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Best Mattress for Kids in 2026
Sleep Foundation
Why Trust Us
Our mission to create a healthier, more well-rested world demands that our product reviews be best-in-class. You won’t find more expertise on mattresses and sleep products anywhere else.
The Sleep Foundation product testing team uses an industry-leading evaluation process paired with real world consumer feedback to come up with objective recommendations so that you can feel confident in your product decisions.
Good sleep is essential for a child’s growth and overall well-being. The right mattress provides crucial support as they grow, ensuring comfort through every stage of development. In this guide, we break down the key factors to consider when choosing a mattress for your child, from size and materials to firmness levels, body weight, and sleep position.
- In our Test Lab, the Helix Kids proved to be well-built and dependably comfortable. With a different firmness level on each side, it is perfectly suited to support kids as they grow.
- As any parent knows, every kid is unique. Finding their ideal mattress should account for considerations like their age, height, weight, and primary sleeping position.
- Dive into our guide to shopping for a mattress for kids or watch our video reviews summarizing the options that most impressed our expert team.
Our Top Picks
Best Kids Mattress Overall
:Helix Kids
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Best Mattress for Young Kids
:Bear Cub
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Most Comfortable Mattress
:Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress
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Best Value Mattress
:Brooklyn Bedding BB Kids Mattress
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Best Organic Mattress
:Birch Kids Natural Mattress
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Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
:Avocado Eco Organic Kids Mattress
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Best Mattress for Growing Kids
:Nolah Nurture Kids
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Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment
:Saatva Youth
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Best Cooling Mattress
:Leesa Youth
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How We Tested the Best Mattresses for Kids
Testing Criteria
Kids grow fast, so it makes sense that one of the most important features is adjustability. This means that it should accommodate their growing bodies and other developing needs. Here are some other factors we considered in our search:
- Size: For their child’s first bed, parents usually opt for a twin. As they get older, however, many choose full or queen-sized beds to adapt to a child’s growth in height or weight.
- Allergies or other sensitivities: For kids with allergies or other environmental concerns, parents may want to consider hypoallergenic mattresses, which are designed to ward off dust, mites, and pet allergens. You may find that hypoallergenic beds have certain certifications (CertiPUR US, GREENGUARD, or Global Organic Textile Standard, for instance), or are made from natural materials like organic cotton or organic wool.
- Temperature regulation: Kids are generally known to be hot sleepers, and a mattress with cooling layers can help offset this. Breathability in materials can include open-cell designs, moisture-wicking covers, and more.
How We Evaluated
It’s important that parents get the most bang for their buck when it comes to choosing a kids’ mattress — this is so you don’t end up having to purchase a new one with every growth spurt. For this reason, we searched through our database of over 1,000 mattresses to find those that best fit a growing child’s needs, including:
- Sleeper profile (age, size, sleep position preference)
- Highly durable materials that are easy to clean
- A variety of mattress types, including foam, hybrid, and latex
Fortunately, our testing group includes plenty of parents with growing kids who used their expertise and personal experience in the review process. After testing, they provided scores for our comprehensive performance categories (think pressure relief, ease of movement, motion isolation, and more), and then assigned accolades. Ultimately, they chose these nine options as the best mattresses for kids.
Best Mattress Deals for Presidents’ Day
- Save $250 — Helix Kids
$749(List Price $999) - Save $199 — Bear Cub
$371(List Price $570) - Save $133 — Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress
$499(List Price $632) - Save $88 — Brooklyn Bedding BB Kids Mattress
$204(List Price $292) - Save $250 — Birch Kids Natural Mattress
$749(List Price $999)
Best Kids Mattress Overall: Helix Kids
Best Overall
8.3/10Test Lab Score
Helix Kids
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Kids between the ages of 3 and 7 (firmer side), and kids between 8 and 12 (softer side).
- Feel: Medium firm (6) side offers light cushioning and firm, even support. The other aide is a slightly plusher medium soft (4).
- What It’s Made Of: Dense polyfoam in the firmer side’s comfort system, while the softer surface is memory foam. Shared support core of pocketed coils and water-repellent cover.
- What We Don’t Like: Kids younger than 3 and older than 13 will need a different mattress. Costs a bit more than the average child-friendly model.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Temperature Control
Edge Support
Ease of Movement
Durability
The Helix Kids mattress is a hybrid with a flippable design that should be suitable for kids through age 12. It uses memory foam on the softer side and polyfoam on the firmer side, as well as a pocketed innerspring support core. If it’s used by smaller children as intended, it should last them through grade school.
The Helix Kids mattress has a flippable design that grows with your child, accommodating ages 3 to 12. Each side has a distinct firmness that supports the different stages of a growing body.
How It Performs
The thoughtful dual-sided design ensures the mattress will provide enough support at different stages of your child’s life. One side is aimed at children ages 3 to 7, with a medium firm (6) feel to support growing bodies. As a child reaches 8 to 12 years old, they can transition to the medium soft (4) side, which has plusher comfort layers.
Our test lab found this side offered extra contouring and pressure relief. The mattress earned high marks in our temperature neutrality tests, partly thanks to the enhanced airflow through the coil support core. So it should feel cool and comfortable even if your child tends to sleep hot.
Construction Breakdown
Both sides of the mattress feature a Tencel cover with a water-repellent finish. The finish ensures the mattress’ longevity and protects against damage from accidents or messes.
Beneath is a flammability protection layer to keep your kid safe. The support core features 5-inch pocketed coils that provide targeted support to your child’s hips and shoulders. A row of coils lines the perimeter of the mattress, which we found quite supportive when we sat on the edge.
On the side designed for 3- to 7-year-olds, the comfort system consists of dense polyfoam. Our testers found this side’s comfort layer much firmer, which helps maintain proper spinal support for younger children.
The other side, which is meant for 8 to 12 years old, features a comfort system made from gel-infused memory foam that performed well in our pressure relief tests. The gel in this layer is engineered to absorb and dissipate excess body heat.
Trial, Shipping, & Warranty
Helix ships free to all 50 states and offers families 120 nights to try out the mattress. The Helix Kids mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty.
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Best for Young Kids: Bear Cub
Best for Young Kids
7.7/10Test Lab Score
Bear Cub
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Young children and older kids who tend to run hot.
- Feel: Surface is gentle and doesn’t contour very closely. Smooth bounce when getting in and out of bed.
- What It’s Made Of: The comfort system in an adaptive memory foam layer, infused with cooling gel. Polyfoam transitional layer and strong pocketed coils in the support core.
- Feel: Strong odor can occur when the mattress is new, and some kids may find the mattress too firm.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Temperature Control
Edge Support
Ease of Movement
Durability
As it’s a hybrid mattress, the Bear Cub should hold up longer than the average bed, likely around seven to eight years. Hybrid models tend to be more durable, because their coil support cores maintain their performance better than all-foam counterparts. The Bear Cub’s polyfoam and memory foam comfort layer may develop impressions or sagging. However, since it’s designed for children who tend to weigh less, the foam may last a bit longer.
Younger kids often benefit from a firmer surface to help promote healthy sleep posture. The Bear Cub has a firm (7) feel and a robust coil system that keeps the body on an even plane.
How It Performs
The Cub’s firm feel and foam hybrid construction best suited our side sleepers. The foam layers offered cushioning for sore hips and shoulders, while the coils prevented excessive sinkage. Back- and stomach-sleeping testers who weigh at least 130 pounds also found the mattress comfortable.
Temperature control was one of the mattress’ major strengths during our tests. This is largely due to the breathable cover and coil support core, which allows air to circulate through the bed’s interior.
The mattress has a responsive feel that was easy for us to move across, and the coils created a sturdy perimeter. Thanks to the supportive edges and 8.5-inch profile, kids should find it easy to get in and out of bed.
Construction Breakdown
Both sides of the mattress feature a Tencel cover with a water-repellent finish. The finish ensures the mattress’ longevity and protects against damage from accidents or messes.
Beneath is a flammability protection layer to keep your kid safe. The support core features 5-inch pocketed coils that provide targeted support to your child’s hips and shoulders. A row of coils lines the perimeter of the mattress, which we found quite supportive when we sat on the edge.
On the side designed for 3- to 7-year-olds, the comfort system consists of dense polyfoam. Our testers found this side’s comfort layer much firmer, which helps maintain proper spinal support for younger children.
The other side, which is meant for 8 to 12 years old, features a comfort system made from gel-infused memory foam that performed well in our pressure relief tests. The gel in this layer is engineered to absorb and dissipate excess body heat.
Trial, Shipping, & Warranty
Helix ships free to all 50 states and offers families 120 nights to try out the mattress. The Helix Kids mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty.
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Most Comfortable: Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress
Most Comfortable
8.1/10Test Lab Score
Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Children between the ages of 3 and 7 (firmer side) and 8 and 12 (softer side).
- Feel: The firm (7) side contours lightly to keep the spine aligned, while the medium (5) side conforms more closely for extra cushioning.
- What It’s Made Of: Dense polyfoam on the firmer side and adaptive memory foam on the softer side, with a shared support core of high-density foam and a removable and machine-washable poly-blend cover.
- What We Don’t Like: Off-gassing odor can be fairly strong for up to 72 hours after the mattress is unboxed.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Temperature Control
Edge Support
Ease of Movement
Durability
Comfort is subjective, but most of our testing team agrees the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress stands out thanks to its flippable design and cushy all-foam construction. One side of the mattress feels firm and supportive to encourage even spinal alignment and proper growth and development for toddlers who are transitioning to a big kid bed. After a few years, you can flip over the mattress for a gentler sleep surface that feels cozy and inviting for older children.
How It Performs
Although we don’t test mattresses with children, our team found the Nectar Kids was most effective with people who weigh less than 130 pounds – a range that covers most children up to age 12. Testers between 130 and 230 pounds who sleep on their side or back also gave the mattress favorable ratings. If your child weighs more than 230 pounds, they may need a sturdier, more supportive bed.
Each side of the Nectar Kids Memory Foam Mattress has unique strengths. The firmer surface feels stronger along the perimeter, and is easier to move across. On the softer side, your child will notice deeper cushioning and a cozier overall feel.
Construction Breakdown
Both sides of the mattress feature a Tencel cover with a water-repellent finish. The finish ensures the mattress’ longevity and protects against damage from accidents or messes.
Beneath is a flammability protection layer to keep your kid safe. The support core features 5-inch pocketed coils that provide targeted support to your child’s hips and shoulders. A row of coils lines the perimeter of the mattress, which we found quite supportive when we sat on the edge.
On the side designed for 3- to 7-year-olds, the comfort system consists of dense polyfoam. Our testers found this side’s comfort layer much firmer, which helps maintain proper spinal support for younger children.
The other side, which is meant for 8 to 12 years old, features a comfort system made from gel-infused memory foam that performed well in our pressure relief tests. The gel in this layer is engineered to absorb and dissipate excess body heat.
Trial, Shipping, & Warranty
Helix ships free to all 50 states and offers families 120 nights to try out the mattress. The Helix Kids mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty.
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Best Value: Brooklyn Bedding BB Kids Mattress
Best Value
8.2/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding BB Kids Mattress
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Younger kids and a safe option for bunk beds.
- Feel: Firm (7) without much contouring but a strong, even support.
- What It’s Made Of: Two-layer design with memory foam over dense polyfoam and a stain-resistant cover.
- What We Don’t Like: Foam layers retain a fair amount of heat.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Temperature Control
Edge Support
Ease of Movement
Durability
The Brooklyn Bedding Kids is a budget-friendly option for children transitioning from a crib to a standard-size mattress. Its 6-inch profile should be safe and compatible with most bunk bed based on current safety guidelines, and you can choose between twin, twin XL, and full sizes.
How It Performs
The dual-layer mattress balances cushioning on the surface with sturdy support, creating a firm (7) feel that’s conducive to your child’s growth and development. Adaptive memory foam provides light body hugging, a sensation many kids find cozy and inviting for sleep, but they shouldn’t sink too deeply into the mattress.
For a nice added touch, the cover is composed of stain- and liquid-resistant fabric. This helps ensure the mattress won’t be damaged if your child spills water or has a nighttime accident. A slim profile and lightweight construction also makes the mattress relatively easy to lift and move as needed.
Construction Breakdown
Both sides of the mattress feature a Tencel cover with a water-repellent finish. The finish ensures the mattress’ longevity and protects against damage from accidents or messes.
Beneath is a flammability protection layer to keep your kid safe. The support core features 5-inch pocketed coils that provide targeted support to your child’s hips and shoulders. A row of coils lines the perimeter of the mattress, which we found quite supportive when we sat on the edge.
On the side designed for 3- to 7-year-olds, the comfort system consists of dense polyfoam. Our testers found this side’s comfort layer much firmer, which helps maintain proper spinal support for younger children.
The other side, which is meant for 8 to 12 years old, features a comfort system made from gel-infused memory foam that performed well in our pressure relief tests. The gel in this layer is engineered to absorb and dissipate excess body heat.
Trial, Shipping, & Warranty
Helix ships free to all 50 states and offers families 120 nights to try out the mattress. The Helix Kids mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty.
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Best Organic: Birch Kids Natural Mattress
Best Organic
8.1/10Test Lab Score
Birch Kids Natural Mattress
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Children between 3 and 7 (firmer side) kids 8 to 12 (softer side), as well as hot sleepers.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) and firm (7) sides. Both feel quite responsive with a light bounce. The firm side feel very supportive. The softer side conforms to a noticeable extent but doesn’t hug the body like memory foam.
- What It’s Made Of: Two layers of wool batting in the comfort system on the firm side. The softer side contains a layer of natural latex, followed by more wool batting. Shared support core of pocketed coils and a cover made of soft, breathable GOTS-certified organic cotton.
- What We Don’t Like: Fairly heavy and difficult to lift. Price is also on the expensive side.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Temperature Control
Edge Support
Ease of Movement
Durability
Despite being designed for children, the Birch Kids Natural Mattress has an impressive build that should last many years. Although two-sided mattresses sometimes wear out more quickly, the Birch Kids’ wool comfort layers are fairly resistant to body impressions, and the mattress has a sturdy, pocketed-coil support core that stands up to active kids. This mattress is likely to provide solid support and pressure relief until your child outgrows it.
The Birch Kids Natural Mattress is a bed your kids will be able to use throughout their childhood, thanks to a reversible design. Durable materials help ensure the Birch Kids won’t wear out until your child transitions to a larger bed when they reach their teenage years.
How It Performs
The Birch Kids matches the high-quality craftsmanship of Birch’s adult-friendly mattresses. Latex is naturally durable and the robust steel cools are built to last, so the mattress should perform as long as intended without showing signs of wear and tear.
Temperature control is another strong suit. A breathable cover, moisture-wicking wool layers, ventilated latex, and open coils all work together to circulate air throughout the interior and maintain a cool, comfortable surface.
Construction Breakdown
Both sides of the mattress feature a Tencel cover with a water-repellent finish. The finish ensures the mattress’ longevity and protects against damage from accidents or messes.
Beneath is a flammability protection layer to keep your kid safe. The support core features 5-inch pocketed coils that provide targeted support to your child’s hips and shoulders. A row of coils lines the perimeter of the mattress, which we found quite supportive when we sat on the edge.
On the side designed for 3- to 7-year-olds, the comfort system consists of dense polyfoam. Our testers found this side’s comfort layer much firmer, which helps maintain proper spinal support for younger children.
The other side, which is meant for 8 to 12 years old, features a comfort system made from gel-infused memory foam that performed well in our pressure relief tests. The gel in this layer is engineered to absorb and dissipate excess body heat.
Trial, Shipping, & Warranty
Helix ships free to all 50 states and offers families 120 nights to try out the mattress. The Helix Kids mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty.
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Best for Combination Sleepers: Avocado Eco Organic Kids Mattress
Best for Combination Sleepers
7.7/10Test Lab Score
Avocado Eco Organic Kids Mattress
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: This mattress can accommodate children across a wide range of weights and heights, and the firm feel is intended to promote healthy growth and development.
- Feel: The Eco Organic Kids Mattress has an exceptionally springy feel, which allows your child to move across the surface without sinking too much when they get in and out of bed. The latex is ventilated and the coils promote steady air circulation, so the mattress should also keep cool.
- What It’s Made Of: A layer of organic wool beneath the cover serves as the bed’s fire barrier. The latex comfort layer is dense with light cushioning and a noticeable bounce in response to movement. Pocketed coils make up the support core, and the cover is made of organic cotton.
- What We Don’t Like: At a 7/10, this mattress might be too firm for kids with sensitive pressure points. You should also look elsewhere if your child has latex allergies.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Temperature Control
Edge Support
Ease of Movement
Durability
If you want to buy an environmentally friendly mattress for your child, the Avocado Eco Organic Kids Mattress is a great option. The comfort layer consists of naturally springy Dunlop latex certified organic by the Global Organic Latex Standard, a leading authority for sustainably sourced latex products.
The mattress also contains an organic wool fire barrier, pocketed coils made from recycled steel, and an organic cotton cover. Additionally, Avocado holds carbon negative status. This means the company offsets more than 100% of its emissions through green manufacturing and shipping practices.
How It Performs
Like other latex hybrids we’ve tested, the Eco Organic Kids Mattress has an exceptionally springy feel. This should help your child move across the surface without sinking when they get in and out of bed or change sleep positions. The latex is ventilated, a wool fire barrier wicks away moisture, and the coils promote steady air circulation. Thanks to these components, we don’t expect bothersome heat retention to be a major issue.
The mattress has a firm (7) feel intended to promote healthy growth and development for children. Zoned coils provide extra reinforcement beneath the midsection without making the rest of the mattress feel too stiff. The coils are also thicker around the perimeter to prevent deep sinkage when your child sleeps close to the edges of their bed.
Construction Breakdown
Both sides of the mattress feature a Tencel cover with a water-repellent finish. The finish ensures the mattress’ longevity and protects against damage from accidents or messes.
Beneath is a flammability protection layer to keep your kid safe. The support core features 5-inch pocketed coils that provide targeted support to your child’s hips and shoulders. A row of coils lines the perimeter of the mattress, which we found quite supportive when we sat on the edge.
On the side designed for 3- to 7-year-olds, the comfort system consists of dense polyfoam. Our testers found this side’s comfort layer much firmer, which helps maintain proper spinal support for younger children.
The other side, which is meant for 8 to 12 years old, features a comfort system made from gel-infused memory foam that performed well in our pressure relief tests. The gel in this layer is engineered to absorb and dissipate excess body heat.
Trial, Shipping, & Warranty
Helix ships free to all 50 states and offers families 120 nights to try out the mattress. The Helix Kids mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty.
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Best for Growing Kids: Nolah Nurture Kids
Best for Growing Kids
8.1/10Test Lab Score
Nolah Nurture Kids
Double sided hybrid mattress that can be flipped when the kid gets older.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Children under 100 pounds (softer side) and kids weighing more than that (firmer side).
- Feel: Firmer side is supportive and springy, while the softer side provides deep cushioning and contouring. Strong pushback on both sides.
- What It’s Made Of: Polyfoam comfort layers on both sides with a shared support core of multi-zone pocketed coils and breathable organic cotton cover.
- What We Don’t Like: Fairly heavy and initial odor is fairly strong.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Temperature Control
Edge Support
Ease of Movement
Durability
As a kids mattress, the Nolah Nurture Kids isn’t built to withstand too much heavy use. While flippable mattresses boast the advantage of offering another side to use if one side develops body indentations, they tend to have a shorter lifespan overall, since the worn-down side becomes the new support core. The Nolah Nurture’s 6-inch core should offer sufficient support for smaller children, but older children may find the comfort layers start to wear down after a few years.
The Nolah Nurture 10 is a dual-sided foam hybrid. If you’re looking for a quality, mattress with two firmness levels in one, you may want to consider the Nolah.
How It Performs
The Nolah has a flippable design — we rate one side as soft (3) and the other as firm (7). Children under 130 pounds may prefer the softer side, while kids weighing at least 130 pounds may find the firmer side more comfortable.
Across weight categories, side and back sleepers on our test team benefited from the Nolah’s pressure-relieving foam comfort layers and zoned coil design. . We noticed that the breathable materials and enhanced airflow through the coil support core kept the surface cool.
Construction Breakdown
Both sides of the mattress feature a Tencel cover with a water-repellent finish. The finish ensures the mattress’ longevity and protects against damage from accidents or messes.
Beneath is a flammability protection layer to keep your kid safe. The support core features 5-inch pocketed coils that provide targeted support to your child’s hips and shoulders. A row of coils lines the perimeter of the mattress, which we found quite supportive when we sat on the edge.
On the side designed for 3- to 7-year-olds, the comfort system consists of dense polyfoam. Our testers found this side’s comfort layer much firmer, which helps maintain proper spinal support for younger children.
The other side, which is meant for 8 to 12 years old, features a comfort system made from gel-infused memory foam that performed well in our pressure relief tests. The gel in this layer is engineered to absorb and dissipate excess body heat.
Trial, Shipping, & Warranty
Helix ships free to all 50 states and offers families 120 nights to try out the mattress. The Helix Kids mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty.
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Best for Spinal Alignment: Saatva Youth
Best for Spinal Alignment
8.4/10Test Lab Score
Saatva Youth
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Younger kids (firmer side) and older children (softer side).
- Feel: Medium (5) side offers deeper cushioning than firm (7) side. Both feel supportive and springy.
- What It’s Made Of: Firmer surface is egg-crate polyfoam, while the softer side’s foam layer is divided into five firmness zones. Thick, hourglass coils make up the shared support core.
- What We Don’t Like: Expensive and returns during the sleep trial incur an additional fee.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Temperature Control
Edge Support
Ease of Movement
Durability
The Saatva Youth should hold up at least seven to eight years, likely long enough for your child to grow out of it. Hybrid designs generally last longer than the average bed thanks to the durability of the coil support core, and the Saatva Youth uses particularly thick coils. The comfort layers on both sides use polyfoam, which is generally more durable than memory foam, though still tends to develop impressions and soft areas after enough use.
The Saatva Youth is a reversible innerspring mattress designed to accommodate children’s changing mattress needs as they grow older. Since one side is firmer, you can flip the mattress once your child grows too heavy to be supported by the softer side.
How It Performs
The mattress performed well in our temperature neutrality tests since the coil layer allows a substantial amount of airflow throughout the mattress. This ensures your child won’t sleep too hot throughout the night.
The thick construction of the coils also gives this bed great edge support, preventing kids from rolling off the bed in the middle of the night. The strong edges and low profile also make it easy for kids to get in and out of bed on their own. The quality of materials ensures a durable mattress that should last into your child’s teenage years.
Construction Breakdown
Both sides of the mattress feature a Tencel cover with a water-repellent finish. The finish ensures the mattress’ longevity and protects against damage from accidents or messes.
Beneath is a flammability protection layer to keep your kid safe. The support core features 5-inch pocketed coils that provide targeted support to your child’s hips and shoulders. A row of coils lines the perimeter of the mattress, which we found quite supportive when we sat on the edge.
On the side designed for 3- to 7-year-olds, the comfort system consists of dense polyfoam. Our testers found this side’s comfort layer much firmer, which helps maintain proper spinal support for younger children.
The other side, which is meant for 8 to 12 years old, features a comfort system made from gel-infused memory foam that performed well in our pressure relief tests. The gel in this layer is engineered to absorb and dissipate excess body heat.
Trial, Shipping, & Warranty
Helix ships free to all 50 states and offers families 120 nights to try out the mattress. The Helix Kids mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty.
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Best Cooling: Leesa Kids Mattress
Best Cooling
7.5/10Test Lab Score
Leesa Kids Mattress
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Children and preteens who sleep hot.
- Feel: Noticeable cushioning on the surface, but strong overall stability and a breathable cover.
- What It’s Made Of: Three-layer design with open-cell memory foam, as well as transitional and support layers composed of dense polyfoam.
- What We Don’t Like: Might require specialty sheets with a lower pocket depth. Might also produce some unpleasant odors for the first few nights after unboxing.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Temperature Control
Edge Support
Ease of Movement
Durability
The Leesa Kids Mattress is designed specifically for children and preteens. Our testers found that the medium firm (6) feel limits sinkage, which should keep your child’s body on an even plane.
How It Performs
During our tests, the Leesa Kids Mattress performed very well with temperature control — an area where many all-foam models tend to earn subpar ratings. The open-cell memory foam coupled with a breathable cover let heat dissipate rather than build up along the surface.
The balanced medium firm feel should also prevent young kids from sinking too much or feeling trapped by the mattress. A low 7-inch profile allows the mattress to rest safely in most bunk beds at least 5 inches below the side rails, per current safety guidelines.
Construction Breakdown
The Kids Mattress features a three-layer design that begins with a top layer of open-cell memory foam. This material features small air capsules engineered to promote circulation and prevent bothersome heat absorption.
The transitional and support layers are composed of polyfoam that we found balances support and contouring. The base layer is much denser to provide adequate reinforcement for your child’s growing body. A knit polyester cover encases the entire mattress
Trial, Shipping, & Warranty
Shipping is free to all 50 states. Your order includes a 120-night sleep trial, and if you decide to keep it, you’ll receive a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
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Watch Video: We Tested the Best Kid Mattresses – Here Are Our Favorites
Watch the video below for some tips on what to look for when shopping for kid’s mattresses.
Signs Your Child May Be in Need of a New Mattress
Deciding when it’s time to buy your child a new mattress can be a bit of a puzzle. Fortunately, a few telltale signs can help you feel confident when it’s time for an upgrade.
- Your child has aged out of their current bed: Just as kids grow out of shoes and clothes, it’s normal for kids to outgrow their mattress over time. As they get older, kids will need a new mattress when they transition from a crib to a toddler bed, from a toddler bed to a “big kid” bed, and from a childhood bed to one suited for a pre-teen or teen.
- Your child is no longer comfortable: If your child seems uncomfortable or you notice that their feet are beginning to dangle off the foot of the bed, it’s likely that they’ve outgrown their mattress. A mattress designed for a younger child may not offer the support needed for an older child or pre-teen.
- There is noticeable wear and tear: Your kid’s mattress should be upgraded if you can see any visible damage, hear creaky springs, or notice sagging. Remember that an overly worn mattress can impair the quality of your child’s sleep.
What Do Kids Need From Their Mattress?
Kids need a mattress that caters to their unique needs, preferences, and evolving growth patterns. The right mattress provides foundational support for their posture and physical development, ensuring they wake up refreshed and ready for new adventures each day.
Room to Grow
Perhaps the most important consideration when choosing your kids’ mattress is size. Just like their favorite pair of shoes, your child’s mattress needs room to accommodate their growth. Toddlers may fit snugly in a twin-size, but preteens often benefit from larger full or queen sizes. Anticipate growth spurts and whether they will share the bed with siblings. Also, consider mattress height, especially for bunk beds and uniquely sized bed frames.
| Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Twin | 38″ x 75″ |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ |
| Full XL | 54″ x 80″ |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ |
Support for Changing Bodies
Support in a mattress means it can adequately bear your child’s weight, adapt to the contours of their body, and maintain spinal alignment. As kids grow, and their weight and body changes, they will need different levels of support. Larger children may prefer a firmer bed that supports their body weight, while smaller children may like a softer bed that they can sink into.
Additionally, your child’s preferred sleeping position plays a role in choosing the right mattress. Side sleepers tend to feel more comfortable on softer mattresses that cushion their hips and shoulders, while those who sleep on their backs or stomachs might favor firmer options to ensure their midsections don’t sink too much.
Comfort for Evolving Tastes
Comfort is different for everyone and differs from support. While younger kids often prefer a softer mattress, adolescents tend to lean towards a firmer feel. Since comfort isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept, it can help to talk to your kids about what kind of bed they’d like. Recognizing your child’s thoughts and preferences can help to ensure that they feel comfortable in their new bed.
“When buying mattresses for my kids, my biggest goal is helping them sleep through the night. Beds with cooling properties are great, to avoid overheating. Plush and cozy models were a good fit in their younger years, but I’ve opted for firmer beds as they’ve gotten older — to make sure their growing bodies are fully supported.” – Mina Hochberg, Senior Product Manager
What to Look for In the Best Mattress for Kids
When shopping for your child’s next mattress, it’s essential to consider the qualities in a bed that matter most to a kid.
Mattress Type
Just like mattresses for adults, kids mattresses come in a wide variety of styles. The most common types of kids mattress include foam, hybrid, and latex models. Each mattress type offers unique benefits tailored to children’s needs.
Foam Mattresses: These mattresses are often chosen for their cozy feel, contouring, and pressure relief. They usually have a lower price tag than other types, but may lack durability and can sometimes retain heat.
Hybrid Mattresses: Combining foam with coils, hybrids offer both comfort and support, making them versatile for growing kids. They usually provide better temperature regulation but can be pricier.
Latex Mattresses: Durable and responsive, latex beds offer excellent support and are available in eco-friendly models. They can be more expensive, which might not be ideal for very young children who will quickly outgrow their mattress.
Allergies, Sensitivities, and Off-Gassing
When shopping for a child’s mattress, it’s important to consider any allergies and sensitivities your child has. Some materials, like latex and certain types of synthetic foams, can irritate allergies or sensitive skin. It can be helpful to research and opt for hypoallergenic materials.
Off-gassing refers to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from new mattresses, which can cause a temporary odor and sometimes affect those with sensitivities. Prioritizing natural or certified materials can minimize off-gassing and provide a safer sleep environment.
Look for Mattress Certifications
Finding a mattress with certain certifications can help to ensure that a mattress has been tested for safety.
- CertiPUR-US: This certification ensures the foam used in mattresses is free from harmful chemicals and has low VOC emissions.
- GREENGUARD: Recognized for products that maintain low chemical emissions, this standard ensures that a mattress protects indoor air quality.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): GOTS certification indicates that the textiles used in the mattress are organic and have met specific environmental and social standards.
- Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): This certification confirms that the latex in a mattress is organic and produced sustainably, considering both environmental and worker safety.
Price and Durability
Children’s mattresses come in a wide price range, with factors such as materials, size, and brand influencing the cost. When choosing a mattress, it can help to consider its durability and lifespan because a long-lasting mattress offers greater value over time.
Because kids grow up quickly, consider a mattress that can accommodate several growth spurts. Investing in a durable and slightly larger mattress means not having to replace it as frequently. For instance, while a bed for a 3-year-old might soon be outgrown, a well-chosen mattress for a 10-year-old could potentially see them through to their late teens and into adulthood.
Tips for Protecting Your Child’s Mattress
Don’t forget that you can also increase the lifespan of a mattress through proper care. Regular cleaning, using mattress protectors, and occasionally rotating or flipping the mattress can prolong its lifespan, ensuring you get the most out of a new mattress.
Temperature Control
Whether from active dreams, summer heat, or the occasional fever, children often benefit from sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t retain too much heat. Look for features like gel-infused foams, open-cell designs, or moisture-wicking covers to tell that a mattress is designed to stay cool.
Trials, Returns, and Warranties
Trial periods, also called sleep trials, allow you to use a bed before deciding whether to keep it. Choosing a mattress with a generous trial period gives you and your child the chance to make sure a new bed is the right fit. Flexible return policies and warranties can also provide parents with peace of mind, knowing that a bed can be sent back for things like manufacturing defects and excessive wear.
How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science
Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Having a holistic understanding of a mattress’s role as part of a sleep system is paramount to our testing process. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our testing team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.
In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses across performance categories. The following are the key guidelines that inform our performance ratings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best purchase decision for you.
Construction analysis: Our ratings system is grounded in construction. Each mattress rating is derived at the intersection of quality, value, and versatility across a range of sleepers. We look at the bed’s price point, materials, firmness options, comfort and support systems, cooling technology, as well as brand reputation, and then we perform a detailed analysis that measures performance across six different categories to arrive at an overall score.
Quantitative product testing: During these hands-on lab tests, our team uses various tools and technology to evaluate a bed’s performance against motion isolation, pressure relief, temperature control, ease of movement, edge support, and potential for odor emissions. We use the outcomes from these tests to calculate a score for each category.
Field testing: Our field testers sleep on mattresses and other sleep products, like pillows, sheets, and mattress toppers, in their own bedrooms. After weeks of at-home testing, each field tester provides a detailed analysis of how the mattress performs, including what they like and dislike about the bed.
User feedback: Observations from mattress owners and users outside our team are invaluable to our research. We draw insight from surveys, sleep stories, and customer reviews to extract themes, fine-tune our ratings, and better understand how each product performs over time in a real-world setting.
So how did we pick the best mattress for kids?
To compile our list of the best mattresses for kids, we focused on support, perimeter stability, and other qualities associated with healthy sleep and development for children. Although we evaluate mattresses for kids and adults using the same performance criteria, we paid special attention to feedback from testers weighing less than 130 pounds — the most common weight range for young children and preteens. Other factors that played a role in our selection process included the use of waterproof materials, size availability, bunk bed compatibility, and cost.
How We Determine Our Overall Scores
To determine a mattress’s overall score, we assign weighted percentages to performance categories based on how important they are to the individual sleep experience. For instance, areas like pressure relief and temperature control tend to matter more to people than something like off-gassing, and because more people sleep on their side and back than on their stomach, we weigh those positions more heavily
Performance Categories
Motion Isolation
This criteria alludes to the amount of motion a mattress absorbs when a sleeper moves on the surface. We use two testers lying side by side to evaluate motion isolation, who each feel for transfer while the other person moves on the mattress.
Temperature Control
To determine how well a mattress regulates temperature, we perform temperature tests and look closely at its materials and construction. Many mattresses are designed with cooling components meant to reduce heat retention.
Pressure Relief
A bed with strong pressure relief excels at preventing pressure from building up in areas like the shoulders and hips. Beds with even contouring and weight distribution are top performers when it comes to pressure relief.
Off-Gassing
A mattress in a box may release unpleasant chemical odors for a short period after you’ve unboxed it. The initial smell may be strong but typically fades within 2 or 3 days.
Ease of Movement
This criteria reflects how easily a sleeper can move across a bed’s surface. Responsive surfaces made of latex typically perform better than foam surfaces, which can inhibit movement.
Edge Support
We perform sit tests along a bed’s perimeter to measure how well the edges push back against weight. Mattresses with strong edge support have minimal sagging when sleepers sit on or lie close to the perimeter.
Dive Deeper – Mattress Guides by Sleeper Type
For more help deciding which mattress is right for your specific needs, check out the guides below.
Best Mattress by Sleeper Type
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mattress type is best for kids?
While there’s no one-size-fits all mattress type for children, we’ve found that hybrids adapt to children’s changing needs over time, striking a comfortable balance between supportive coils and conforming foams. That said, a high-quality foam or latex mattress can be great options for families seeking an inexpensive bed or one that is eco-friendly.
Do kids need a soft or firm mattress?
The ideal firmness level for a child depends on their body weight, sleep position, and personal preference. Young children and those who sleep on their side can opt for a softer mattress, while older children and those who sleep on their stomach or back may like something a little firmer.
How thick should a child’s mattress be?
A kid’s bed should be thick enough to be comfortable and allow them to get in and out of bed easily. While adults often look for thick mattresses with several layers of material, children’s lower body weights mean that many beds designed for kids are on the thinner side.
Most importantly, beds should conform to any thickness requirements of the bed’s frame or foundation. Bunk beds often have thickness and weight requirements to ensure a child’s safety.
What mattress is best for kids with allergies?
The best mattress for children with allergies depends on the type of allergies they have. Common choices include hypoallergenic mattresses and those that have been certified as organic.
How long does a child’s mattress last?
A child’s mattress typically lasts between 6 to 8 years, depending on its durability and quality. However, children’s growth spurts might necessitate a larger bed before the mattress wears out. Because of this, it’s helpful to find a balance between investing in a durable mattress and anticipating the need for size upgrades as your child grows. Also keep durability in mind if you plan to reuse the mattress for your child’s younger siblings.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to AskAnExpert@sleepfoundation.org with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
As a board-certified sleep medicine physician with over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Adavadkar is an expert in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders in both children and adults, as well as addressing sleep issues experienced by veterans. Dr. Adavadkar is a member of the Sleep Foundation Medical Advisory Board.