Best Mattresses for Kids (2025): Bedtime Made Better with Our Top Picks

When choosing the best mattresses for kids, I paid special attention to quality materials, adequate pressure relief for growing pains, and overall durability for long-lasting support. I think the Helix Kids checks all of these boxes for children between 3 and 12 years old. During testing, I gave the Helix at least a 4 out of 5 across numerous categories that are important for kids’ mattresses, including support, materials, and responsiveness.

The first thing you’ll notice about this mattress is that it features a unique flippable design that caters to children aged 3 to 12. The firmer side is ideal for younger kids (ages 3 to 7), providing the necessary support for their developing bodies. As your child grows, you can easily flip it to the softer side (recommended for ages 8 to 12), ensuring they get the right amount of comfort and support as they grow. A firmer mattress is ideal for most children because it helps support their spinal alignment during periods of growth.

Support is one area where the Helix Kids mattress shines, earning a solid 4 out of 5. It offers a good level of firmness, particularly for younger children, and effectively alleviates any pressure points, which is especially important for kids who are still growing. Thanks to its sturdy pocketed coils, our mattress testers found it to be very supportive, especially for a children’s bed.

In terms of materials, I was impressed with the quality and safety of the components used in the mattress. I gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for this category because it’s made from non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials and carries a GREENGUARD Gold certification. This certification ensures that it’s free from harmful chemicals and safe for your little one to sleep on night after night.

“This bed is perfect for eco-conscious families, as this bed is made with completely non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials,” said mattress tester Nichole Mondshein. “Another big plus is this bed is resistant to stains and water due to a special eco-friendly finish, perfect for kids who are potty training.”

The responsiveness of the mattress, rated 4.5 out of 5, is excellent. Our testers found that it adapts well to body movements, which is crucial for active kids who tend to shift positions often while sleeping. If your child is someone who frequently tosses and turns in their sleep, they should have no issues with feeling “stuck” on this mattress.

The only drawback our testers found about the Helix Kids was its average motion isolation. Higher motion transfer shouldn’t be a problem for a child who sleeps alone, but if you have a pet who loves to jump on your child’s bed at night, they might be awakened by the movement.

Think the Helix Kids is the mattress for your child? Click here for our best deal. If you have a fur baby who loves jumping into the bed with your baby, I recommend a mattress with better motion isolation, like the Nolah Evolution.

The next mattress on this list is great for both kids and adults, meaning it’s one your little one can grow into. The Nectar Classic is my pick for the best memory foam mattress for kids because it excels in key areas like cooling, pressure relief for sensitive growing bodies, and overall support for proper spinal alignment, earning a 4 out of 5 or higher in each category.

The Nectar Classic offers sturdy yet gentle support that eases tension in areas like the lower back, which is especially beneficial for kids who might experience growing pains. The foam also offers the right balance of cushioning without being too soft, providing adequate support to keep the spine in alignment.

Another standout feature of the Nectar Classic is its cooling properties. During testing, I was impressed with how cool to the touch the mattress was, thanks to the cooling fibers in the breathable cover. I gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for cooling because it effectively prevents heat buildup, which is an important consideration for kids who may overheat during sleep.

Pressure relief is another area where the Nectar Classic excels, earning a 4 out of 5. Our lightweight mattress tester, Asha Birjah, found the best pressure relief while sleeping on her back. During our pressure map test, in which we lie on a specialized mat on the mattress to determine which areas build up the most pressure, Asha’s average PSI was only 9.27 on her back — much lower than the average of 15.1.

“I don’t feel a gap around my lower lumbar spine, so my lower back feels supported,” Asha said. “Everything feels aligned.”

Nectar is also CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it meets high standards for content, emissions, and durability. This certification ensures the foam used in the mattress is free from harmful chemicals, making it a safe option for your child.

While the Nectar Classic is a high-quality mattress that your little one can grow into, I don’t recommend it for children who toss and turn a lot at night. Since the Nectar’s responsiveness isn’t the best, it will be harder for these sleepers to change between sleeping positions at night. Children who frequently move around at night need a more responsive mattress so they won’t feel stuck in the bed’s layers.

Need to know more about the Nectar? Check out our full Nectar Classic mattress review for more information. If you’re looking for a more responsive mattress for your child, the Nectar Hybrid is a great alternative.

If you’re looking to transition into a big-kid mattress for your teenager, take a look at the DreamCloud Hybrid. This mattress has a medium-firm feel that should work for most sleeper types, wrapped up in a sturdy but comfortable construction that includes coils and foam, all currently for under $1,000 after discounts. It’s comfortable for adults, too, so if they love it, they can take it with them when (or if) they move out — or you can steal it for a guest room once they’re gone.

We rated the DreamCloud at 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. The hybrid nature of this bed gives it a balanced feel that complements this firmness, a mix of support and pressure relief that our testers found most comfortable on their back. My colleague Riley Otis said, “I feel like I’m melting into the bed, yet the coils are keeping me lifted and preventing too much sinkage.” For reference, Riley is considered a lightweight sleeper (less than 130 pounds), and rated the pressure relief on her back at a 5 out of 5, contributing to the 4.8 out of 5 score for overall pressure relief for back sleepers (of all sizes).

On her side, though, Riley noticed some pressure buildup in her shoulder, which could cause the hips to feel like they are sinking in more — something our average-weight pressure tester, Sosha Lewis, commented on. “The spinal alignment seems to be tilting down in my lower back,” she said, ultimately saying she wouldn’t sleep on this bed as a strict side sleeper. This accounts for the lower pressure relief score for side sleepers, which came in at a 3.3. 

That said, stomach sleepers of a lighter weight should be pretty comfortable on this mattress. Riley felt relatively supported in this position. She noticed that her hips were sinking in the slightest bit, but not in a way she’d characterize as uncomfortable. “I think average-weight sleepers will sink in more, potentially causing back pain,” she said.

Particularly restless teenaged sleepers should appreciate how easy it is to move around on this bed. Riley tested the responsiveness of this mattress by switching positions on the surface, and found switching from her stomach to back pretty seamless. “Even though the bed has some plush cushioning, it didn’t inhibit my mobility or prevent me from easily rolling,” she said. She gave it a 5 out of 5 for response, and further recommended it for combination sleepers.

If your teenager complains of sleeping hot, the DreamCloud has that covered, too. We performed our typical cooling test with this bed, during which we record the surface temperature of the bed before and after lying in it for about 5 minutes. The DreamCloud only showed a meager 4.3-degree increase, a sign of exceptional cooling that earned it its 4.5 out of 5 score. Riley noted that even before lying down on it, she thought the cover felt cool-to-the-touch. “I couldn’t feel it heating up as I laid, and I felt the temperature maintain being neutral,” she said.

The edges of this mattress also held up well when bearing weight in our tests, a feature that can be useful when sleeping closer to the perimeter of the bed or leaning over the side to plug in your phone. When Riley sat down on the very edge of the bed, she didn’t feel like she was going to fall off, but added that “the sinkage is very noticeable.” When she lay on her side, she could also feel it dipping a lot more, which added some instability. The 4-out-of-5 edge support score should satisfy most teenagers, but if they’re like me and sleep with one leg off the bed, they might prefer something rock-solid.

Read more in our full DreamCloud review. If your child is wanting a bed with super sturdy edges, check out the Saatva Youth. 

The Bear Cub is my top pick for the best budget mattress for kids because it offers great value without sacrificing quality. As kids grow, you want a mattress that can keep up with their changing needs, and the Bear Cub falls at the center of a Venn diagram between versatility, affordability, and durability. It’s available in both twin and full sizes, with the twin mattress starting at $695 and the full at $845. Plus, Bear often runs sales, so you might even snag it for a better price during a holiday event. I gave the Bear Cub a 4 out of 5 or higher in key categories like responsiveness, cooling, and edge support.

Our testers were really impressed with how responsive the Bear Cub is, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 in this category. Thanks to its combination of responsive foams and individually wrapped coils, the Bear Cub provides a lot of bounce in a compact package. This makes it a great option for combination sleepers, or kids who tend to toss and turn and switch sleeping positions during the night. It’s supportive enough to accommodate various sleeping styles without making sleepers feel “stuck” in the foam.

Cooling is another strong point of the Bear Cub, earning it 4 out of 5. Our testers found that the Tencel cover is soft, airy, and hypoallergenic, which is perfect for kids with allergies or sensitive skin. The breathable design helps keep the mattress cool, especially for active sleepers who might run warm.

“Thanks to its breathable Tencel cover and innerspring coils, this bed sleeps cooler than other all-foam models for kids,” said mattress tester Nichole Mondshein. “I would recommend the full-size version of this mattress to parents of small siblings who share a bed.”

The edge support of the Bear Cub also impressed us, earning a 4 out of 5. During testing, we were able to lie comfortably on the edge without feeling like we might slide off, which is a key consideration for anyone who likes to spread out or tends to sit on the edge of the bed.

In addition to being a solid performer in these key areas, the Bear Cub mattress is fiberglass-free and CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified, so you can rest assured that it meets high environmental and safety standards. However, I should mention that this mattress has a bit of an off-gassing smell when you first unpack it, but that smell should clear up within 24 to 48 hours.

Think the Bear is the perfect match for your cub? Check out our coupons to find the best deal. If you want to avoid the off-gassing smell altogether, I recommend going with a mattress that offers free white glove delivery, like the Saatva Youth.

Thanks to its use of CertiPUR-US certified foams and Congress of Chiropractic State Association Seal of Approval, the Saatva Youth mattress is my top pick for best non-toxic mattress for kids. Saatva, known for its high-quality mattresses, has designed the Youth specifically for children to meet all the unique needs of growing bodies. This mattress has a flippable design, with one side tailored for younger kids (ages 3 to 7) and the other side ideal for older kids (ages 8 to 12). Like many other Saatva mattresses, this bed earned a 4 out of 4 or higher in support, pressure relief, and cooling.

The Saatva Youth impressed all our mattress testers, earning a 5 out of 5 in the support and edge support categories. During our testing, we were impressed by its medium-firm feel, which provides excellent spinal support, especially for back sleepers. This mattress delivers just the right amount of lumbar support to maintain proper spinal alignment while offering enough cushioning to be soft enough for children to sleep on.

“I love that this bed is specifically designed for kids and young teens,” said mattress tester Nichole Mondshein. “It offers a true medium-firm feel, which is perfect for kids who love to sleep on their backs.”

The Saatva Youth mattress also comes with a Congress of Chiropractic State Association Seal of Approval, meaning it’s been recognized for promoting proper spinal alignment — something that’s especially important for growing children.

When it comes to pressure relief, our testers rated it 4.5 out of 5. The Saatva Youth’s innerspring coils and CertiPUR-US certified foams do a great job of relieving pressure points, particularly in the lumbar and hip areas. Our testers, including one who primarily sleeps on their back, found that the mattress offered excellent support without feeling too firm. It strikes a great balance between cushioning and pressure relief, which is crucial for growing kids who may experience aches or pains.

For cooling, the Saatva Youth earned a 4 out of 5, making it a solid option for kids who tend to sleep warm. The mattress is equipped with a breathable organic cotton cover, which is both hypoallergenic and naturally cooling. The mattress felt comfortable and crisp to the touch, according to our testers, with the cotton cover contributing to good airflow. The mattress’s internal coils also facilitate excellent air circulation and prevent heat buildup during the night.

The only real downside to the Saatva Youth is that it is only available in twin, twin XL, and full sizes. Though, to be fair, it’s a downside shared by nearly all our picks. If you’re concerned about your child or teen quickly outgrowing this mattress, I recommend going with one of the brand’s other offerings to accommodate their changing needs.

Check out our full Saatva Youth mattress review for more information before you buy. If you would prefer a hybrid mattress that your child could grow into, I recommend checking out the 5 Little Monkeys Bed, which is also available in a queen.

The Brooklyn Bedding BB Kids mattress is my pick for the best mattress for stomach-sleeping kids, thanks to its firmness and support. As with all Brooklyn Bedding products, this mattress offers great value, combining features usually seen in higher-end models at a more affordable price point. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be used in bunk beds, dorms, and even RVs. Thanks to its high-quality materials and durable construction, my fellow mattress testers and I gave this mattress a 4 out of 5 or higher in categories like support and cooling.

In terms of support, the BB Kids mattress earned a perfect 5 out of 5 from our testers. The firm feel ensures that kids maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the night, especially for stomach and back sleepers who need extra support. Our testers found that the mattress’s high-density foam helps keep the spine in healthy alignment, reducing the risk of waking up with aches and pains. The edge support also deserves a mention — thanks to its solid construction, kids can sit or sleep near the edges without rolling off, which is great for younger children.

“When I sat and lay near the edge of the bed, I barely noticed any sinkage,” said mattress tester Nichole Mondshein. “At one point I was literally lying halfway off the bed but was still comfortable and didn’t feel like I was going to fall off.”

When it comes to cooling, the BB Kids mattress scores a 4 out of 5. The Gel Swirl Memory Foam is infused with cooling gel, which helps with thermal regulation and prevents heat buildup during the night. We found that it didn’t absorb as much heat as other memory foam mattresses, likely due to the mattress being thinner and containing more breathable materials than some of its competitors.

However, the responsiveness of the mattress is a bit of a downside, earning it a 3.5 out of 5. Since the BB Kids is an all-foam mattress, our testers found it a little harder to move around on compared to hybrid or innerspring options. For children who toss and turn a lot during the night, this might be a bit of an issue as they may feel a little “stuck” in the foam. This might not be a concern for kids who are mostly still or prefer sleeping in one position, but it’s something to keep in mind.

In terms of materials, my fellow mattress testers and I were impressed with the quality and safety of the BB Kids mattress. It’s free from fiberglass, and the mattress is both CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified. The inclusion of a stain-resistant cover also makes it easier to maintain and clean if your kids are potty training.

Interested in the BB Kids? Check out our Brooklyn Bedding coupons for the best deal and see our BB Kids mattress review for more information. If you’re interested in Brooklyn Bedding but would prefer a more responsive mattress for your busy bee, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.

Is your little one ready for an upgrade? The Leesa Kids mattress is my pick for the best first big-kid bed because its simple yet effective design is perfect for any child transitioning from a crib mattress or co-sleeping setup to their very own bed. With a medium-firm feel, the Leesa Kids mattress provides the perfect balance of pressure relief and support for growing children, earning a 4 out of 5 in both categories. It comes in twin and full sizes, making it versatile enough to fit various bed frames and rooms.

When it comes to pressure relief, I gave the Leesa Kids mattress a 4 out of 5. Our testers noticed significant pressure relief around the hips and shoulders when lying on their side, which is a great sign for active kids who need relief from pressure points while they sleep. 

“The combination of memory foam and aerated foam layers in the Nolah Nurture really help cushion the body without feeling too soft,” said mattress tester Nichole Mondshein. “I think this is an excellent mattress for children who may need some added comfort, particularly if they tend to toss and turn at night.”

In terms of support, the Leesa Kids mattress earned a 4 out of 5 as well. Our testers found that this mattress was firm enough to ensure proper spinal alignment, which is especially important for younger children whose bodies are still developing. The firmness of the bed provides a supportive base that helps maintain the spine’s natural curvature, while still offering enough cushioning for a comfortable night’s sleep.

The mattress also boasts GREENGUARD Gold certification and is made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, meaning it’s low in chemical emissions and free from harmful chemicals, making it a safe choice for kids. It’s also USA-made — the mattress is built right here in Arizona at Leesa’s factory.

One downside to consider is that the Leesa Kids mattress is only available in twin and full sizes, so as your child grows and possibly requires a larger bed, you may need to replace it. This will depend on your child’s growth and how much space they need as they enter their teenage years. Still, for younger children, this is a fantastic option for a first big-kid bed that provides a great balance of comfort, support, and safety.

Ready to get the Leesa Kids mattress? Check out our coupons to find the best deal. If you’re looking for a similar mattress in a bigger size, check out the Leesa Original.

If your little one suffers from allergies, the Nolah Nurture mattress might be able to help shoo away those sniffles. This bed is my pick for the best hypoallergenic mattress for kids because it has materials that help prevent the buildup of allergens and maintain a healthier sleep environment. It’s also GOTS-certified with an organic cotton cover, which adds to its natural, chemical-free appeal. Plus, it’s made in the USA and features a lifetime warranty. The Nolah Nurture earned a 4 out of 5 across the board in materials, support, and cooling.

I rated it a 4 out of 5 in materials for its use of organic cotton and CertiPUR-US certified foam. The Nolah Nurture is free of harmful chemicals, and the foam used in the construction is durable and safe for children. The mattress is also fiberglass-free and meets federal flammability standards, so you can rest easy that this mattress is completely safe for children.

For support, the Nolah Nurture earns a 4 out of 5. The mattress is designed specifically for children, with a flippable construction that offers two distinct feels: a firmer side for younger children (around a 6 to 7 out of 10 firmness) and a softer side for older kids (around a 5 out of 10 firmness). Both sides feature a core of individually wrapped steel coils, which provide excellent support for growing spines and help keep kids’ bodies aligned throughout the night. This coil support system allows kids to switch positions without feeling stuck.

“Although this mattress is thinner than most full-fledged adult beds, I still felt very comfortable and supported on it,” said mattress tester Nichole Mondshein. “I think the hybrid construction makes this bed a great fit for children who primarily sleep on their backs.”

The cooling performance of the Nolah Nurture also impressed our testers, earning it a 4 out of 5 in this category. The mattress has a breathable organic cotton cover, which promotes airflow and helps regulate temperature, keeping kids cool while they sleep. The coil support system further enhances airflow, preventing heat buildup and making this a great option for kids who tend to sleep warm. Our testers were pleased with how cool the cover felt after lying on the mattress for a few minutes. After getting up and feeling the mattress, they noticed very little heat retention in the area they lay on.

Ready to buy the Nolah Nurture mattress? Check out our Nolah coupon for the best deal. For another good hypoallergenic option, check out the WinkBeds EcoCloud.

If you’re looking to pass some of your eco-conscious habits to your children, buying them a Birch Kids Natural mattress might be a good place to start. The Birch Kids Natural mattress is my pick for the best organic mattress for kids because of its organic materials and high-quality construction. This mattress is also good for growing kids, earning a 4 out of 5 or higher in categories like responsiveness, support, and cooling.

“The Birch Kids Natural mattress also has GOTS and GREENGUARD Gold certifications,” explains mattress tester Nichole Mondshein. “The natural wool fire barrier, Fair Trade certified organic cotton, and eco-INSTITUT certified latex all contribute to the mattress’s high level of sustainability and safety.”

I awarded the Birch Kids Natural a 4.5 out of 5 in the responsiveness category. Its natural Talalay latex provides a bouncy, responsive feel that allows kids to move freely on the mattress without feeling trapped. This springiness is great for kids who change positions frequently during the night.

The Birch’s Talalay latex and innerspring coils also helped earn the mattress a 4 out of 5 for cooling. Unlike memory foam hybrids, which can sometimes trap heat, this mattress’s latex makes it naturally more breathable. The latex allows air to circulate easily through the comfort layers, while the coils enhance airflow through the core of the mattress. The breathable organic cotton cover also adds to the mattress’s ability to wick away moisture and keep your child comfortable while they sleep.

For support, the Birch Kids Natural mattress earned a perfect 5 out of 5. The natural Talalay latex and individual coil system ensure excellent and responsive support. Our testers found the latex layer combined with the encased coils to be highly supportive, offering spinal alignment and comfort no matter which side they were testing. The firmer side provides a solid base that promotes proper posture, while the softer side offers enough cushioning for older children.

While the Birch Kids Natural is a fantastic mattress for those looking for organic and hypoallergenic materials, it is a premium option, and its price reflects that. If you’re on a budget, you might want to consider one of the more affordable mattresses on this list. However, if you’re willing to invest in a mattress that’s healthy, durable, and comfortable for your growing child, the Birch Kids Natural is an excellent choice.

Is the Birch Kids Natural the right choice for your little one? Check out our Helix coupons for the best deal. If you’re interested in the Birch Kids Natural, but would prefer a bigger mattress for them to grow into, check out the standard Birch Natural.

The 5 Little Monkeys mattress is my top pick for side-sleeping kids transitioning to their own bed. It’s designed with ultra-soft foams that contour to a child’s body, making it a great choice for pressure relief, especially for side sleepers. Our testers immediately noticed how well the memory foam conformed to their bodies and provided them with a soft yet supportive feel. I gave it a 4 out of 5 for pressure relief because it helps reduce pressure around the hips and shoulders, making it perfect for kids who sleep on their sides and need extra cushioning in those areas.

When it comes to cooling, the mattress also earns a 4 out of 5. The gel memory foam helps regulate temperature and prevents overheating, which is especially important for children who might get too warm at night. 

“The foam’s cooling properties work together with the stain-resistant cover,” says mattress tester Logan Block. “It’s also easy to remove and wash, making it practical for parents dealing with nighttime accidents.”

The 5 Little Monkeys mattress is made with durable materials, including CertiPUR-US certified foams and OEKO-TEX certified fabric. What really stands out, though, is the bonus features that come with every purchase, including a mattress protector, pillow, storage tote, and an adorable stuffed monkey. Overall, this soft mattress is a great fit for kids ages 5 to 13 and offers everything you need for a comfortable and safe sleep experience.

One thing to note about the 5 Little Monkeys mattress is that our testers noticed a very strong off-gassing smell upon arrival. This is common with new foam mattresses as they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the initial unpacking process. While the smell wasn’t overpowering enough to be a dealbreaker, I recommend letting the mattress air out for 24 to 48 hours in a well-ventilated room before adding sheets. This will help dissipate the odor and ensure a fresh, comfortable sleeping environment for your child.

Want to learn more about the 5 Little Monkeys mattress before you buy? Check out our full 5 Little Monkeys mattress review. If you’d prefer a similar mattress that your little ones can grow into, I recommend the Nolah Signature.