Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What’s the Best Mattress for Kids?
The Helix Kids mattress earned the top spot because of its flippable design, waterproof cover, and stellar policies. Enjoy a 100-night trial and 10-year warranty that should cover the longevity of your mattress as your child grows.
Best Mattresses for Kids
Our Video Review of the Best Beds for Kids
Compare the Best Beds for Kids
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| Helix Kids Mattress | Bear Cub | BB Kids | Nectar Mattress | Saatva Youth Mattress | Nolah Nurture Mattress | Birch Kids Natural | Leesa Kids | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | |||||
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Latex | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| Warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10 year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 25-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 Nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 Nights | 100 nights | 100 nights |
| Best For | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Kids | Kids | Kids | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Couples | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Kids | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Kids | Kids | Kids |
How Did We Choose the Best Mattresses for Kids?
Although I’m no longer a kid myself, I have a lot of mattress testing experience and an eye for a well-constructed bed.
For this roundup, I collected mattresses that met key requirements for a child’s restful sleep, including a medium-firm feel, durable materials, and reassuring certifications that attest to a bed’s safety and overall quality.
The beds I’ve highlighted are intended for kids between the ages of 3 and 12. They often function as a child’s first “big-kid bed,” and their designs foster rest and support throughout these years of growth.
Read our full product testing methodology to learn more about how we review the mattresses we feature.
What We Want to See in a Kids’ Mattress
Enough Firmness and Support
A mattress for children should have a medium-firm (or firm) feel coupled with a strong support system. These aspects encourage a neutral spinal alignment—an important concern for skeletal systems that are still developing.
As such, every mattress on this list received either a 4 out of 5 or a perfect 5 out of 5 in the “Support” category during our testing.
The Ability to Withstand Messes
Kids can be rough on their mattresses, whether they’re jumping on the bed or undergoing potty training. A good children’s mattress will stand up to this treatment with strong components and an easy-to-clean or moisture-resistant surface.
Adaptability as Kids Age
As children grow, their sleep needs shift. A good kids’ mattress accommodates their development with a design that’s adaptable enough to suit different age ranges. Some children’s beds on this list have two usable sides designated for different life stages; others can accommodate both children and adults.
The Best Kids’ Mattresses, In-Depth
Helix Kids – Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: The Helix Kids mattress is a flippable hybrid designed to last 8 years and “grow” alongside your child. There’s a firmer side meant for younger kids (ages 3 to 7) who need more support. Once they turn 8, flip over to the softer side for more pressure relief, which should last until age 12. Overall, we think it’s a worthwhile investment.
Why the Helix Kids Earned Best Mattress for Kids Overall
With two usable sides—each one meant for a different age range—the Helix Kids mattress banishes the stress of buying a new bed for your kid every few years. Its hybrid design enables its firmness to change alongside a child’s growth. It also comes with a waterproof cover, a 100-night trial, and 10-year warranty. This helped it earn its top spot on our list.
The firmer side, which is recommended for children ages 3-7, has a more robust feel that prioritizes support. The softer side, which is for ages 8-12, should satisfy older kids who’ve developed a preference for a more pillowy surface.
Bear Cub – Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids
The Advisor Says: The Bear Cub is an adorably and aptly named hybrid mattress for kids. This big-kid bed comes in two colors and sizes, and we think it should last well into teendom; Bear backs it up with a lifetime warranty. It has great bounce, solid edge support, and a super-comfortable surface that’ll have adults wanting to lay on it, too.
Why the Bear Cub Earned Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids
The cutely named Bear Cub is an exemplary hybrid mattress for children. With both twin and full sizes available, and two charming colors for its border fabric, it actually looks quite adult—an appealing factor for many kids transitioning to their first big-kid bed.
Its construction combines two types of pressure-relieving foam with a strong spring unit for the support that young people need. It also boasts impressive safety credentials: A GREENGUARD Gold certification attests that the Bear Cub meets strict standards for low emissions, and its foams are CertiPUR-US® certified (meaning they don’t contain several potentially harmful ingredients).
Brooklyn Bedding Kids – Best Affordable Mattress for Kids
The Advisor Says: The BB Kids mattress is a budget-friendly and very supportive children’s bed. Its two layers of foam are topped by a stain-resistant cover, and an infusion of gel in the first layer should help keep little ones cool as they sleep. It definitely feels firmer than average, so you may want to look elsewhere for older kids who prefer a plush surface.
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Kids Earned Best Affordable Mattress for Kids
Parents may be looking to save some money on a kids’ mattress, especially since their child will eventually grow out of it. Brooklyn Bedding’s mattress for kids costs under $300 for a twin and under $400 for full, and that’s before any coupons or sales—talk about a deal!
The mattress is outfitted with a stain-resistant cover and cooling gel foam, the latter of which makes it a great option if your child complains of overheating overnight. The firm feel of this bed should promote the proper alignment necessary for comfort and growth, as well as contribute to the bed’s overall longevity. Brooklyn Bedding also offers a limited lifetime warranty to back it up.
Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids
The Advisor Says: We believe that Nectar offers a quality bed backed up by generous policies, and for under $1,000 for a queen (after discounts). If you’re looking for a firmer foam mattress on a budget, the Nectar Classic has you covered.
Why the Nectar Earned Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids
Adults already know the Nectar as a popular memory foam mattress you can order online. After testing it extensively, I recommend it for kids, too—it has a versatile, medium-firm feel with lots of support from its strong base foam. At the same time, its upper two layers give you a nice amount of pressure relief.
As an all-foam mattress, it may be better suited for older children who want a bit more softness and less bounce to their bed.
Saatva Youth – Best Flippable Mattress for Kids
The Advisor Says: Saatva brings the same eye for luxury and consistent support to their children’s mattresses as they do to their adult ones. The dual-sided Saatva Youth has a firmer side for older kids (ages 8-12) and a softer side for younger ones (ages 3-7), complete with a waterproof barrier layer in case of messes. It’s pricier than many kids’ mattresses on the market, but you can trace the cost back to its choice materials.
Why the Saatva Youth Earned Best Flippable Mattress for Kids
Saatva’s standout innerspring beds have long since proven their mettle in the adult world, especially when it comes to addressing back pain. It’s no surprise, then, that the Saatva Youth preserves some of these spine-focused features: firmer quilting in the cover, zoned foam, and even a Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire all shore up support beneath the lower back in this children’s bed.
What’s more, the Saatva Youth is flippable. One side addresses the needs of children ages 3-7, while the other focuses on ages 8-12. Regardless of your child’s age, they’ll be benefiting from eco-friendly components such as an organic cotton cover and a thistle-based natural flame barrier.
Nolah Nurture – Best Mattress for Kids with Accident Coverage
The Advisor Says: This is an extremely versatile kids’ mattress that can last them up until their teenage years. The organic cotton and wool layers should appeal to environmentally conscious shoppers, and the 99-cent accident coverage is hard to beat—but note that this bed may suit older children best, because it has no waterproof or water-resistant layer.
Why the Nolah Nurture Earned Best Mattress for Kids with Accident Coverage
The Nolah Nurture is a well-built kids’ mattress with a spring core and a flippable design, as well as organic cotton and wool on both sides. These textiles can protect the bed somewhat from spills and accidents, but some messes may be tougher to clean than others—especially during potty training.
Thankfully, you can add an accident coverage plan to your purchase of this mattress for only 99 cents. The plan allows you to file claims online, and covers everything from rips and tears to stains from accidents, cosmetics, and food.
Birch Kids Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Kids
The Advisor Says: Birch is well-known for their luxury, eco-friendly mattress of the same name, but did you know they have an option for growing eco-warriors? The Birch Natural Kids is a flippable mattress made with the same cozy, nontoxic materials of its adult predecessor. If you have a child between the ages of 3 to 12 and are looking to splurge, we recommend you give it a try!
Why the Birch Kids Natural Earned Best Organic Mattress for Kids
Many parents have valid concerns about the materials going into their child’s mattress. Rather than purchasing a more traditional bed made with largely synthetic foams and fabrics, they may want to invest in an organic mattress.
The Birch Kids Natural is a fantastic eco-friendly find for children. It’s constructed with latex, organic cotton, organic wool, and steel coils. Aside from its earth-minded credentials, it also has a good firmness level for a growing child: medium firm, with lots of responsiveness from the latex and springs.
Leesa Kids – Best Mattress for Kids with Bunk Beds
The Advisor Says: The Leesa Kids mattress is a great all-foam children’s mattress that’s thin enough to fit in a bunk or lofted bed, but still thick enough to provide comfort. Its medium-firm feel should appeal to most sleeper types, though some younger kids might need even firmer support.
Why the Leesa Kids Earned Best Mattress for Kids with Bunk Beds
With a 7.5-inch profile and all-foam design, the Leesa Kids mattress is a perfect fit for most bunk beds and lofted beds. Those types of frames tend to have guard rails, and you don’t want your kid’s mattress to be so tall that the rail doesn’t protect them from falling. It’s an affordably priced option to boot.
Other Kid-Friendly Mattresses We Tested
While these mattresses didn’t make our list, each of these beds are great fits for kids to support them as they grow and sleep through the night. Check out our featured recommendations below.
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Choosing the Best Mattress for a Kid: Key Considerations
When selecting a bed for your child, you’ll want to look at mattresses that provide the right amount of support for a growing kid—and they may look quite different from beds meant for adults.
If your child is old enough to weigh in, ask them what their dream bed looks and feels like. We also recommend ordering a bed with a long sleep trial so they can test it out over time (and you can return it if it’s causing problems). Otherwise, keep the following factors in mind as you shop.
Age and Mattress Size
Your child’s age should help determine the size of the mattress you buy for them. Consult the chart below to compare different mattress sizes, their intended age groups, and their most noteworthy features.
| Size | Dimensions | Age Group | Key Features | Guide |
| Crib | Approx. 28” x 52” | Infants and Toddlers (0-3 years) | * Very firm for essential support * Often dual-sided * Waterproof or water-resistant | Best Crib Mattresses |
| Twin | 38” x 75” | Kids (3-12 Years), Teens, and Adults | * Affordable * Conserves space * Many models designed specifically for kids | Best Twin Mattresses |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” | Kids (3-12 Years), Teens, and Adults | * Affordable * More comfortable for taller sleepers | Best Twin XL Mattresses |
| Full | 54” x 75” | Kids (3-12 Years), Teens, and Adults | * More space for spreading out * Room for two sleepers | Best Full Mattresses |
Mattress Type
The type of mattress you choose for a child will determine their experience of the bed’s feel and support.
In our opinion, a hybrid mattress is the ideal choice for a kids’ mattress. These beds mix strong support with just enough softness for comfortable nights. They’re also extremely durable, and that’s a plus given that young children tend to put their mattresses through more wear and tear than other age groups.
The biggest drawback of this kind of bed is its cost. A quality hybrid bed for children will probably be priced higher than an all-foam alternative.
We’ve included a mix of hybrids and foam beds in the roundup above, but hybrids win the day—there are six of them, compared to two foam options. It’s worth noting that five out of six of the beds specifically designed for children are hybrids, too.
Firmness
When browsing mattresses for kids, aim for a medium-firm feel—around a 6.5 or so on our mattress firmness scale. This firmness is a golden middle ground of sorts, and will be optimal for the vast majority of children throughout most of their junior years. Every bed on the above list has at least one medium-firm or firm side.
If a bed is too soft, it might feel inviting at first, but it may not have the proper amount of support or pressure distribution for a growing child.
Support
A mattress’s support is correlated with its ability to encourage neutral spinal alignment. Importantly, support and firmness are not the same thing—a mattress’s firmness doesn’t necessarily indicate anything about the strength or effectiveness of its support system.
For children, maintaining healthy spinal alignment is especially important as their bones grow and develop. You’ll want a kids’ mattress with a durable, well-designed support system, whether it’s a strong innerspring unit or a dense foam base. All of the kids’ mattresses that we’ve tested meet this requirement, with a score of at least 4 out of 5 in this category from our review team.
Cooling and Breathability
If your child gets too warm while sleeping, they may wake up multiple times throughout the night—a scenario that affects them and their parents. You’ll want a mattress that doesn’t retain too much heat.
Beds with springs foster more airflow than all-foam models, so again, we recommend hybrid beds for children to up the cooling factor. Some beds also have cooling components inside their foam layers (like gel, copper, or graphite infusions), and breathable covers made of textiles such as cotton or Tencel™.
As part of our testing process, we see how well mattresses regulate their temperature after several minutes of someone lying on the bed’s surface. The Saatva Youth and Helix Kids are the best of the bunch—we awarded them both a 4 out of 5 in this category.
Waterproof or Water-Resistant Components
Spills and accidents are all but guaranteed as your child goes through potty training (or sneaks snacks into bed). Some children’s mattresses—including the Saatva Youth and Helix Kids—are built with water-resistant or waterproof covers or barriers to help make cleanup easier.
As you shop for a kids’ mattress, pay attention to any waterproof or water-resistant components that will add to the bed’s convenience factor. If your heart is set on a kids’ mattress without these features, you can also investigate mattress protectors that you’d purchase separately.
See our favorites here: Best Mattress Protectors
Ease of Cleaning
Whether or not your child’s mattress has any waterproof elements, it should be easy to clean when accidents occur.
Some of the mattresses above stay clean via spill-resistant covers and antimicrobial treatments. Others, such as the Nolah Natural, can be ordered with comprehensive accident and stain protection coverage.
The Nectar, Leesa Kids, Bear Cub, Brooklyn Essential, and Birch Kids Natural don’t have any built-in components that help with cleaning, but can be spot cleaned as well as shielded by a removable mattress protector.
Materials, Certifications, & Safety
As you think about which kids’ mattress to buy, you’ll want to look out for beds with safe, premium materials and certifications from reputable third-party organizations. If a manufacturer uses vague language around its mattresses’ constructions, or only includes scant details about the materials that go into its beds, you should be wary.
If shopping organically is important to you, keep an eye out for certifications from GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard).
Other mattress certifications that signal a lack of potentially harmful chemicals and low emissions include those from CertiPUR-US®, UL GREENGUARD, MADE SAFE®, and more. Some companies will also put kids’ mattresses through testing for substances such as phthalates and lead. Always try to trace these testing claims to a trustworthy and findable source.
On this list, every mattress has CertiPUR-US® certification at the very least. The Saatva Youth, Helix Kids, Bear Cub, and Birch Kids Natural lead the way in additional certifications and safety credentials.
Explore the best organic mattresses here.
Hypoallergenic Mattresses for Children
If you’re concerned about your child’s susceptibility to allergens, look for beds with materials that resist the accumulation of common ones. Latex, for example, can resist the buildup of dust mites and other irritants. Other mattresses may be protected from allergens and germs by antimicrobial treatments, or innately antimicrobial substances such as copper or wool.
Note: the term “hypoallergenic” doesn’t have any official certifications associated with it, so it’s often bandied about by mattress companies. Be sure to research whether or not an allegedly hypoallergenic mattress has components that will actually guard against your child’s allergens.
Brand Reputation
A reputable mattress brand sells durable, high-quality beds and honors the promises it makes to its customers. Finding a brand you can trust is of the utmost importance as you plan out your child’s bedroom.
We’ve vetted the brands on this list and tested multiple mattresses from each of them to ensure that their products match their advertising. We also take warranties, sleep trials, and other policies into account when deciding which beds to highlight. When possible, we also get in touch with the brand’s customer service to gauge how quickly and efficiently they can address questions and feedback.
Why Is a High-Quality Kids’ Mattress So Important?
As children grow and develop, they need regular, deep, and restful sleep. A mattress that suits their body’s needs and their comfort preferences is therefore essential.
In fact, not getting enough sleep as a child is correlated with worrisome health and behavioral outcomes.
What Happens If Children Don’t Get Enough Sleep?
A substantial body of research proves that a lack of sleep at a young age can lead to a variety of physical and mental issues, including:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Impaired memory and learning1
A 2022 study even found that insufficient sleep led to visible changes in brain structure for 9- and 10-year-olds. Specifically, regions that govern attention, memory, and impulsivity had “less grey matter or smaller volume” than those in children who were getting nine or more hours of sleep per night.2
Longitudinal studies also suggest that disrupted or low-quality sleep in childhood can have long-term effects, including a higher likelihood of depression, anxiety, or behavior issues later in life.3
How Much Sleep Do Kids Need?
How much sleep a child needs depends on their exact age. In 2016, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine published their guidelines for each age group1:
| Child’s Age | Recommended Amount of Sleep per Night |
| 4 to 12 Months | 12 to 16 Hours |
| 1 to 2 Years | 11 to 14 Hours |
| 3 to 5 Years | 10 to 13 Hours |
| 6 to 12 Years | 9 to 12 Hours |
| 13 to 18 Years | 8 to 10 Hours |
Distressingly, in 2021 CDC reported that more than a third of children in the United States were not getting the recommended amount of sleep.4
Dr. Raj’s Tips for Helping Kids Get Better Sleep
Best Beds for Kids FAQs
Are memory foam mattresses good for kids?
A memory foam mattress may be a good fit for your child’s needs if it’s not too soft. If you want an all-foam kids’ bed, pick one that’s medium-firm rather than plush.
However, a mattress with springs will generally outlast an all-foam bed and have a stronger support unit. That’s why we recommend hybrid beds (which have both springs and foam comfort layers) for children.
How firm should a child’s mattress be?
A kid’s mattress should be medium-firm or firm, rather than soft. This firmness level accommodates the widest range of sleeping positions and helps to promote a neutral spinal alignment as your child grows.
How tall should a kid’s mattress be?
A child’s mattress should be at least 6 inches tall, though around 8 inches is preferable. Kids don’t need the same amount of height from their beds as adults do, so the mattresses on our list above are all between 8 and 12 inches thick.
How do you clean pee out of a mattress?
Cleaning urine from a mattress after your child has an accident is a multi-step process, but it’s very doable and only requires a few household items.
- Put any soiled bedding into the washing machine as soon as you discover the accident.
- Use paper towels or rags to blot the affected area. Don’t try to scrub the urine out, just apply and release pressure to absorb excess moisture.
- Spray the area with a solution made of white vinegar and water. Most sources recommend a half-and-half mixture. You can also add a couple tablespoons of detergent to either the spray bottle or the mattress itself (before you spray).
- After thoroughly spraying the spot, layer baking soda on top of it. Use a generous amount, so the area is fully covered. Let the baking soda sit for 8 hours or more.
- Vacuum up the baking soda. If odors or stains are lingering, you can repeat steps 3 through 5 as needed.
Recap: The Best Mattresses for Kids
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Full Size) | Review |
| Helix Kids | Editor’s Pick | $899.00 | Helix Kids Mattress Review |
| Bear Cub | Hybrid | $845 | Pending |
| BB Kids | Affordable | $332.00 | BB Kids Mattress Review |
| Nectar | Memory Foam | $899.00 | Nectar Mattress Review |
| Saatva Youth | Flippable | $999.00 | Saatva Youth Mattress Review |
| Nolah Nurture | Accident Coverage | $1,224 | Pending |
| Birch Kids Natural | Organic | $1,248.80 | Pending |
| Leesa Kids | Bunk Beds | $599 | Pending |
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
References:
- Paruthi, Shalini., et al. “Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine on the Recommended Amount of Sleep for Healthy Children: Methodology and Discussion”. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. November 2016.
- Contie, Vicki. “Children’s sleep linked to brain development”. National Institutes of Health. Last modified August 30, 2022.
- Alrousan, Ghalya., et al. “Early Life Sleep Deprivation and Brain Development: Insights From Human and Animal Studies”. Frontiers in Neuroscience. May 2022.
- Wheaton, Anne G., & Claussen, Angelika H. “Short Sleep Duration Among Infants, Children, and Adolescents Aged 4 Months–17 Years — United States, 2016–2018”. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. September 2021.