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 that 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
- Editor’s Pick – Casper Original
- Best Mattress for Kids With Growing Pains – Puffy
- Best Cooling Mattress for Kids – Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams
- Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids – Nectar
- Best Mattress for Combination-Sleeping Kids – Tuft & Needle
- Best Firm Mattress for Kids – Studio by Leesa
- Best Mattress for Side-Sleeping Kids – Layla Mattress
- Best Bed-In-a-Box for Kids – Brooklyn Bowery
- Best First Big-Kid Bed – 5 Little Monkeys
- Best for Back-Sleeping Kids – Amerisleep AS2
Editor’s Pick – Casper Original
The Casper Original is a medium-firm mattress that most kids should enjoy. It also sleeps nice and cool, which should help prevent kids waking up from overheating. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. "From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night." The Casper Original is a medium-firm mattress that most kids should enjoy. It also sleeps nice and cool, which should help prevent kids waking up from overheating. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. "From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night." The Casper Original is a medium-firm mattress that most kids should enjoy. It also sleeps nice and cool, which should help prevent kids waking up from overheating. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. "From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night."Casper Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Financing Options
Casper Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Financing Options
Casper Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Financing Options
The Casper Original uses a mix of poly foam and memory foam to provide a balanced feel. If your child sleeps on their back or stomach, they should really enjoy the comfort and support this bed has to offer. The mattress also does a good job of sleeping cool.
Take a look at my full Casper Original mattress review.
Best Mattress for Kids With Growing Pains – Puffy
The Puffy mattress has a cloud-like feel that should help cushion sensitive growing joints. It's also an affordable bed, which is great for parents looking to save. The Puffy mattress has a cloud-like feel that should help cushion sensitive growing joints. It's also an affordable bed, which is great for parents looking to save. The Puffy mattress has a cloud-like feel that should help cushion sensitive growing joints. It's also an affordable bed, which is great for parents looking to save.Puffy Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
101 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Puffy Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
101 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Puffy Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
101 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
If your child is experiencing growing pains, you’re going to want to find a mattress that will cushion their sensitive areas. The Puffy provides that kind of pressure relief with its “cooling gel cloud” comfort layer. It also has another transition layer of soft foam, making it a nice, cushy option for achy kids. And as a bonus, there’s a stain-resistant cover that’s easy-to-remove. Kids are prone to messes, so it’s nice to be able to quickly and conveniently wash this bed.
Think it’s the right mattress for your kid(s)? Read my full Puffy mattress review.
Best Cooling Mattress for Kids – Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams
The Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams is a cooling mattress that comes at a really affordable price. It also has a hybrid build, which is great for supporting growing spines. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams is a cooling mattress that comes at a really affordable price. It also has a hybrid build, which is great for supporting growing spines. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams is a cooling mattress that comes at a really affordable price. It also has a hybrid build, which is great for supporting growing spines. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
This is a perfect mattress for a first “big kid bed” because it’s very cool, very comfortable, and accommodates all sleeping positions for smaller people. If your child has pain concerns, this is also a great option. Since it’s a hybrid mattress, it provides enough support to keep their spine aligned, but has enough cushion to keep them comfortable all night.
Learn more in my full Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams mattress review.
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids – Nectar
The Nectar is a nice option for kids because it has a firmer-than-average feel that should offer most growing bodies adequate support. It also sleeps pretty cool, thanks to a gel infusion in its foam layer. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Nectar is a nice option for kids because it has a firmer-than-average feel that should offer most growing bodies adequate support. It also sleeps pretty cool, thanks to a gel infusion in its foam layer. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Nectar is a nice option for kids because it has a firmer-than-average feel that should offer most growing bodies adequate support. It also sleeps pretty cool, thanks to a gel infusion in its foam layer. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
The Nectar’s all-foam construction creates a surprisingly supportive feel that’s great for back-sleeping. The sleeper’s hips will be well-supported, which helps maintain spine alignment — an important feature for kids with growing spines! There’s also a comfort layer of gel memory foam to help prevent the formation of pressure points. And while many memory foams are known to trap body heat, the gel helps draw heat away from the sleeper.
Click here to read my full Nectar mattress review.
Best Mattress for Combo-Sleeping Kids – Tuft & Needle
Kids who like to move around in their sleep should do well on the Tuft & Needle, which has a responsive feel that makes switching positions easy. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Kids who like to move around in their sleep should do well on the Tuft & Needle, which has a responsive feel that makes switching positions easy. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Kids who like to move around in their sleep should do well on the Tuft & Needle, which has a responsive feel that makes switching positions easy. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Tuft & Needle Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleepering
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Tuft & Needle Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleepering
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Tuft & Needle Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleepering
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
The Tuft & Needle is bouncy and responsive, so it could be a good fit for young combination sleepers who like to change positions at night. I’d also recommend this bed for kids who sleep on their backs or stomachs, as it will feel fairly firm to lighter bodies. The two all-foam layers create the sensation of sleeping on top of the bed rather than in it, and the materials do a good job with helping the mattress sleep cool.
For more info, check out my full Tuft & Needle mattress review.
Best Firm Mattress for Kids – Studio by Leesa
Kids who like a firmer-feeling bed should really like the all-foam Studio by Leesa. This bed also comes at a very affordable price point. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Kids who like a firmer-feeling bed should really like the all-foam Studio by Leesa. This bed also comes at a very affordable price point. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Kids who like a firmer-feeling bed should really like the all-foam Studio by Leesa. This bed also comes at a very affordable price point. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Studio by Leesa Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Studio by Leesa Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Studio by Leesa Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Stomach sleepers and kids who prefer a firm mattress are great candidates for the all-foam Leesa. It should prevent their hips from sinking into the bed and throwing the spine out of alignment. This mix of support and pressure relief is key to avoiding back pain down the line.
Check out my full Studio by Leesa mattress review for more info on this bed.
Best Mattress for Side-Sleeping Kids – Layla Mattress
Kids who like to doze on their sides should be happy with the Layla. This memory foam bed provides the contouring at the shoulders and hips that side sleepers need. Kids who like to doze on their sides should be happy with the Layla. This memory foam bed provides the contouring at the shoulders and hips that side sleepers need. Kids who like to doze on their sides should be happy with the Layla. This memory foam bed provides the contouring at the shoulders and hips that side sleepers need.Layla Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Layla Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Layla Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Layla is a memory foam mattress that allows sleepers to sink deep into bed – a big advantage if your child is a side sleeper who needs added pressure relief at their hips and shoulders. Most fun of all, the Layla is flippable, so kids can choose which support level suits them. Both sides have a top layer of copper-infused memory foam that’s comfortable and ultra-cooling. The infusion is also antimicrobial and hypoallergenic.
To see if this mattress is right for you, check out my full review of the Layla.
Best Bed-In-a-Box for Kids – Brooklyn Bowery
The Brooklyn Bowery is a crowd-pleasing hybrid bed that combines support and pressure relief. It has some nice bounce, which makes it easy to move around on. The Brooklyn Bowery is a crowd-pleasing hybrid bed that combines support and pressure relief. It has some nice bounce, which makes it easy to move around on. The Brooklyn Bowery is a crowd-pleasing hybrid bed that combines support and pressure relief. It has some nice bounce, which makes it easy to move around on.Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Brooklyn Bowery is a nice medium-firm bed-in-a-box that’s going to suit a range of sleepers. It does a great job of helping to dissipate body heat through the night, thanks to the comfort layer of Energex foam, a latex alternative that sleeps much cooler than memory foam. The Bowery also has the added bonus of nice mobility, so the sleeper can adjust their position comfortably without feeling stuck in the layers of the mattress.
Click here to learn more in my full Brooklyn Bowery review!
Best First Big-Kid Bed – 5 Little Monkeys
This bed was designed with children in mind. It has a pressure-relieving feel and is easy washable, which is great news for kids trying out their first big-kid bed. This bed was designed with children in mind. It has a pressure-relieving feel and is easy washable, which is great news for kids trying out their first big-kid bed. This bed was designed with children in mind. It has a pressure-relieving feel and is easy washable, which is great news for kids trying out their first big-kid bed.5 Little Monkeys Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
5 Little Monkeys Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
5 Little Monkeys Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Specifically designed for children, the materials used in the 5 Little Monkeys sleep system have incredible benefits for kids. The soft feel of CertiPUR-US certified foams should appeal to smaller sleepers, and there’s a cover that’s not just waterproof, but also stain-resistant, machine-washable, and removable. Finally, a custom fill pillow allows children to add or take away softness to their liking. Little ones should be able to get the comfort they’re familiar with while transitioning to their first actual bed.
Click here to read my full review of the 5 Little Monkeys mattress.
Best Mattress for Back-Sleeping Kids – Amerisleep AS2
Kids who sleep on their backs should do great on the Amerisleep AS2, which provides the right amount of support for back-sleeping. Its memory foam layer should contour to the lower back nicely. Kids who sleep on their backs should do great on the Amerisleep AS2, which provides the right amount of support for back-sleeping. Its memory foam layer should contour to the lower back nicely. Kids who sleep on their backs should do great on the Amerisleep AS2, which provides the right amount of support for back-sleeping. Its memory foam layer should contour to the lower back nicely.Amerisleep AS2 Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
20-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Amerisleep AS2 Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
20-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Amerisleep AS2 Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
20-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
The Amerisleep AS2 is an all-foam bed that uses a firmer feel to keep hips from sinking into the mattress, meaning the hips and shoulders are in alignment. This support is great for growing children who sleep on their backs. The Amerisleep AS2 also has a bit of memory foam, so it’s not just firm, but comfortable as well.
Learn more in the full review of the Amerisleep AS2.
What Kind of Mattress Is the Best for Kids?
As a child gets older, their body will grow. But that shouldn’t mean purchasing 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. Additionally, 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. Additionally, 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 8–12 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 the 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. 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.
Additionally, 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 you 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casper Original | Editor's Pick | $995 | Casper Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Puffy | Growing Pains | $599 | Puffy Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams | Cooling | $295 | Dreamfoam Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Nectar | Memory Foam | $499 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Tuft & Needle | Combination Sleepers | $581 | Tuft & Needle Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Leesa Studio | Firm | $499 | Leesa Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Layla | Side Sleepers | $599 | Layla Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Brooklyn Bedding Bowery | Bed-In-a-Box | $406 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| 5 Little Monkeys | First Big Kid Bed | $599 | 5 Little Monkeys Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Amerisleep AS2 | Back Sleepers | $999 | Amerisleep Coupon | Read Our Review! |
Our Review Process
Our Sleepopolis reviewers personally test each mattress. We start by unboxing the mattress to figure out how difficult (or easy) it is to get the mattress from the box to the bed. Then, we spend time laying on the bed in different positions, taking time to assess it on our backs, stomachs, and sides. Next, we perform our Sleepopolis tests, using specialized tools to measure qualities like motion transfer, bounce, and pressure relief. Our last step is to open up the mattress and take a look at each layer. These steps allow us to give our final verdict on the mattress. Jump back to our mattress picks.
