Best Mattresses For Kids (Unbiased Guide)

There are several reasons you are searching for the best mattress for your kid or kids. One reason may be your child’s old mattress is uncomfortable, and you are looking for a better restful replacement. Another consideration, growth, is a major factor. Your kid could double in height and/or bodyweight by the time he or she reaches their teenage years.

So, he or she could outgrow the current mattress in the process. Taking this into consideration, some parents find less expensive mattresses to be the best mattress for their kids. Some kids develop growing pains during early adolescence, so mattress pressure and relief are also key for children.

It is important to note that the kid’s brains and body develop most rapidly at night. Therefore, the need to find the best mattress for them. The better your kid’s sleep, the better you will be. Therefore, the need for your kid the best mattress possible.

Best Mattresses For Kids

# 1 Katy Mattress

#2 Bear Mattress

# 3 Saatva Mattress

#4 Natures Novel Latex Mattress

# 5 Cypress Bamboo Gel Mattress

The Katy Mattress

(Best Memory Foam)

Best Memory Foam

If you are looking for a mattress with a good classic memory foam feel but want to keep the budget reasonable and the quality great, then look no further. The Katy mattress has a total of three different layers and all of them are made well.

From the natural Aloe Vera and cotton cover to the core ventilated base foam, this mattress is built to last and that is why it comes with a confidant lifetime warranty.

The Natural Aloe vera cover is especially good for sensitive skins that kids have. The O-cell memory foam and HD base foam work really well together to provide a well-balanced feel of memory foam and responsiveness while also keeping the mattress away from trapping heat.

This mattress has a CertiPUR-US Certification which means the mattress is very safe for use.

We did not notice excessive lingering odors when we got it and had no skin or lung irritations of any kind so we can confirm it is very safe to sleep on.

How is the Katy Mattress Good for Kids?

Good durable design backed by a lifetime warranty. Katy mattress actually uses good high-density memory foam and polyfoam that should last you a very long time. This means that their lifetime warranty is not the only reason you should think this mattress is durable.
All the good things this mattress offers, and still it does not come at a hefty price. On the contrary, this mattress is very budget-friendly.
Natural Aloe Vera and cotton is famous for its cooling characteristics.

Bear Mattress

(Best Cooling )

Best Cooling

The Bear mattress has a very specific build that is focused mostly on cooling. If your child’s sleeping needs are mostly centered around them sleeping hot then this mattress is a very viable choice.

Here is why:

From the top, the Bear mattress utilized the Breathable Celliant Cover to help regulate body temperature and create a thermoregulating sleeping environment. This over is very breezy and cool to the touch.

After the cover, the Bear mattress has a layer of Cooling Graphite-Gel Memory Foam. We tested many mattresses and those that use the Graphite-Gel are considerably cooler so we can conform that this material is cool.

As far as comfort is concerned, the Bear mattress has an all-foam feel that is surprisingly responsive in spite of it having memory foam. The mattress is comfortable without feeling like you’re trapped and supports the back of adults while still feeling very cozy for kids.

Overall, the Bear mattress is designed with the hot sleeper in mind and it does a great job fulfilling its purpose while staying well above average in all other requirements.

How is the Bear Mattress Good for Kids?

Exceptional cooling and breathability offered by its Celliant Cover and Cooling Graphite-Gel Memory Foam.
Because of its all-foam designed, this mattress is very good for kids as it promotes better sleep and does not allow jumping what so ever.
The bear mattress uses environmentally-friendly materials and comes with a nice 10-year warranty for peace of mind.

Saatva Hybrid Mattress

(Best Hybrid Choice)

Best Hybrid

Though we don’t recommend most hybrids for kids as they are usually delicate mattresses that cannot take kids abuse, the Saatva mattress is actually very durable and kids friendly. Here is why:

Two premium coil system is used in the Saatva mattress instead of one and both are tempered steel at a high gauge. This means that this mattress can handle just about anything you throw at it and has a long lifespan.

The organic cotton cover that the Saatva mattress has also put your mind at ease as you know your child is not sleeping on harmful materials.

In addition to all of this, the Saatva mattress is very comfortable and has a traditional innerspring feel without any of the drawbacks.

It goes without saying that all coil mattresses are generally cooler than all-foam mattresses because of the coil system and how much it allows the mattress to breathe. Well, the Saatva mattress has two separate coil systems making this mattress one of the coolest beds we ever tried.

All and all, the Saatva mattress is a great buy for kids as it offers a very reasonable price in the twin, twin XL and full size. Even in the queen size, the amount of thing you get with it along with a free white glove delivery is certainly a deal.

How is the Saatva Mattress Good for Kids?

Saatva offers the traditional feel of innerspring mattresses that most of us are used to without their drawbacks.
This mattress is a package of good cooling, comfort, and support that comes with a free white glove delivery and returns and 15-year non-prorated warranty.
The mattress cover is Organic certified, and the coils are made of recycled steel. The Saatva company is well known for their eco-friendly mentality and culture.

Natures Novel Latex Mattress

(Best Latex Choice)

Class 1 of OEKO-TEX certified
Ships to 48 States + Canada
Handmade in the USA
Natural Talalay Latex
Firm Support

Best Latex Choice

We picked this as our best overall for kids as it is very durable, does not promote jumping, sleeps cool, and comes with a lifetime warranty and has OEKO-TEX class 1 certification. Class one of the OEKO-TEX certification means that a product is safe for babies and toddlers under the age of one.

If this mattress is safe for babies, then it should be safe for any child any age.

Also, the Natures Novel is very well priced. Especially in the twin, twin XL and full size. Basically, you can get a mattress with a lifetime warranty that is safe well under $1000 and that is meanly why we picked it as our best overall.

This mattress comes in two different firmness ratings so factor in your kids sleep habits, size, and age to make the right choice of firmness. We tested both models and we believe that all kids under 150 lb. should go with the medium-soft firmness but it is up to you.

How is the Natures Novel Mattress Good for Kids?

A good latex choice for kids since it is priced so well. Latex is the best for kids since it’s natural, cool, durable, and healthy. It usually comes at a higher price however, but the Natures Novel is not pricey yet has all the benefits of latex.
The Natures Novel has a very strong and long lasting construction that will accommodate any kid any size. This is especially true for its firm model as it is recommended for very heavy adults at even 300 lb.
It has a natural cotton cover with a natural wool fire retardant and OEKO-TEX class 1 certification that makes it safe for children of any age.
Excellent cooling from the combination of open cell Talalay latex and nature cover. Very beneficial for those with kids that sleep very warm and always wake up sweaty.

Cypress Bamboo Gel Mattress by Brentwood Home

(Budget Choice)

Best Budget

Cypress is an 11-inch memory foam mattress with bamboo cover and high density base foam that is made by Brentwood, one of the most reputable companies in the industry.

Cypress feels soft and comfortable for kids, and its very smooth and sickly cover is ideal for kids. In addition to its great value, Cypress comes with a 1-year trial and 25-year warranty to make sure it works for your kids.

Cypress is made in California and has a CertiPUR-US certification for being made without harmful chemicals.

How is the Cypress Mattress by Brentwood Good for Kids?

Cypress has a good 11-incn sturdy design that comes at a very generous price tag meaning the mattress has excellent value.
Kids skins are sensitive and so a natural bamboo cover is ideal for them and won’t cause reactions.
Not only does the Cypress all-foam build prevents jumping nut it is also very comfortable for ligher people and kids.

Mattress Buying Guide For Kids

What Makes A Mattress Good For Kids?

1- Sturdy Build:

Children are usually smaller and less demanding for good comfort and support. But this does not mean the mattress should be compromised in terms of durability. We say this because children tend to abuse the mattress so a sturdy build is a must.

A study build is a key to selecting a kid’s mattress because there is a strong chance the kid will grow significantly during the mattress’s lifespan. As such, you may need to invest in a long-lasting, potentially more costing mattress.

Mattress kinds that are prone to early sagging may not be a good choice, since the sagging impacts the supportiveness of a mattress. Go for high-quality thick foam or wrapped steel coils, or opt for a latex mattress or a mattress with layers of latex. These mattresses will last years longer than the average mattress.

2- Green Certifications :

A mattress comes with manufacturer details, of which there is detail about how good and healthy the mattress is or green certification. For example, a mattress with OEKO-TEX class 1 certification means the bed is safe for babies and toddlers. Choose a brand that meets all the latest safety standards and has been independently certified to be safe for children.

For example, a GreenGuard Gold certified mattress is verified to reduce the risk of suffocation. Your top pick for the best mattress for kids should meet safety guidelines and even go beyond to provide eco-friendly and all-natural materials. Take into consideration the amount of time your kid will spend in close proximity to the mattress.

So be sure to check for features such as CertiPUR-US certified foam. All-natural wool is a non-toxic alternative for traditional fire-retardants. Don’t purchase a mattress for your kids without a proper understanding of the nature of materials used in construction. Some materials can negatively impact the health of your kids.

3- Price:

Kids are always in one form of growth or another, that’s why they change mattress sizes or change sleeping habits. Therefore, it is better to look for a mattress that is good quality but still reasonably priced. It is good to be aware of how much you are willing to spend as it will help you narrow down your search.

It can be tempting to go for the cheapest mattress available for your kid. But your money will be worth it when spent on purchasing a quality mattress that your kid can grow with. When you purchase a higher priced mattress or a bit expensive mattress, it can last your kid 10 years or more. This means it may last your kid into the teen years.

Spending more on a mattress for your kid may actually save you money in the long run and save you the headache of having to purchase a new, cheap mattress every few years.

4- Less Bounce, More Comfort:

A bouncy bed means kids, especially the younger ones will jump until the bed starts to wear out. So, from the start look for a mattress that is less bouncy so you won’t have to deal with the issue of worn out mattress early.

Furthermore, some mattresses may begin to sag in the middle after as little as one to two years of use. This causes kids to sleep in positions that do not align the spine. For example, latex, all-foam, and memory foam beds are anti-bounce. They do not promote jumping.

Parents who are wary of their kids bouncing on the mattress, and potentially hurting themselves may want to choose a mattress made of foam or latex. It should have no traditional spring components and be soft to medium firmness. These mattresses are not very responsive and offer little to no bounce, which can reduce the risk of the child getting hurt.

5- Cooling:

A lot of kids get uncomfortable and some even get sick because the kind of mattress they are sleeping in makes them heat up. So, you find a child stating without covers the whole night. This is likely to get a child sick. That is why it is important to look for a mattress with good cooling ability as well.

Temperature neutrality is important for all sleepers, including children, particularly those who tend to sleep hot regardless of the mattress they use. Sleeping hot is most commonly associated with all-foam beds, and some memory foam mattresses, although hybrids and innerspring beds with thick foam layers may also feel warm.

Look for new style memory foam mattresses as they sleep cool. Go for a mattress for your kid that has superior cooling technologies. The one with best cooling properties integrates cooling technologies for better airflow and breathability. For example, a gel-infused or copper-infused foam and open cell structure. Or better yet, latex.

6- Free Returns and a Good Warranty:

It can be hard purchasing a mattress for yourself so imagine buying one for your kid. That’s why a trial period with free returns and free shipping is a must when purchasing the best mattress for your kid. A sleep trial will make a huge difference for parents who are not sure which mattress will work best for their kids.

Most mattress manufacturers and retailers offer sleep trials that allow customers to test out the mattress for a certain length of time. This can be from 90 to 365 nights. Then the mattress can be returned for a full or partial refund if you are not satisfied.

Kids can be playful on a mattress for a number of reasons, so some wear and tear are expected. Mattress warranty will not usually cover defects that arise from such wear and tear. But it will cover certain defects, such as significant sagging or indentations in the sleep surface that affect support or manufacturing flaws.

What Is the Best Type of Mattress for Kids?

– Natural Latex:

Latex is recommended for all kids, except those allergic to it, because of its safety record and comes with good green certifications. Latex is comfortable enough, and even though can be a bit bouncy, it is not as bouncy as innerspring mattresses. Latex mattresses are also very sturdy, antimicrobial, and comfortable.

A latex mattress is a good alternative to memory foam mattress because of its strength and support. Purchase a latex mattress for your kids that is natural and is certified and safe. Natural latex is naturally hypoallergenic, so if your kid is allergic, consider using a natural latex mattress. The latex mattress is at the most expensive end of the scale, but the price is mainly impacted when the latex is natural.

A latex mattress for your kid is an eco-friendly option and a great blend provider of comfort and durability. Expect durability to be impressive when it comes to latex mattresses for your kids.

A latex mattress is also capable of providing superior support for your child. A latex mattress can provide similar features as of memory foam mattress. Therefore, it is better to check the comparison of the two mattresses before you decide. Latex foam mattresses are very breathable – great for warm homes and kids who hate hot temperatures come bedtime.

– Memory Foam:

Since memory foam mattresses absorb motion, jumping is near to impossible. Therefore, it is a good anti-bounce mattress. Memory foam mattresses are very comfortable with excellent pressure relief. The only drawback a memory foam mattress may present to kids is the odors and toxicity. Therefore, it helps to purchase a memory foam mattress with green certifications as it is healthier and usually sleeps cooler as well.

Another plus for memory foam mattress is its ability to both absorb and redistribute pressure from a body falling upon it. This enables the mattress to form a conforming cradle that matches your kid’s sleeping style. In turn, this results in pressure being taken away from the hard points, for example, hips and shoulders for side sleepers.

Memory foam material responds to both body heat and applied pressure. Therefore, the more kids lay on it the more it’s going to conform to the contours of their body. We refer to this as “hug,” and is most commonly associated with memory foam mattresses. Furthermore, the material tends to isolate motion perfectly, thus it should not disturb your kids sleep if two of them sleep on the same mattress.

– All Foam:

All foam mattresses can be ranked the second-best mattress for kids, especially the ones with green certifications because it does not promote jumping, is priced very well and usually get the job done for kids. All foam mattress offers comfort and support at an affordable price.

The mattress will provide relief and alleviate pressure for kids while maintaining proper body support and firmness. However, all foam mattresses may lack in durability. Therefore, in order to ensure its longevity, it is better to use a thicker foam for the mattress.

Choose from several thickness options when choosing this mattress type to get the right level of firmness or cushioning for your kid’s preference. A high resiliency all foam mattress is of much higher quality, whereas it is quite a lot more supportive. This type of all foam mattresses can feel almost as comfortable as a latex mattress.

The durability of polyurethane is dependent upon its density: low-density foams will start showing signs of deterioration a couple of years into their use, while high resilience foams will last for years without any tangible alteration in their performance. A high resiliency all foam mattress is durable though not easy to find.

– Hybrid:

Hybrid mattresses are not as good for kids because of several reasons. To start with, a hybrid mattress is very expensive and is more designed for adults than kids. The technologies designed will serve adults very well than kids, and it’s also what makes a hybrid mattress expensive.

A hybrid mattress is not going to last long as it is a delicate bed for kids not being able to handle kids abuse, for example jumping. To sum it all, hybrid mattresses are not priced well, promote jumping and are usually not sturdy enough for kids.

Bouncing on a bed is a kid’s favorite activity, but some adults might also be tempted. The mattress is for sleeping, but kids don’t try to keep it that way. Any unnecessary pressure is bound to shorten its lifespan or ruin it altogether.

However, a hybrid mattress can offer the best of both worlds for your kids in terms of comfort as it combines an innerspring base with a foam-based comfort layer. The foam layer usually consists of three or even more separate layers of foam, usually memory foam or latex foam. It can provide certain combinations of levels of comfort, support, and firmness for your kids.

– Innerspring:

As far as comfort is concerned, conventional innerspring mattresses get the job done. However, it is in durability that innerspring mattresses fail. Innerspring mattresses are the bounciest of all types of mattresses, so you can guess why they fail in durability.

Also, the material make is the least durable. This is not a good mix for kids. Innerspring mattresses can truly take a beating as kids sometimes apply more wear and tear to their mattresses than anyone in comparison.

However, the pocketed coil innerspring mattress can endure better and the pressure applied by their jumping and playing. Which makes it a better option for some.

It is the open coil innerspring mattress, the Bonnell coil, and the continuous coil systems that tend to be less durable as the coils are padded directly with the top layer of the mattress. Thus, the open coil is less expensive while the pocketed coil is a bit more expensive in comparison.

You can go for an innerspring mattress if your kid does not sleep well on latex or memory foam mattresses, or you are concerned about the firmness level, or construction.

– Airbeds:

Airbeds are usually built for adults, so they can be extremely delicate for kids, considering the jumping and playing nature of kids. Also, Airbeds usually do not come in kid sizes like twin and full. Airbeds are built for adults as they are meant for a long period of use.

So many things can go wrong for Airbeds for kids, so it is best to think about Airbeds only for adult use. This is an inflatable bed, typically a lot of quality, convenience, and comfort for adult use not for kids.

Airbeds offer a proper night’s sleep, but they are not intended for prolonged and permanent usage. While they deliver an excellent opportunity to turn any space into a bedroom, they should not be used as the primary bed for kids.

Other Tips for Mattresses for Kids

– Consider the Age, Size, and Sleep Habits of Your Kid?:

Kids resemble adults in certain ways in sleeping habits, for example, a side sleeper be it a kid or adult needs good pressure relief. A kid’s age, sleeping habits, and size play a crucial role in determining the kind of mattress to purchase. Your kid is going to change mattress size in a few years.

So, you can decide to purchase a bigger size now and spend more or get a mattress that will last a few years, gets the job done and spend less.

The size of the mattress you purchase is essential for a number of reasons. To start with, it dictates just how long your kid is going to comfortably use the bed. A child’s mattress that is sized properly allows the bed to be a place just for sleep. This encourages a healthy bedtime routine.

An oversized mattress may make the bed feel more like a play platform rather than a place to be cozy, still, and restful. Generally, the size should be wide enough to allow the child to turn from side to side in the bed.

Some extra width also allows placing of bumper pillows to prevent falling off the bed or to lie down next to the child if he or she is experiencing sleep anxiety.

Kids who sleep on their backs will be less restricted when it comes to picking a mattress type and firmness. Kids who sleep on their side a fairly soft mattress will usually be best as firmer models won’t sink deep enough to help align their spine. Kids who sleep on their stomach a soft to medium mattress may be best. But stomach sleeping is generally discouraged because of the excessive pressure the position enforces on the body.

– How to Keep a Kids Mattress Clean and Make it Last Longer?

t helps to accompany the mattress you acquire for your kid with a mattress protector. This helps in keeping the mattress clean because if a mishap happens, the waste won’t go through the mattress layers. Thus, the layers and foam won’t sag avoiding voiding the warranty as well.

Ensure you acquire some cooling sheets for your kids as well and get a sturdy foundation. The mattress might be sturdy but if you don’t set it in a good foundation, it won’t last long regardless. Thick wood foundations and bed frames are usually the best. But you can check with the manufacturer for a list of recommended foundations.

Often replace, wash and clean the sheets. This should be done at least once a week, if not more. Dead skin and dust usually build up on the sheets so your kids may end up with a dust mite or a bed bug infection. This will make sleep quite uncomfortable for the kids and will wear down your mattress by nesting in it.

Some mattresses constantly absorb moisture. This is more likely to lead to the development of mildew or mold. Thus, buying a mattress cover and placing it on the mattress before covering it with sheets will help. Avoid putting wet sheets on the mattress or the kids should not lie on the mattress while wet or sweaty.

Vacuuming will help get rid of all excess dust, stopping dust mite infections and keeping your new sheets clean for a longer time. The mattress should be cleaned thoroughly, even on the nooks and crevices as well as the underside of the mattress. Rotate the mattress every six months or so.

– What is the best pillow for kids?

In addition to mattresses, parents should carefully choose other components of their child’s sleeping area to ensure they get high-quality rest night after night, for example, pillows. The pillows are essential in enhancing the right support to the kids while sleeping by providing an even surface.

The pillows are essential in enhancing the right support for the head, neck, and shoulders. The most important considering when purchasing the right pillow for kids is loft or thickness. The pillow should not be too thin or too thick as it won’t provide the right alignment of the spine, which can lead to discomfort and pressure.

Consider the head size of your kid. Kids with larger-than-average heads usually feel more comfortable with high-loft pillows as it provides sufficient support. Kids with smaller-than-average heads tend to feel comfortable on low-loft pillows.

Kids who weigh more require less loft thus will typically feel most comfortable with thinner pillows. Those who weigh less may require extra loft so as to feel supported and comfortable. Low loft pillows tend to be better for kids who prefer softer mattresses. This pillow provides less of a barrier between the sleeper’s body and the mattress surface.

Don’t fall short when it comes to your kid’s health in sleep. This, of course, doesn’t mean you have to go out of your budget to get a decent or even a great mattress for your kids. We have discussed several options to choose from depending on your kids’ needs and other parameters worth considering, such as mattress size, comfort, and quality, firmness, and support.

You should not feel wary when it comes to acquiring the right mattress for your child. One important factor is its best if you look for a mattress that takes into consideration your kid’s growth rate.

Also, you definitely want to consider the type of mattress and support your kid will have by acquiring the right mattress type for him or her. You should also consider any medical reactions your child may have, such as allergies, which can influence the type of mattress you acquire.