The Best Kids’ Mattresses, Put Through the Toddler Test
Learn what to look for when buying a kids’ mattress, plus how six top models stack up, according to my 2-year-old.
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Kids, especially toddlers, aren’t mattress reviewers. They don’t wake up and tell you the pressure relief is lacking or that they appreciated the vegan foam and airy woven top. Instead, as a parent, it’s your job to become the observer, paying attention to the little things, like how easily they can climb into bed, whether they stay asleep, if they seem comfortable while moving around, plus how well the mattress can handle inevitable spills, jumping, and tumbling.
For the last few months, my toddler daughter tested each mattress in this guide in her bedroom on a Simply Sori Montessori twin bed frame. I narrowed down the mattresses tested by looking for beds specifically designed for children and prioritizing a mix of constructions, price points, and features. I paid close attention to everything from how well she slept, how easily she could climb onto the mattress, the edge support for myself during bedtime stories, and how cool each cover felt on a warm summer day. Some mattresses stood out for specific features, while others offered impressive value or the ability to grow with your child. Regardless of the specific accolade, every pick here earned its spot through toddler testing.
Want more mattress-buying advice for every kind of sleeper? Check out our guide to the Best Mattresses, the Best Organic Mattresses, and the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers.
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Best Overall
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
Birch
Kids Natural Mattress
If you’re looking for a mattress that will serve as your child’s first “big kid bed” and last through elementary school, this is the one. The Birch Kids Natural Mattress is flippable, with a firmer side it recommends for kids ages 2 to 7 and a softer side it suggests for kids ages 8 and up. This flippability lets the mattress grow with them, so you don’t need to replace it after a few years.
Right out of the plastic wrap, there was virtually no off-gassing chemical smell, which is common for vacuum-sealed mattresses. Unlike many mattresses that need at least a day or two to air out, the Birch was ready to sleep on pretty much immediately. My daughter slept soundly on it through testing, and the reinforced edges held up really well as I sat with her and read bedtime stories every night. Despite its dual-sided construction, it’s only 8 inches tall—a comparatively low height that fits most bunk beds.
What pushed the Birch ahead of the others was how well-rounded it felt in my testing: sturdy edge support, a flippable design, and a low height. Some of the mattresses I tested did well in one or two of those areas, but the Birch checked every box. The Birch Kids is an investment, but it’s a worthy buy if longevity is your goal.
Specs Sizes Available: Twin, full Height: 8 inches Flippable: Yes Mattress Type: Hybrid Materials: Organic cotton cover, natural wool, organic latex, individually wrapped steel coils Certifications: GreenGuard Gold, Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) Shipping: Free (boxed) within the contiguous U.S. Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: Limited lifetime -
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Best Value
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
Bear
Bear Cub Kids Mattress
I’d consider the Bear Cub the Toyota Camry of kids’ mattresses, and I mean that as the ultimate compliment. It doesn’t try to win you over with fancy claims. Instead, it focuses on getting the fundamentals right, and at a price that feels fair.
The hybrid construction combines a layer made of gel memory foam for comfort with reinforced edge coils and a super-soft Tencel cover. During the occasional tickle fight while testing, the edges stayed supportive, and I never felt like the mattress sunk into the bed frame. The overall feel is plush and supportive, and it’s one of those mattresses that never gave me or my daughter anything to complain about. The only trade-off is that, unlike the Birch Kids, the Bear Cub isn’t flippable, so you don’t get the same flexibility to adjust the mattress to a softer feel as your child grows.
Specs Sizes Available: Twin, full, queen Height: 8.5 inches Flippable: No Mattress Type: Hybrid Materials: Quilted Tencel cover, gel memory foam, transition foam, individually wrapped steel coils, reinforced edge coils Certifications: GreenGuard Gold, CertiPur-US Shipping: Free shipping Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: Limited lifetime -
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Most Versatile
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
Helix gives you options with its kids’ mattress. I tested the standard 8-inch flippable hybrid model, which has a firm side that Helix recommends for kids ages 2 to 7 and a softer side for ages 8 and up. There’s also a version of that same flippable mattress with a cooling cover on the softer side, and a 6-inch low-profile mattress for bunk beds and trundles, swapping the coils for an all-foam construction to reduce height. Helix sells a crib mattress that I did not review.
No matter what version you pick, each Helix Kids mattress is thoughtfully designed for practical use. The Tencel cover has an antimicrobial, water-repellent treatment that helps combat odor-causing bacteria. Thankfully, we didn’t have any major spills during testing, but my daughter goes to bed with a sippy cup of milk most nights, so having that extra layer of protection gave me peace of mind. My daughter slept comfortably on this mattress, even during a Midwest July heat wave, though I can’t personally speak to the optional cooling cover since we only tested the firmer side for younger kids, and the cooling layer is only on the softer side. If I were shopping for an older kid who tends to sleep warm, the cooling option would definitely be on my shortlist.
Specs Sizes Available: Twin, full Height: 8 inches (standard and cooling models), 6 inches (low-profile) Flippable: Yes Mattress Type: Hybrid (standard and cooling models), all-foam (low-profile) Materials: Tencel cover, individually wrapped steel coils (hybrid models), gel memory foam, high-density polyfoam, water-repellent finish, antimicrobial treatment (Aegis Microbe Shield) Certifications: CertiPur-US, GreenGuard Gold Shipping: Free shipping within the contiguous U.S. Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: Limited lifetime -
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Best Upgrade
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
Of all the kids’ mattresses my daughter tested, this is the one that made me think, “I kind of want one of these for myself.” Soft and stable, it felt like a premium adult mattress, and I could have happily fallen asleep on it myself.
Like several mattresses in this guide, the Saatva Youth is flippable, with a firmer side marketed for bigger kids and a softer side for smaller ones. It has extra support through the center third of the mattress that’s intended to promote healthy spinal alignment as kids grow. My only real complaint was its height. At 10 inches, it was the tallest mattress we tested, and my daughter sometimes struggled to climb into it by herself. That said, it was still safely below the bed rails, so that gripe wasn’t a deal-breaker.
Specs Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full Height: 10 inches Flippable: Yes Mattress Type: Hybrid Materials: Organic-cotton-blend cover, recycled steel coils, natural thistle flame barrier, Guardin antimicrobial treatment, high-density foam Certifications: GreenGuard Gold, CertiPur-US Shipping: Free shipping and setup within the contiguous U.S., plus old mattress removal Trial Period: 365 nights with returns subject to a $99 processing fee Warranty: Lifetime -
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Best for Low Profile
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
At just 6 inches tall, the Brooklyn Bedding BB Kids is the lowest-profile mattress I tested, making it a great option for younger kids transitioning to their own bed or for bunk beds and trundles. It’s also lightweight, which made it easy to maneuver when it was time for me to wrestle a fitted sheet over the corners.
The memory foam uses open-cell technology to help regulate temperature, which did its job during testing. We tested the mattress over a balmy week in July, and even though my daughter still slept in footie pajamas, she was never noticeably hot after long stretches of sleep. I found the foam slow to bounce back. (My handprint lingered for about 30 seconds after I pressed into it when wiggling the mattress into the frame.) That experience carried over to the edges, making it easier than I’d prefer to slide off; I also continually sank to the bottom of the mattress when I sat on it. Still, the Nano Stain Terminator cover proved its worth during testing (I’ll spare you the details), and if a slimmer mattress is your priority, I’d recommend this one.
Specs Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full Height: 6 inches Flippable: No Mattress Type: Foam Materials: Nano Stain Terminator cover, gel memory foam, high-density support foam Certifications: GreenGuard Gold, CertiPur-US Shipping: Free shipping Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: Limited lifetime -
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Best Foam Mattress
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
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Photograph: Nicole Kinning
Foam mattresses are sometimes either too soft or too firm, but the Leesa Kids Mattress lands right in the middle. It has a medium feel that gives plenty of support without feeling overly stiff. It’s certainly sturdy enough for a toddler to climb around on without sinking into the bed. My favorite feature is the woven cover, which felt cool to the touch the moment the mattress unraveled from its vacuum-sealed plastic. The satiny woven fabric also gives it a high-end look, and I honestly don’t think it’d look out of place as an adult bed.
Between the cool-feeling cover, supportive foam made from a plant-based material, and approachable 7.5-inch profile, this is exactly the kind of mattress I’d put in a toddler’s first “big kid” bed frame. My daughter slept comfortably on it throughout testing, and while she isn’t much of a hot sleeper, the mattress never felt too warm or trapped heat when I tucked her in at night. What kept it from earning the overall spot was its single-sided construction. Unlike the Birch, it isn’t flippable, so it can’t adapt as your child grows.
Specs Sizes Available: Twin, full Height: 7.5 Flippable: No Mattress Type: Foam Materials: Moisture-wicking knit cover, plant-based cooling foam, responsive memory foam, high-density support foam, fiberglass-free fire barrier Certifications: GreenGuard Gold, CertiPur-US, USDA Certified Biobased Shipping: Free Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: Limited lifetime -
Also Tested
Nolah Nurture Kids Mattress for $919 (Twin): My biggest complaint with the Nolah Nurture Kids Mattress is, unfortunately, the reason I had to stop testing it. It was just short enough that it didn’t fit in my daughter’s twin bed frame, leaving a solid 8-inch gap between the bottom edge of the mattress and the foot of the bed frame. Every other twin mattress I tested fit the frame without any issues, making the Nolah the odd one out. It’s a bummer, because the mattress otherwise had a lot going for it. It’s got the flippability of many mattresses we tested, and its hybrid design was very comfy, with great edge support. If it’d fit the bed frame properly, I think it would’ve been a contender.
FAQs
What’s the Difference Between a Kids’ Mattress and a Regular Adult Mattress?
Many kids’ mattresses have firmer sleep surfaces for younger children and specific features like flippable designs, waterproof and stain-resistant covers, or reinforced edges that stand up to roughhousing. Kids’ mattresses also typically have a lower profile, which makes it easier and safer for kids to get in and out of bed.
They’re also available in smaller sizes, most commonly twin and full, which are typical for kids’ bedrooms and smaller bed frames. A full-size mattress can make sense for a child who needs more room but still benefits from the features mentioned above. Once your child reaches their teen years or no longer needs these features, an adult mattress may make more sense.
Why Are Many Kids’ Mattresses Flippable?
Many kids’ mattresses are designed to grow with your child. They typically have a firmer side for younger children as they transition from a crib mattress and a softer side for older kids. Being able to adjust firmness by flipping the mattress can save you from replacing it after a few years when your kid’s wants change.
What Do Mattress Certifications Mean?
You’ll probably come across several mattress certifications while shopping. Here’s what the most common ones mean:
- CertiPur-US applies to polyurethane foam and verifies that the foam has been independently tested for emissions, durability, and certain chemicals, including formaldehyde and specific flame retardants.
- GreenGuard Gold certifies that a mattress has been tested for low chemical emissions, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause irritation in the nose, eyes, throat, as well as other ailments.
- Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) verifies that latex is responsibly sourced and processed according to environmental and production standards.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifies organic textile materials like cotton and wool. It ensures the materials meet strict environmental and manufacturing standards, with no VOC emissions or off-gassing.
We have more info about mattress shopping terms.
Should I Buy a Foam or Hybrid Mattress for My Child?
Foam mattresses are usually lighter and easier to move, which helps when you’re changing sheets or rotating the mattress. Hybrid mattresses combine foam with coils, which can boost pressure relief, edge support, and airflow to help prevent overheating. Neither is inherently better; it comes down to your little one’s needs and what feels most comfortable.
How Long Does a Kids’ Mattress Last?
A quality kids’ mattress should last anywhere from 7 to 10 years, depending on how heavily it’s used. Replace a mattress if you notice sagging, permanent body impressions, or tears. Also, if your child has outgrown the mattress’s size, it’s probably time for a new one.
What Should You Look for in a Mattress?
- Materials: Kids’ mattresses use many of the same materials as adult mattresses. You’ll commonly see memory foam for cushioning, higher-density foam for support, latex for a responsive, bouncy feel, and steel coils for extra support, airflow, and edge support. You’ll also see materials like Tencel, which is a plant-based fiber often used in mattress covers because it’s soft and breathable. Cotton and wool are often found in natural or organic mattresses. When researching mattresses, you might also see materials described with the brand’s proprietary names, whether it’s gel-infused memory foam or a stain-resistant treatment. When shopping for and comparing mattresses, look past the marketing name to see what the material actually is and what purpose it serves.
- Firmness: There’s not much strong research or official medical guidance on mattress firmness for children. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics does specify that infants should sleep on a firm, flat mattress to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). When it comes time to transition out of the crib and into a “big kid bed,” it stands to reason that a firmer mattress will be more comfortable and familiar to a young child. Mattress firmness for kids of any age is ultimately a matter of preference, not a medical mandate, but we recommend consulting your child’s pediatrician for additional advice.
- Pressure Relief: A mattress that properly supports a child’s weight can help with body development and spinal alignment as they grow. It can also help prevent restless nights and lead to better sleep.
- Edge Support: This refers to how reinforced a mattress’s perimeter is. As a parent who loves reading with my daughter, the last thing I want is for the mattress edge to sink in as I sit next to her. It also helps protect a child from falling out of the bed.
- Shipping, Trial, Warranty: Most online mattresses ship compressed in a box and are delivered directly to your door, and some brands offer in-home delivery and setup. A sleep trial gives you a window to test the mattress at home and return it if it isn’t a good fit. Be sure to pay attention to the fine print, though; some brands charge return or processing fees. The warranty covers manufacturing defects for a set period but typically not normal wear and tear, spills, or damage.
- What Else to Consider: Be sure the mattress fits your child’s bed frame. Also consider the height, especially if the mattress will be used on bunk beds and trundles. If you’re hoping to keep a mattress for several years, a flippable model can offer more flexibility. Also consider the practical stuff: stain-resistant and water-repellent covers can come in handy for inevitable spills or accidents.
Should I Buy a Mattress in a Store or Online?
All of the mattresses I tested for this guide were purchased online, and most were shipped vacuum-sealed in a box. Many come with sleep trials so you can test them at home and return them if they don’t work for you.
Buying online often makes it easier to compare prices, materials, and certifications without driving from store to store. That said, shopping in person lets you get a sense of a mattress’s firmness before committing.
My almost 2-year-old daughter tested each mattress in her own bedroom over several months, sleeping on them in the same Simply Sori Montessori twin bed frame. Because toddlers don’t provide detailed feedback on things like lumbar support and motion transfer, I took a more observational approach by paying attention to how well she seemed to sleep and how easily she could climb into bed.
I also tested each mattress from a parent’s perspective by sitting on the edges, climbing into the beds for nighttime cuddles, and monitoring things like how easy it was to set up, whether my daughter seemed hot while sleeping/after waking up, how supportive it felt, and how the mattress held up to normal toddler behavior. I also considered each mattress’s construction, materials, and price.
I narrowed down the mattresses by focusing on models designed and marketed for children rather than smaller versions of adult mattresses. I wanted to test a range of price points and constructions, as well as explore features relevant for kids, like flippable designs, stain resistance, and lower heights.
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Nicole Kinning is a contributor at WIRED, focusing on testing mattresses and other home goods. Nicole has previously been on staff at Kansas City magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, and Hometalk. She’s rooted in Kansas City, and when she’s not clacking away at a keyboard, she enjoys brewery-hopping and thrifting. … Read More
