Any parent knows that life is hardly pleasant when their child doesn’t get proper rest, and the right mattress plays a big part in ensuring a kid is able to easily saw some proverbial logs. However, just as when you are shopping for a mattress for your own needs, mattress shopping for your growing child can feel overwhelming and confusing. After all, how can you get the best mattress in a box without breaking the bank? How long will your child be able to use the mattress? Is a memory foam, innerspring or hybrid mattress the right choice? And what bells and whistles do your son or daughter need in a high-quality mattress?
Thankfully, the Mattress Advisor team has done all of the hard work and research. Through rigorous testing, we found the best mattresses for kids by taking a look at innerspring, hybrid and memory foam mattress options fit for accommodating many different sleep styles. For example, if your child is a side sleeper, then you probably want to stick to memory foam for added cushioning under the hips and shoulders. You’ll also want to consider which firmness level is right for your child as well as other important key factors like spine alignment and mattress materials.
Our findings will help ensure your child gets their best night’s sleep by showing you the ideal mattress based on their specific sleep needs. We will provide you with all of the information you need to purchase a new mattress for your child that helps them achieve healthy, restful sleep, so they can conquer the day just like you.
The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed by the Mattress Advisor team in partnership with SheKnows. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this article, we may receive a small commission of the sale at no cost to you, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
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Editor’s Pick – Casper Element
Image Credit: Casper While there are many things to consider when buying a child’s mattress, our team particularly loved the Casper Element. This mattress is Casper’s most budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice on quality, comfort or durability. The Twin and Twin XL mattress sizes are top picks for children transitioning from a toddler bed and this type of mattress will last your son or daughter for years as they grow. The bed’s medium-firmness provides support, and the memory foam layers cushion your child in all the right places and gently contour along areas of pressure. The Element’s first two layers increase overall breathability, and provide pressure relief and responsiveness, making it easy for your child to move around on the bed. The bottom layer gives the mattress long-lasting structure and support. Another thing to think about: If your child needs a more plush mattress experience as they start with a big kid bed, consider buying a soft mattress topper.
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Best Mattress for Toddlers – Saatva Youth
Image Credit: Saatva Saatva is widely heralded as a mattress company that manufactures high-quality, luxury mattresses that last years and don’t break the bank. The Saatva Youth is a dual sided, flippable mattress that offers customized support for a wide range of children. With a combination of coils and memory foam, the Saatva Youth is a nice balance of comfortable and supportive, appealing to all sleep styles including side, back, stomach and combination sleepers. Made for children aged three and older, the Saatva Youth is a worthy investment that will adapt to the needs of your child as he or she grows and matures. Plus, this kids mattress is made of eco-friendly and natural materials including an organic cotton cover and CertiPUR-US certified foam, so you can feel good knowing your child is receiving not just a restful night’s sleep, but a healthy one too. Now for the best part: When you buy this children’s mattress you won’t have to lift a finger as Saatva offers free white glove delivery and set-up.
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Best Organic Mattress – Birch by Helix
Image Credit: Helix The Birch by Helix isn’t for child sleepers alone but if you are in the market for a kid’s mattress that is also all natural and made from sustainable materials, then you have likely found a winner in this mattress’s Twin or Twin XL sizes. All Birch mattresses are handmade, non-toxic, GREENGUARD Gold Certified and made with organically sourced New Zealand wool. This medium-firm mattress is also a hybrid, meaning it is made with both memory foam and innerspring coils. The Birch also scored well in spinal alignment, which will help your child maintain a straight back throughout the night and develop a healthy posture. It offers long-lasting durability, and scored a 9 out of 10 in motion isolation, helping your child sleep more soundly through the night.
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Best Mattress for Bunk Beds – The BKB
Image Credit: Nest Bedding The BKB, also known as Big Kid’s Bed, entered the market as the first bed-in-a-box mattress option designed for kids and kids alone. Manufactured by Nest Bedding right here in the United States, the mattress is made of CertiPUR-US certified foams, is completely non-toxic and does not use a chemical fire retardant in its construction. Plus, one of the things that makes this kids bed stand out is that it works perfect for bunk beds. Offering a plush sleep experience, the BKB has a maximum weight of 100 pounds, so it shouldn’t be used by teenagers or young adults. The bed scores well in edge support, meaning if your child frequently ties their shoes at the edge of the bed, they won’t fall off. It’s a great cost-effective upgrade when transitioning your child from a toddler bed into their first “big kid” bed.
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Best Mattress for Active Kids – Bear
Image Credit: Bear If your child plays Little League or is simply an active kid, then the Bear mattress is a top pick to consider. This medium-firm bed is made of memory foam infused with graphite gel, which helps to keep your child cool throughout the night. Depending on your child’s age and recent growth spurts, you have the opportunity to choose from a Twin mattress, Twin XL size and Full mattress size. Not to mention the excellent pressure relief and support the transition foam provides, which is important in ensuring your child receives a rejuvenating night’s rest. Additionally, if your child sometimes sleeps sweaty, this mattress will keep them cool because of its open cell response foam.
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Best Budget Mattress – Nectar
Image Credit: Nectar If you are in the market for a new child’s bed, but also have to be mindful of sticking to a budget, then consider the Nectar. Its Twin size mattress starts at $499, which is an affordable price if you are trying to transition your child from a crib mattress or a toddler bed into a big kid bed. Plus, the Nectar will give you plenty of peace of mind, especially if you have young children and aren’t necessarily sure of their sleeping position just yet. The Nectar is widely known for its universality, meaning it can support all types of sleep positions. Additionally, this gel memory foam mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial period and a lifetime warranty, ensuring you have plenty of time to see if your child likes sleeping on this new mattress.
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Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Leesa Studio
Image Credit: Leesa The Leesa Studio mattress is designed to offer comfort no matter what sleeping position your child may frequent. The mattress will hug your kid’s body and offers three foam layers that deliver high-quality support and comfort. Plus, the mattress is highly responsive to movement and provides contouring to a little one’s frame, so they can feel cushioned from head to toe. Keep in mind that the Leesa has a bit of off-gassing when it is first unboxed; however, this usually dissipates after a little while and is nothing to fret over. Also note that if your child is a lightweight side sleeper you might want to find a more plush mattress to ensure they have proper spinal alignment when they sleep. The Leesa Studio does come with a 10-year warranty and 100-night trial period, so you do have time to figure out if it is the right fit foryour child.
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Best Mattress for Restless Sleepers – Tuft & Needle
Image Credit: Tuft & Needle If your child frequently tosses and turns throughout the night, then the Tuft & Needle is the best choice for you. As a mattress choice that caters to restless sleepers, the bed is made from a polyfoam blend designed to deliver premium comfort to all sleeping positions. The Tuft & Needle’s Adaptive foam layer makes it highly responsive, so your child will be able to switch positions with ease and still feel supported. With cooling gel infused in the mattress, the Tuft & Needle is highly breathable, and offers cradling and contouring to a growing child’s body. The Twin size mattress also scores well in pressure relief and spine alignment, meaning it can properly support your child and promote a healthy back.
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