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Whether you're a child or an adult, sleep is important. For kids in particular, a bad night of rest can lead to more tantrums the next day and negatively impact brain development, physical growth, and learning ability. Kid's mattresses play a direct role in their quality of rest. By making sure your child rests on a supportive, comfortable mattress, tucking your child into bed (and ensuring they stay in bed) becomes that much easier. The best mattress for kids supports their development by maintaining spine alignment and relieving pressure. This makes sure they are well-rested and better equipped to tackle school and sports.
The Best Mattresses for Kids - Our Top Picks
- Best Cooling Mattress for Kids: Helix Midnight
- Most Comfortable Mattress for Kids: Saatva Youth
- Best Value Mattress for Kids: Nectar
- Best Firm Mattress for Kids: Brooklyn Bedding Plank
- Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids: Casper
- Best Organic Mattress for Kids: Avocado Green
- Best Soft Mattress for Kids: The WinkBed
Finding the best mattress for your child can prove to be a challenge, which is why the ACTIVE Reviews Team consulted with the experts at Mattress Advisor to create a list of the seven best mattresses for kids. We also broke down some of the top factors to help you review each option.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
MA Score: The Mattress Advisor Score is a weighted score that takes into account 14 different factors related to the mattress' performance, function, and convenience, as well as the brand's social responsibility.
Best Cooling Mattress for Kids - Helix Midnight
SPECS
- Mattress type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
- Mattress Advisor score: 8.7/10
- Firmness: Medium
- Coverage: 100-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty
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Best for: Hot sleepers, all sleep positions, parents on a budget
Sleeping hot can negatively impact your quality of rest by preventing you from getting comfortable or causing frequent wake-ups throughout the night. That's why kids who sleep hot need a mattress that effectively keeps them cool at night. And the Helix Midnight is our top pick for the best cooling mattress, thanks to its coil base and breathable cover. Coils create more space for air to circulate throughout the mattress, so kids can sink into the topmost foam layers without feeling overheated.
Besides promoting cooling, the Helix Midnight also excels in a few key areas: pressure relief, spine alignment, and edge support. Kids who veer near the edge of their mattress won't have to worry about sliding off—the Helix Midnight's high 9 out of 10 edge support score ensures the perimeter of this mattress is solid and sturdy. Due to its balanced medium feel (it falls at a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale), this mattress is also capable of supporting whichever position your child sleeps in.
What We Like
- Balanced, comfortable feel
- Affordable
- Pressure-relieving
- Cooling
What We Don't Like
- Some off-gassing when you first unbox the mattress, though this will dissipate after a few days
Read the full Helix Midnight Luxe review here.
Most Comfortable Mattress for Kids - Saatva Youth
SPECS
- Mattress type: Innerspring
- Mattress Advisor score: 8.4/10
- Firmness: Dual-firmness
- Coverage: 180-night sleep trial, 12-year warranty
- Best for: Toddlers to pre-teens, hot sleepers, kids with allergies, all sleep positions
Not only is the Saatva Youth incredibly comfortable, but it's also specifically designed for kids—it uses a flippable design to offer the right amount of support for toddlers to pre-teens. The side made for kids aged 3 to 7 uses an organic, hypoallergenic cotton cover, CertiPUR-US-certified foam, and a dual-sided coil construction to offer more support in the center third of the mattress. Flip the bed over for the pre-teen side (or kids aged 8 to 12) and you'll find an additional layer of high-density memory foam for greater support.
The entire mattress is treated with Saatva's Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment, plus the outer layers are protected by a natural, nontoxic flame barrier made from thistles. Testers scored the Saatva Youth high in spine alignment, durability, pressure relief, and responsiveness, meaning it's capable of supporting all sleep positions and able to withstand years of use. The best part? Complimentary white glove delivery means you don't have to lift a finger when your kid's new mattress is delivered.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Dual-sided, flippable design that supports growing kids
- Natural materials
- Water-resistant surface with internal waterproof barrier
- Comes with white glove delivery
What We Don't Like
- Not great for kids who love a plush mattress they can sink into
Read the full Saatva Youth Mattress review here.
Best Value Mattress for Kids - Nectar
SPECS
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Mattress Advisor score: 8.5/10
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Coverage: 365-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty
- Best for: Side and combination sleepers, parents on a budget, kids who like to snuggle into their mattress
Finding the best mattress for kids doesn't have to be expensive. The Nectar memory foam mattress is as affordable as it is high-quality, thanks to three thick layers of foam and a soft, breathable cover. We love the Nectar for the way it hugs your pressure points, relieving tension from your sides. Its medium firmness level creates a bed that you're able to sink into just enough for pressure relief, but not too much that you can't easily move around.
And for siblings who bunk together in the same bed, the Nectar's high score in motion transfer (8.5/10) means they won't be disturbed by the other's movements or changes in position. For hot-sleeping kids, though, the Nectar might not be a good fit. The foam layers trap more heat than they expel, so it can sleep warm at times.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Pressure-relieving
- Responsive
- Isolates motion well, great for siblings who sleep together
What We Don't Like
- Might lack support for older kids
- Can sleep hot
Read the full Nectar Mattress review here.
Best Firm Mattress for Kids - Brooklyn Bedding Plank
SPECS
- Mattress type: Polyfoam
- Mattress Advisor score: 8.9/10
- Firmness: Firm and extra-firm
- Coverage: 120-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty
- Best for: All sleep positions, kids with back pain, hot sleepers
Kids need a solid combination of support and durability to support their growing bodies, which is exactly what a firmer mattress provides. Our pick in this category is the Brooklyn Bedding Plank, a mattress made from nearly 12 inches of thick, firm polyfoam. One side is firm, falling at about a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, while the other side is extra firm, which equates to about a 9 out of 10. The less firm side is better for younger kids, while the firmer side works well for pre-teens. Either way, kids can expect a supportive night of rest—the Plank scored an 8.75 out of 10 in the spine alignment test.
If you want a mattress that your child can rest on until they reach their teen years, the Brooklyn Bedding Plank's durable construction is able to withstand the test of time. Testers found it incredibly durable and sturdy due to two layers of high-density support foam. And while some firmer beds sometimes lack pressure relief, the Plank excels in this category, making it just as good of a fit for side sleepers as it is for back and stomach sleepers. Tip: If your child is involved in a number of sports, Brooklyn Bedding's Spartan mattress (a bed specifically made for active bodies), might be a better fit.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Option to add a cooling panel for hot sleepers
- Incredibly supportive and durable
- Two firmness levels offered in one mattress
What We Don't Like
- Kids who like to sink into their bed may be disappointed by the Plank's firmer feel
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids - Casper
SPECS
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Mattress Advisor score: 9.1/10
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Coverage: 100-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty
- Best for: Side, back, and combination sleepers; kids who love to sink into their bed; kids with back pain
If your child loves nothing more than to burrow deep into their mattress, the Casper's three-layer memory foam construction will have them looking forward to bedtime. With an 11-inch profile, the Casper offers just as much support as it does comfort. We love how this mattress promotes spine alignment—testers scored it a near-perfect 9.5 out of 10 in the lab. And unlike some all-foam mattresses that make it difficult to move around, the Casper earned a perfect score in this category. This means kids who change positions at night won't be disrupted by an unresponsive bed, instead, they can flip to their side or stomach with ease.
The Casper falls at a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, meaning it offers a balanced, comfortable feel that works for a variety of sleep positions. It also uses a unique five-zone construction which targets the lumbar region by providing sturdier support without compromising on pressure relief. The ergonomic zones flex under areas like the hips and shoulders, relieving pressure and pushing back against the hips and low back for spine alignment.
What We Like
- Soft, comfortable feel
- Incredibly responsive, works well for combination sleepers
- Supportive and able to relieve back pain
- Isolates motion well, great for siblings who share a bed
What We Don't Like
- Can sleep warmer than other options
- While it's not the most expensive option, it's still pricier than others
Best Organic Mattress for Kids - Avocado Green
SPECS
- Mattress type: Natural latex and innerspring coils
- Mattress Advisor score: 8.5/10
- Firmness: Medium-firm to firm
- Coverage: 365-night sleep trial, 25-year warranty
- Best for: Kids with allergies; back, stomach, and combination sleepers; hot sleepers
If your top concern as a parent is finding a safe, naturally-made mattress for your child, the Avocado Green is a great option. It features GOLS-certified organic latex at its core, topped with GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool. At the Avocado's base lies over 1,000 recyclable coils. It's completely free of polyester, polyurethane foams, and toxic fire retardants. Besides its all-natural construction, we like this mattress for its excellent lumbar support. Testers gave it a 9.5 out of 10 score in spine alignment, which can help relieve back pain by limiting pressure on the lower back.
The Avocado Green is as durable as it is organic, meaning it can hold up well beyond your child's toddler years; latex is the most durable mattress material. And with a one-year sleep trial, your child has plenty of time to test out the mattress and make sure it's suitable for bedtime.
What We Like
- Organic materials, great for kids with allergies or sensitivities
- Excellent lumbar support
- Durable and long-lasting
- Cooling
- Option to add a pillow top
What We Don't Like
- Natural materials come at a cost, making it a pricier option
- Lacking in pressure relief, not fit for side sleepers
Best Soft Mattress for Kids - WinkBed
SPECS
- Mattress type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
- Mattress Advisor score: 8.6/10
- Firmness: Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus
- Coverage: 120-night sleep trial, Lifetime warranty
- Best for: Kids who like to sink into their mattress, side and back sleepers, hot sleepers
If you have a younger child, a soft mattress might be a better fit. They won't sink into their bed as much as a bigger child, so a mattress that's too firm might not provide enough pressure relief. Or, if your child simply prefers an ultra-plush bed, softer kids mattresses provide more comfort. Either way, the WinkBed's softer model is our top pick for the best soft mattress. Outfitted with a gel-infused, quilted pillow top, the surface of the WinkBed is plush and offers ample cushioning. Beneath that layer lies a thick layer of memory foam.
And just because this mattress is soft doesn't mean it compromises on support. At its base lies a dual-coil system: One layer of coils provides support at the mattress's core, while another surrounds the perimeter of the mattress for excellent edge support. Testers scored the WinkBed high in spine alignment, responsiveness, and durability, making it a great fit for side sleepers who like to switch to their backs, or back sleepers who enjoy starfishing.
What We Like
- Pillow top creates an ultra-comfortable sleep surface
- Great back support
- Durable
- Generous warranty
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
What to Consider When Shopping for Kids Mattresses
Below are some of the top factors to keep in mind when searching for the best mattress for kids:
Size
Crib
Children can sleep in cribs up until they reach the age of three, but you can move your child to a twin mattress as early as two. It all depends on what you and your child are most comfortable with. Keep in mind that a mattress for a full-size crib should be about 51 inches long by 27 inches wide and less than 6 inches thick.
Twin
If your child is ready to make the transition from a crib to a twin mattress, you'll be happy to know that a twin bed is usually large enough for most toddlers and kids to grow into. They usually measure 75 inches long by 38 inches wide.
Twin XL
Similar to a twin mattress, a twin XL can also accommodate most children. But if your child could use some extra legroom, then a twin XL might be a better option. This size differs from a twin in that it measures about 5 inches longer.
Full
If your child is a combination sleeper or simply moves around a lot at night, a full-size mattress may be ideal. Or, if you want to ensure your child has plenty of room up until they are a teenager, a full-size works well. This option measures about 75 inches long and 53 inches wide.
Mattress Type
Mattress type influences other factors, like durability and performance. Each type has its own advantages that may work better for some types of sleepers over others.
- Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses are made from a base of coils and typically only topped with a single comfort layer. This type is the most budget-friendly option, and also provides a solid amount of support for children.
- Memory Foam: For children who sleep on their sides or who like to burrow into their mattress, a memory foam bed like the all-foam Bear mattress may be a good choice. This type is made entirely of foam and is known to excel at pressure relief. Be aware that this type also sleeps the hottest as foam is known to trap heat.
- Hybrid: Hybrid beds combine multiple mattress materials, offering the benefits of many types. They offer a mix of support and comfort, which works well for a variety of sleep positions. This type also tends to offer great edge support, making it easier for your child to get in and out of bed.
- Latex: Similar to memory foam, latex mattresses excel at pressure relief but without the slow sinking sensation of foam. Natural latex is also naturally hypoallergenic, which works well for children with allergies or sensitive skin.
Firmness
While there's not one single firmness level that's best for kids, most children do well with a medium-firm or medium-soft mattress. We measure mattress firmness on a scale of 1-10, with one being the softest and 10 being extra firm. Children sink into their mattresses less than adults, so they typically stay more on top of their bed.
For older kids, kids who need more support, or kids who move around a lot, a firmer bed might work well. Side sleepers and younger children may prefer a softer mattress that cradles them. It's all about finding what works best for your child.
Support
It's crucial that children get the support they need in a mattress so they can not only get better rest, but develop healthily. Look for a mattress that maintains spine alignment, which helps protect kids' backs. A mattress that supports their sides, too, or one that relieves pressure from the hips and shoulders, can also create a more comfortable sleeping environment.
Typically, the more supportive a mattress is, the more durable it will be. Durability is important because just like with adults, if a child sleeps on a sagging, worn-down bed, their quality of sleep may be negatively impacted. Plus, the more durable a mattress is, the longer it will last for your child.
Does My Child Need a New Mattress?
There is no set time frame for how frequently to replace your child’s mattress. If you’re looking for a number, some people advise replacing mattresses every six to eight years. However, as children grow, they may need more room sooner. It is critical that they get enough sleep to support their development, so base your shopping off the comfort of their current bed and quality of sleep they are getting, not how long it has been.
You may need a new kids mattress if your child's mattress is sagging or unsupportive, which can result in poor sleep quality. Not to mention, growing children need sleep to support their development. An old, cracked, or worn-down mattress isn't fit to provide the level of support and comfort kids need. Plus, by picking out the best mattress for your kids, you're doing yourself a favor by making bedtime that much easier.
If your child is active, whether that means they regularly participate in a sports team or simply love being outside, it's even more important that they rest on a mattress that maintains spine alignment and promotes pressure relief. A supportive, durable mattress helps keep your spine aligned, but also wards off back pain and other aches. By selecting a high-quality bed for your child, you're making an investment in their sleep and long-term health. And if you invest in a durable, supportive mattress now, chances are, you probably won't have to repeat this purchase until your child is all grown up (i.e., a teenager or older).
FAQs about Mattresses for Kids
What's the best sleeping position for kids?
While there isn't one sleeping position for kids that reigns supreme, resting on your back has been regarded as the healthiest sleep position. That's because it puts the least amount of pressure on your lumbar spine. Side-sleeping is considered the next healthiest, helping to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn. And while many kids find stomach sleeping to be the most comfortable, know that this face-down position can lead to back or neck pain since the spine is more likely to fall out of alignment.
Be sure to select a mattress that best fits your child's sleeping position, which is the easiest way to ensure a comfortable, healthy night of rest.
What is the best firmness for a kid's mattress?
Again, there's no one firmness level that's best for kids. It's more about their own comfort preferences. However, because kids sink less into their mattress than adults (since they weigh less), kids might prefer a softer, more medium-soft or medium-firm mattress that offers more pressure relief. Any mattress that falls in the middle of the firmness scale tends to work for a wide variety of preferences and sleep needs.
How often should kids get a new mattress?
Kids should get a new mattress about as often as adults, so every 6-8 years, or even 10 in some cases when the mattress is well-made and durable. If your child's mattress is showing signs of cracking or splitting in the foundation, that's also a sign you should replace their bed, no matter how long they've been resting on it for. Choosing a durable, supportive mattress can go a long way in terms of your child's quality of rest, which is why it's important to replace their bed when the time comes.
About the Author
Katie is an ACE-certified personal trainer and former competitive swimmer. She has written for several wellness-oriented brands like Health.com, People.com, and SI.com, dishing out knowledge on mattresses, fitness trackers, and everything in between.
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