Shopping for a comfortable mattress for kids?
You've come to the right place.
Sleep comfort needs for kids are pretty much similar to those of adults. They need a mattress that cushions their pressure points, supports their weight, keeps their spine properly aligned, and sleeps cool.
The best mattress for your child will depend on their age, sleeping position, and personal preferences.
Generally, most kids sleep comfortably on a medium-firm to firm mattress that's 5-10 inches thick. You can get a thicker mattress. But since kids don't weigh much, it's not necessary.
What's In This Buying Guide?
In this buying guide, we recommend the best mattresses for kids. We include a variety of options, including an organic mattress, a memory foam mattress, and a hypoallergenic mattress so you can find the right one for your child.
We also explain what to look for when buying a mattress for your kiddo.
Which Type of Mattress for Kids Should you Buy?
The three biggest factors to keep in mind when choosing a child's mattress is Type of mattress, quality of materials, and level of firmness.
When it comes to Type, look for a mattress that your child will find comfortable. Some kids love the hug of a memory foam mattress while others prefer the bounciness of an innerspring mattress.
If your kid sleeps hot, stay away from foam mattresses and get an innerspring one instead.
As for quality, make sure the mattress is made with safe and non-toxic materials. If you are getting a foam mattress, look for a Certi-Pur certification. If your child has allergies, look for a mattress made with hypoallergenic materials.
The right level of firmness depends on your child's age, weight, and sleeping position. Most kids between 2 and 8 years sleep best on a medium to a firm mattress.
But your child may prefer a plusher mattress, especially if they sleep on their side.
6 Best Mattresses for Kids
In a hurry? Here's a quick list of our top picks plus a comparison table. Detailed reviews of each mattress follow further below.
- Best Flippable Hybrid: Saatva Youth Mattress
- Best for 3-7 Years Old: Nest Puffin
- Best Value and Support: Brooklyn Bowery
- Best Hypoallergenic: My Green Mattress Pure Echo GOTS Certified
- Best Organic: Avocado Green Mattress
- Best for All: Casper Original Foam Mattress
| Mattresses | Award | Height | Materials | Cover | Night Trial | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saatva Youth | Best flippable hybrid | 10” tall | Foam and springs | Water resistant organic cotton cover and a waterproof inner layer | 120-nights | 15-years |
Nest Bedding BKB | Best for 3-7 year old kids | 7” tall | Foam | Polyester and cotton cover | 100-nights | Lifetime |
Brooklyn Bowery | Best value and support | 10” tall | Foam | Woven cover | 120-nights | 10-years |
My Green Pure Echo Link goes to Amazon | Best hypoallergenic | 9.75” tall | Pocket springs, natural wool and organic cotton batting | Organic cotton cover | 120-nights | 20-years |
Avocado Green | Best organic | 11”/13” tall | Organic latex and springs | Organic cotton cover with natural wool quilting | 1-year | 25-years |
Casper Original Link goes to Amazon | Best for all | 11” tall | Polyfoam and memory foam | Polyester cover | 100-nights | 10-years |
1. Best Flippable Hybrid: Saatva Youth Mattress
As the name suggests, the Saatva Youth mattress is designed specifically for kids. It combines zoned support foam and innersprings to provide both support and contouring.
Saatva Youth is two-sided to keep up with your growing child.
Pros
- Flippable design – no need to buy a new mattress as your child gets older.
- The hybrid design provides the best balance of contouring and support.
- Responsive – ideal for kids who love a bouncy bed.
- Waterproof.
Cons
- Pricey.
- May be too high for some bunk beds.
Our Review
Saatva Youth's dual-sided design is meant to keep up with your child's growth. One side of the mattress is designed for kids who are 3 years old or more. The other side is for kids aged 8 years and over.
The Saatva Youth mattress has three layers.
It starts with a zoned support foam layer. Multiple zones with varying firmness provide targeted pressure relief and support. This layer is softer at the top to relieve pressure under shoulders and firmer in the middle for improved support.
The core of the mattress is a dual-sided coil layer that provides optimal support no matter which side of the mattress your child sleeps on.
On the 8+ side, Saatva has added their Spinal Zone active wire technology (also present in their flagship Saatva mattress) to ensure a healthy sleeping posture.
The base of the Saatva Youth mattress consists of high-density foam that keeps the mattress from sagging and ensures longevity.
Foam railing all around the mattress increases edge support, ensuring kids can sleep or sit comfortably anywhere on the mattress.
The Saatva Youth mattress is wrapped in a breathable organic cotton cover that stays cool and wicks away sweat. The outer cover is water-resistant. There's also a waterproof inner cover.
So don't worry about accidents damaging the inner materials, though we still recommend getting a waterproof mattress protector.
The Saatva Youth mattress is available in just three sizes: twin, twin XL and full. All sizes are 10″ thick.
You get free white glove delivery, a 180-night sleep trial, and a 12-year non-prorated warranty.
Issues & Limitations
If you are looking for a budget mattress for your child's bed, Saatva Youth is not the best choice. It is more expensive than most other mattresses designed specifically for kids.
The dual-sided design and the fact that it's a hybrid mattress explain the relatively high price tag. It's also thicker than standard kids mattresses – 10″ vs. the more common 5-8 inches.
The extra height can be a problem for bunk beds. Saatva says the Youth mattress is ok for use on bunk beds, but this depends on the height of the safety railings.
If, after placing the mattress on the bunk bed, you don't have at least 5″ from the surface of the mattress to the top of the railings, you need to find a thinner mattress.
Bottom Line
We love Saatva's mattresses, including their dual-spring Saatva Classic mattress and their luxury Loom & Leaf mattress.
The Saatva Youth maintains the brand's reputation for high quality, durable and comfortable mattresses.
2. Best for 3-7 Years Old: Nest Puffin
Like Saatva, Nest Bedding is best known for its mainstream mattresses designed for adults such as the Signature Hybrid.
And like Saatva, they decided to make a mattress specifically for kids – the Puffin.
The BKB is an all-foam mattress with a firm comfort feel. It's perfect for 3-year-olds transitioning from a crib and older kids up to 7 years.
Pros
- Firm support.
- Durable.
- 7″ thick – ideal for bunk beds.
- Lifetime warranty
- CertiPUR-US certified foams.
Cons
- The cover is not water-resistant or waterproof.
- Not ideal for kids who want a bouncy bed.
Our Review
The Nest Bedding Puffin mattress has a much simpler design compared to the Saatva Youth mattress. It is all-foam with just two layers and a breathable cover.
The first 2″ layer is a special type of polyfoam called Energex foam. It combines some of the pressure relief of memory foam with some of the responsiveness of latex foam.
You get a mattress that conforms to the body to prevent pressure points but doesn't feel too soft.
Another advantage of using Energex foam is that it does not retain heat like memory foam. This helpful if your child naturally sleeps hot or you live in a warm climate.
The base is a 5″ layer of high-density support foam. It holds up your child's weight and keeps the mattress from sagging over time.
The two layers are wrapped in a polyester and cotton cover. It is not water-resistant or waterproof, so make sure you get a waterproof mattress protector.
Note that the BKB mattress uses Certi-Pur certified foams – no harmful chemicals are used. The mattress also doesn't contain chemical fire retardants.
The BKB mattress is 7″ thick, the ideal height for most bunk beds.
You can order the BKB mattress in one of three sizes: twin, twin XL and full. Each mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.
Issues & Limitations
If your kid prefers sleeping on a bouncy castle of a mattress, the BKB mattress won't do. It is not as soft or mushy as a memory foam mattress – the Energex foam is more responsive. However, it doesn't match the bounciness of an innerspring mattress like the Saatva Youth.
Bottom Line
The Nest Bedding Puffin mattress is a great choice for young children moving into their first proper bed as well as older kids who need a supportive and durable mattress.
3. Best Value and Support: Brooklyn Bowery
For older kids and kids who weigh more than average, a supportive mattress is essential for good sleep. We recommend the Brooklyn Bowery.
The Bowery mattress uses three layers of foam to provide excellent contouring support in all sleeping positions.
For a mattress, adults can also sleep on, the Brooklyn Bowery mattress is affordably priced, which is why it is also our top-value pick.
Pros
- Excellent support and pressure point relief.
- The breathable foam keeps the mattress cool.
- Ideal for most types of sleepers.
- Long trial and warranty.
Cons
- Not ideal for some bunk beds.
Our Review
Most kids' mattresses have just one layer or two. This is enough for younger kids. But as they grow older and put on weight, they need a more supportive mattress.
The Brooklyn Bowery is a great choice. It's designed for adults, so you know it'll offer adequate support to younger sleepers. It has three layers of foam and a total height of 10 inches.
The first layer is Energex Foam, the same material used in the Nest Bedding Puffin mattress.
As we explained, Energex Foam combines the pressure-point relief of memory foam with the responsiveness and breathability of latex.
Instead of feeling soft and mushy like most foam mattresses, the Brooklyn Bowery has a soft yet supportive feel. It also has a bit of bounce, which makes it easier for kids to turn during sleep.
The Energex foam layer has an open construction design that enhances airflow to ensure heat doesn't build up inside the mattress.
So if your child sleeps hot or you get extra-hot summers, the Bowery mattress will help them sleep cool and comfortable.
A 2″ transition foam layer provides additional support to prevent the mattress from sinking too much. It ensures proper sleep posture to avoid potential back pain.
A 5″ base keeps the mattress stable and prevents sagging even after years of use. The Bowery mattress has a 10-year warranty. The base ensures it lasts that long.
The three layers are wrapped in a smooth woven cover that is soft and breathable.
The Brooklyn Bowery mattress has a medium comfort feel. Because they weigh less than adults do, most kids will experience it as a medium-firm mattress. It feels very supportive yet soft enough to conform to the body.
You can order the Browery mattress in all standard sizes up to CA King. For a child, the twin, twin XL or full size will be adequate.
Brooklyn Bowery comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
Issues & Limitations
The Brooklyn Bowery mattress is not designed specifically for kids. That explains the 10″ height. Most mattresses for kids are 5-8 inches tall.
The extra height is not a bad thing. It provides more anti-sag support for older and heavier kids.
But it can be an issue for most bunk beds. Unless the bunk bed has high enough railings, we recommend a thinner mattress like the 7″ Nest Bedding Puffin for safety reasons.
Bottom Line
Mattress support is not just about extra firmness. A supportive mattress provides a good balance between firm support to align the spine and soft contouring for pressure-point relief.
Brooklyn Bowery is such a mattress. We highly recommend it for older kids and kids who weigh more than average.
4. Best Hypoallergenic: My Green Mattress Pure Echo GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Mattress
The Pure Echo mattress is a great choice for kids who are allergic to petroleum-derived foam or natural latex.
Pure Echo consists of pocket springs, organic cotton batting, natural wool quilting, and an organic cotton cover.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic materials.
- Firm support – great for younger kids.
- Sleeps cool.
- No chemicals.
Cons
- The mild wool smell when new.
Our Review
The Pure Echo mattress does not contain any synthetic foams or latex. So if your child is allergic to any of those materials, this is the best mattress to buy them.
Pure Echo is an innerspring mattress with organic cotton batting and a wool-quilted organic cotton cover.
The wool acts as a natural fire barrier; hence there's no need to use chemical fire retardants. This makes the Pure Echo mattress completely chemical-free.
The wool also helps with temperature regulation. Combined with the innerspring core and the breathable organic cotton cover, the Pure Echo mattress has no heating issues at all. It's a great choice if your kiddo sleeps hot or you live in a warm area.
The Pure Echo mattress has a firm comfort feel. It doesn't have a deep hug of memory foam mattresses. But it's great for kids, especially younger kids who are transitioning from a crib mattress.
The firm feel of the Pure Echo mattress keeps its spine properly aligned while the wool quilting provides all the pressure-point relief they need.
Pure Echo mattress is 9.75″ thick, so it may be a bit too tall for some bunk beds. You can place it on a platform bed, a traditional foundation, or even directly on the floor.
To keep the wool and cotton clean and in good condition, we highly recommend buying a waterproof mattress protector.
Issues & Limitations
You may experience a mild ‘earthy' smell when you unbox the mattress. This is the smell of natural wool, and it should dissipate in a few days.
The smell used to be worse with some customers saying their kid's bedroom smelled like a barnyard. The manufacturer changed where they sourced their wool, and current mattresses have a much milder smell.
If it bothers you, leave the mattress in the sun for a few hours, and the smell will dissipate quicker.
Bottom Line
The Pure Echo mattress is a great choice for parents worried about chemicals in foam mattresses. It's also ideal for kids who are allergic to latex.
5. Best Organic: Avocado Green Mattress
If you want a certified organic mattress for your child, we recommend Avocado Green. Just make sure your child is not allergic to latex.
Pros
- Organic materials – no synthetic foams and no chemicals.
- Hybrid design makes for a supportive and durable mattress.
- Sleeps cool.
- Two firmness options.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Not ideal for use on most bunk beds.
Our Review
Avocado Green is an eco-friendly hybrid mattress. The mattress combines organic Dunlop latex and tempered steel coils. This hybrid design makes for an incredibly supportive mattress that can last for years.
The first two layers are both latexes, with the top layer being softer to provide pressure-point relief.
Below the two layers is the spring base. The base has a zoned design. Different gauge wires are used on different sections of the base. This improves body contouring and spinal alignment.
The Avocado Green mattress is wrapped in an organic cotton cover with natural wool beneath it. The wool quilting does three things:
- Wool relieves pressure on the shoulders, hips, and lower back.
- The wool layer acts as a natural fire barrier, meaning no chemical fire retardants are used.
- The wool layer and cotton cover maintain a comfortable temperature within the mattress.
The Avocado Green mattress is available in two flavors: firm and medium firm.
The standard Avocado Green mattress offers firm support. It's a good choice for younger kids as well as stomach and backs sleepers.
The medium-firm Avocado Green mattress comes with a 2″ plush pillow top. This makes for a softer, more conforming mattress. The pillow top Avocado Green is ideal for side sleepers and older kids.
Avocado Green comes with a 1-year trial period and a 25-year warranty. It's highly likely the last mattress you'll ever need to buy for your child.
If you get the standard mattress and it feels too firm as your child grows, you can order the Avocado Green organic latex topper, instead of buying a new mattress.
Issues & Limitations
Similar to other organic bedding, the Avocado Green mattress is more expensive than non-organic foam or hybrid mattresses.
If you want the medium-firm option (the one with the pillow top), it's going to cost you even more.
So if you are looking for a budget kid's mattress, Avocado Green is not it. An Avocado Green Twin XL mattress currently costs $999 (1,299 with pillow top).
Another issue is the thickness. Measuring 11″ thick (13″ with pillow top), the Avocado Green mattress is not ideal for most bunk beds.
But you can use it with a foundation or platform bed.
Bottom Line
Whether it's food, bedsheets, or mattresses, buying organic will cost you more. But it's worth it if you want minimal exposure to chemicals, especially for your kids.
Avocado Green is not only great for your child's health; you'll also be making a positive impact on the environment.
6. Best Mattress for Kids: Casper Original Foam Mattress
Casper original is a universal comfort mattress that's great for all ages (except infants, of course). The medium comfort mattress provides a great balance of firm support and soft body contouring that's comfortable for kids and adults alike.
If you are not sure which mattress to get your child, Casper's original is a safe choice.
Pros
- Universal comfort – ideal for all ages and sleeping positions.
- Great price.
- Zoned support improves comfort.
- Sleeps cool.
Cons
- Some off-gassing when new.
- Not ideal for kids who prefer a bouncy bed.
Our Review
One advantage of buying the Casper original mattress is that it keeps up with your growing child. The three-layer mattress provides firm support for their early years and pressure-relief as they grow older and put on more weight.
We recommend buying the twin XL or full size to accommodate their growing body height.
The top layer of the Casper original mattress is made with a breathable polyfoam called Airscape foam. It keeps the surface of the mattress feeling cool.
The second layer consists of zoned support memory foam. It is softer on the upper and lower sections and firmer in the middle.
This cushions the shoulders from excessive pressure and ensures the midsection doesn't sink too low into the mattress, which could cause back pain.
A high-density foam base provides overall support and ensures the mattress lasts a long time.
The Casper original mattress is 11″ tall, so it provides plenty of support when your child is five as well as when they are fifteen. Casper is also a great choice for college-age kids. And if you need a new mattress yourself, Casper is also perfect for adults.
Casper offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
Issues & Limitations
Expect some slight off-gassing when the mattress is new. Most people don't find the smell to be an issue. If it bothers you, air the mattress for a day or two, and the smell will go away.
Bottom Line
Casper original is designed for anyone looking for a supportive, pressure-relieving, and long-lasting mattress. It's great for kids, teenagers, and adults.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Mattress for Kids
Here's what to consider when you are choosing a mattress for your child.
Right Bed Size
You don't need a queen size bed for a child. Even if you have two kids sharing the same bed, a full-size mattress is big enough. Here are the best mattress sizes for kids.
- Single/twin – The smallest mattress size after a crib mattress. A twin mattress measures 38″ x 75″ and is perfect for young kids who are moving up from a crib or toddler bed.
- Twin XL – A twin XL mattress is the same width as a twin size but longer. It's a great choice if you want a mattress that will accommodate your child's lengthening body well into their teen years. The standard dimensions of a twin XL mattress are 38″ x 80 “.
- Full/double – A full-size mattress is twice as wide as a twin size mattress. A full mattress is ideal if you want your kid to be comfortable on the mattress even when they are in their teens. Full-size mattresses are also great for sleepovers and siblings sharing the same bed.
Age
Younger kids are more comfortable on a firm mattress. This is especially so for kids who are just transitioning from a crib mattress. They are used to the firmness of a crib, and so they'll sleep best on a firm mattress.
As your child grows older, you'll need a more supportive mattress. This may mean getting a thicker mattress that can accommodate the added weight.
Firmness/Support
The right firmness depends on your child's age, body weight, and personal preferences.
For younger kids, a firm mattress is ideal. If they are older (6+ years), consider a medium-firm mattress that provides a good mixture of soft contouring and firm support.
Heavier kids need a firmer mattress to ensure good support. Kids who sleep mostly on their back or stomach will also sleep more comfortably on a firm mattress.
If your child sleeps mostly on their side, a medium-comfort mattress will do.
Material
Here are the different material options you'll come across when buying a mattress for your child.
Memory foam – This is the most common material. Memory foam mattresses have excellent pressure-point relief and provide good support for all ages. But memory foam can get a bit too warm. If your child sleeps hot, a memory foam mattress may keep them awake at night.
Foam – Cheaper mattresses are made with polyfoam. Polyfoam is not quite as plush as memory foam, so it's a good choice if you want a firm and supportive foam mattress. On the downside, polyfoam doesn't last as long as memory foam and may not feel as comfortable for side sleepers.
Latex – A latex mattress is a good choice if you want a cool and bouncy mattress. It's also great for parents who don't want to expose their kids to petroleum-based synthetic foams. Just make sure you get a natural latex mattress and not a synthetic latex mattress.
Innerspring/hybrid – Innerspring and hybrid mattresses are great for kids who prefer a bouncy bed. These mattresses also tend to sleep cooler and last longer. Innerspring mattresses tend to be firmer as they consist mostly of a spring core and a thin foam or fiber padding. Hybrid mattresses have multiple foam layers on top of a spring base and can be firm, medium, or soft, depending on the ILD of foam.
Safety and Allergies
From a health perspective, natural or organic latex mattresses are the best. They are made with natural products and contain no chemicals.
Most natural latex mattresses have an organic cotton cover, and some also include organic wool quilting.
Modern foam (polyfoam or memory foam) mattresses are also safe, though not as eco-friendly as natural mattresses.
If you buy a foam mattress, check that it has CertiPur certification. This is a guarantee that the foam materials used do not contain harmful chemicals.
Choose carefully if your child has allergies or asthma. Look for a mattress made with hypoallergenic materials like wool and coils.
Latex is also a great choice unless your child has a latex allergy. In that case, get a foam or innerspring mattress.
Height
Mattress height is important if you are planning to use the mattress on a bunk bed. There must be at least five inches between the top of the mattress and the top of the rails to ensure the sleeper doesn't roll off the bed.
A mattress that's too thick may be a safety risk.
For bunk beds, we recommend a 5″-10″ mattress depending on how high the rails are.
If you have a traditional foundation or platform bed, choose mattress height based on your child's age. A 5″-8″ mattress is good enough for young kids since they don't weigh much.
For older kids (10+ years), get a mattress that's at least 10″ tall. This will ensure adequate support as they grow older and get heavier.
Price
What's a reasonable price to pay for a kid's bed?
It depends on many factors, including materials, Type of mattress, and mattress height.
If you are on a budget, look for a foam mattress. Polyfoam mattresses are especially cheap. Look for those designed specifically for kids. You can easily get a twin or twin XL for well under $500.
Innerspring mattresses for kids are also pocket-friendly.
Hybrid mattresses are super comfortable and durable, but they cost more. Same with organic latex mattresses.
A kid-size hybrid or organic latex mattress can cost $700 or more.
Price also varies with mattress height. A 7″ mattress is going to be cheaper than an 11″ or 12″ mattress.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Mattress for Kids?
The best mattress for your child is one that allows them to enjoy good quality sleep, which is essential for growing kids. Focus especially on firmness, quality of materials, and safety.
Also, keep longevity in mind. Get a mattress that will last through their childhood.
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