A good night’s rest is extremely important for children as they grow and develop, and the best mattress for kids can help them get a restorative sleep. Taking a look through all the options can be a headache, especially when you don’t know how much you should spend on a kid’s mattress or even what size bed your child will need.
While we don’t have any children on our testing team, we considered the mattresses on this page with an eye towards accommodation of smaller people, as well as ability to provide support and comfort even as the sleeper grows. Of the hundreds of mattresses we’ve tested, these ten best fit the bill. If you’re looking for the best mattress for children, we’ve got you covered in the below roundup. Note these recommendations are for children at least 4 or 5 years of age.
Our Verdict: What’s The Best Mattress For Kids?
After putting these beds through numerous tests, we named the Helix Kids as the best mattress for children. This bed is made with quality materials and best of all — this mattress is flippable, so it’s like having two mattresses in one. One side is for 3-7 year-olds, while the other is for kids 8-12.
The 10 Best Mattresses for Kids
- Helix Kids – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Kids
- Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids
- Bear Cub – Best Mattress for Active Kids
- Saatva Youth – Best Flippable Mattress for Kids
- Nolah Nurture – Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids
- Brooklyn Bedding Essential – Best for Back Sleeping Kids
- Birch Kids Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Kids
- Plank Firm – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Leesa Kids – Best Cooling Mattress for Kids
Video Review: Best Mattresses for Kids 2024
Compare the Best Mattresses for Children
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| Helix Kids Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Bear Cub | Saatva Youth Mattress | Nolah Nurture Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Birch Kids Natural | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Leesa Kids | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 8/10 | -- |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex | Foam | Foam |
| Cooling | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- | -- |
| Sleep Position | Combination | Back & Side | -- | Back & Stomach | Combination | Back & Side | -- | Back & Stomach | -- |
How We Chose Our Top Picks
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
Naturally, we included several beds that are specifically designed for children. For the remaining mattresses, we focused on beds that were either flexible in their firmness (as to accommodate growing bodies) or had a streamlined design. Kids tend not to need as many extra features as adults — it’s more important that they have a bed with a simple design that’s easy to get in and out of.
Helix Kids – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress For Kids
Helix Kids Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Kids Mattress
The Helix Kids mattress has a flippable design, so it works well for kids between the ages of three and 12.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Kids Mattress
The Helix Kids mattress has a flippable design, so it works well for kids between the ages of three and 12.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
One of the most interesting things about the Helix Kids mattress is that it has a has a Tencel cover. As a material, Tencel is both hypoallergenic and able to reduce moisture and bacterial growth. This makes the Helix Kids an excellent choice for any children struggling with allergies. Construction-wise, this mattress has two sides, so you can flip the bed for children as they grow. The firm side works best for kids between the ages of 3 and 7. When they get older and need more cushioning, turn the mattress over to the soft side for added pressure relief.
What the testers say: “With a flippable design, water-repellant cover, and antimicrobial coating, the Helix Kids mattress is one of the best beds for children. And because it has two firmness levels in one, it works for a wide range of kiddos. I expect this mattress to last at least 10 years.” — Elisa, Editor and Certified Sleep Science Coach
What We Love About the Helix Kids
- Like the Saatva Youth, the Helix Kids has a flippable design that can help your child stay comfortable and supported even as they grow. One side is best suited for kids ages 3 to 7, and the other side does better for kids ages 8 to 12.
- The Helix Kids stays quite cool at night, which is an important factor for kids who tend to overheat and kick their blankets off as they sleep.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Kids
- If you’re shopping for a child older than 12 then you’ll likely want to consider something a bit more substantial than the Helix Kids, as this mattress is only available in Twin and Full. For a list of mattresses that can accommodate teenagers, check out our article on the best mattresses for teens.
Read our full Helix Kids mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Allergies for more great options.
Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
Memory foam can be a great material for kids mattresses as it cradles the body, and isn’t as bouncy as other constructions, like innerspring mattresses. The Nectar is made entirely of memory foam, and it has the classic feel of a memory foam mattress. It’s slow-moving, contouring, and great at absorbing motion. The Nectar feels just a bit firmer than medium-firm, which should help keep kids’ spines in a straight, healthy alignment.
What the testers say: “The Nectar mattress has a slow-moving feel, and for our lightweight testers, it felt very supportive. This is great for kids, because it will help them maintain the proper spinal alignment throughout the night. Personally, I love the Nectar mattress’s cooling foam — you shouldn’t sleep hot on this bed.” — Marten, Lead Mattress and Sleep Product Reviewer
What We Love About the Nectar
- The Nectar has a very reasonable price tag, coming in at $599 for a twin. Since your child will likely outgrow their first mattress by the time they’re a teenager you might not want to invest too much.
- The Nectar has a classic, all-foam fill that many kids will enjoy. It feels almost like the mattress is enveloping you in a cushiony hug. Also, the foam construction provides great pressure relief for side sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar
- This mattress sleeps a bit hot, as the foam layers tend to trap body heat rather than allowing it to escape. So, if your kid prefers to stay cool at night you may need to crank the AC a little bit.
- The Nectar doesn’t provide a ton of support. Your child might find it less and less comfortable as they grow, especially if they’re on the taller side.
Learn more in our full Nectar mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Memory Foam Mattresses for more great options.
Bear Cub – Best Mattress for Active Kids
Bear Cub
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Cub
The Bear Cub is a hybrid mattress designed specifically for children and available in two color options.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Cub
The Bear Cub is a hybrid mattress designed specifically for children and available in two color options.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
The Bear Cub is a new product from Bear that’s designed specifically for children under 150 lb. It has a hybrid design that should be pleasantly springy, allowing your child to switch from sleeping position to sleeping position with ease. And this mattress isn’t just great for kids who are restless throughout the night. Active kids of all varieties should find the Bear Cub does a good job of supporting recovery through spinal support and pressure relief.
What the testers say: Stay tuned for our full review coming soon!
What We Love About the Bear Cub
- As a slightly younger brother, our mattress tester Daniel can say with confidence that kids like to set themselves apart from one another. Well, then it’s good news that the Bear Cub comes in two different colors. So, if you have two children, they will be able to have their own unique mattress styles.
- The Bear Cub includes several components such as the heat-dispersing gel memory foam, that should help with temperature regulation for kids who sleep hot.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear
- The company recommends the Bear Cub mattress for children under 150 lb, so if your kid has an early growth spurt you may need to upgrade their mattress sooner than expected.
Stay tuned for our full review coming soon. Or, check out our list of Best Mattresses for Athletes for more great options.
Saatva Youth – Best Flippable Mattress
Saatva Youth Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
The Saatva Youth is a flippable mattress made just with children in mind.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
The Saatva Youth is a flippable mattress made just with children in mind.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
As a parent, it can be tough to make the right call for your child’s growing body. But what if there was a mattress out there designed with growing bodies in mind? A bouncy innerspring mattress called the Saatva Youth could be the solution. As a flippable bed, it has a side for ages 3 to 7 and a side for ages 8 to 12. For support, there’s a layer of 13.75-gauge recycled steel coils at the center of the structure. This layer also helps make the bed bouncier.
What the testers say: “The Saatva Youth mattress has a flippable design. That means you can adjust the firmness level as your child grows. In my testing, I appreciated that this mattress is made with organic cotton and strong steel coils.” — Marten, Lead Mattress and Sleep Product Reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva Youth
- The Saatva Youth has a flippable design that specifically accommodates growing children. One side is quite soft, making it great for most kids between the ages of 3 and 7, while the other side offers more support, making it more suitable for kids between 8 and 12.
- This mattress has great edge support. So, if you buy your child a twin they’ll be able to get maximum use out of the entire mattress surface, since the perimeter likely won’t sag under their weight.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva Youth
- This might be a little bit more expensive than you were hoping to pay for a kids’ mattress. If you’re after something a bit cheaper, consider the Nectar.
Read our full Saatva Youth mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Flippable Mattresses for more great options.
Nolah Nurture – Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids
Nolah Nurture Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Nurture Mattress
The Nolah Nurture mattress is specifically designed with growing children in mind. This two-sided hybrid mattress has two firmness levels, and it's made from durable materials.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Nurture Mattress
The Nolah Nurture mattress is specifically designed with growing children in mind. This two-sided hybrid mattress has two firmness levels, and it's made from durable materials.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re looking for a hybrid mattress for your child, look no further than the Nolah Nurture. Like many great hybrid mattresses, the Nolah Nurture features a great balance of comfort and support for multiple sleeping positions. It is also flippable and is designed to give your child the comfort they need as they grow. Being flippable, it is also a durable mattress and should be a good long-term investment.
What the testers say: “When I tested the Nolah Nurture mattress, I was impressed by its responsive feel and breathable design. This mattress should help kids get the proper lumbar support they need, and they shouldn’t overheat at night.” — Elisa, Editor and Certified Sleep Science Coach
What We Love About the Nolah Nurture
- The Nolah Nurture’s hybrid design makes it a good match for kids who sleep hot. It features breathable coils that allow for a great bit of airflow of through the mattress, and the organic cotton cover and organic wool layer keep the top of the mattress nice and cool.
- This mattress provides great support. So, as your child grows, they should still be able to sleep comfortably on the Nolah Nurture.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Nurture
- The Nolah Nurture has poor edge support. This means that as your child moves toward the edge of the mattress, they may notice some sagging. This can be a big problem on a twin mattress, since surface area is already so limited. If good edge support is a priority for you and your kid, consider the Saatva Youth instead.
Read our full Nolah Nurture mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Hybrid Mattresses for more great options.
Brooklyn Bedding Essential – Best for Back Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is another great value pick from Brooklyn Bedding and still offers nice support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is another great value pick from Brooklyn Bedding and still offers nice support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
While not designed specifically for children, this mattress does a great job of catering to lightweight sleepers, particularly those who sleep on their backs. The medium-firm feel of the Brooklyn Essential can help keep your child’s hips slightly elevated while still allowing them to sink below the mattress surface enough to feel cozy. Our lightweight mattress tester felt great when she slept on the Brooklyn Essential on her back.
What the testers say: “Lightweight back sleepers should have no trouble finding both comfort and support on this mattress. The coils will keep your back in a neutral position.” — Marten, Lead Mattress and Sleep Product Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Essential
- We gave the Brooklyn Essential a score of 4 out of 5 on our edge support test. This indicates that the perimeter of the mattress should offer plenty of support for children. We feel this factor is especially important when it comes to twin or full mattresses, as your child will likely want to take advantage of as much mattress surface as possible.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Essential
- Surprisingly, this mattress did not keep us cool when we tested it. The hybrid construction would typically lend itself to a breathable sleep experience. While not the hottest mattress we’ve ever tested, if you’re after something especially cooling we would suggest the Helix Kids instead.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Essential mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers for more great options.
Birch Kids Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Kids
Birch Kids Natural
Material
Latex
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Birch Kids Natural
The Birch Kids Natural is an eco-friendly, hypoallergenic mattress with a flippable design that's great for growing children.
Material
Latex
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Birch Kids Natural
The Birch Kids Natural is an eco-friendly, hypoallergenic mattress with a flippable design that's great for growing children.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
There are a lot of reasons you might be interested in an organic mattress for your child: hypoallergenic materials, free of harmful chemicals, sustainably sourced and manufactured. The Birch Kids Natural was designed specifically to meet these desires that many parents have. In addition to having these eco-friendly traits, the Birch Kids Natural is also flippable; one side is firmer than the other, so as your child grows you can flip the mattress to accommodate their needs.
What the testers say: Stay tuned for our full review coming soon!
What We Love About the Birch Kids Natural
- We mentioned the flippable design above. It adds a significant amount of value, as instead of purchasing a new mattress when your child needs something firmer to accommodate their growth, you can simply flip the Birch Kids Natural over.
- Many mattresses contain materials that can aggravate a child’s allergies. The materials used in this mattress are naturally hypoallergenic, so this shouldn’t be a problem.
What to Keep in Mind About the Birch Kids Natural
- This mattress is more expensive than most of those featured on this list. A twin will run you around $998 before any sales. This is typical of organic mattresses but might affect your decision to buy if you’re on a budget. If you’re after something cheaper, consider the Leesa Kids.
Stay tuned for our full review coming soon! Or check out our list of Best Organic Mattresses for more great options.
Plank Firm – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
The Plank Firm is a very firm mattress that is a great match for stomach sleepers and those who need extra support.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
The Plank Firm is a very firm mattress that is a great match for stomach sleepers and those who need extra support.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
Whether they’re a kid or an adult, stomach sleepers tend to need a firmer mattress with a ton of support. This keeps their hips lifted and aligned with their shoulders, preventing them from sinking too far into the mattress. The all-foam Plank Firm might be the ideal bed for these folks. It’s a flippable mattress that comes with both a firm side and an extra-firm side. Stomach sleepers should be comfortable on both, depending on their size and weight.
What the testers say: “The Plank Firm is the most supportive mattress I have tried. This is a great option for kids who rest on their stomachs, because the firm foam will prevent their hips from sinking out of alignment. Best of all — its flippable design allows parents and kids to find the ideal comfort level.” — Marten, Lead Mattress and Sleep Product Reviewer
What We Love About the Plank Firm
- Most of the mattresses on this list rate on the soft end of our firmness scale. The Plank Firm, on the other hand, is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested, making it a great option if your child sleeps on their stomach. The sturdy surface will keep their hips nice and elevated, helping to ensure proper spinal alignment.
- The Plank Firm is flippable, so as your child grows out of the softer side, they can use the extra-firm side to continue getting the level of support that they’ve become accustomed to.
What to Keep in Mind About the Plank Firm
- The Plank Firm doesn’t excel at cooling, an unfortunate factor that can be attributed to its all-foam construction, which tends to trap heat. If your child often complains about sleeping too hot, then you might want to consider a mattress with cooling features. We recommend looking at the DreamCloud mattress.
- If your child sleeps on their side, then we highly recommend you steer clear of the Plank Firm. It isn’t soft enough to provide side sleepers with the pressure relief they need for a good night’s sleep.
Read our full Plank Firm mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers for more great options.
Leesa Kids – Best Cooling Mattress
Leesa Kids
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Leesa Kids
The Leesa Kids has a memory-foam construction that does a good job of supporting and comforting children.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Leesa Kids
The Leesa Kids has a memory-foam construction that does a good job of supporting and comforting children.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
Leesa markets their Kids Mattress as being a great option for children who are ready to transition from a smaller mattress (or a crib) to a twin-size or full-size bed. It’s made with three memory-foam layers stacked on top of one another. The top layer is made with soft foam that can help with contouring; the second layer is a denser foam that may help with joint-pain relief, which can be very important for growing kids; the base layer is the densest of the three and provides support to the rest of the mattress.
What our testers say: Stay tuned for our full review coming soon!
What We Love About the Leesa Kids
- The Leesa Kids is made with CertiPUR-US® certified non-toxic foam. Basically, this means that the materials used have been vetted by outside parties to ensure safety and environmental sustainability. You can read more about these types of certifications here.
- This mattress has a low profile, so it works well with bunk beds or short bed frames. This will make it easier for your child to get into and out of bed.
What to Keep in Mind About the Leesa Kids
- Though we can’t speak to the quality of this mattress directly, from experience we do know that foam mattresses tend to have less responsiveness than hybrid mattresses. What this could mean for your child is that the Leesa Kids might be somewhat difficult to move around on.
Stay tuned for our full review coming soon! Or check out our list of the Best Cooling Mattresses for more great options!
What Size Mattress Do Kids Need?
While the perfect size for a child’s mattress varies depending on their age and height, the most ideal mattress sizes for kids tend to be:
- Twin (38” x 75”)
- Twin XL (38” x 80”)
- Full (54” x 75”)
A twin-size mattress is a great choice for most children. Once kids become older and age into the teenage years, a twin XL mattress is an appropriate choice since it adds extra length to the bed. Twin XL mattresses are also commonly used for college students.
RELATED: Best Mattress For Teenagers
Full-size mattresses give kids a little extra room to stretch out and move around. They’re also a good choice for parents who either read to their kid(s) before bed or sometimes sleep with their child. There’s enough surface room for a parent to lay down beside their little one.
Anything larger than a full-size mattress isn’t necessarily the best size for a kid. Queen, king, California king, and split king mattresses are better for couples and adults since younger and smaller children don’t need as much sleeping space.
What To Look For In A Mattress For Children
Now we’ll go over all the most important factors to consider when buying a mattress for a child and explain why it matters.
Mattress Type
Traditional innerspring mattresses and memory foam or foam-blend mattresses are great options for a child’s bed. These mattress types are more affordable and have an average lifespan of about 7–10 years, so your child can grow on the mattress and sleep comfortably for a long time.
Latex mattresses and hybrid mattresses are typically more expensive and luxurious, though there are some affordable options that make good choices for kids as well.
Pressure Relief
A mattress with great pressure relief will help keep your kid comfortable while they sleep. This factor is especially important for growing kids or active kids, as sleep is an important time for restoration, healing, and growing.
Memory foam mattresses offer good pressure relief since these beds evenly distribute your body weight across the surface.
Mattress Thickness
When shopping for a kid’s mattress, you’ll want to look for a thinner mattress. If a mattress is too thick, it can be dangerous for kids and make it much more difficult for them to get in and out of bed.
Some kid beds feature safety runners along the side, and the mattress shouldn’t be higher than those.
Sleeping Position
One of the best ways to start the mattress-shopping process is narrowing down your options to best suit your sleeping position. That same rule applies to children.
If your child is a side sleeper, they may be more comfortable on a softer mattress, while stomach and back sleepers will be more comfortable on a slightly firmer mattress that offers more support.
Price
Because children grow so quickly and will eventually outgrow their bed, you may want to think about how much you’re willing to spend on a mattress. Splurging on something with all the bells and whistles might not make sense if it doesn’t last for long.
However, if you’re purchasing a mattress that the child can grow into, you may be willing to spend more money for a long-lasting mattress.
Temperature Regulation
Nobody wants to sweat through their sheets at night, and kids shouldn’t have to, either. You’ll want to find a mattress that offers nice temperature regulation for your child. Memory foam mattresses are typically the least-cooling due to their foam construction, although some models do have advanced cooling features. Generally, hybrid mattresses and latex mattresses will be more cooling.
You may not think this matters much for your kid, but children tend to pile on a lot of bedding and stuffed animals, so it may be extra-important to have a mattress that won’t trap heat.
Kid’s Mattresses – Buying Tips
Whether our readers decide to choose one of the 10 mattresses in this roundup or want to keep shopping, here are some things to consider when choosing the right mattress for kids.
- Don’t choose a mattress that’s too much for kids. Looking for a kid’s mattress, it isn’t so much what they need but what they don’t need. For instance, kids don’t need a mattress with a thick comfort layer or supportive coils, and they don’t need a ton of bells and whistles. Parents should ensure they aren’t spending money on features their kids won’t even notice or care about.
- Choose a mattress that kids can grow into. Let’s face it, kids grow up fast. It’s important to find a mattress that they can use for many years. If they are only 6 or 7, it might be a good idea to get a mattress that seems large for them. As they grow, they won’t be too large for the mattress, and parents won’t need to buy something new to fit them. Take a look at the mattress warranty to ensure that you’re covered if anything goes wrong with the mattress.
- Choose an organic mattress if your child has allergies or sensitive skin. Look for an all-natural organic mattress made with hypoallergenic materials, CertiPUR-US certified foam, and OEKO-Tex certified fabrics to keep your kids protected.
Final Thoughts
Here’s a summary of the best mattresses for kids:
| Mattress | Best For |
| Helix Kids | Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Kids |
| Nectar | Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids |
| Bear Cub | Best Mattress for Active Kids |
| Saatva Youth | Best Flippable Mattress for Kids |
| Nolah Nurture | Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids |
| Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Best for Back Sleepers |
| Birch Kids Natural | Best Organic Mattress for Kids |
| Plank Firm | Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers |
| Leesa Kids | Best Cooling Mattress for Kids |
FAQs About Kid Mattresses
What is the best type of mattress for kids?
Pretty much any type of mattress can work for a child as long as they are older than four or five (if the child is toddler age, memory foam mattresses can be dangerous). That being said, it also depends on the child and their sleeping position. If the child sleeps on their side, a softer memory foam mattress might work, but if they sleep on their back or stomach, a firmer innerspring mattress might be in order.
Is a memory foam mattress good for a child?
Memory foam can be good for a child as long as they are not too small. If they are an infant or a toddler, memory foam can be a dangerous choice, but if they are older, over four or five, memory foam can be a very comfortable option for kids.
How thick should a child’s mattress be?
Parents should look for a thinner mattress for their kids, because if the mattress is too thick, it can be very dangerous. If the child’s bed has safety rails, a mattress that is only 5″ thick should be a good idea. Even if the bed doesn’t have rails, a child’s mattress really shouldn’t be thicker than 10″ or 11″.
What is the best mattress firmness for kids?
If the child is over four or five years old, a firm or soft mattress could work for them, but it really depends on their sleeping preferences. If they sleep on their side, a soft mattress is a better choice, and if they sleep on their back or stomach, a firm mattress will be better.
Do I need to get a mattress protector for my kid’s mattress?
You don’t have to put a mattress protector on your kid’s mattress, but it could be a good idea if your child is still having accidents and wetting the bed. Waterproof mattress protectors can protect your kid’s mattress from stains and dust mites.
What is the best mattress for kids with allergies?
If your child suffers from allergies, it’s best to choose an organic or all-natural mattress that’s made with hypoallergenic materials. The Helix Kids could be a good option, as it has a cover of hypoallergenic Tencel, as well as a microbe shield.
Featured image: fizkes/Shutterstock
