It’s official. One of the easiest ways to become the coolest parent on the block is to give your children a good night’s sleep. And you can do this with the help of this best mattress for children guide. Why? Because the right mattress doesn’t only ensure your child wakes up feeling well rested and refreshed. The quality of their sleep also plays a huge role in their development, mood, learning and memory as well as productivity.
When looking for the best mattress for children, you’d want to consider a few things. Comfort, size, durability, the right support and cooling features are all important things to keep in mind. As a parent, you also want to protect your children from all kinds of harmful things. This is why when looking for the best mattress for children, you also need to consider the material so that your children don’t spend the night inhaling harmful chemicals that many mattresses emit.
In this guide, we’ll review 9 best mattresses for children including Helix Kids mattress (Best organic mattress), Puffin by Nest Bedding (Best value for money) and Saatva Youth (Best overall) mattress.
Read on to discover the secret to happier kids in this mattress for children guide!
1. Saatva Youth Mattress
The Saatva Youth mattress ticks a lot of boxes for parents who want to give their children a unique mattress with superior features. Let’s start with its flippable design – a winning feature that allows your child to outgrow the firmness level of one side and enjoy a new firmness level on the other.
Designed for growing children, this dual firmness shows Saatva knows what children (and parents) need from a mattress. For example, the side designed for kids aged between 8-12 is medium-firm or 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale. But the side designed for kids aged 3-7 is on the softer side.
The right firmness level is key for your growing child as it gives the right support to the joints and spine. The Saatva Youth mattress is supportive but plush. This unique combination ensures correct spinal alignment, which is key for promoting a healthy sleep posture.
A flippable design is also important for extending a mattress’ lifespan.
This is another reason why this mattress is great for combo sleepers. The right support and responsiveness ensure that your child can comfortably switch positions at night.
The Saatva Youth mattress also stands out for other reasons. Consider its eco-friendly materials including its CertiPUR-US certified foam and 100% organic soft and hypoallergenic cover. All designed to ensure your child not only sleeps comfortably but also safely.
But Saatva doesn’t stop there with its cool features. The cover of the Saatva Youth mattress is water-resistant (woo-hoo!) and accident-proof in case your child has, you guessed it, an accident in the form of bed wetting.
What about cooling? Well, thanks to Saatva Youth’s breathable cotton, your child will keep cool throughout the night.
The mattress comes with a lifetime warranty and a 365-night sleep trial. More reasons to celebrate!
Disadvantages: Starting at $749 for a Twin-sized mattress, the Saatva Youth doesn’t come cheap. But do all its other features make it worth the price?
Sizes: Range from Twin (38” x 75” x 10”) to Full (54” x 75” x 10”)
Price: From $749 to $999
2. Helix Kids Mattress
The Helix Kids mattress is another flippable mattress in our guide of the best mattress for children. The medium-firm side, 6-7 out 10, is designed for kids aged 3-7 whereas the slightly softer side, 4.5 out of 10, is designed for 8-12 year olds.
Like the Saatva Youth, the Helix Kids mattress uses CertiPUR-US foams that don’t contain harmful chemicals.
From a cooling aspect, the Helix Kids mattress doesn’t disappoint.The gel memory foam layer and the breathable Tencel cover all ensure your child sleeps cool.
Its six layers of foam and innerspring also ensure that your child is well supported on this hybrid mattress. So whether you want their spine aligned or their overall posture supported as they sleep, this mattress delivers.
Whether your child is a side, back, stomach or combo sleeper, the Helix Kids mattress delivers comfort, responsiveness and support. In other words, your child will grin from ear to ear as they switch sides throughout the night.
The mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.
Disadvantages: The mattress doesn’t come in Twin XL.
Sizes: Twin (38” x 75” x 8”) and Full (54” x 75” x 8”)
Price: $649 to $899
3. Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid Mattress
Unlike our two previous mattresses, the Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid mattress isn’t specifically made for kids. But don’t fret! This mattress still has plenty of important and cool features, which is why it has made it into this best mattress for children guide.
This hybrid mattress’ memory foam and cushioned coils ensure that your child sleeps comfortably while still being supported. This is of course important for a growing child that needs a mattress that keeps their spine aligned while offering ease of movement.
Thanks to its medium-firm level 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid supports most sleepers. If your child tosses and turns a lot or is a combo sleeper, he/she will greatly appreciate the responsiveness of this mattress!
The quilted gel memory foam cover not only provides comfort and body contouring, but it’s also infused with cooling gel that prevents heat from being trapped.
The Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and a 120-night sleep trial.
Disadvantage: The mattress isn’t great for side sleepers.
Sizes: Range from Twin (39” x 75 x 10”) to California King (72” x 84” x 10”)
Price: From $549 to $1,049
4. 5 Little Monkeys Mattress
The 5 Little Monkeys mattress is an all-American-made mattress designed for children. Despite their playful name, there’s nothing cheeky about this company’s children’s mattress. In fact, they even state that their mattress is science-backed to support the growth of children!
Constructed of five layers, the 5 Little Monkeys mattress has everything from responsive memory foam to waterproof mattress protector. For example, the mattress protector/cover is made of organic cotton (with softness that “hugs” your child) and is machine washable so you don’t have to worry about your little monkeys having an accident in bed.
The mattress’ gentle comfort ensures your child gets deep sleep every night while the solid foundation supports your child. The 5 Little Monkeys mattress is medium-firm, which is 5 out 10 in the firmness scale.
With your purchase of the 5 Little Monkeys mattress, you’ll also get a pillow, mattress protector, and storage tote. They even throw in a stuffed monkey for your little one!
The mattress comes with a 15-year warranty and a 100-day sleep trial.
Disadvantage: Though many of the mattress’ materials are natural, the foams are petroleum-based, which isn’t great for parents looking for an eco-friendly mattress.
Sizes: Range from Twin (39” x 75” x 8) to Queen (60” x 80” x 8”)
Price: From $599 to $1,099
5. Nolah Nurture 10
The Nolah Nurture 10 is another hybrid in our best mattress for children guide. As a flippable mattress, the Nolah Nurture 10 already stands out for its firmness options. Not only is this important for giving your child the level of firmness that works for them, but the two-sides feature helps your child grow with the mattress.
Designed for children, the Nolah Nurture 10 mattress is fully organic and hypoallergenic. The mattress has seven layers that all offer the support, comfort and responsiveness your growing child needs.
Take the patented HDMax Tri-Zone Support Coil System. Using three targeted zones, the support coil system provides exceptional support for your little one. The mattress also comes wrapped in a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover – this means no harmful chemicals. Featuring natural Talalay latex and wool layer that promote airflow and breathability, your child will no doubt sleep cool.
As a responsive mattress, the Nolah Nurture 10 is great for all sleepers, particularly combo sleepers as they can easily and comfortably change positions.
The mattress comes in two firmness levels, each designed with an age group in mind. For example, the softer side (4.5 out of 10) is designed for younger children who weigh under 100 lbs.
The firmer side of the mattress is designed for kids aged 10 and older. As a medium-firm, this side is 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
Disadvantages: The Nolah Nurture is definitely on the expensive side so it’s not a great option for parents on a budget. The mattress may also not be ideal for children who sleep too close to the edge as it scored poorly on edge support.
Sizes: Range from Twin (38” x 75” x 10”) to Full (54” x 75” x 10”)
Price: From $1,499 to $1,799
6. Puffin - Nest Bedding
With a name like Nest Bedding, it’s easy to expect a great mattress from this company. But does the Puffin mattress live up to this name? We think so, which is why it’s made it into our best mattress for children guide.
Specifically designed for children through their growth stages, this luxury mattress has great response time. This is important as your child won’t feel like they’re being swallowed by the mattress. Using a combination of support foam and poly foam, the Puffin has low bounce and responsiveness.
If your child has asthma or allergies, or you simply want them to breathe natural air, the Puffin mattress won’t disappoint. The mattress features GREENGUARD Gold and Certipur-US certified foams so your child can sleep peacefully.
The mattress is great for all kinds of sleepers so whether your child is a side, back, stomach or combo sleeper, the Puffin has their back! With a medium-firm feel or 5.5 out 10 on the firmness scale, the mattress provides the right support including spine alignment and good pressure relief.
As far as cooling goes, the Puffin is pretty cool. Made from open cell foam that promotes airflow and infused with cooling gel, the mattress helps the body’s natural ability to regulate heat. In simple terms, your child won’t only sleep on a cool mattress but they’ll also stay cool!
The mattress comes with a lifetime warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.
Disadvantages: Since the Puffin is a foam mattress, it contours to the body and can sink under pressure. For this reason, the mattress may not be ideal for heavier kids, especially as the maximum body weight is 110 lbs.
Sizes: Range from Twin (38” W x 75” L x 7” H) to Full (54” W x 75” L x 7” H)
Price: From $399 to $599
7. Leesa Kids mattress
The Leesa Kids mattress is a great mattress for kids. With its responsive memory foam and its billions (yep, you read that right!) of micro air capsules, the mattress provides superior support to your child. These are all important for soothing growing joints and providing the right spine alignment for your growing child.
Designed for kids that are over 4, the mattress has other outstanding features. For example, the mattress’ CertiPUR-US certification ensures that your child doesn’t sleep on toxic material.
The Leesa Kids mattress also features a breathable knit cover so that your kid sleeps cool. Another great thing to mention about Leesa Kids mattress is that it’s made to order. So, your kid will be getting a ready-made mattress rather than one that has been collecting dust for weeks or months!
The mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.
Disadvantages: The company doesn’t specify firmness of their mattress, which is important for assessing the type of sleeping positions it can support.
Sizes: Twin (38” x 75”) to Full (53” x 75”)
Price: $499 and $599
8. Purple Kid Mattress
The Purple Kid mattress is designed with your little one in mind. Targeting their smaller weight, this hybrid mattress is made of different layers working together to provide comfort and support.
For example, the Purple Grid construction of the mattress provides responsiveness so it’s easy and comfortable for your child to change positions. This kind of support is also key for providing proper body alignment so your child doesn’t wake up with any aches or pains.
This Purple Grid layer is breathable and promotes airflow while the soft mattress cover is cooling. So these two layers ensure that your child doesn’t overheat but stays as cool as a cucumber.
As a medium-firm mattress, the Purple Kid Mattress scores 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. This is great for all sleeping positions so whether your child is a side, back, stomach or combo sleeper, this mattress will do the job.
The mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.
Disadvantage: The mattress only comes in one size, which is not ideal for many kids.
Size: Twin (38” x 75” x 7”)
Price: $699
9. Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Essential
Now, we’re not saying that we’ve saved the best for last, but the Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam mattress definitely deserves the spotlight. Hence, it’s made it into our best mattress for children guide – but with a twist. Drum roll: The Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam mattress isn’t actually designed for kids! But as you will see, it has all the features a kid’s mattress should have.
So, what makes the Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam mattress a great mattress for your child? Aside from the cool name, the Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam mattress is an all-foam mattress designed to make luxury and comfort affordable. The mattress has many layers that offer different features that keep this comfort and luxury in mind.
For example, the gel memory foam enhances contouring whilst providing pressure relief. The Nano Stain Terminator – an environmentally-friendly stain-resistant fabric – protects the mattress against spills and permanent stains. Great for little ones, no?
The mattress’ gel swirl memory foam gives the mattress the right support and responsiveness. The mattress comes in different models, which means the firmness level of the Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam mattress depends on the model you choose. But this ranges between 4-7 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
For cooling, the foam layers of the mattress have open-cell technology. This ensures that your child sleeps cool no matter how hot it gets.
But it’s not only the construction of this mattress that’s seriously chill. With a Full size (14 inch) selling for $649, the price is also super chill!
The mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and a 120-night sleep trial.
Disadvantages: The model you choose can affect the cooling. For example, choosing a 14-inch model is more likely to trap heat as it’s thicker memory foam.
Sizes: Range from Twin (38” x 75”) to California King (78” x 84”)
Price: From $274 to $699
What are the factors that are considered in choosing the best mattress for children
Many factors should be considered when choosing the best mattress for children. The mattress type, size, firmness level, durability and support are all important when buying a mattress for a child. As a parent, you’ll want to consider the responsiveness as well as the cooling features of the mattress so your child can easily switch between positions and sleep cool.
What are the types of Mattresses for Children?
Types of mattresses for children are:
- Hybrid
- Innerspring
- Memory foam
- Latex
Let’s go through each of these types to see what they are and what they offer.
Hybrid: This is a combination mattress that combines foam layers and springs to offer support and comfort.
Innerspring: They are supportive and durable and are often budget-friendly. They offer great edge support and come in a wide range of firmness levels.
Memory foam: Great for spinal support and alignment, memory foam mattresses are durable, supportive and comfortable.
Latex: Super comfortable and breathable mattresses that promote spine alignment and offer pressure relief.
What is the ideal firmness for a child's mattress?
The ideal firmness for a child’s mattress depends on your child’s age. Generally speaking, a medium-soft mattress (4 out of 10 on the firmness scale) is ideal for younger children. This provides a good balance between spinal support and comfort.
For the older kids, a medium-firm (5+ out of 10 on the firmness scale) mattress is ideal. This is great for responsiveness and overall support so your child can switch positions and receive optimal support.
To get the best of both worlds, consider getting a flippable mattress. This way, your child will have the same mattress but can use different sides as they grow. Plus, it’s one cost for you!
Is a firm mattress better for kids to sleep on?
This depends on different factors. For example, your child’s sleeping position and preference. Typically, a firm mattress is better for older children as it provides the support their bones and growing joints need. This also ensures that your child’s spine is properly supported.
Younger children would benefit from a medium-soft as it provides the cushioning their small bodies need while still offering support for good posture.
