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One of the very first things you learn after becoming a parent is that if your child can’t sleep, you don’t get to sleep either. This never really changes, even once they’ve outgrown their diapers and crib (sorry, y’all).
But knowing your kid is sleeping on a comfortable, supportive, and safe surface is a nice consolation prize, right? Rest assured — these 13 options fit the bill.
- Editor’s pick: Nest Bedding My BKB – Big Kids Bed
- Best memory foam mattress for kids: 5 Little Monkeys The Sleep System
- Best innerspring mattress for kids: Saatva Youth Mattress
- Best organic mattress for kids: My Green Mattress Kiwi
- Best toddler mattress: OMI Organic Crib Mattress
- Best mattress that grows with your kid: Purple Kid Mattress
- Best floor bed mattress for kids: Milliard 6-Inch Memory Foam Tri Folding Mattress with Cover
- Best bunk bed mattress for kids: Linenspa 6-Inch Spring Mattress
- Best budget mattress for kids: Zinus 6 in. Medium Spring Tight Top Twin Mattress
- Best waterproof mattress for kids: Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress
- Ultradurable mattress for kids: Little LuuF Mattress for Kids
- Best portable mattress for kids: Regalo My Cot Extra Long Portable Bed
Aside from just keeping your kid comfortably in dreamland, beds for littles need to be safe. We sought out top-rated mattresses that met some important criteria:
- They’re verified by certification organizations. No need to worry about a mega chemical load here. All our picks have certifications from orgs like CertiPUR-US, Greenguard, Made Safe, or eco-INSTITUT.
- They meet standard flammability requirements. When possible, we sought out options made with nonchemical flame retardants, which are healthier for kids’ still-developing bodies.
- They haven’t been recalled or received safety warnings. Uh, self-explanatory!
We’ve made the bed. Now, let’s lie in it.
- $ = under $150
- $$ = $150–$500
- $$$ = $501–$600
- $$$$ = over $600
Best innerspring mattress for kids
Saatva Youth Mattress
One big benefit of spring mattresses is that they’re flippable — so this one should last your child for years. The cover is made of hypoallergenic, antimicrobial cotton, and the flame barrier comes from natural thistle.
Also good? The water-resistant finish and internal waterproof barrier should help the mattress will stay protected when accidents happen.
Price: $$$$
Best mattress for kids overall
Nest Bedding My BKB – Big Kids Bed
Designed specifically with littles (and bigger littles) in mind, this mattress has enough supportive foam (that’s CertiPUR-US certified) to keep kids comfy and cozy. A temperature-regulating layer keeps kids cool, and the flame barrier is made from nonchemical hydrogenated silica instead of chemical-based retardants.
Best of all is the price, which definitely falls in the “relatively affordable” category.
Price: $$
Best mattress that grows with your kid
Purple Kid Mattress
We’re not guaranteeing this bed will last from toddlerhood until your kid graduates from high school, but you should get some good wear out of it. This softer, lighter version of Purple’s standard mattress is designed to give solid, comfy support for children up to 115 pounds.
Price: $$$
Best organic mattress for kids
My Green Mattress Kiwi
This firm hybrid mattress combines a springy pocketed coil system with certified organic latex, cotton, and wool (which acts as a natural flame retardant). The base model is only one-sided, but the brand also offers a two-sided flippable option for not too much more moolah.
Price: $$$$
Best waterproof mattress for kids
Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress
One side of this organic coiled spring bed is lined with a waterproof surface that you can wipe clean with soap and water, which makes it a really good choice for littles who are still getting the hang of the whole nighttime potty thing.
When your kid gets a little older, flip the mattress to the quilted side, which has the plush feel of a “bigger kid” bed.
Price: $$$$
Best memory foam mattress for kids
5 Little Monkeys The Sleep System
This bed looks like a soft, fluffy cloud, and it feels like one too. Three layers of CertiPUR-US certified temperature-regulating memory foam serve up support and comfort.
The cozy organic cotton cover is removable and easy to wash. You’ll also get an organic waterproof mattress protector and a little pillow that’s just the right size for your little human.
Price: $$$$
Best toddler mattress
OMI Organic Crib Mattress
Here’s a smaller option, made just for a toddler bed (or a recently converted crib), that you can buy with an innerspring or organic latex core. The mattress is certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and Greenguard — an eco-friendly hat trick.
Price: $$$$
Best floor bed mattress for kids
Milliard 6-Inch Memory Foam Tri Folding Mattress
Floor beds keep it ultrasimple (and Montessori-inspired, if you’re into that sorta thing). This CertiPUR-US certified foam model is sturdy and thick while still managing to stay cool, thanks to a primo ventilation system.
The washable bamboo cover has an antislip bottom to keep the bed from sliding around. And the fact that it folds up makes it great for small spaces.
Price: $
Best bunk bed mattress for kids
Linenspa 6-Inch Spring Mattress
Don’t feel like hoisting a zillion-pound mattress onto that upper bunk — or just worry that a heavier mattress won’t have the support it needs? This slim spring option has less than half the poundage of most twin mattresses, so it’s a good choice for bunks, day beds, or trundle beds.
Price: $
Best budget mattress for kids
Zinus 6 in. Medium Spring Tight Top Twin Mattress
TBH, this bed might not have enough support for an adult. But for a little kid? The CertiPUR-US foam top and coiled spring core give enough bounce and pressure relief to keep smaller bodies comfortable.
FYI: Unlike many higher-end kids’ mattresses, the cover on this one isn’t water-repellent. So you might want to spring for a protective cover.
Price: $
Ultradurable mattress for kids
Little LuuF Mattress for Kids
Sometimes it’s straight-up impossible to keep an energetic kid from bouncing on their bed. If that sounds like your situation, this mattress is for you.
The top layer’s Serene Foam is designed to adapt to changes in surface weight, helping the mattress better withstand rough play. If this isn’t your child’s first mattress, for a little extra moolah, Little LuuF will take the old mattress and recycle it for you.
Price: $$$
Best portable mattress for kids
Regalo My Cot Extra Long Portable Bed
Vacations and sleepovers at Grandma’s will eventually be a thing again. And when that day comes, this inexpensive cot is worth having on hand. It’s designed for kids ages 2 to 8. The foldable steel frame is sturdy yet lightweight, and the canvas sleeping area is plenty comfy.
Price: $
Still have questions about mattresses? We’ve got answers to a few common ones.
What’s the difference between a mattress for kids and a twin mattress?
Actually, not that much. Parents may opt for a twin mattress for their kids due to its transitional size between a toddler bed and adult bed. You might also find a tad more variety with twin mattresses, mostly because adults can sleep on them too. Other than that, it’s likely just a matter of preference.
What will a mattress for kids provide that a baby crib mattress won’t?
Generally, a mattress for kids will provide more length and softness than a crib/toddler mattress will. Infants/toddlers need firmer mattresses that will fit the crib for safety when sleeping, whereas slightly older children (ages 2 to 5) who can likely get themselves in and out of bed regularly are okay with a softer kids’ mattress.
What level of mattress firmness should a kid be sleeping on?
Most experts will steer you toward medium-firm mattresses for your kids. This firmness level will help to keep their spines aligned as they’re still growing, while giving them more comfort than the first mattress they slept on in the crib.
What age should my kid be before I get them a mattress for kids?
This is going to be totally based on your comfort level and your child’s amount of movement when they sleep. Experts may point to an age window of 1.5 to 2 years as a good transition point, but if your child is content in their crib, there’s no need to rush them onto a bigger mattress.
Also, if your child is attempting to climb out of their crib regularly or seems uncomfortable with the small amount of sleeping space, it could be time for a move up to a kids’ mattress.
A mattress for kids is specifically designed to give them the right amount of comfort and support as their bodies grow quickly in their early years. There are plenty of options ranging from water to memory foam to organic.
The type that you choose for them should ultimately come down to the kind of sleeper they are, whether they have specific support needs, and your budget.
