Best Mattress for Kids (2021): 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.

Best Mattresses for Kids

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.

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.

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.

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 AS1, is the perfect mattress for this. Some parents even love the AS1 so much they got one for themselves, too!

The soft, breathable cover of the AS1 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 memory 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. 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. Both of the foam layers of the AS1 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.

Next on our list is the recovery-enhancing Zoma Mattress, built with gel memory foams and zoned support technologies to heal sore muscles and facilitate healthy development. We recommend this mattress for children because its design helps kids sleep in a neutral position, maintaining good spinal alignment so they aren’t left tossing and turning all night.

The first layer of the Zoma is 2 inches of contouring gel memory foam; this layer adapts to your movement to provide all-over pressure relief and wick away body heat. Built into this comfort layer is Triangulex™, a surface modification technology characterized by triangle-shaped cutouts. These cutouts are placed strategically through the surface of the layer to provide extra cushioning for the shoulders and hips and extra support for the lumbar area.

The middle layer of the Zoma Mattress is 2 inches of Reactiv™, a responsive transition layer in place to prevent uncomfortable sinkage and reinforce the layer above. Reactiv™ feels a lot like latex, so it gives the bed a bit of bounce, but it doesn’t contain any actual latex, so it’s cost-effective and safe for allergy sufferers.

At the base of the Zoma is 7 inches of sturdy core foam, designed to distribute your weight evenly and prevent sagging or indentations. Support+ base foam is long-lasting and super durable, so it’ll provide good sleep through your kid’s growing years. And it’s even backed by a 10-year warranty so you can feel confident in your purchase.

If your child needs a firmer or bouncier bed, Zoma also offers different mattresses. The Zoma Start is firmer than the Zoma Mattress, while the Zoma Hybrid is bouncier and softer.

Zoma is an online-only mattress brand, and they offer free shipping, free returns, and a risk-free 100-night sleep trial with every purchase.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

Nest knows kids. That’s why they’ve created the first kids’ bed 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.

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.

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 30% discount. Some restrictions do apply, so see their website for details.

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.

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.

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.

The Verse Organic Kids Mattress offers firm support for kids and teenagers. No sagging or sinking, this bed comes with high support and comfort to accommodate growth spurts and good ventilation for the hot sleeper. Naturepedic offers twin and twin XL mattresses, as well as full and queen-size mattresses. For babies and toddlers, Naturepedic also offers a wide variety of crib mattresses, including the Classic, Mini Crib, and Oval mattresses.

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.

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.

The price includes free shipping and a 10-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects. Returns of this item depend on where you purchase it.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Size and Dimensions Guide

Mattress Types to Consider

The main 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. Memory 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 memory foam mattress is CertiPUR-US certified.

Latex Mattresses

Latex, like memory foam, is a less rigid material. Also like memory 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. 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 memory 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 memory foam.

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.

Mattress Budget

Quality kids’ mattresses range in price from $400 to $1500. This is admittedly a huge range. 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. This is in addition to emphasizing non-toxic materials and eco-friendly practices. Natural materials cost more, as the certifications that put your mind at ease have price tags. If you’re looking for the least expensive options, you’ll want to choose innerspring organic cotton. This way, you still get natural materials without spending the extra money on expensive latex or additional certifications beyond organic.

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 memory 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 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 memory foam mattresses that better circulate the air. This includes open-cell structures and memory foam, featuring cooling gel. If your child loves memory foam but runs hot, make sure you choose a foundation that allows for airflow rather than a solid wood platform bed.

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 memory 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.