We are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that our children get the best sleep possible. That’s why when it comes to choosing the right mattress for kids, it requires considering several important criteria, such as their age, the safety of materials, how well the mattress fits the bed frame, and similar.
In this review, we assess what is important and look into five different brands of mattresses for kids. Whether you’re seeking a mattress for a toddler or a full-size option for an older child, read on to make an informed decision.
Best kids mattress: a shortlist
- Birch — best mattress for kids overall
- Nolah — best mattress for kids with a lifetime warranty
- Helix — best mattress for kids with an anti-microbe shield
- Leesa — best foam mattress for kids
- PlushBeds — best medium-firm mattress for kids
How we ranked the best mattress for kids
| Size | Appropriate for the child’s age |
| Firmness | Balance between comfort and support |
| Material | Quality material: organic cotton, wool, toxin-free foam |
| Safety certifications | Greenguard®, CertiPUR-US®, and similar |
| Hypoallergenic properties | Allergy-free design |
| User reviews | Customer testimonials |
| Price and value | $400-$1400 |
- Size. The best mattress for a 3-year-old might differ from the best mattress for a 5-year-old. Look for options that cater to the specific age group.
- Firmness. A good mattress for kids should balance comfort and support. This is important for the child’s physical development.
- Material. Durable and high-quality materials are crucial so the mattress withstands the child’s test.
- Safety certifications. Brands that go the extra mile and certify their mattresses make sure that they meet health and safety standards.
- Hypoallergenic properties. As the child’s skin is more sensitive than an adult’s, you should prefer hypoallergenic options.
- User reviews. Feedback from other buyers can provide insights into the real-world performance. Look for genuine and numerous reviews.
- Price and value. The best type of mattress for kids should be cost-effective, meaning it combines quality without excessive expense.
Best kids mattress in 2023: overview
All the following brands offer great mattresses for kids, but each one offers something different and unique. When analyzing these brands, we mainly considered the manufacturer’s commitment to quality, safety certifications, hypoallergenic solutions, and customer satisfaction.
Additionally, we looked at the firmness options and the price-to-value aspect. This analysis ensured that we recommend only the brands that excel in providing the best sleep solutions for children.
The Birch Kids Natural Mattress is notable for its Greenguard® certification — a testament to its adherence to strict environmental and health standards. It confirms that the mattress has undergone testing for harmful substances like pollutants, formaldehyde, and phthalates, among others. This makes it an excellent option for kids, particularly those prone to allergies.
The mattress design offers two sides of different firmness that can be flipped to maximize comfort and to keep the posture adequate. One side is firmer, which is appropriate for kids aged 3-7 years of age, while the other side is softer for 8-12 year old kids.
The mattress comes with a 25-year warranty, as the brand stands behind its claims for the quality of this product.
While the product page offers no customer reviews, the quality of materials and extensive certifications give a level of trust for this product. Additionally, the brand offers a 100-night trial to see if the mattress suits your child’s needs.
The mattress costs $1123.80-$1373.80, depending on the size.
The Nolah Nurture Kids Mattress is an excellently crafted choice for youngsters, ticking all the right boxes for a quality children's mattress. The manufacturer has gone the extra mile to obtain the Greenguard® certification to ensure health and safety standards. It ensures that the product demonstrates minimal chemical emissions, making it an ideal pick for kids who are more sensitive or prone to allergies. It caters to customers seeking both a safe and hypoallergenic mattress for kids.
The mattress features a dual-sided design that offers two levels of firmness. It accommodates the varying comfort needs and evolving requirements of children as they grow, making it suitable for a wide age range from toddlers to pre-teens. The mattress’s seven-layer structure which includes airy organic cotton and temperature-regulating wool layer, enhances the comfort and the product’s longevity.
The brand offers a 120-night trial to see if the mattress suits your child’s needs.
In summary, the Nolah Nurture Kids mattress appears to be a robust option for those looking for a safe, adaptable, and eco-friendly mattress for their child’s sleep needs.
The mattress costs $919.00-$1224.00, depending on the size.
Helix Kids mattress is a practical choice for growing kids, as it combines comfort, safety, and flexibility. Its dual-sided design is noteworthy, as it offers a firmer side tailored for children between the ages of 3 and 7 to help support their growing bodies. The softer side is designed for older kids aged between 8 and 12, providing a cozy feel without compromising support. Together, this provides an adaptable mattress that makes it last a good while.
The manufacturer’s commitment to safety and quality is commendable. This is evident from Greenguard® and CertiPUR-US® certifications, assuring parents that this mattress for kids contains no harmful chemicals. The hypoallergenic cover also possesses a natural water-repellent layer and a hygienic microbe shield, addressing concerns about allergies or sensitivities.
The Helix Kids mattress comprises safety and suitability for different age groups in a fine balance. The product is endorsed by medical professionals and child sleep experts alike, providing an extra layer of trust.
The mattress costs $748.80-$998.80, depending on the size.
The Leesa Kids mattress is crafted to cater to the needs of growing children, incorporating advanced non-toxic memory foam technology to provide comfort. Designed to offer gentle support for joints, it addresses the essential aspect for the healthy development of children. Featuring certificates from CertiPUR-US® and Greenguard®, it promises to be safe and free from harmful chemicals.
The firmness of the Leesa Kids mattress claims to be medium-firm, as indicated by 70% of the 20,000 customers served. While such a firmness level may best be suited to older children, it may also be suitable for toddlers as well, as the brand indicates that this product is for “kids ages 4 and up who are transitioning to a bigger mattress”.
All in all, while Leesa Kids mattress lacks a dual-sided design, it offers a one-fits-all product that is suited to provide a good night’s comfort for your growing kid.
The mattress costs $499.00-$599.00, depending on the size.
The PlushBeds Healthy Mattress for Kids is a hybrid that offers children’s bedding with a strong emphasis on organic and non-toxic materials. This product combines GOLS-certified organic latex with GOTS-certified organic cotton, complemented with a Greenguard® certificate. Such a combination is meant to create a sleep environment that is both safe and cozy.
As organic British wool is used, the mattress features fire resistance and temperature regulation, which boosts the safety and comfort of the product. The brand promises exceptional sleep experience for the children with their catch-all medium-firm support level for the growing body.
The product page features some customer reviews that rank the mattress exclusively with a five-star rating. With a 100-night trial option and an extensive 25-year warranty, the brand evidently stands behind the quality of this product.
The product costs $899.00-$1099.00, depending on the mattress size.
Comparison of top kids' mattress brands
| Brand | Support | Type | Price for full size | Nights to try out | Warranty |
| Birch | Soft & firm sides | Hybrid | $1373.80 | 100 | 25 years |
| Nolah Nurture | Soft & firm sides | Hybrid | $1224.00 | 120 | Lifetime |
| Helix | Soft & firm sides | Hybrid | $998.80 | 100 | 10 years |
| Leesa | Medium-firm | Foam | $599.00 | 100 | 10 years |
| Plush Beds | Medium-firm | Hybrid | $1099.00 | 100 | 25 years |
Choosing the right mattress for kids: what to take into account
When picking the best mattress for kids, it’s not only the size that matters. You need to find the right balance between comfort, safety, and suitability for your child’s age and development level. Therefore, you need to make a well-informed decision when it comes to your child’s rest needs.
Best mattress for toddlers
When choosing the best mattress for toddlers, safety is at the very top of the list of things to consider. A mattress that’s too soft may be a risk, especially for babies and young toddlers, so you might want to consider a firmer option.
The best mattress for a toddler’s full bed should provide a snug fit to prevent any gaps where the child might get stuck. Additionally, a hypoallergenic material choice would be ideal, as toddlers have sensitive skin.
Lastly, the size of the mattress should accommodate the child’s growth. Therefore, the durability and, thus the longevity of the mattress is an important factor when choosing the best mattress for toddlers.
Best full-size mattress for kids
For children with a few more years under their belt, the best full-size mattress for kids should combine durability, excellent support, and leave some room for growth. After all, you should not need to buy a new mattress for your child every other year, especially when they are older.
The best full mattress for kids should offer enough support to promote a healthy spine alignment, which is crucial during the growing years. It’s also important to consider the mattress’s ability to adapt to different weight and sleeping positions as the child grows.
Another point to consider is the ease of cleaning the potential spills and stains. Opt for a mattress that will provide comfort and support throughout their childhood years.
Best mattresses for different age groups
Taking time to tailor the mattress choice to specific age groups means enhancing the sleep quality of your little ones. For a 3-year-old, the best mattress should be firm enough to support their growing bodies yet comfortable enough to enable restful sleep.
As the child reaches four years, the best mattress for a 4-year-old should start taking into account their individual sleeping preferences, such as whether they sleep on their side, or rather back, or stomach.
By the age of five, the best mattress for a 5-year-old should cater to their increased activity levels and rapid growth pace, meaning it may possibly require a more durable and supportive mattress.
Each age group has its own unique needs, and the mattress should reflect this, evolving together with the growing child.
How mattress impacts child development?
Selecting the right mattress is pivotal to a child’s growth and development. Good sleep is not just a luxury, it is a cornerstone of their physical and cognitive growth, as well as their overall health. A mattress that properly supports the spine while the child is sleeping is especially important during the rapid growth stages of childhood. It ensures correct posture, which is vital in preventing back issues and guarantees restful sleep.
Additionally, a quality mattress can improve sleep quality greatly. This is reflected in the child’s capacity for memory retention, learning, and managing emotions. Therefore, choosing a mattress that meets the child’s developmental needs goes beyond mere comfort — it’s a critical step in fostering their growth and well-being.
How to take care of a kid’s mattress?
Maintaining a child’s mattress is key to prolonging its usefulness and keeping the child’s sleeping area healthy. Here are a few insights on how to do it:
- Invest in a mattress protector. A waterproof protector is a must, as it shields the mattress from spills, stains, and the inevitable accidents that happen in a kids' room.
- Clean regularly. Vacuum the mattress often to get rid of dust, allergens, and microparticles. For stains, a quick spot clean using soap and water usually does the trick.
- Rotate regularly. Rotate the mattress every 3 to 6 months. This simple step helps the mattress to wear evenly, extending its lifespan by avoiding sagging.
- No jumping! While it’s fun to jump on beds, the action may harm its internal structure and springs.
- Ensure adequate support. The mattress should rest on a proper bed frame. This is essential to maintain mattress’s shape and to avoid sagging.
- Air it out. Occasionally, strip the mattress and open the window. Such airing out is great for moisture control and keeping odors at bay.
What mattress for kids do pediatrics recommend?
Pediatricians, under the guidance of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), provide specific recommendations for children's mattresses. The primary focus of these recommendations is safety and the reduction of the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and suffocation.
The AAP advises that infants should sleep on a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet with no other bedding or soft objects. These are imperative for infants’ safe sleep.
For older children, while specific mattress recommendations are less stringent, safety parameters like firmness and support remain important. A firm mattress is often recommended to provide adequate support for the growing child’s body and to maintain a proper spine alignment. What is more, hypoallergenic materials and safety certifications should be sought after to ensure the overall health and well-being of the child.
Further reading for your child’s better sleep
As your child becomes a teenager, read more on the best mattresses for teens to familiarize yourself with that age group’s needs.
If your older child is suffering from neck pains in the morning, look into our article on the best mattresses for neck pain.
If you are looking for an optimal trundle bed mattress, choose from our top mattress list.
FAQ
What mattress firmness is ideal for kids?
A medium-firm mattress is often the best choice for kids. It balances comfort and support, ensuring proper spinal alignment and restful sleep. Too soft a mattress can cause sinking, which affects posture, while too firm may be uncomfortable. Adjust firmness as the child grows for optimal comfort and support.
How often should I replace my child's mattress?
Replace the child’s mattress every 5-7 years. It is likely that over time the mattress will lose its firmness and also will accumulate allergens. Monitor for sagging, lumps, or poor sleep, and replace sooner if needed.
Are neck pillows for side sleep suitable for children?
Neck pillows for side sleep are not recommended for small children due to safety risks. For older kids, a low-profile pillow may be suitable, although it needs to align the neck and spine correctly.
Can I use a regular adult mattress for kids?
Using an adult mattress for a child is possible, but the same safety, hypoallergenic, and firmness parameters must be carefully considered. If it is made free from harmful chemicals, fits the bed frame perfectly, and is firm enough, then it may be used.
Your email will not be published. All fields are required.