Best Mattress for Kids (2024): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

It’s tempting to send an old mattress to the kids’ room when you upgrade. We often believe kids are resilient and can sleep anywhere. However, the best mattress for kids supports their bodies and allows them to rest deeply each night. Children grow rapidly, both physically and mentally, and much of this growth and development happens when they rest. This makes healthy sleep for kids a lot more important than you might realize.

Like with adults, a child’s health starts to suffer without appropriate rest. Now more than ever, kids experience adult-level stressors at younger and younger ages. A good night’s sleep is critical for their health and development. Well-rested kids better manage their emotions, perform better in school, are less likely to struggle with anxiety, and tend to develop better socially.

You also may look for new mattresses as your child transitions from a crib to their own bed and then grow into a new size. Look to move from a twin mattress to a larger size around the age your children experience growth spurts— this is generally ages 10-15 for boys and 8-15 for girls. Monitor your child’s growth to assess when they are ready for a new mattress.

We’ve compiled our top recommendations for kids’ mattresses to help narrow down your choices and keep your child rested.

At Vaya, they go above and beyond to create a mattress that is both affordable and supportive. They currently offer two mattresses: the Vaya Mattress and Vaya Hybrid.

The Vaya Mattress comes with a risk-free, 100-night sleep trial, so your child has time to test out the mattress and ensure it is right for them. A 10-year warranty also backs this mattress for any manufacturing defects.

How Lying Down Feels

The Vaya Mattress is recommended for side, back, and combination sleepers, but stomach sleepers may find this foam mattress too soft. Customers say the Vaya Mattress is a good option if you’re looking for a cushioned bed built to keep you in place at night.

The Vaya Mattress conforms under your curves without causing you to sink uncomfortably, and some reviewers compare it to sleeping on a cloud. We also looked at the bed and its feel in our Vaya Mattress Review.

Customers who chose the Vaya have overall been very happy. Here is what some had to say:

Karen P: Very well made mattress, and I liked the idea of the hybrid. But unfortunately, it was much to firm for me. I tried to get used to it, but my hips are just too painful.

Steven M: Mattress came right on time and is very comfortable

Heather B: Excellent quality for such a price. Definitely buying it again!

Inside the Mattress

We love the Vaya Mattress for children because the 12-inch bed contains breathable, hypoallergenic foam, ensuring that children sleep soundly night after night. Both foams used in the mattress are also CertiPUR-US certified to be low in VOCs. This certification gives you peace of mind knowing it is safe for young sleepers.

The lightweight cover of the Vaya Mattress helps to encourage airflow throughout the bed, so kids never wake up during the night due to overheating. The foam top layer supports growing bodies with pressure-free contouring so that muscles can repair and rebuild themselves during the night.

The base layer of the Vaya Mattress is built to last and also helps the bed maintain its shape. This mattress is also very versatile since it works well with most foundations and frames–including box springs, slatted frames, and adjustable beds.

SEE ALSO: Best Murphy Bed Mattress

It’s not uncommon for kids to prefer firm mattresses, and although recommendations vary person-to-person, firm mattresses can be better for children since they promote healthy spinal alignment and deter sinking. Amerisleep’s firmest mattress, the AS2, is the perfect mattress for this. Some parents even love the AS2 so much they got one for themselves, too!

How Lying Down Feels

The Amerisleep AS2 medium-firm mattress is made to facilitate healthy spinal alignment. Verywell Health even calls it the best mattress for back pain. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, the AS2 is perfect for you.

While a firmer bed, the Amerisleep AS2 features a plush and breathable cover crafted from a unique fiber blend that shares qualities with Celliant, which a material known for its exceptional energy transfer properties.

Here is what some of the thousands of reviews said about the Amerisleep AS3 firmness for back sleepers. While most are satisfied, those with kids love it:

Mariana: We needed something good for sleeping on your back since my husband has sleep apnea and sleeps with a cpap machine. Its been great for him. His back doesn’t hurt anymore. We were a little skeptical when it showed up at the door in a box, but we opened it and it was perfect. We are very happy with our purchase and I made the box into a rocketship for my kids and they loved it too.

Shan: Place where we regularly sleep on the mattress sides have basically collapsed without any firmness/support. Middle of bed still very firm. Loved the bed when we first got it, but now buying a different bed 8 months later.

Gabriel: My wife and I did a lot of research before we purchased this mattress. I love that it is made out of plant based material. It is so comfortable, that I want to buy my kids the same mattresses and I could probably afford to since they are so affordable!

Inside the Mattress

The soft, breathable cover of the AS2 is cozy enough to help children drift off to sleep peacefully, and has enough airflow to help them stay cool. The top layer features Amerisleep’s Bio-Pur® comfort foam, which has an advanced open cell structure that is more responsive and breathable than most types of foam.

The comfort layer of this bed offers enough cushioning to ease pressure and distribute your child’s weight across the mattress, but it’s also plenty firm enough to keep your child lifted in a neutral position. The transition layer is Affinity foam with HIVE® technology, with five zones of support for the head, shoulders, back, hips, and feet.

Beneath this top layer is the Bio-Core® base foam; this layer provides enough durability to ensure the mattress supports your child for years to come. All of the foam layers of the AS2 are backed by a CertiPUR-US certification, guaranteeing they’re low in VOCs.

All of Amerisleep’s mattresses come with a 20-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial. You can have their beds delivered to your home, or you can choose their white glove delivery service. With this service, Amerisleep will have the mattress set up for you and haul away your old one. They will even ensure that your old mattress is recycled or donated.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Heavy People

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep AS2 Mattress

The Zoma Start is the best mattress at this thickness overall because it has so many different things going for it. It’s a performance mattress designed for physically active people. It’s got tons of cooling technologies. It boasts a highly affordable price. And it’s durable and versatile. This means it has something for just about everyone.

How Lying Down Feels

Lying down on the Zoma Start, the first thing you’ll notice is that it is highly responsive for an all-foam mattress. This is all thanks to the layer of bouncy Reactiv™ transition foam that springs back as soon as you move and offers dynamic support.

This medium mattress also offers tons of versatility for all kinds of sleepers. It is on the more supportive end of a medium feel. So it can accommodate some back sleepers and virtually all combo sleepers at once. This is perfect for combo sleepers who tend to favor their backs. It also is a good fit for those who suffer from back pain.

People so far are big fan of the Zoma Start, with almost all buyers giving it 5 stars. Here are some more recent reviews:

Megan D: I love how easy this mattress is to buy – they deliver it to your house in a box and you just unwrap! It’s very comfortable and supportive. I bought this mattress because it’s made without fiberglass, unlike a lot of other mattresses on the market. I’m loving the zoma!

Asia R: I got this mattress for myself and one for my mom. It’s probably the most supportive bed I’ve owned. My mom also mentioned it’s helped with her back aches. I have really enjoyed it so far, and initially got it because they do not use fiberglass in their mattresses.

Andrew S: I recently purchased the Zoma Start Memory Foam Mattress, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. From the moment I opened the box, I was impressed by how quickly the mattress inflated to its full size, ready to provide a comfortable night’s sleep.

Inside the Mattress

The Zoma Start starts off with a cooling, ventilated cover that breathes all night to wick away heat and sweat. This cover works with the gel memory foam comfort layer to ensure your sleep surface stays cool all night. The gel memory foam also offers a high degree of compression and pressure relief to ensure you get the contouring you need.

Underneath the comfort layer, you’ll find a bouncy transition layer made of Reactiv™ foam. This layer offers buoyancy and dynamic support. It also springs back as soon as you move to ensure that the sleep surface does not have issues with body impressions or slow response time.

Finally, a layer of highly durable base foam ensures there is no sinkage in this mattress. It keeps you lifted onto the sleep surface and provides total spinal alignment. Best of all, this base foam layer increases the durability of the entire mattress.

You can expect it to fight sagging and soft mattress spot development for at least 10 years. That means it will last just as long as many more expensive mattresses.

Read Our Full Review of the Zoma Start Mattress

Nolah makes a kids’ mattress that works for just about every kid, from those who love to play on their beds as much as sleep on them to those who have sensitivities to synthetic ingredients and Volatile Organic Compounds. The Nolah Nurture 10 can also suit multiple sleeping styles in children, thanks to its dual-sided design.

How Lying Down Feels

Finally, the Nolah Nurture 10 is a dual-sided mattress designed for kids. Wrapped in organic cotton with Talalay latex foam for comfort, one side is meant for younger children and the reverse is for older kids. The Nurture comes in twin, twin XL, and full sizes, typical for children’s beds and bunk bed frames.

While there are no reviews we could find for the Nurture specifically, plenty of customers love the Nolah brand. Here is what some had to say:

Rebecca H: My online shopping experience was fun and the service was great! In terms of shipping, my purchases arrived on time and well packaged. Overall, I am extremely happy with Nolah! I will definitely shop here in the future!

LeAnn E: Nolah is wonderful! Easy online shopping, received in 7 days. We unwrapped, let it set for weekend and slept on Sunday night, woke up Monday feeling refreshed, ready for week! After 2 weeks, shoulder soreness reduced and sleeping all night, amazing and I would recommend!

Brett C: We were able to make the purchase easy online. Shipping was fast and delivered in great condition as we were told it would be. Fair warning- the King size 15Evolution is a heavy mattress. If you are taking it upstairs you will need 2 people to be safe as the box weighed about 150 lbs I think. We wake up feeling rested and ready for the day. We would do it all over again.

Inside the Mattress

The Nurture is an extremely springy mattress thanks to its responsive coil core. Kids who like to toss and turn can do so to their hearts’ content without having to deal with body impressions and slow response time.

The organic cotton cover and fiberglass free fire barrier also offer tons of breathability and natural temperature regulation. So kids won’t have to worry about being too hot or too cold.

This is a flippable mattress as well. The firm side offers more support and less cushioning for bigger kids or kids who sleep on their stomachs. And the soft mattress side offers more cushioning and less support for smaller kids or kids who side sleep.

The Nurture starts off with the all-natural GOTS-certified organic cotton cover. This cover offers breathability and moisture-wicking properties to keep kids dry and comfortable. Under the cotton cover, rests the fiberglass free fire barrier. These premium fibers eliminate the need for harsh chemical flame retardants. This layer also adds even more breathability.

Next, we get to the softer comfort layer. This gel memory foam provides soothing relief for growing bones and joints.

Inside the support core of the mattress, you’ll find a system of pocketed coils. This is the same HDMax™ Tri-ZoneTM coil support layer you’ll find in Nolah’s other hybrid models. That means kids get the same amazing balance of comfort and support as their parents. These individually wrapped coils are also highly durable. So they can stand up to whatever kids throw at them!

5 Little Monkeys focuses on mattresses and bed products for younger children. Many parents and children’s sleep consultants love this bed because it’s straightforward and easy to set up, won’t aggravate their child’s allergies, and most importantly, their kids sleep well on it!

5 Little Monkeys offers a risk-free 100-night sleep trial. If you’re not 100% satisfied, they will cover the pick-up costs. This mattress also comes with free shipping and a 15-year warranty for manufacturing defects. This company will pick up and recycle your old mattress at a fee set by your state.

How Lying Down Feels

The 5 Little Monkeys Memory Foam Mattress has cutting-edge technology to keep little sleepers comfortable and cozy all through the night. This mattress is made so that little bodies stay comfortably balanced from head to toe – so your child sleeps soundly through the night. This kids’ mattress contours to the shape of your child’s body to relieve pressure points and promote proper spinal alignment.

People are overall happy with the 5 Little Monkeys mattress for kids, however some mention unpleasant off-gassing. Here is what some loving parents had to say:

Lisette G: I love the concept. When we first got it and put it together some pieces were bend and didn’t allow us to connect so we had to do some hacks. For the price we paid we were definitely expecting better quality but the concept is amazing and my daughter loves to be a little monkey on her bed.

Maria: My 4 year old loves his mattress and is excited to have a new monkey stuffed animal to go with his collection. It’s comfortable and he sleeps well. It’s been a month or so and I still have to open the windows and air out his room because it smells so bad.

David & Jean: We have had 2 twin mattresses (bunk beds) for 3 weeks now, and my wife cannot be in the room with it. The smell is so strong, we have to close off the room, seal the threshold and Open the window, weather permitting, to try and get it it to off gas.

Inside the Mattress

This mattress is made using three layers of CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. This full sleep system includes a free waterproof mattress cover (machine washable in the event of nighttime accidents) and a free pillow, anatomically correct for smaller bodies. This bed is perfect for young kids transitioning from a crib to a regular bed.

This mattress is designed to give a cradling effect and support the growing spines of small children. The cradling technology discourages tossing and turning, regardless of whether your child is a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper. It’s made from hypoallergenic ingredients with no off-gassing and comes in standard twin, full-size, and queen. It also has a temperature-responsive top layer of gel foam to help keep your child cool as they sleep.

My Green Mattress offers a latex-free kid’s bed, perfect for any child with a latex allergy who still wants a great night’s sleep. Next to My Green Mattress’s Emily Organic Crib Mattress, the Pure Echo is the perfect organic bed for children.

My Green Mattress offers a 120-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty against manufacturer defects. They offer free shipping and hassle-free returns and exchanges after 30 nights of sleep.

How Lying Down Feels

The Green Mattress combines organic hybrid innerspring mattress materials with comfort and is the perfect choice for children.

Here is what some had to say:

Adriana S: This is the most comfortable mattress we’ve slept on! It’s quite firm, as we like it, and we love the feel of the latex and the fact that we don’t have to worry about off-gassing or toxins. Customer service and delivery were also great–our mattress shipped and arrived in 2 days.

Teresa F: My husband is enjoying not rolling off the side of our new mattress! We’re both sleeping well on it, thanks!

Lyle K: Bought the king size natural escape bout a month ago. So far the bed is extremely comfortable. Nice and firm without being too hard. Our back pain went away and we’ve been sleeping better as a result.

This firm mattress is made with 100% GOTS Certified organic cotton and wool and is ideal for back and stomach sleepers. The wool on these mattresses is a natural flame retardant that won’t off-gas (as other chemical fire retardants might). For parents who are concerned about their children coming in contact with foreign chemicals, this bed may be right for you.

If you find this mattress is too firm for your child, you can easily add a plush or foam topper. With this in mind, firmer mattresses are generally better for younger children and teens so they don’t sink too much in bed.

This mattress is upholstered on one side, meaning you can’t flip it over. Instead, My Green Mattress recommends you break in the mattress evenly by rotating it head to foot once a month for the first three months. From that point, they recommend rotating it once every three months. This mattress is firm and stable, and it will work with any type of bed foundation with slats 3.5 inches apart or less.

This gel-infused memory foam mattress is among the most budget-friendly options on our list, which is especially useful if you’re saving money or buying beds for multiple children. Plus, Modway is also a top pick among Amazon shoppers (98% satisfaction rate), both for children and adults.

The mattress is compressed and delivered in a box, so it will expand after you’ve unrolled

How Lying Down Feels

The Modway Aveline offers a supportive and comfortable sensation. This mattress will conform to body contours, relieving pressure points and promoting a cozy feel.  Users experience a balanced mix of firmness and soft mattress feel, facilitating a restful night’s sleep.

With almost 7,000 reviews on Amazon, 3/4 of customers have rated it 5 stars, and almost 90% give it four stars or more. Here are some of their reviews:

Young J: We used a firm mattress for years. Took only two days to get used and it feels like sleeping on firm clouds. Gently relaxing the muscles in our bad backs. Looks sleek. Quality is great. It will last a very long time. The material is easy to clean especially since we use a mattress cover. Highly recommend for this that like a firm mattress but gently molds to your weight.

NGV: I bought the twin size. I am pretty happy with it. However, give it time to fill up to its fullest size. Mine took three days before it fit into cover. Otherwise, pretty nice. Comfortable.

AC: It lasted this long but the one side has sank down where one of us sleep and is uncomfortable. Is 5 years a good life for a mattress?

Inside the Mattress

The open-cell memory foam helps your child align their spine as they sleep and provides pressure relief in the hips, lower back, and shoulders. It’s also a great buy for adults who need extra spinal alignment and cushioning for pressure points, which can be useful if you ever co-sleep with your child.

Available in all standard size mattresses, the Aveline is a cooling mattress with a gel-infused memory foam top layer. It’s made with open-cell technology, meaning it breathes well and ventilates heat throughout the night. No more waking up sweaty on the memory foam mattress, even in a humid climate.

The Aveline comes in three heights: 6 inches, 8 inches, or 10 inches, depending on how high-profile a mattress you’re looking for. The thinner mattresses are a good option if your child is younger or sleeps on a bunk bed, while the thicker mattress may work better for older children nearing their teen or tween years.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress in a Box

Nest knows kids. That’s why they’ve created the first kids’ mattress in a box designed with comfort in mind. In addition to offering the Big Kids Bed (BKB) for growing kids and teens, they also offer the Certified Organic Crib Mattress for cribs and toddler beds. Parents say their children love the Big Kids Bed and have been sleeping better than ever.

This mattress ships for free and comes with an industry-leading lifetime warranty on manufacturer defects. And although it’s priced competitively, Nest Bedding offers hassle-free payment plans that are interest-free for the first 18 months.

Nest also offers a Lifetime Comfort Guarantee. The goal is not only to keep you as a long-term customer in the long-term, but it’s also to make sure you continue to get good quality sleep long after your first Nest purchase. This guarantee allows qualified customers to buy a second mattress from Nest bedding at a $300 discount. Some restrictions do apply, so see their website for details.

How Lying Down Feels

The BKB comes in twin, twin XL, and full mattresses to accommodate growing kids at the later stages of development. Because Nest offers factory-direct sales, you can get a top-quality CertiPUR-US® certified foam mattress at a lower price than many competitors. This certification means no fire retardants, no VOCs, and no off-gassing.

The Nest bed rates at 4.9 stars on the website, showing almost all users are delighted with this bed. Here is what some said about their purchase:

Jaden B: Very comfortable, my toddler sleeps very well on it. My husband and I are able to comfortably snuggle with him on it as well and have fallen asleep on it.

Shana D: Purchased this for my 2 year old for her transition to a big girl floor bed and I could be happier with it. The quality and firmness is up to par. Its comfortable enough for me to lay down next to her if she’s having a bad night.

Sarah S: We purchased one of these mattresses 3 years ago for our oldest, and were so impressed that we bought a second when it was time for our youngest to move into a twin bed. These mattresses are comfortable enough that an adult can get a great night’s sleep, but also made to support a child as they grow.

Inside the Mattress

The first layer of the Nest kids bed has 2″ of Energex™ Temperature Responsive Foam made for both comfort and cooling abilities.

Next is a 5″, 1.8 lb. edge support base foam to blend durability and comfort as your child grows. This CertiPUR-US, USA-made, support base foam is lightweight and open-celled. While some may think 5″ might be too little, this layer provides adequate support for a child’s body without sacrificing comfort.

While this mattress is more expensive, it comes with the cleanest materials and the best sleep trial on the market. These qualities can help both your body and mind rest well. Avocado Green is an eco-friendly mattress option featuring top-quality natural materials.

The standard for the Avocado Green Mattress comes is gentle-firm, but Avocado offers a 2-inch pillow top addition for $300 to $600 extra on any of their mattresses. This additional cushioning is ideal for both side sleepers and back sleepers. Avocado sleepers enjoy a 25-year limited warranty and an extremely generous 365-day sleep trial.

How Lying Down Feels

The Avocado Green mattress is a hybrid mattress made with latex foam and innerspring coils—so you get the contouring of foam but a slight bounce from the spring coils. For a more luxury firm feel, you can opt to add a European-style topper to the Avocado Green mattress, giving the comfort layer a full 5 inches of plush latex foam.

When looking for a mattress for their children, people loved the Avocado green. Here are some reviews from parents:

Nicholas: This mattress gave us piece of mind when upgrading our toddler from a crib to a big kid mattress. She absolutely loves it and it will last her for many years. Well worth the money and when we look to replace our mattress we will be going with an avocado mattress as well.

Meredith: I ordered a twin mattress for my toddler, as well as two pillows. Love the products. Comfortable and well made. Best part is knowing my child is not exposed to toxins. Excellent customer service. The mattress smelled lovely and earthy when we opened the packaging!

Terrie D: Very comfortable mattress. I purchased the mattress for my child who has severe joint pain. I am hoping that it brings her some relief.

Inside the Mattress

Avocado Green Mattresses are made with GOLS organic certified latex, GOTS organic certified wool, GOTS organic certified cotton, and up to 1,414 pocketed support coils. This is a hybrid mattress with innerspring comfort beneath a natural latex layer. Free of polyester, polyurethane foams, and fire retardants, this mattress is 100% eco-friendly. They even have a vegan option free of wool.

While many customers agree that Avocado mattresses are great for the whole family, but the clean ingredients are especially important for kids. All Avocado mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold Certified by UL Environment for emissions, the world’s most rigorous, third-party emissions standards for chemical exposure and pollutants. This includes VOCs, formaldehyde, and phthalates. You can rest easy knowing this mattress doesn’t include ingredients harmful to your children. These include toxic gas, harsh chemicals, or synthetic materials.

Avocado also offers mattresses specifically for infants and toddlers still in their cribs, the Organic Crib and Luxury Organic Crib. Still, the Avocado Green Mattress is our favorite for children who’ve upgraded from their cribs.

Selecting the right mattress for your child involves careful consideration of various factors, including price, materials, and comfort. Given that a significant portion of your life will be spent sleeping on it, it’s crucial to choose a mattress that not only provides exceptional comfort for restful sleep but is also crafted from durable, high-quality materials free from harsh chemicals. The Naturepedic Verse Organic is the perfect mattress for you.

GREENGUARD® certified organic cotton batting provides cushioning to a child’s body and regulates temperature through its breathable material. Individually-wrapped pocket coils provide strong edge support and minimize motion transfer so your child has fewer sleep interruptions at night due to movement. The coiled support layer also offers excellent cooling through its open structure, allowing for air circulation.

The Naturepedic Verse Organic mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, and queen sizes. The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

As you lay down, the responsive latex and encased coils work harmoniously, delivering a balanced firmness that conforms to your body’s contours. This creates a sensation of weightlessness, relieving pressure points for a truly rejuvenating rest. The meticulous craftsmanship and commitment to organic, non-toxic materials ensure not only a delightful sensation but also a health-conscious and eco-friendly sleep environment.

People seeking an eco-friendly mattress for their children love this mattress. here are some reviews:

Mike V: Really love Naturepedic. Comfortable and no smell like you would get from a ‘typical’ mattress. We only have Naturepedic mattresses in our home. Master bed but have purchased them for our kid’s changing pads, crib mattresses and now full mattresses. All in I think we could have bought a small car instead but I think it’s worth it!

Charlton: Our family purchased two EOS classic queen-sized mattresses consisting of the firm coils under the medium firm latex pads. The construction quality of the the mattress encasement, the coil base and the latex pad overlays appear to be excellent. While, so far, we’ve slept on them for only two weeks, we find the beds to be quite comfortable.

Rebecca: We have three of these mattresses in our home and we love them all! As soon as our King is ready for a replacement, we will be back for another purchase. These mattresses are well made, super safe, and very comfortable. Our whole family loves them! Thank you!

Inside the Mattress

Made in the USA with organic cotton, this top-quality mattress is a great middle-ground for the budget shopper who wants a long-lasting mattress. The quilted-finish cushions 15 gauge coils and strong edge support for kids who may like to jump and play (Read more about other mattresses made in the USA here).

This one-sided mattress isn’t meant to be turned over. Rather, you should rotate this mattress head to foot every six months. Mattress reviews show while most purchasers are satisfied with this medium-firm mattress, some find it too firm and recommend a foam topper to soften it. This mattress ships compressed and will expand when laid flat. Because of the natural materials, this mattress has no odor or off-gassing as it regains its shape.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Size and Dimensions Guide

Best Mattresses for Kids Highlights and Comparison

Mattress Types to Consider

The main kids mattresses types to consider for your child are innerspring, memory foam beds, latex mattresses, and hybrid mattresses. Again, the quality of materials is an important factor to consider not just for comfort but for the health of your child.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are great for kids who toss and turn. The stabilizing foam could help keep them comfortable, in place, and still throughout the night, leading to a better night’s sleep. This material limits motion transfer in the night, meaning the bed stays still as your child moves.

If your child runs hot, choose a gel memory foam mattress with an open-cell structure. These features offer a cooler sleep and prevent overheating during the night. Foam isn’t as rigid as innerspring or hybrid mattresses. It therefore requires a very supportive foundation. Slat foundations should have gaps no greater than three inches.

If you plan to use this type of mattress on a bunk bed, you’ll want to ensure the foundation is compliant with the mattress’s warranty. Incompatible foundations could void the bed’s warranty.

If you’re concerned about off-gassing, make sure your foam mattress is CertiPUR-US certified.

Latex Mattresses

Latex, like memory foam, is a less rigid material. Also like foam, latex contours to the body, providing support where you need it and taking the pressure off where you don’t. It’s meant to bounce back but needs additional support beyond the standard bed frame and box spring. Otherwise, it will sag through the cracks and won’t perform correctly. Look for either a platform foundation or a highly supportive slat foundation for your latex mattress.

The feel of latex is the most similar to memory foam. Latex ventilates better, offering superior breathability (particularly if you choose natural latex). While natural latex is among the most eco-friendly materials, it can be expensive, especially if you go for an organic latex mattress. However, if you think your child will be in the same bed for a long time, it could be worth it. Latex lasts longer than innerspring mattresses (usually seven to eight years) before it needs to be replaced.

Innerspring Mattresses

Traditional innerspring mattresses are the most purchased mattresses in the country. They are the most cost-effective choices and offer versatility for all styles of sleepers. They range greatly in quality and price. The best quality innerspring mattresses have many small coils spaced closely together rather than larger coils spaced farther apart. While the springs can be noisy and don’t tend to isolate motion well, a top-quality innerspring mattress is springy and responsive. Innerspring is also the best option for sleepers who run hot, as they’re the most breathable type of mattress.

Unfortunately, innerspring mattresses don’t tend to last as long as foam or latex mattresses. The springs degrade over time. This can lead to sagging in the middle, which can cause back pain and unsupported pressure points.

Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress has the best qualities of each mattress type. Hybrids tend to have a combination of springs and either a latex layer, foam layer, or some combination of both. With a hybrid mattress, you get the flexibility and breathability of innerspring mattresses with the support and contour of memory foam or latex. Hybrid mattresses tend to be one-sided, meaning you can’t flip them as they age. Rather, you have to rotate them so they age evenly. They can usually work great with a standard bed frame and box spring, so you’re not as limited in your set-up as you are with latex and oam.

Generally including a thick comfort layer between the coils and the sleeper, hybrid mattresses tend to have less motion transfer than standard innerspring mattresses. Again, if you’re concerned about off-gassing, you’ll want to make sure the foam or synthetic latex materials in your hybrid mattress are CertiPUR-US certified.

SEE ALSO: Hybrid Mattress Buying Guide

Mattress Budget

Quality kids’ mattresses range in price from $400 to $1500. This is admittedly a huge range, leaving parents wondering if they can look at mattresses under $500 or if they should budget for more.

Mattress materials and bed size both greatly influence the mattress price tags. Most companies focusing on kid-specific mattresses and bedding also focus on twin, twin XL, and full-sized beds. These smaller sizes help keep costs down, though if you want one that can be a mattress for teens, too, it’s good to get a twin XL or full.

This is in addition to emphasizing non-toxic materials and eco-friendly practices. Natural materials and organic mattresses cost more, as the certifications that put your mind at ease have price tags. We have a few guides that discuss natural materials and their certifications:

• What is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)?
• What is GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard)?
• Organic Cotton vs. Regular Cotton: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking for the least expensive options, you’ll want to choose innerspring organic cotton. This way, you still get natural materials in one of the best mattresses under $1000 without spending the extra money on expensive latex or additional certifications beyond organic.

Parents can also save on a mattress for children by shopping the best times to buy a mattress:

• Best MLK Day Mattress Sales
• Best Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Best Sleep Awareness Week Mattress Sales
• Best Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• Best 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Best Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Best Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Best Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Best Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

Parents can also keep costs low by shopping online mattresses, as web stores tend to have fewer overhead costs than traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Some online retailers offer exclusive discounts and promotions for budget mattresses, making it even easier for parents to find a high-quality mattress at an affordable price.

Sleeping Position

Your child’s sleeping position is definitely a priority when deciding which type of mattress to buy. The three main sleeping positions are back sleeping, side sleeping, and stomach sleeping. Determining which of these three positions your child tends towards will help you choose the best mattress for her.

Side Sleepers

Side sleeping is the most common sleep position. Many side sleepers curl into the fetal position with their knees bent and head tucked down. When sleeping on your side, your shoulder and your hip come into contact with your mattress with more force. Err on the side of softer mattresses for side sleepers. Side sleepers should also use a supportive pillow to keep their head in line with their spine. A mattress that gives a bit more around the shoulder and hip will also help this sleeper. Innerspring mattresses tend to have more give for side sleepers. Latex and foam will curve to the contours of the torso and legs to help distribute weight across the body. For this reason, a hybrid combination might be the best mattress for side sleepers.

Back Sleepers

Many beauty experts recommend back sleeping to avoid facial wrinkles. While younger kids aren’t generally concerned about such things, about 18% of the U.S. population sleeps on their backs. This is true whether they keep their arms by their sides or their heads and whether they keep their legs straight down and together or spread out to the sides. Some studies show that those who sleep on their backs are less likely to change positions in the night, which may mean a better night’s sleep. Back sleepers need a mattress that contours to their bodies to support the lower back and avoid back pain. Foam, latex, and possibly hybrid mattresses contour the best. However, children with lower back pain might consider sleeping with a small pillow under their knees to take the pressure off the lower back.

Stomach Sleepers

Many experts recommend against stomach sleeping because it has the potential to put undue strain on your neck and back. However, if you need a mattress for stomach sleeping, choose something firm and pair your child’s new mattress with a thin pillow. A firm to extra firm mattress will provide support to the spine, and a thin pillow will prevent back hyperextension while your child sleeps. For additional support, we recommend placing a small pillow under the pelvis to put the spine in a more neutral position. You can get firm mattresses across each of the categories, but it’s likely latex might provide the most support.

Some mattresses advertise they’re made specifically for side sleepers. Side sleeper mattresses are a bit softer than those meant for stomach or back sleepers. They offer some give for the shoulder and hip to avoid creating pressure points in those areas.

Sleeping Cool and Airflow

We’ve mentioned airflow multiple times. This is because many memory foam mattresses trap heat, making for a hot night’s sleep. If your child runs hot or wakes up overheated, we recommend opting for an innerspring mattress. However, new technologies in higher-end foam mattresses that better circulate the air. This includes open-cell structures and memory foam, featuring cooling gel. If your child loves foam but runs hot, make sure you choose a foundation that allows for airflow rather than a solid wood platform bed.

Overview of Mattress Sizes

Common Questions

Do toddlers need a firm mattress?

Toddlers do not have the same proportions as adults. Their heads are much bigger and heavier in relation to the rest of their bodies. While a soft, fluffy mattress might seem cozy for your toddler, very soft mattresses can conform to your little’s one face and create a smothering hazard. Choose something firm that doesn’t contour. Likely, your best bet is a very firm latex pad or innerspring model.

How thick should a child’s mattress be?

Along the same lines as the firmness, the thickness of your child’s mattress is an important safety consideration. This is especially true for younger children who are transitioning from a crib to a regular bed but may still need safety rails. It’s also true for kids with bunk beds. The thicker the mattress, the lower the safety rail becomes. A taller mattress closes the gap between the top of the mattress and the top of the safety rail. So, toddlers and young children should have relatively thin mattresses for safety.

What size should a child’s mattress be?

Again, you might consider purchasing a larger sized mattress when your child hits a growth spurt. At 39 inches by 75 inches, a twin mattress is best for children with ages up to middle school. A twin XL, 39 inches by 80 inches, would be suited to children who grow quickly, taller children, and possibly teenagers (depending on their height). A full size mattress accommodates children who sleep alone and ensures they sleep comfortably as they grow.

Are memory foam mattresses safe for children?

Memory foam mattresses are considered unsafe for children below the age of 8 because kids can sink too far into these foam beds and become smothered. Babies and toddlers should never sleep on foam mattresses because, should your baby roll onto its belly while in bed, the foam layers in these mattresses will conform to their face and possibly suffocate them.

If you’re considering a foam bed for your little one, wait until they’re about 9 or 10 years old to make the investment.

What type of mattresses are best for children?

Firm beds with coils, such as hybrids or innersprings, as well as firm latex mattresses are great options for children. Kids over the age of 10 may enjoy a foam mattress for its sleep-promoting benefits, but you’re better off playing it safe with an innerspring or latex mattress when your child is younger.

Conclusion

Choosing the best mattress for your child requires quite a few considerations. First, the age of your child will determine both the firmness and the thickness of the mattress. The position in which your child sleeps is another important factor to consider. If your child is at a growth-intensive age, you’ll want to consider whether to get her a twin, a twin XL, or a full mattress.

The materials and eco-friendly concerns are also important. Avoid mattresses made from materials that off-gas, and if you go with foam, make sure it has a reputable safety certification. Now you know all the considerations, you should be able to make a decision for your younger child. If you have an older child, include them in the process so you can be sure they end up with a mattress that gives them a good night’s rest.

Dr. Burns tests each mattress at eachnight’s facility to make sure the recommendations are based on real, expert reviews.