Shopping for the best mattress for kids might seem like a simple process, but there’s actually quite a lot you should keep in mind. Sleep habits may vary between children of all ages. You might also need to make sure the bed is big and supportive enough to foster healthy growth. Luckily, we’ve got you covered in this guide, where we’ll highlight the key factors that will help you find the most healthy, comfortable, and best overall mattress for your kids.
When deciding which mattresses to include here, we had to take a variety of testing factors into consideration since kids’ bodies are always growing. We couldn’t just rely on which mattresses might be comfortable for lightweight sleepers; we had to think of beds that would accommodate them through a variety of growth stages. So several of these best mattresses for kids are also some of the best mattresses for adults.
Our Top Pick for Kids
Helix is at the top of our list since the brand’s Kids mattress has many important benefits for growing children, including being hypoallergenic and having a flippable design. That means there are different firmness levels fit for different ages.
Best Mattresses for Kids
- Helix Kids – Best Overall Mattress for Kids
- Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids
- Saatva Youth – Best Non-Toxic Mattress for Kids
- Bear Cub – Best Mattress for Active Kids
- Nolah Nurture – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Kids
- Birch Kids Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Kids
- Leesa Kids – Best First Big-Kid Bed
- Brooklyn Bedding Essential – Best Mattress for Stomach-Sleeping Kids
Best Mattress for Kids 2024 Video Review
Compare Best Mattresses For Kids
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| Helix Kids Mattress | Saatva Youth Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Bear Cub | Nolah Nurture Mattress | Birch Kids Natural | Leesa Kids | Brooklyn Bedding Essential | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | -- | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | -- | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ |
| Sleep Position | Combination | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | -- | Combination | -- | -- | Back & Side |
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| Helix Kids Mattress | Saatva Youth Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Bear Cub | Nolah Nurture Mattress | Birch Kids Natural | Leesa Kids | Brooklyn Bedding Essential | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-soft: 6/10 | |||||||
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling |
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| Warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 25-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 Nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 Nights | 100 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Kids, Hot Sleepers | Kids, Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Joint Pain | Kids | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Kids, Hot Sleepers | Kids | Kids | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Helix Kids – Best Overall Mattress for Kids
Helix Kids Mattress
The Helix Kids is a non-toxic, flippable mattress, fit for kids between the ages of three and 12.
Read Helix Kids Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Kids Mattress
The Helix Kids is a non-toxic, flippable mattress, fit for kids between the ages of three and 12.
Read Helix Kids Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Kids Mattress
The Helix Kids is a non-toxic, flippable mattress, fit for kids between the ages of three and 12.
Read Helix Kids Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Expert Opinion
When selecting the best mattresses for kids, we wanted to pay special attention to quality materials, adequate pressure relief for growing pains, and overall durability for long-lasting support. We think the Helix Kids checks all of these boxes and is entirely tailored towards kids, with a unique flippable design fit for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Between the ages 3 and 7, the firmer side is recommended, and for children between eight and 12, the softer side is recommended. It’s also made with completely non-toxic materials, earning a GREENGUARD Gold certification (read more about what such certifications mean here). So you can rest assured your little ones are sleeping safely and soundly at night.
What our tester says: “What a great option for parents trying to find a mattress that will work for their growing child. I really liked the Helix Kids’ flippable, hybrid design. I found it offered high-quality materials and great support for younger people.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Even though the Helix Kids mattress is designed for ages 3 and up, parents of children as young as 2 have praised the bed on Helix’s website, with many reviews calling out how quickly it allows their little one to fall asleep.
Pros of the Helix Kids Mattress
- The flippable nature works for a wide range of sleeping types, which is important for kids who are always growing and changing.
- The mattress is made of antimicrobial and hypoallergenic materials — a definite plus if your child struggles with allergies.
- The Helix Kids is resistant to stains and water, thanks to a special eco-friendly finish called RUCO-DRI BIO NPE. This makes it a sensible choice for any kids who are potty training.
Cons of the Helix Kids Mattress
- While this bed is built for youth, bigger kids such as teenagers or those approaching teenage years may not receive enough support.
Think the Helix Kids is the mattress for your child? Click here for our best deal. Still exploring? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses of 2024.
Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids
The Nectar is a nice option for kids because it has a firmer-than-average feel that should offer most growing bodies adequate support. It also sleeps pretty cool, thanks to a gel infusion in its foam layer. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. I dreaded paying for a new mattress but my old one was 15 years old…buying a Nectar was the best choice I could have made! It is so comfortable and didn’t cost an arm and a leg. I would absolutely recommend this mattress to anyone!
The Nectar is a nice option for kids because it has a firmer-than-average feel that should offer most growing bodies adequate support. It also sleeps pretty cool, thanks to a gel infusion in its foam layer. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. I dreaded paying for a new mattress but my old one was 15 years old…buying a Nectar was the best choice I could have made! It is so comfortable and didn’t cost an arm and a leg. I would absolutely recommend this mattress to anyone!
The Nectar is a nice option for kids because it has a firmer-than-average feel that should offer most growing bodies adequate support. It also sleeps pretty cool, thanks to a gel infusion in its foam layer. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. I dreaded paying for a new mattress but my old one was 15 years old…buying a Nectar was the best choice I could have made! It is so comfortable and didn’t cost an arm and a leg. I would absolutely recommend this mattress to anyone!
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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
Expert Opinion
We’ve determined that the best memory foam mattress for kids provides comfort as it contours joints that are sensitive to growing pains. However, it should also provide plenty of support to keep kids’ spines in proper alignment as they grow and change. During testing, we found the Nectar achieved both of these feats. And it does all of this while combatting the trapping of body heat with cooling gel-infused foams.
Nectar is also one of the mattresses we tested for adults. Part of our testing involves spreading something called a pressure map over the bed, lying down on it, then using color-coded thermal imaging on a computer to see where the mattress is putting the most pressure. In the Nectar’s case, we saw little to no pressure while back sleeping and side sleeping. This tells us that it’s an excellent choice for pain relief while sleeping in those positions.
What our tester says: “The Nectar is a nice pick for kids because it’s a budget-friendly option that offers ample pressure relief and coziness. I appreciate how the foams are responsive, so you don’t feel like you’re getting stuck in the mattress. This should feel like a true medium-firm bed to kids.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
On Nectar’s website, there are over 55,000 reviews, with an average user rating of 4.7 out of 5. Across the board, customers talk about how much they love the bed’s pressure-relieving abilities.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
- The Nectar should provide the necessary balanced feel for kiddos who sleep on their backs.
- The memory foam layers should contour nicely to pressure points at the shoulders and hips, although kids might experience the mattress as a little firmer than adults. For extra pressure relief, parents should consider purchasing one of the best mattress toppers.
- For a twin, the Nectar runs under $600 even before sales and discounts. This makes it a true budget mattress — high in quality, but not in cost.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
- We don’t think the Nectar is supportive enough for stomach sleepers. They should look elsewhere.
Think the Nectar is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Nectar mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best memory foam mattresses.
Saatva Youth – Best Non-Toxic Mattress for Kids
Saatva Youth Mattress
The Saatva Youth is specifically designed for kids and young teens, and has a medium-firm feel that back sleepers will love.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
The Saatva Youth is specifically designed for kids and young teens, and has a medium-firm feel that back sleepers will love.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
The Saatva Youth is specifically designed for kids and young teens, and has a medium-firm feel that back sleepers will love.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Expert Opinion
Dreamed up by renowned luxury brand Saatva, the Saatva Youth is designed specifically for kids. It’s flippable too, so kids ages 3–7 can use one side, while kids ages 8–12 can use the other side. While testing this mattress, we found that it has a nice medium-firm feel that back-sleeping kids should especially love. They should receive the necessary amount of cushioning on their lumbar region, as well as the ideal amount of support throughout. And best of all? The Saatva Youth is 100 percent non-toxic, in addition to being hypoallergenic. This ensures that your little ones are getting a clean and healthy sleeping experience.
What our tester says: “I always appreciate how Saatva mattresses are designed to be high quality and brought to you with total care. The flippable design of the Saatva Youth makes it a great investment.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
The Saatva Youth is fairly new and currently only has 14 reviews on the Saatva website. But they all have a perfect five-star score, with parents praising its sturdiness and how much their kids love it. A couple of them said that while it’s expensive, the higher price is worth it.
Pros of the Saatva Youth Mattress
- As with all Saatva mattresses, the Saatva Youth comes with free white glove delivery. That means the company sends someone to deliver your mattress and set it up right in your child’s bedroom.
- The Saatva Youth comes with a number of impressive features and quality materials, yet still costs less than most adult mattresses.
- This mattress has a breathable cotton cover and coils for airflow, so it should appeal to kids who sleep hot.
Cons of the Saatva Youth Mattress
- Unfortunately, the Saatva Youth is not available in king or queen sizes. So, if you’re looking for a large model, we’d suggest searching elsewhere.
Think the Saatva Youth is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Saatva Youth mattress review. More non-toxic options can be found in our roundup of the best latex mattresses.
Bear Cub – Best Mattress for Active Kids
Bear Cub
With plenty of support and a Tencel cover that assists with cooling, the Bear Cub caters to active kids looking to rest after a long day of playing.
Read Bear Cub Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Cub
With plenty of support and a Tencel cover that assists with cooling, the Bear Cub caters to active kids looking to rest after a long day of playing.
Read Bear Cub Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Cub
With plenty of support and a Tencel cover that assists with cooling, the Bear Cub caters to active kids looking to rest after a long day of playing.
Read Bear Cub Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
As a brand, Bear designs many of its mattresses with athletes in mind, and that extends to the Bear Cub — their first bed made just for kids, especially if they’re active. It has a hybrid construction of responsive foams and individually wrapped coils that can help ease growing pains and encourage proper spinal alignment. Bear also offers a cover made of Tencel, which is soft, breathable, and could help active kids cool down after a day of playing sports or being outside. Another bonus of the cover is that it’s hypoallergenic. If your kid struggles with allergies during outdoor activities, the mattress isn’t going to worsen them at night.
What Customers Say
As a brand, many reviewers on Bear’s website have said how much they love these mattresses for their family. One parent even stated that, true to the bed’s name, it has their kids “sleeping like bear cubs”.
Pros of the Bear Cub Mattress
- It’s available in two colors for kids to choose from: arctic blue and salmon.
- You can get the mattress as either a twin or full, depending on your child’s size.
- The foams used in this bed are CertiPUR-US certified, so it meets certain standards for emissions and durability.
Cons of the Bear Cub Mattress
- There might be a slight off-gassing smell when you first unpack this bed-in-a-box mattress, but it should dissipate within 24–48 hours. Read more about off-gassing here.
Think the Bear is the mattress for your child? Click here for our best deal, and stay tuned for our full Bear Cub mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for athletes.
Nolah Nurture – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Kids
Nolah Nurture Mattress
The flippable Nolah Nurture is made with hypoallergenic and eco-friendly materials, which makes it a great pick for families wanting high-quality, safe materials for their kids. It also brings young sleepers coolness and pressure relief.
Read Nolah Nurture Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Nurture Mattress
The flippable Nolah Nurture is made with hypoallergenic and eco-friendly materials, which makes it a great pick for families wanting high-quality, safe materials for their kids. It also brings young sleepers coolness and pressure relief.
Read Nolah Nurture Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Nurture Mattress
The flippable Nolah Nurture is made with hypoallergenic and eco-friendly materials, which makes it a great pick for families wanting high-quality, safe materials for their kids. It also brings young sleepers coolness and pressure relief.
Read Nolah Nurture Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Expert Opinion
A hypoallergenic mattress uses certain materials to prevent the collection and buildup of allergens. This makes it easier for many with environmental allergies, including children, to sleep soundly. We think the Nolah Nurture is one of the best hypoallergenic mattresses for kids not just for its GOTS-certified organic cotton cover, but for its flippable construction. With both a soft and a firm side, kids can flip over the mattress so it fits their sleep needs as they develop. The softer side has a thicker comfort layer of foam, and the brand says it should clock in around a 5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. Conversely, the firmer side has a thinner comfort layer and should come in at a 6 or 7 out of 10.
No matter which side kids choose, they’ll be supported by the mattress’s core of individually wrapped steel coils. These springs should help them maintain a proper spinal alignment and easily switch positions during the night.
What Customers Say
Although the Nurture doesn’t currently have any reviews posted on the Nolah website, commenters have said that the brand’s other beds feel similar to high-end hotel mattresses.
Pros of the Nolah Nurture Mattress
- The Nolah Nurture is made with all-natural GOTS-certified wool and an organic cotton cover, making it both safe and biodegradable.
- Wool naturally helps regulate temperature, plus the bed’s coils help promote airflow. Both of these traits should help the Nolah Nurture sleep cool.
- It’s available as a twin, twin XL, and full, so you can choose whichever size best suits your child.
Cons of the Nolah Nurture Mattress
- Since the latest model of the Nolah Nurture is still fairly new, there aren’t any customer testimonials for the bed on the brand’s website, as of this writing.
Think the Nolah Nurture is the mattress for your kid? Click here for our best deal, and keep a lookout our full Nolah Natural mattress review. You can find additional options in our roundup of the best hypoallergenic mattresses.
Birch Kids Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Kids
Birch Kids Natural
The Birch Kids Natural mattress is an outstanding organic option that's complete with a flippable design.
Read Birch Kids Natural Review
Material
Latex
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Birch Kids Natural
The Birch Kids Natural mattress is an outstanding organic option that's complete with a flippable design.
Read Birch Kids Natural Review
Material
Latex
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Birch Kids Natural
The Birch Kids Natural mattress is an outstanding organic option that's complete with a flippable design.
Read Birch Kids Natural Review
Material
Latex
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
We believe the Birch Kids Natural to be one of the best mattresses for kids, but also one of the healthiest because of its organic materials, from the cover of organic cotton to a natural wool fire barrier on both sides and comfort layers of natural Talalay latex. What’s also special about the Birch Kids Natural is its flippable nature. One side is soft and pressure-relieving (meant for kids ages 8–12), while the other side is firmer (intended for kids ages 3–7). At the core of the bed is a layer of individually encased coils, so your child has support no matter which side they’re on.
What our tester says: “Birch is a great brand for those trying to avoid synthetic materials. The Birch Kids mattress is a nice pick for the little ones since you can flip it as your child grows and get ample use out of it.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
On Birch’s website, customers have praised the Birch Kids Natural for being supportive and sturdy. Several folks have also mentioned that the bed made for easy cleanup after their child had an accident.
Pros of the Birch Kids Natural Mattress
- Flippable beds are great for growing children because as kids develop and their bodies change, you can flip to the side of the mattress that suits them best.
- The same flippable aspect that makes this bed great for growing kids also makes it great for every sleeping position, since kids can choose which firmness is more comfortable to them.
- This mattress is hypoallergenic, so it should be fantastic option for kids with allergies.
Cons of the Birch Kids Natural Mattress
- This is another somewhat pricey option. If you’re a budget shopper, you might want to opt for one of the other picks on this list.
Think the Birch Kids Natural is the mattress for your kids? Click here for our best deal. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best organic mattresses.
Leesa Kids – Best First Big-Kid Bed
Leesa Kids
With a streamlined construction, this all-foam mattress is a simple yet supportive option made just for kids.
Read Leesa Kids Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Leesa Kids
With a streamlined construction, this all-foam mattress is a simple yet supportive option made just for kids.
Read Leesa Kids Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Leesa Kids
With a streamlined construction, this all-foam mattress is a simple yet supportive option made just for kids.
Read Leesa Kids Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking to switch your child from your bed or their crib to a bed of their own, you might want to take a look at the Leesa Kids mattress. This reasonably priced mattress is available as a twin or a full, and is built right at the company’s own factory in Arizona. The mattress has a simple design of three foam layers (memory foam, aerated foam, and support form) that start out soft and get firmer toward the bottom of the bed. The brand says it’s designed to have a medium-firm feel.
What Customers Say
On their website, Leesa actually sifted through more than 20,000 reviews, and found that 72 percent of their customers said that the Leesa Kids mattress had a medium-firm feel.
Pros of the Leesa Kids Mattress
- You can often find a twin Leesa Kids for under $500 before discounts, making it less expensive than many other children’s mattresses out there.
- This bed is made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, making it a safe option for children. Read more about the various mattress and bedding certifications here.
- The Leesa Kids mattress comes with a 120-night trial, allowing your child to try out the bed and see if it’s the right fit.
Cons of the Leesa Kids Mattress
- Because it’s not available in larger mattress sizes, you may have to switch out this bed as your child enters their teenage years. It all depends on how much space they need.
Think the Leesa Kids is the mattress for your child? Click here for our best deal, and look for our full Leesa Kids mattress review in the future. Once your kid gets a little older, come back and browse the best mattress for teenagers.
Brooklyn Bedding Essential – Best Mattress for Stomach-Sleeping Kids
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is a crowd-pleasing hybrid bed that combines support and pressure relief. It should be a great choice for lightweight sleepers who sleep on their stomachs.
Read Brooklyn Bedding Essential Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is a crowd-pleasing hybrid bed that combines support and pressure relief. It should be a great choice for lightweight sleepers who sleep on their stomachs.
Read Brooklyn Bedding Essential Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is a crowd-pleasing hybrid bed that combines support and pressure relief. It should be a great choice for lightweight sleepers who sleep on their stomachs.
Read Brooklyn Bedding Essential Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Expert Opinion
While testing the Brooklyn Bedding Essential, we found it to be a nice medium-firm bed-in-a-box that’s an excellent match for kids who sleep on their stomachs. Although the mattress is softer than we usually recommend for stomach sleepers, kids tend to weigh less than adults, so they should get plenty of support. Honestly, the bed still felt supportive even when one of our average-weight testers laid on it in the stomach-sleeping position. This is likely due to the eight-inch tall section of individually wrapped coils toward the bottom of the mattress.
The springs also give the Essential some nice mobility, so kids shouldn’t feel as if they’re sinking too far into the mattress. These features should promote a healthy spinal alignment — something that can be tricky to find for stomach sleepers.
What our tester says: “Primarily made of coils, with top layers of foam, the Brooklyn Bedding Essential is 10 inches tall and provides a medium-firm feel that can work for some back and stomach sleepers. Its simple build and affordable price could make it a good choice for kids, college students, or a guest bedroom.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Essential Mattress
- Overall, the combination of comfort and support could also be a solid match for kids who sleep on their backs, since the coils and pressure-relieving foam work to create that balance.
- With coils that promote airflow and breathability, kids who sleep hot shouldn’t overheat.
- The Essential is available in sizes that go all the way up to a California king, so you can opt for a larger size that will accommodate your child into adulthood.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Essential Mattress
- This bed is likely too firm and will create too much pressure for lightweight side sleepers.
Think the Brooklyn Bedding Essential is the mattress for your children? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Brooklyn Bedding Essential mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Growing Bodies and Mattress Size
The smaller the mattress, the quicker it’s outgrown.
What Size Bed Does Your Kid Need?
Twin, twin XL, or full-size beds are typically the best choices for children. The twin and twin XL are going to be the most affordable.
While a full mattress is more expensive, it may serve as an excellent size to allow for growth all the way to adulthood. Also, when your children are young, a full mattress allows you to comfortably lie with them, yet it also lets them grow into the bed and retain the constant comfort of the same childhood mattress. Take a look at the best full mattresses for some great options.
A high-quality mattress may last eight to 12 years – it may cost more initially, but the benefit to your kiddo’s long-term health and sleep is well worth it.
Many kids experience soreness, poor sleeping habits, and a multitude of other uncomfortable sleep-related issues. These issues might correlate to a low-quality mattress that provides minimal comfort for the child.
For example, hand-me-downs and cheap mattresses might cause poor sleep. Although a better-fitting mattress may cost more, it’s typically worth the cost in the long run. If a young child sleeps on an uncomfortable mattress, they may develop poor sleep habits at a young age. Sleeping on a high-quality mattress may increase a child’s comfort levels and create a better night’s rest.
High-quality sleep is extremely important for a child’s health. It can impacts school performance, mood level, and a litany of other correlated factors.
Many kids experience soreness, poor sleeping habits, and a multitude of other uncomfortable sleep-related issues. These issues tend to be directly correlated to a low-quality mattress that provides minimal comfort for the child.
For example, hand-me-downs and cheap mattresses tend to be an underlying cause of poor sleep. Although a better-fitting mattress can be a little pricier, it’s worth the cost in the long run. If a young boy or girl is forced to sleep on an uncomfortable mattress, they can develop poor sleep habits at a young age. If a high-quality mattress is purchased, the comfort levels tend to skyrocket for the kids, creating an easier night’s rest. Take a look at our best mattress for the money page to find a mattress that fits your children’s needs that are worth the money.
High-quality sleep is extremely important for a child’s health. It impacts school performance, mood level, and a litany of other correlated factors. In other words, good sleep creates good kids.
Support
Although comfort and support are often interpreted as the same dynamic, they are two completely different topics.
Support vs Comfort
- Support: A supportive mattress will help maintain good spinal alignment during the night.
- Comfort: Comfort deals more with preference regarding feel and firmness.
If a child is not supported properly throughout their night’s rest, it can inhibit normal growth and have other negative impacts on their health. As a child grows, it’s extremely important that their mattress supports their growth.
As the child gets older, consider engaging them in the purchasing process. Once your child reaches a certain age, they can typically describe their sleeping patterns, whether it’s on their back, stomach, or side. Some mattresses are better or worse-suited for different sleeping positions.
For example, a very soft mattress might not be ideal for stomach sleepers, and a super-firm mattress can create pressure points and poor support for side sleepers. As your children get older and begin to develop a more consistent sleeping style, these positional preferences become more important when selecting the best mattress.
FAQs
What type of mattress is best for a kid?
Finding the best mattress for a kid is like finding the best mattress for adults; you’ll want to make sure the mattress suits your kid’s sleeping position, body type, and personal preferences. There’s one thing that kids have to worry about that adults don’t, though, and that’s physical growth. That’s why purchasing a flippable mattress with multiple firmnesses is ideal. This way, you can flip the mattress if your child changes sleeping positions or goes through a growth spurt.
Is a memory foam or hybrid mattress better for kids?
The construction may not matter as much as the quality of mattress materials. It’s best to ensure the foam used in either an all-foam or hybrid mattress is certified. A CertiPUR-US certification is a popular one amongst larger mattress companies. Also, consider the level of support needed. Make sure that the foam in the mattress isn’t sagging and that the support layers are keeping your kid’s spine in proper alignment.
Should kids’ mattresses be firm or soft?
While it depends on your kid’s body type and sleeping preferences, we would generally recommend a medium-firm mattress. This is because medium-firm mattresses offer both comfort and support. If you aren’t quite sure what firmness to stick with, you could also opt for a flippable mattress featuring multiple firmnesses.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed over 300 products in Sleepopolis’ mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
Kids are going to need different things from a mattress depending on their age, body type, and other individual factors. So we took various categories into account when selecting a bed for each superlative. For instance, a child’s first big-kid bed needs to provide a combination of comfort and support. Jump back to our mattress picks.
Summary: The Best Mattresses for Kids
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Twin) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Kids | Overall | $749 | Helix Coupon | Read Helix Reviews |
| Nectar | Memory Foam | $599 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva Youth | Non-Toxic | $795 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Cub | Active Kids | $695 | Bear Coupon | Review Coming Soon |
| Nolah Nurture | Hypoallergenic | $919 | Nolah Coupon | Review Coming Soon |
| Birch Kids Natural by Helix | Organic | $999 | Helix Coupon | Review Coming Soon |
| Leesa Kids | First Big-Kid Bed | $499 | Leesa Coupon | Review Coming Soon |
| Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Stomach-Sleeping Kids | $532 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
