A children’s mattress is a special type of mattress designed specifically for kids and young adults. These mattresses are available in various sizes, including twin, twin XL, and full, to accommodate the growth and needs of children. Children’s mattresses are made with materials and features that ensure a comfortable and safe sleeping environment, such as innerspring coils, foam, and hypoallergenic materials.
A good children’s mattress should provide the right level of support and comfort for a growing body and help promote restful sleep. When choosing a children’s mattress, it’s important to consider the child’s age, size, and sleeping preferences, as well as factors such as firmness, material, and durability.It seems like kids are constantly growing, and probably doing most of it while they’re asleep. So it’s important to invest in a mattress that will support their bodies properly.
While everyone can benefit from a good night’s rest, children rely on quality sleep to fuel their rapid growth and learning. Children also need more sleep than adults. Younger children usually require the most sleep, with a recommended 10 to 13 hours of sleep per day for children between 3 and 5 years old. Older children tend to need less sleep, with a recommended 8 to 10 hours for children between 14 and 17 years old.
The 5 Best Mattress for Kids 2023：Tested and Reviewed
- Best Overall:LINENSPA 8 Inch Memory Foam
- Runner-Up:Bamboo Mattress Topper Twin Size
- Best Memory Foam:Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress
- Best Organic:Linenspa 6 Inch Innerspring Twin Mattress
- Best Innerspring:Dinosaur Japanese Floor Futon Mattress
Since sleep plays such a big role in your child’s development, it’s important to optimize your child’s sleep conditions – including selecting a mattress that can help your child sleep comfortably throughout the night. To pick the best mattresses for children, our team evaluated factors such as firmness, pressure relief, temperature neutrality, and price-point. We also considered the suitability of each mattress for various sleep positions since your child’s preferred position may influence your mattress choice.
#1.LINENSPA 8 Inch Memory Foam
Pros
- Affordable
- Bestseller with rave reviews
- Ships quickly from Amazon
Cons
- Not specifically designed for children
This mattress isn’t designed specifically for kids, but its 8-inch profile, low cost and medium-firm feel make it a solid choice to buy for children. It has over 130,000 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.5-star rating, including reviews from parents who bought it for bunk beds and said they’re impressed with how well their kids sleep on it.
The mattress is made up of coils for support with two thin layers of foam for cushioning and comfort. The brand also offers 10- and 12-inch versions that have more foam for a plusher feel, but note that foam can trap heat so it’s not ideal for sweaty sleepers. On the plus side, this model uses CertiPUR-US certified foam to ensure there are lower VOCs.
#2.Bamboo Mattress Topper Twin Size
Pros
- Good waterproofing
- Removable cover
- 20cm depth
Cons
- May be too soft for some
With 392 individually wrapped pocket springs, it aims to provide a comfortable experience for your little ones, even if they wander over to the edge of the mattress. It comes with luxurious cover with hypoallergenic and heat regulating treatments to aid sleep, so it’s a good choice if your child tends to get overheated at night. And there’s a top panel with a waterproof layer underneath, which can be removed and washed at 60 degrees, to protect against accidents.
#3.Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress
Pros
- No foam, latex or flame retardants
- Two-sided with different surfaces
- Breathable construction
Cons
- Innersprings offer less pressure relief for older kids
The firmness makes it perfect for a child’s first bed because it supports their developing body. Plus, the fact that it’s filled with coils means it inherently has good airflow, and there’s no need for added flame retardants. It’s also a flippable mattress, but instead of having two firmness levels, it offers a waterproof side for easy cleanup and a quilted side for a more comfortable surface.
#4.Linenspa 6 Inch Innerspring Twin Mattress
Pros
- Quality construction
- Luxury feel
- Breathable
Cons
- Not the cheapest
- Firmer than you’d expect
There’s no need to turn or rotate it (and no handles to help you do so if you decide you do want to) and the 100 per cent cotton cover has a luxurious feel. All in all, this is a high-quality kids’ mattress at a surprisingly reasonable price.
#5.Dinosaur Japanese Floor Futon Mattress
Pros
- All-natural materials
- Temperature regulating
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Cover not removable
Suitable for children from 12 months up to 12, this mattress is naturally chemical-free and hypoallergenic. Its core is created from thousands of coconut fibres, blended together with natural latex to act as thousands of tiny springs, providing support and reducing pressure points. The cover is made from a luxury Herringbone cotton, lined with an extra layer of wool, for extra breathability. This medium-firm, Single mattress comes with a five-year guarantee. Note that the cover is non-removable, and must be sponge cleaned only.
- 1 Kids Mattress Size Guide
- 2 Best Types of Mattresses for Kids
- 3 What to Look for in a Mattress
- 4 How much should you spend on a mattress for your child?
- 5 What is the ideal firmness for your child’s mattress?
- 6 How thick of a mattress does your child need?
- 7 How much do the best mattresses cost?
- 8 What size should I buy for a children’s mattress?
- 9 Is a firm or soft mattress better for children?
- 10 Is it important to buy a hypoallergenic mattress for children?
- 11 How often should I replace a children’s mattress?
- 12 Can I buy a used children’s mattress?
Kids Mattress Size Guide
Here are the standard mattress dimensions suitable for babies, toddler, and older kids, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Better Sleep Council (BSC). Note: If there is a gap between the mattress and the frame larger than two fingers, you need a bigger mattress. Too much free space can cause injuries, so it’s important to know your frame measurements before purchasing a mattress.
- Mini crib mattress: Mini crib mattresses are baby beds that are smaller than 49.75 inches long and 24.375 inches wide, averaging at about 38 inches long by 24 inches wide. These mattresses are generally used in portable baby cribs, child care centers, and play yards at home.
- Crib mattress/toddler bed: Mattresses for full-size cribs should be at least 51.25 inches long by 27.25 inches wide with a thickness less than 6 inches. Although crib mattresses and toddler beds can be the same size, toddler beds are usually much lower to the ground and don’t have bed guards.
- Twin mattress: Twin mattresses typically measure 75 inches long and 38 inches wide. This size is ideal for children who are ready to transition from a toddler bed to a “big kid” bed, plus it works well for bunk beds.
- Twin XL mattress: Twin XL mattresses are 80 inches long by 38 inches wide. These are an excellent choice for kids who could use an extra 5 inches of space.
- Full mattress: Full-size mattresses are 75 inches long and 53 inches wide, so they are the same length as twin mattresses but 15 inches wider. This bed size provides a good amount of space for children who move around in their sleep.
Best Types of Mattresses for Kids
Firm: Shopping for your newborn? Here’s what you need to know: Firm is good, and soft is bad. Ultra-supportive beds help prevent the risk of SIDS, while mattresses that are too soft could potentially lead to suffocation.
Soft: Once your child is about 18 months old, they can sleep on a soft mattress, like pillow top designs. You can either buy a mattress that has a soft side for infants and a firm side for toddlers or invest in a whole new bed they can continue to grow into.
Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses are safe for children of all ages, offering optimal support that won’t sink. They contain coils that provide extreme durability, whether your kid is sleeping or jumping (it happens).
Foam: Foam mattresses are a great option for kids because they are comfortable, quiet (compared to innerspring mattresses), portable, and usually less expensive than other models. Memory foam mattresses can help older children with pressure relief.
Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses combine layers of foam with coil systems, meaning they are a cross between innerspring and memory foam mattresses. Although less common, hybrid mattresses can also feature latex instead of foam. Overall, hybrid mattresses are an ideal mix of soft and supportive.
What to Look for in a Mattress
Many mattress companies use the term “universal comfort” or similar phrasing to describe their mattresses. However, comfort is subjective, so a mattress that is comfortable for some people may not be comfortable for others. “Universal comfort” usually indicates a relatively middle-of-the-road firmness that is likely to appeal to a wide range of sleepers.
When selecting a mattress for your child, focusing on specific factors that affect the value and sleep experience may help you select the best mattress for your child.
Price: The price of the mattress may be a deciding factor for some families. A mattress’ price may be influenced by its size, materials, durability, and construction. Some high-priced mattresses are more durable, which may make them a good value over time. However, there are also high-quality, lower-priced models on the market.
Sleeping Position: Your child’s preferred sleeping position can play a role in how comfortable a mattress feels. We’ve found that side sleepers often prefer a slightly softer mattress to allow the wider parts of their bodies, like their hips and shoulders, to sink in more. Back and stomach sleepers tend to favor a firmer feel that supports their midsections to prevent excessive sinkage. If your child moves around a lot during the night, you might look for a model that balances support and contouring to accommodate all your child’s potential sleep positions.
Mattress Type: The type of mattress can influence its feel, durability, and other performance factors. The most common types of mattresses on the market are hybrids, innersprings, latex, airbeds, and foam mattresses. Each type of mattress has distinct advantages for sleepers. Hybrids and innersprings could work well for older children, since they weigh more and need more support, while memory foam mattresses are a good solution for children who enjoy “hugging” comfort. Which type of mattress is best for your child may depend on a variety of factors. We’ll discuss different types of mattresses in more depth below.
Contouring: Contouring refers to how a mattress forms to the sleeper’s body. We’ve noticed that mattresses with more contouring tend to redistribute the sleeper’s body weight, relieving pressure buildup from areas like the hips and shoulders. Children suffering from growing pains may benefit from this pressure relief.
Quality Materials: High-quality materials can impact the mattress’ performance and longevity. Quality materials tend to be less prone to sagging and deterioration. Sagging and deterioration can make the bed less comfortable and ultimately limit its usability. Lower-quality materials may not be problematic if you plan to discard the mattress in a few years when your child outgrows it. However, if you plan for your child to use the bed long-term or you want to hand it down to another child, quality materials may be more important.
Firmness Level: Mattress firmness plays a role in how much contouring and support it provides. Softer mattresses allow the sleeper to sink in and enjoy more contouring. Firmer mattresses tend to provide more support. While firmness preferences are largely subjective, we’ve found that the sleeper’s weight and preferred sleep position may also impact their ideal firmness level. We’ll discuss the best firmness for a children’s mattress in detail below.
Pressure Relief: Pressure relief is usually directly tied to contouring. Our pressure tests on mattresses show heavier areas of a sleeper’s body tend to put more force on the mattress. For most individuals, this creates pressure buildup around their hips and shoulders. Mattresses that contour to the sleeper tend to spread out the sleeper’s body weight, taking some of the pressure off their hips and shoulders.
Edge Support: Edge support refers to how secure the edge feels when you sit or sleep near it. If the edge does not feel secure, children might not be able to use the full surface of the mattress because they may feel like they could accidentally roll off. A mattress with a weak edge could also make it more challenging to sit on the edge of the bed, which may make it harder for children to get into or out of bed.
Temperature Regulation: Some mattresses tend to trap heat, while others allow it to dissipate. If your child is prone to overheating or sweating during the night, a mattress with better temperature regulation may keep them more comfortable. Innerspring, hybrid, and latex models are often more breathable than all-foam models. However, many all-foam models also have features to help them sleep cooler.
Noise: Some mattresses may produce some creaking noises when the sleeper changes position. Mattresses with coil layers tend to be more prone to making noise than all-foam models. If your child is a light sleeper, these sounds could disturb them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Foam and innerspring mattresses are some of the most popular choices for children because parents can purchase high-quality models at an affordable price. Hybrid beds can also be good for kids since they combine the pressure relief and comfort of foam with a coil support core’s support.
However, a mattress’s type is no guarantee that it will work well for your child. The best mattress for a kid depends less on its construction type and more on its firmness, support, pressure relief, and ability to grow with them. The best way to decide on a kid’s mattress is to consider your child’s weight, preferred sleeping position, and individual preferences before comparison shopping and reading independent reviews.
How much should you spend on a mattress for your child?
Mattresses for children vary significantly in price depending on their construction, but you should expect to pay between $300 and $1,000 for a mattress that will offer your child support and comfort over the years. Although children will eventually grow out of their mattress, it is possible your child will be able to use it across the bed’s entire lifespan.
If your child do grow out of it while the bed is still in good condition, it can be repurposed for a younger sibling or as a guest bed. The most expensive mattress is not necessarily the best choice, but very low-priced models are unlikely to fulfill your child’s sleep needs for very long.
What is the ideal firmness for your child’s mattress?
Deciding on how firm your child’s mattress should be can be difficult, but a medium firm mattress with good pressure relief tends to be the best choice in the long term. Since children weigh less than adults, mattresses feel firmer to them and soft beds are more comfortable. As they grow, however, they will require a firmer mattress that can offer them support.
Most children will still be comfortable on a medium mattress by their teenage years, allowing them to use their mattress for longer. Pressure relief — usually provided by memory foam or polyfoam comfort layers — can make the bed much more comfortable when they are younger without sacrificing this longevity.
How thick of a mattress does your child need?
Some kids prefer mattresses with low profiles that allow them to get in and out of bed with ease. However, thickness is less important than firmness and construction when selecting a mattress for your child. Ultimately, the mattress should provide adequate support for your child’s growing body without feeling too stiff or firm. Since kids weigh less than adults, your child may not need as thick of a mattress to feel sufficiently supported.
However, there is one important consideration if your child sleeps in a bunk bed. In order to prevent an accident, your child’s mattress should sit at least 5 inches lower than the guard rails of their bunk. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued bunk bed safety guidelines for manufacturers to follow.
A new mattress can measure anywhere from less than 6 inches thick to more than 20 inches, but most fall in the range of 10 to 13 inches. Many mattresses designed specifically for kids (including some of our top picks above) are on the thinner side.
How much do the best mattresses cost?
You can pay as little as a few hundred dollars to as much as $25,000 when buying a mattress for your kid. Generally, the price of the mattress will correlate to its longevity, so you’ll want to factor how long — or little — you think your child will be using the mattress. And of course, even if your child graduates to a larger bed, you can always repurpose a twin-sized mattress for a guest room or AirBnb. Hybrid mattresses tend to be more durable but pricier — most twin-sized hybrid mattresses cost around $1,200, give or take a couple hundred. All-foam builds are often more affordable. Twin size memory foam mattresses usually run anywhere from $500 to a little over $1,000.
What size should I buy for a children’s mattress?
The size depends on the age and size of the child. Common sizes for children’s beds include twin, twin XL, and full.
Is a firm or soft mattress better for children?
A firm mattress is recommended for children as it provides proper support for their growing bodies. However, a child may find a soft mattress more comfortable, so it’s important to consider the child’s preference.
Is it important to buy a hypoallergenic mattress for children?
Yes, it is important to buy a hypoallergenic mattress for children as they have sensitive skin and may be prone to allergies.
How often should I replace a children’s mattress?
It’s recommended to replace a children’s mattress every 5 to 7 years or if it shows signs of wear and tear.
Can I buy a used children’s mattress?
It is not recommended to buy a used mattress for a child as it may contain allergens, bedbugs, or be worn out, which could impact the child’s sleep quality.
