcoal infusion.

Pros

• No off-gassing with charcoal-green-tea infusion
• Relief of pressure points with all foam construction
• Worry-free 10-year warranty
• Hypoallergenic and chemical-free with Certipur US certification
• Affordable

Cons

• Twin size not for sleepers above 250 pounds
• Deep body-contouring not appealing to all
• Poor bed temperature regulation
• No lifetime warranty

Our Verdict

If your child enjoys the feel of a traditional memory foam mattress, the Zinus Green Tea Mattress is an excellent option. It offers the deep hug feeling of memory foam at one of the most affordable prices. Zinus incorporates several unique materials into this creative design, including castor oil, tea extract, and charcoal. They are designed specifically to keep the bed feeling clean and fresh.

This product is an ideal choice for those looking for an affordable bed that retains a memory foam feel. The price point is especially attractive because it makes this product so easily accessible to nearly every budget. This bed is worth keeping on your radar.

Learn more from the Zinus listing.

Things to Keep in Mind When Purchasing a Kids Mattress

So, you’ve narrowed down the list of mattresses you’re considering, but what are some of the other determining factors when choosing the best type of mattress for kids?

RELATED: The Best Pillow For Side Sleepers (Buying Guide)

What is the best type of mattress for a child?

When you buy toddler beds or a new mattress, you should check the firmness level. Also, keep in mind whether your children are stomach sleepers, side sleepers, back sleepers or combo sleepers.

You also need to consider the importance of your child’s health; do you need a twin mattress? Or maybe a hybrid mattress? What materials the mattress is made from is also important – is it eco friendly? Does it adapt to different sleep positions?

Is a memory foam mattress good for a child?

Whether or not a memory foam mattress is best for kids will depend on the individual child. Choosing the best crib mattress is different from choosing the best mattress for older kids. A memory foam mattress offers good edge support and spinal alignment for back sleepers.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Which Are The Best Books On Sleep?

If your child needs firm support, then an innerspring mattress may be a better option. Innerspring mattresses tend to feel firmer and provide superior support for typical pressure points throughout the night.

How do I choose a mattress for my child?

First, consider your priorities: price, design, quality, special needs, pressure relief, memory foam mattress, innerspring mattresses, accreditation such as CertiPUR-US certified, GreenGuard Gold certified, OEKO TEX certified, etc.

ALSO READ: Sealy Cocoon Review (2020)

Then, consider if you want the mattress to have a layer of gel for cooling, firm spinal support, maybe a mattress protector for very young children so as to avoid changing it every year.

Whether shopping for a twin mattress, full mattress, Twin XL mattresses, crib mattresses, or any high-quality mattress model, taking enough time to explore the options will ultimately give you peace of mind when you make your purchasing decision.

Should a child sleep on a firm or soft mattress?

Again, which mattress is best for kids will depend on the individual and their preferred sleep positions. Good spinal alignment should be a priority. In general, a firm mattress will provide a good night’s rest and long term durability.

ALSO READ: The Best Eight Sleep Mattress (Buying Guide)

But priorities can differ from buying a crib mattress to buying a mattress for a teen. Crib mattresses do not need to provide as much support, nor last as long.

Size

The bed size is a more significant factor than you may initially think. Besides impacting the cost of the mattress, and the fact that children can go through various growth spurts, sleeping habits and positions change for young kids.

When shopping, this means you don’t want to be so quick as to buy the regular twin bed because it is has a low price point. Remember, many brands offer Twin XL and Full size mattresses as well, and the prices for these are not much higher.

ALSO READ: Leesa Hybrid Mattress Review (2020)

The size of a new mattress is important for parents, too. When your child is in their younger years, they may be afraid of the dark or suffer from nightmares and request that you sleep with them. If this is something you’ve seen a lot, make sure to get a full mattress size.

Also, consider how long your child will be using this bed. If you want them to use the same mattress through high school, spending the extra money on a larger size will make sure it is worthwhile.

Support

Bed support is usually only on your radar when thinking about mattresses for adults and seniors. However, it is essential for your child to have proper support, too, as it assures a good sleep.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The New Purple Mattress Review (2020)

A child’s body grows and changes quickly, and the right mattress can help relieve some of those growing pains and enable them to sleep well. Foam constructions and natural latex mattresses are ideal for pressure-relief, which is why you’ll see that most of the products in the best 6 mattresses for kids are all-foam designs, and some have up to three layers for the best support.

Firmness

The firmness of a mattress and the pressure relief it provides is entirely up to your child’s personal preference. If they prefer to be “in the mattress,” try a softer, foam bed. If they prefer more support, then opt for one of the innerspring mattresses that may provide a good night of sleep.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: How Much Does A Leesa Mattress Cost?

Our reviews cover a range of options to help you find the perfect option for your child from our list of the best 6 mattresses for kids.

The Takeaway

Ultimately, the best overall high-quality mattress you and your child settle on should withstand the test of time, provide room to grow, and, most importantly, allow them to sleep comfortably. Learn more about the best 6 mattresses for kids featured in our reviews. If you’re shopping for comfortable sleep for the whole family, check out our other reviews about which mattress is best for a good night’s sleep!