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.
Our Top Pick for Kids
Saatva is at the top of our list since the brand’s Youth 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
- Saatva Youth – Best Overall Mattress for Kids
- Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress
- Helix Kids – Best Non-Toxic Mattress for Kids
- Nolah Natural – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Kids
- WinkBed – Best Mattress for Back-Sleeping Kids
- Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for Kids
- Bear – Best Mattress for Active Kids
- Brooklyn Bedding Bowery – Best Mattress for Stomach-Sleeping Kids
- Birch Kids Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Kids
- Layla Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids
- Leesa – Best Mattress for Combination-Sleeping Kids
- Nest Puffin – Best First Big-Kid Bed
Best Mattress for Kids Video
Compare Best Mattresses For Kids
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| Saatva Youth Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Helix Kids Mattress | Nolah Natural Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Bear Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress | Birch Kids Natural | Layla Hybrid Mattress | Leesa Original Mattress | Puffin Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Soft: 5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 6/10 | Soft: 6/10 |
| Material | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Latex | Hybrid | Foam | Foam | Foam | Latex | Hybrid | Foam | Foam |
| Cooling | ✓ | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | -- | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ | -- | -- |
| Sleep Position | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Combination | Combination | Combination | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | -- | Combination | Combination | Combination |
Saatva Youth – Best Overall 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 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.
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, senior product editor
Who the Saatva Youth Is Best For
- Kids with allergies: Parents will like that the mattress cover is hypoallergenic.
- Luxury shoppers: The Saatva Youth comes with a number of impressive features and quality materials, yet still costs less than most adult mattresses.
- Kids who sleep hot: This mattress has a breathable cotton cover and coils for airflow.
Who Should Avoid the Saatva Youth
- Those wanting a queen or king: Unfortunately, the Saatva Youth is not available in these 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. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses of 2023.
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
Expert Opinion
We’ve determined that the best memory foam mattress for kids provides comfort as it contours to 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 to achieve both wonderfully. And it does all of this while combatting the trapping of body heat with cooling gel-infused foams.
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, senior product editor
Who the Nectar Is Best For
- Back sleepers: A medium-soft mattress, the Nectar may provide the necessary balanced feel for these kiddos.
- Side sleepers wanting a firmer feel: The memory foam layers should contour nicely to pressure points at the shoulder and hip. For extra pressure relief, parents should consider purchasing one of the best mattress toppers.
- Budget shoppers: For a twin, the Nectar runs under $600 even before sales and discounts.
Who Should Avoid the Nectar
- Stomach sleepers: We’d recommend a more supportive mattress for these sleepers.
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.
Helix Kids – Best Non-Toxic 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 three and 12. Between the ages three and seven, 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 GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® certifications (read more about what these 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, senior product editor
Who the Helix Kids Is Best For
- Growing children: The flippable nature works for a wide range of sleeping types, which is important for kids who are always growing and changing.
- Kids with allergies: The mattress is made of antimicrobial and hypoallergenic materials.
- Kids in potty training: The Helix Kids is resistant to stains and water, thanks to a special eco-friendly finish called RUCO-DRI BIO NPE.
Who Should Avoid the Helix Kids
- Teenagers: While this bed is built for youth, 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.
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.
Expert Opinion
A hypoallergenic mattress uses certain materials to prevent the collection and buildup of allergens. This makes it safe for many with environmental allergies, including kids, to sleep soundly. Testing the Nolah Natural in our mattress lab, we found this to be not only a hypoallergenic mattress but also a great mattress for kids. Aside from being made with high-quality materials, the Nolah Natural is a comfortable fit for back, side, and combination sleepers, due to its support and pressure-relieving abilities.
What our tester says: “I really like the Nolah Natural as an option for kids’ rooms because it’s eco-friendly and hypoallergenic materials can offer some great peace of mind. This bed is also really buoyant and supportive, yet it still maintains a cozy feel.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
Who the Nolah Natural Is Best For
- Eco-conscious parents: The Nolah Natural is made with all-natural GOTS-certified wool and an organic cotton cover, making it both safe and biodegradable.
- Combination sleepers: With a more responsive feel, kids who change sleeping positions at night should find it easy to do so on the Nolah Natural.
- Hot sleepers: With naturally cooling latex, breathable cotton, and coils for airflow, the Nolah Natural is an excellent option for cooling.
Who Should Avoid the Nolah Natural
- Stomach sleepers: It’s too soft to support stomach sleepers, even lightweight sleepers.
- Budget shoppers: While high-quality, the Nolah Natural is one of the most expensive options on this list. If you’re on a strict budget, you might want to opt for another option.
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.
WinkBed – Best Mattress for Back-Sleeping Kids
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed comes in three different firmness levels, and we think the Softer model could be an excellent fit for growing sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed comes in three different firmness levels, and we think the Softer model could be an excellent fit for growing sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed comes in three different firmness levels, and we think the Softer model could be an excellent fit for growing sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Expert Opinion
As kids grow, they need the proper amount of spinal support, especially if they’re back sleepers. They should find it on the WinkBed, a luxury hybrid mattress with a traditional innerspring feel. It has a tall section of individually encased coils, which help keep the spine neutrally aligned. Further up in the bed, a layer of gel foam and a Euro pillow top offer pressure relief at the lumbar region. This is what any back sleeper needs, even younger ones. Note: The WinkBed comes in several different firmness levels. Younger sleepers who weigh less should probably opt for the Softer model, although older teenage kids might be comfortable on the Luxury Firm or Firmer, depending on their preference. While we usually recommend firmer mattresses for younger children, all of the models here are fairly firm with an on-top-of-the-bed feel, which is why the Softer should be more than supportive enough for little ones.
What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the WinkBed is its durability. This is a high-quality mattress that should really stand the test of time.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
Who the WinkBed Is Best For
- All sleeping positions: There’s a WinkBed for sleepers of all ages. Adult back sleepers will probably be most comfortable on the Luxury Firm, side sleepers should opt for the Softer, and stomach sleepers will likely enjoy the Firmer.
- Hot sleepers: The gel infusion helps the WinkBed sleep cool, as does a breathable Tencel cover and the airflow-promoting coils.
- Combination sleepers: When testing out the WinkBed, we found it to have a responsive, on-top-of-the-bed feel, which should make it easy for combo sleepers to switch positions.
Who Should Avoid the WinkBed
- Budget shoppers: Being a luxury hybrid, the WinkBed can be a bit pricy. However, you can find sales around the holidays and significant discounts on our coupons page.
Think the WinkBed is the mattress for your kids? Click here for our best deal or check out our full WinkBed mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for back sleepers.
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
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
The Plank Firm’s construction isn’t just firm and durable — it’s a great perk for growing kids and teens, helping to keep their spines aligned and supported. And as an additional touch, the mattress is flippable, allowing kids to flip over the mattress so it fits their sleep needs as they develop. There’s a firm side and an extra-firm side, which is suited to most back and stomach sleepers.
What our tester says: “The Plank Firm truly caters to those after a firm feel. Whether it’s the firm side or the ultra-firm side, this mattress keeps you lifted up and cushioned while promoting spinal alignment.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
Who the Plank Firm Is Best For
- Hot sleepers: The Plank Firm does a nice job keeping sleepers cool due to its gel memory foam and pocketed coils.
- Kids transitioning to teenagers: Even through body changes, the Plank Firm may support sleepers of every body type.
- Combination sleepers: As it’s extremely responsive, the Plank Firm is bouncy enough to help kids change sleeping positions throughout the night.
Who Should Avoid the Plank Firm
- Side sleepers: These kids may not receive sufficient pressure relief, as the Plank Firm is an incredibly firm mattress.
Think the Plank Firm is the best option for your child? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Plank Firm mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best firm mattresses.
Bear Original – Best Mattress for Active Kids
Bear Mattress
We appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it an awesome option for anyone struggling with back pain. The Celliant cover also does a great job of keeping the mattress cool.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
We appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it an awesome option for anyone struggling with back pain. The Celliant cover also does a great job of keeping the mattress cool.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
We appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it an awesome option for anyone struggling with back pain. The Celliant cover also does a great job of keeping the mattress cool.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
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
The Bear Original mattress is a bed designed with athletes in mind, but it’s also a fantastic option for kids. After testing, we determined its construction might help ease growing pains, encourage proper spinal alignment, and cool any hot sleepers out there. The Bear should be suitable for back sleepers and lightweight side sleepers.
What our tester says: “The Bear is a great match for kids who seem to always be on the go. I think the firmer foams will help them achieve proper spinal alignment while snoozing after a day of activities. I found this mattress to be really responsive, despite offering a little bit of contouring.” –Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
Who the Bear Is Best For
- Hot sleepers: The Celliant cover and graphite-infused foam help keep kids nice and cool.
- Eco-conscious parents: The foams used in this bed are CertiPUR-US certified, so it meets certain standards for emissions and durability.
- Combination sleepers: Even though it’s an all-foam mattress, the Bear is pretty responsive, allowing kids to toss and turn freely.
Who Should Avoid the Bear
- Stomach sleepers: The Bear might feel too soft for these kids, so shoppers should consider a firmer, more supportive mattress.
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.
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
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is a crowd-pleasing hybrid bed that combines support and pressure relief. It should be a great choice for lightweight sleepers who sleep on their stomachs.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is a crowd-pleasing hybrid bed that combines support and pressure relief. It should be a great choice for lightweight sleepers who sleep on their stomachs.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Note: Brooklyn Bedding recently discontinued the Bowery and replaced it with a similar model called the Brooklyn Bedding Essential. All of the Bowery links in this article will take you to the Essential, and we’ll be reviewing this new product shortly.
Expert Opinion
While testing the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery, 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’ 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.
What our tester says: “Because a lighter sleeper may feel the mattress more firm and the top foam layers are thin, I think that this could be a good choice for these sleepers. It’s also super bouncy, which could be a big plus for folks in search of a little optimized mobility.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester
Who the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Is Best For
- Back sleepers: Overall, the combination of comfort and support may be a solid match for kids who sleep on their backs, since the coils and pressure-relieving foam work to create that balance.
- Combination sleepers: Kids who toss and turn in their sleep should appreciate that the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery provides lots of mobility.
- Hot sleepers: With cooling gel in its quilted layer, along with coils for breathability, kids shouldn’t overheat.
Who Should Avoid the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery
- Side sleepers: This bed is likely too firm and will create too much pressure for lightweight side sleepers.
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.
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
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Birch Kids Natural
The Birch Kids Natural mattress is an outstanding organic option that's complete with a flippable design.
Read Birch Kids Natural Review
Material
Latex
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Birch Kids Natural
The Birch Kids Natural mattress is an outstanding organic option that's complete with a flippable design.
Read Birch Kids Natural Review
Material
Latex
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
We believe the Birch Kids Natural to be one of the best mattresses for kids, but also one of the healthiest because of its organic materials. What’s also special about the Birch Kids Natural is its flippable nature. One side is soft and pressure-relieving (meant for kids ages 8-12), while the other side is firmer (intended for kids ages 3–7).
What our tester says: “Birch is a great brand for those trying to avoid synthetic materials. The Birch Kids mattress is a nice pick for the little ones since you can flip it as your child grows and get ample use out of it.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
Who the Birch Kids Natural Is Best For
- Growing children: Flippable beds are great for kids because as they develop and their bodies change, you can flip to the side of the mattress that suits them best.
- Most sleeping positions: The same flippable aspect that makes this bed great for growing kids also makes it great for every sleeping position, since kids can choose which firmness is more comfortable to them.
- Kids with allergies: This mattress is hypoallergenic.
Who Should Avoid the Birch Kids Natural
- Budget shoppers: This is another somewhat pricy option on the list. We believe it’s a great mattress, but similar to above, if you’re on a strict budget, you might want to opt for one of the other picks on this list.
Think the Birch Kids Natural is the mattress for your kids? Click here for our best deal. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best organic mattresses.
Layla Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids
Layla Hybrid Mattress
The Layla Hybrid has a coiled center that creates enough responsiveness for younger sleepers to switch positions. It's also flippable, allowing them to choose a different side as they grow.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Hybrid Mattress
The Layla Hybrid has a coiled center that creates enough responsiveness for younger sleepers to switch positions. It's also flippable, allowing them to choose a different side as they grow.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Hybrid Mattress
The Layla Hybrid has a coiled center that creates enough responsiveness for younger sleepers to switch positions. It's also flippable, allowing them to choose a different side as they grow.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
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 average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Expert Opinion
Kids’ bodies are constantly evolving, and the Layla Hybrid is a mattress that evolves with them. That’s because it has both a soft and a firm side, so children can flip it as they grow and sleep on whichever side is most comfortable (usually, a firmer mattress is better for ages 3–7 and a softer mattress is better for ages 8–12). The construction of the Layla Hybrid is also unique in that it has a layer of coils in the center. So no matter which side younger sleepers choose, they should get enough responsiveness to be able to easily move around and switch positions.
What our tester says: “Given the flippable nature of the mattress, I think it could work for a wide range of different sleep styles.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
Who the Layla Hybrid Is Best For
- All sleeping positions: We think the soft side is the best match for side sleepers, with the firm side being the better fit for back sleepers and stomach sleepers.
- Hot sleepers: The coils allow for plenty of airflow, plus the memory foam has been infused with copper for added cooling.
- Budget shoppers: After discounts, you can usually get a queen size Layla Hybrid for under $1,200, which is an excellent price for such a high-quality hybrid. And if you’re looking for a twin XL for your child, you can usually find it for around $1,000 after discounts.
Who Should Avoid the Layla Hybrid
- Heavy sleepers: Anyone over 250 pounds is probably going to need a more supportive mattress, although this shouldn’t be a problem for younger sleepers.
Think the Layla Hybrid is the mattress for your kids? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Layla Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best hybrid mattresses.
Leesa – Best Mattress for Combination-Sleeping Kids
Leesa Original Mattress
This all-foam bed is more breathable and supportive than traditional memory foam mattresses.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Original Mattress
This all-foam bed is more breathable and supportive than traditional memory foam mattresses.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Original Mattress
This all-foam bed is more breathable and supportive than traditional memory foam mattresses.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Expert Opinion
While foam mattresses aren’t always the best choice for combination sleepers, the Leesa has a top layer of responsive foam. That means it has more bounce than traditional memory foam and makes it easy for younger sleepers to switch positions. So if your little one is a combination sleeper who likes to move around at night, the Leesa could be the right bed for them.
What our tester says: “I think the Leesa works well for combination sleepers, as it’s bouncy enough to easily move around on.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
Who the Leesa Is Best For
- Back sleepers: Along with the responsive foam, there’s a layer of traditional memory foam in the Leesa that provides pressure relief to the lumbar region. This mixture of comfort and support is a winning match for back sleepers.
- Budget shoppers: Even before discounts, a twin and twin XL are both under $1,000.
- Sleepers with back pain: We use a device called a pressure map that, through thermal imaging, displays how much pressure gets put on specific areas of the body while lying down. The Leesa showed little to no pressure at the back, which tells us it’s a good option for anyone struggling with back pain.
Who Should Avoid the Leesa
- Stomach sleepers: They likely won’t get enough support from the Leesa and might sink through the layers.
Think the Leesa is the mattress for your kids? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Leesa mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for combination sleepers.
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.
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 Nest Bedding’s Puffin mattress. This reasonably priced 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 many young sleepers might enjoy.
What our tester says: “It offers a balanced medium feel and excellent support. It’s not a natural or organic mattress, but it does make a point to utilize healthier materials (Certi-PUR US certified foams, no chemical fire barrier), achieving a balance of price with material quality.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester
Who the Nest Puffin Is Best For
- All sleeping positions: Lightweight side, back, and stomach sleepers can feel comfortable on this bed.
- Eco-conscious parents: This bed is made with CertiPUR-US certified foams and has no chemical fire barrier, making it a safe option for children and the environment.
- Those wanting a long-lasting mattress: The Nest Puffin has quality materials and a lifetime warranty to back it.
Who Should Avoid the Nest Puffin
- Older kids: This mattress was intended to support kids 120 pounds or under. Older kids might be better off with a more supportive mattress.
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 your child gets older, his or her body will grow. But that shouldn’t mean you need to buy a new mattress every year to keep up. 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.
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.
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 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.
Summary: The Best Mattresses for Kids
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Twin) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva Youth | Overall | $795 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nectar | Memory Foam | $599 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Helix Kids | Non-Toxic | $749 | Helix Coupon | Read Helix Reviews |
| Nolah Natural | Hypoallergenic | $1,499 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBed | Back Sleepers | $1,149 | WinkBeds Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding | Firm Mattress | $849 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear | Active Kids | $748 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Bowery | Stomach-Sleeping Kids | $549 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Birch Kids Natural by Helix | Organic | $999 | Helix Coupon | Review Coming Soon |
| Layla Hybrid | Hybrid | $1,299 | Layla Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Leesa | Combination Sleepers | $849 | Leesa Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nest Puffin | First Big-Kid Bed | $499 | Nest Coupon | Read Our Review |
