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 vary between children of all ages, plus you need to make sure the bed is big and supportive enough for 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.
Best Mattresses for Kids
- Helix Kids – Best Overall
- Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress
- Saatva Youth – Best Mattress for Back-Sleeping Kids
- Brooklyn Bedding Bowery – Best Mattress for Stomach-Sleeping Kids
- Nolah Natural – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Kids
- Bear – Best Mattress for Active Kids
- Layla – Best Flippable Mattress for Kids
- Dreamfoam Hybrid – Best Cooling Mattress for Kids
- Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for Kids
- Nest Puffin – Best First Big-Kid Bed
Best Mattress for Kids – Our Video Roundup
Our Methodology
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed over 220 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.
Compare Best Mattresses For Kids
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| Helix Kids Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Saatva Youth Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress | Nolah Natural Mattress | Bear Mattress | Layla Mattress | Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Puffin Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Soft: 5/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 8/10 | Soft: 6/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Foam | Latex | Foam | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Foam |
| Cooling | ✓ | -- | ✓ | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- | -- |
| Sleep Position | Combination | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Combination | Back | Combination | Back | Back & Stomach | Combination |
Helix Kids – Best Overall
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.
The Helix Kids is a hybrid mattress with a unique flippable design fit for children between the ages of three and 12. Each side of the mattress has its own firmness level that’s ideal for a particular age group. Between the ages three and seven, the firmer side is recommended, and for children between eight and 12, the softer side is recommended. This special feature means the Helix Kids should work for a wide range of sleeping types, which is important for kids who are always growing and changing. The mattress is also made of antimicrobial, water-repellant, and hypoallergenic material.
Think the Helix Kids is the mattress for your child? Click here for our best deal. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses.
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. 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. 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.Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
The Nectar’s all-foam construction creates a surprisingly supportive feel that’s great for back-sleeping and side-sleeping. The sleeper’s hips will be well-supported, helping maintain spine alignment. This is an important feature for kids with growing spines! There’s also a comfort layer of gel memory foam to help prevent the formation of pressure points. And while many memory foams are known to trap body heat, the gel helps draw heat away from the sleeper.
Think the Nectar is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Nectar mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best memory foam mattresses.
Saatva Youth – Best Mattress for Back-Sleeping Kids
Saatva Youth Mattress
The Saatva Youth is specifically designed for kids and young teens, and has a medium-firm feel that back sleepers will love.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
The Saatva Youth is specifically designed for kids and young teens, and has a medium-firm feel that back sleepers will love.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
The Saatva Youth is specifically designed for kids and young teens, and has a medium-firm feel that back sleepers will love.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Dreamed up by renowned luxury brand Saatva, the Saatva Youth is designed specifically for kids. It has a nice medium-firm feel that back-sleeping kids should especially love. Parents will like that the mattress cover is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and perhaps most importantly, spill-resistant! This bed comes in a twin, twin XL, and full size (queen and king are not available). One thing to keep in mind is this bed is one of the pricier options on this list, but it still costs less than most adult mattresses.
Think the Saatva Youth is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Saatva Youth mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for back sleepers.
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery – Best Mattress for Stomach-Sleeping Kids
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is a crowd-pleasing hybrid bed that combines support and pressure relief. It should be a great choice for lightweight sleepers who sleep on their stomachs.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is a crowd-pleasing hybrid bed that combines support and pressure relief. It should be a great choice for lightweight sleepers who sleep on their stomachs.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is a crowd-pleasing hybrid bed that combines support and pressure relief. It should be a great choice for lightweight sleepers who sleep on their stomachs.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is a nice medium-firm bed-in-a-box that should be an excellent match for kids who sleep on their stomachs. Although the mattress’ firmness level is on the softer side, lightweight stomach sleepers should still feel plenty of support. And with the Bowery’s nice mobility, kids shouldn’t feel as if they’re sinking too far into the mattress. These features should promote great spinal alignment, something that can be tricky to find for stomach sleepers. Overall, the combination of comfort and support should be a solid match for kids who sleep on their backs as well, since the coils and pressure-relieving foam work to create that balance.
Think the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is the mattress for your children? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Brooklyn Bedding Bowery mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Nolah Natural – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Kids
Nolah Natural Mattress
The Nolah Natural is made with hypoallergenic and eco-friendly materials, which makes it a great pick for families wanting high-quality, safe materials for their kids. It also brings young sleepers coolness and pressure relief.
Material
Latex
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Natural Mattress
The Nolah Natural is made with hypoallergenic and eco-friendly materials, which makes it a great pick for families wanting high-quality, safe materials for their kids. It also brings young sleepers coolness and pressure relief.
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Natural Mattress
The Nolah Natural is made with hypoallergenic and eco-friendly materials, which makes it a great pick for families wanting high-quality, safe materials for their kids. It also brings young sleepers coolness and pressure relief.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Nolah Natural is an 11-inch mattress featuring environmentally friendly materials, like organic cotton, organic wool, Talalay latex, and recycled steel. This is great news for any sleeper, but especially kids who have allergies. They should be able to sleep soundly without worrying about sneezing, coughing, or itchiness. Along with being free of harmful chemicals and substances, the Nolah Natural is a comfortable fit for back, side, and combination sleepers, due to its support and pressure-relieving abilities. Hot sleepers should also appreciate how cool this mattress sleeps.
Think the Nolah Natural is the mattress for your kid? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Nolah Natural mattress review.
Bear Original – Best Mattress for Active Kids
Bear Mattress
I appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it an awesome option for anyone struggling with back pain. The Celliant cover also does a great job of keeping the mattress cool.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
I appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it an awesome option for anyone struggling with back pain. The Celliant cover also does a great job of keeping the mattress cool.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
I appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it an awesome option for anyone struggling with back pain. The Celliant cover also does a great job of keeping the mattress cool.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Bear Original mattress is a bed designed with athletes in mind. It’s an all-foam bed that utilizes graphite-gel memory foam for a cooling effect and some serious pressure relief — both necessary for resting after practice, a workout, or in the case of active kids, playing outside! The Bear also has a Celliant cover, which Bear says can actually help with muscle recovery. We also found the Celliant cover did a great job of keeping the bed cool.
Think the Bear is the mattress for your child? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Bear mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for athletes.
Layla – Best Flippable Mattress for Kids
Layla Mattress
The Layla is an affordable all-foam bed that should be a great fit for kids of all sleeping positions.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Mattress
The Layla is an affordable all-foam bed that should be a great fit for kids of all sleeping positions.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Mattress
The Layla is an affordable all-foam bed that should be a great fit for kids of all sleeping positions.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
What’s most special about the Layla is its flippable nature. One side is soft and pressure-relieving, while the other side is firmer. Flippable beds are great for kids because as they develop and their bodies change, you can flip to the side of the mattress that suits them best. The flippable nature also allows kids to be comfortable regardless of which sleeping position they prefer.
Think the Layla is the mattress for your kids? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Layla mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best flippable mattresses.
Dreamfoam Hybrid – Best Cooling Mattress for Kids
Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress
The Dreamfoam Hybrid is a cooling mattress that comes at a really affordable price. It also has a hybrid build, which is great for supporting growing spines.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress
The Dreamfoam Hybrid is a cooling mattress that comes at a really affordable price. It also has a hybrid build, which is great for supporting growing spines.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress
The Dreamfoam Hybrid is a cooling mattress that comes at a really affordable price. It also has a hybrid build, which is great for supporting growing spines.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
This is a perfect mattress for a first “big kid bed” because it’s very cool, very comfortable, and accommodates all sleeping positions for smaller people. If your child has pain concerns, this is also a great option. Since it’s a hybrid mattress, it provides enough support to keep their spine aligned, but it has enough cushion to keep them comfortable all night.
Think the Dreamfoam Hybrid is the mattress for your kids? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best cooling mattresses.
Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for Kids
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Plank Firm’s construction isn’t just firm and durable — it’s a great perk for growing kids and teens, helping to keep their spines aligned and supported. And as an additional touch, the mattress is flippable, allowing kids to flip over the mattress so it fits their sleep needs as they develop. There’s a firm side and an extra-firm side, which is suited to most back and stomach sleepers. The Plank Firm also does a nice job keeping sleepers cool due to its gel memory foam and pocketed coils.
Think the Plank Firm is the best option for your child? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Plank Firm mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best firm mattresses.
Nest Puffin – Best First Big-Kid Bed
Puffin Mattress
The Nest Puffin is made for smaller children and is easily washable, making it a good choice for a first big kid bed.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
30 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Puffin Mattress
The Nest Puffin is made for smaller children and is easily washable, making it a good choice for a first big kid bed.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
30 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Puffin Mattress
The Nest Puffin is made for smaller children and is easily washable, making it a good choice for a first big kid bed.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
30 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
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.
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 Nest Bedding’s Puffin mattress. This affordable mattress comes in twin, twin XL, and full size and is designed for children under 120 pounds. The Puffin has a medium-soft feel that most young sleepers should enjoy. And as an added bonus, this bed is made with CertiPUR-US certified foams and has no chemical fire barrier, making it a healthier option for children.
Think the Nest Puffin is the mattress for your child? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Nest Puffin mattress review.
Which Mattress Is the Best for Kids?
As a child gets older, their body will grow. But that shouldn’t mean you need to purchase a new mattress every year due to the outgrowing of their current mattress. Here are a couple of factors that will help you pick a bed that has longevity.
Growing Bodies and Mattress Size
The smaller the mattress, the quicker it’s outgrown. 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 a bit more expensive, it does 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.
A high-quality mattress can last eight to 12 years. It may cost a little bit more initially, but the benefit to your child’s long-term health and sleep will be well worth it.
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.
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.
A supportive mattress will help maintain good spinal alignment during the night, while 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, you should engage 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 is not 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.
Summary: The Best Mattresses for Kids
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Twin) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Kids | Best Overall | $899 | Helix Coupon | Read Helix Reviews! |
| Nectar | Memory Foam | $599 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Saatva Youth | Back-Sleeping Kids | $795 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Brooklyn Bedding Bowery | Stomach-Sleeping Kids | $549 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Nolah Natural | Best Hypoallergenic | $1,499 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Bear | Active Kids | $748 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Layla | Flippable | $749 | Layla Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Dreamfoam Hybrid | Cooling | $532 | Dreamfoam Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding | Firm Mattress | $849 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Nest Puffin | First Big-Kid Bed | $499 | Nest Coupon | Read Our Review! |
FAQ
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 shouldn't matter as much as the quality of mattress materials. You'll want to make sure 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, you'll want to keep in mind the level of support. 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.
