Kids love to have fun, and they expend a lot of energy doing that. At the end of each day, they’ve expended so much energy for the day, that a good night’s rest is paramount for their health.
Getting your kids a comfortable bed is key to both their welfare and yours. Excluding uncomfortable sleep and fatigue for your kids, guess who doesn’t get to sleep, if their kids can’t sleep.
Many parents know that getting a good mattress for their kids affects the quality and duration of sleep gotten by their children. What they do not know however is that the choice of mattress has more effect on a child’s mental and physical health than they think. Sleep has a huge effect on kids’ activeness and behavioral patterns.
As kids grow, their sleeping needs change and the number of hours of sleep needed reduces. Children between ages 3 to 5 require between 10 to 13 hours while older children between ages 6 and 13 need an average of 9 to 12 hours of sleep daily. Teenagers (14 to 17) have a reduced sleep requirement of 8 to 10 hours each day.
A child’s sleeping conditions affect the quality of sleep gotten. Your choice of mattress has significant effects on your child’s sleeping habits. In this article, we have reviewed the 10 best mattresses for kids to guide you to make an informed decision. We have also answered many of the questions parents have and have put together a comprehensive buyer’s guide.
Best Mattress for Kids
Helix Kids – Best Overall
Nectar – Best Memory Foam
Saatva Youth – Best dual-sided
Brooklyn Bowery – Best for combination sleepers
Nolah Nurture 10 – Best hypoallergenic
Lessa Kids – Best for young kids
DreamCloud – Best comfort
Nest Puffin – Best transitional
Bear – Best for growing kids
Tuft and Needle – Best all foam
Helix Kids’ Mattress
Source – helixsleep.com
Features
100-night sleep trial
10-year limited warranty
CertiPUR-US Certified
Hybrid design
Dual-sided design with different firmness and feel
Stain and Water-repellant finish
Naturally hypoallergenic
Safe, non-toxic materials
Breathable cover
Odor-fighting microbial technology
Sizes available – Twin and Full
The Helix Kids’ mattress will serve your kids well from their young age to their pre-teenage stage. It has a dual-sided design that accommodates kids at various developmental stages. If you want a mattress that will grow with your child, the Helix Kids mattress is your best choice. On each side of the dual design, the mattress has a different firmness level. This hybrid design is recommended for children between ages 3 and 12. The firmness of this mattress is within the medium firm range with one side firmer than the other. This ensures that your kids’ have enough support and comfort while sleeping.
One side of the mattress is recommended for children between 3 and 7 years. This side of the mattress is firmer providing enough support for your growing child. It also ensures proper spine alignment as the mattress would not sink when they sleep. As kids grow, they tend to favor a mattress that they can snuggle in. Helix designed this mattress specifically with the sleeping needs of young children in mind. The second side of the mattress provides a more comforting feel that satisfies children between ages 8 and 12. Each side is labeled appropriately so you don’t need to guess which is suitable for your child per time.
Design
Both sides of the Helix kids’ mattress feature a hypoallergenic cover that is breathable, water repellent, and resistant to microbes. The soft TENCEL cover protects the mattress from spills and other accidents ensuring the longevity of your mattress. This TENCEL cover is also cool to the touch providing comfort for the user. With the protective microbial shield, the safety of your child is guaranteed. Beneath the TENCEL cover towards the core is a layer that safeguards against flammability. This layer is found on both sides of the mattress keeping your kids safe at all stages of their growth.
The foam layer rests against the core on both sides of the mattress. The difference between both sides of the mattress is in the type of foam layer on either side. On the firmer side is a layer of high-grade polyfoam. This foam layer is dense and sturdy providing the needed spinal support for proper growth and development in younger children (ages 3 to 7). The side with a more comforting feel has a layer of gel memory foam. This layer is softer and plush providing the pressure relief needed in children in their preteens (ages 8 to 12). Another amazing feature is that the gel layer absorbs body heat keeping your child cool all night long. Each side of the mattress is designed to cater to the unique needs of children at different developmental stages.
At the core of the Helix kids’ mattress is a layer of 5-inch wrapped coils that cradle your kid’s body and limit motion transfer. This provides support for your child’s body and absorbs their motion assisting them in staying asleep throughout the night. The edge/perimeter of the mattress is reinforced with a row of coils that provide superior edge support. This keeps you safe in bed when sleeping.
The Helix Kids’ Mattress is designed to meet the sleep requirement of kids’. It is endorsed by sleep professionals, pediatric doctors, parents, and kids for which it was designed.
Performance
The breathable hypoallergenic mattress cover provides a substantial level of airflow keeping your child cool. Coupled with the coil core, the Helix kids’ mattress has an enhanced airflow. On the gel-infused side, body heat is absorbed providing a higher level of comfort. These features ensure that your child sleeps soundly without being sweaty. If you are interested in a mattress that is durable, has water-repellent properties, is hypoallergenic, and has a comforting cooling effect for your kid, the Helix Kids’ mattress is an excellent choice.
The mattress prevents to a large extent the transfer of motion from one end of the bed to the other assisting a child to sleep soundly even if the bed is shared with a sibling. The softer side of the mattress allows kids to snuggle in and responds to a respective child’s separate motions. With a row of reinforced coils at the mattress edge, the Helix Kids’ gives your child the support needed to stay in bed all night.
The water repellant finish protects the mattress from water and stains damaging without affecting the quality of the mattress. The AEGIS Microbe Shield safeguards against odor-causing bacteria yet are safe for your kid and environment.
Nectar mattress
Source – nectarsleep.com
Features
365-night trial
Lifetime limited warranty
CertiPUR-US certified
Memory foam
Affordable
5 layered construction
Above medium firmness feel
Sizes available – Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, and Split King
The Nectar mattress is an all-foam mattress that cradles the body of your little one. Unlike many other mattresses made of memory foam, the Nectar mattress does not retain body heat thanks to the gel-infused layer that draws heat away from the body giving a cooling sensation. The firmness level of this Nectar mattress is slightly above average providing the required support for the body of a growing child. The mattress is firm enough to support proper spine alignment for your growing child. This mattress is suitable if you want a great bed on a budget or you don’t plan to change your child’s mattress often or at all. Like any other mattress made of memory foam, the Nectar cradles the body and provides motion isolation. Your child can share the bed with a sibling, friend, or pet without being disturbed by the motions of the other person. The Nectar mattress is widely accepted among adults due to its pressure-relieving property.
The Nectar mattress distributes the weight of your kid evenly relieving pressure points and releasing knots in your kids’ bodies when sleeping. This refreshes and rejuvenates kids’ when they wake up in the morning helping them feel strengthened indeed. The Nectar mattress is available in various sizes to fit your pocket and suit the size of your child’s room comfortable. The sizes available are Queen, Twin, Twin XL, Full, King, Cal King, and Split King. It is suitable for all sleeping styles – stomach sleepers, side sleepers, and back sleepers. It is especially great for back sleepers and provides ample support for the hips ensuring proper spine alignment. It is also recommended for lightweight side sleepers and individuals with hip, back, or joint pains. It has been tested and found to relieve back pain in many users at varying levels.
Design
The Nectar Mattress is designed to give an amazing sleeping experience from the quilt cover on one side to the shift-resistant cover on the other side. There is no wrong side to the Nectar Mattress, just pick your preference. The quilted cover has cooling properties as it is breathable. Assisted by the gel-infused memory foam directly under, heat is directed away from the body. With this memory foam mattress, your kids can enjoy cool nights. The memory foam also has a cushioning effect and molds around the body. This 2-inch gel-infused memory foam provides relief for pressure points.
Beneath the gel-infused memory layer is a split layer that provides breathable support. This 4-inch layer of intricate premium foam provides the necessary support while serving as a demarcation between the comfort layer and the base layer of the mattress. This layer also gives the Nectar mattress the ability to spring back so it does not remain indented long after use. The base layer provides the stability and strength that allows the other layers of the Nectar mattress to function optimally. This 6-inch base layer confers durability and ruggedness on the Nectar mattress. Your kid can jump and play on this mattress and it will hold its own.
The lower cover fits the mattress snugly and doesn’t slide around even when kids are bouncing and playing on it. All layers of the Nectar mattress are made of durable and high-quality materials to give your child nothing but the best.
Performance
This 12-inch high Nectar mattress performed excellently in limiting motion transfer and keeping the body cool at night. The gel-infused memory foam prevents body heat retention while the breathable mattress cover helps to transfer heat away from the body. The mattress is cool to touch and promotes airflow. With the Nectar mattress, sweaty nights are a thing of the past.
The Nectar mattress makes it comfortable for your kids to share a bed without the other child being disturbed. The memory foam isolates motion so that a sibling getting in or out of the bed doesn’t disturb the other kid’s sleep. The Nectar Mattress is also suitable to be used by adults and couples.
The Nectar Mattress cradles the body providing much-needed relief for the body pressure points. It provides support for your kid’s shoulders, hips, and legs, therefore, encouraging proper spinal alignment. This is essential for growing children. This improves blood flow, brain growth, and muscle function. Truly relaxed muscles encourage deep sleep which is crucial for proper child development. When compared to other mattresses in its class, the Nectar mattress is more affordable.
The Saatva Youth mattress provides the comfort of two beds in one. Its’ flippable design allows your kids to grow with the mattress. The Saatva Youth mattress is designed to accommodate your kids all through their preteen years. The 2 sides of the mattress have distinct firmness to satisfy the various needs of your growing child. The innerspring core allows for adequate heat transfer ensuring cool nights for your children. As your kid’s sleeping needs and weight changes the mattress should be flipped to offer maximum comfort for your kid.
The Saatva Youth is specially handcrafted to improve the mental health of growing kids by improving their sleep habits and pattern. A good night’s sleep equals an active and smart child.
Design
The dual design saves parents the cost of getting new mattresses as their kids grow. The Saatva Youth mattress dimensions might have an inch variance from one mattress to another as it is handcrafted. The mattress is constructed with high-quality materials that prolong longevity and increases its durability. The mattress has a water-resistant finish and an internal waterproof barrier that protects the mattress against accidents and spills making it easy for the Saatva Youth to be cleaned and maintained.
The naturally hypoallergenic organic cotton is soft to touch, water resistant, and breathable. This quilted cotton cover provides adequate support to ensure healthy spinal alignment. The Saatva Youth mattress is treated with Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment to impede the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, mold, and mildew. The non-toxic fire barrier is made of natural thistle which is healthier for your kid and environment.
On the side labeled 3 to 7, the support foam layer is firmer to maintain proper spine alignment in younger children. The side for older children has a support foam layer made of high-density comfort foam that is cooler and more comfortable for children between ages 8 to 12. At the core of the mattress is a dual-sided coil layer that is strong enough to support your child’s body weight. The 13.75 gauge recycled steel coils are strong enough to support the weight of kids as they grow yet flexible enough to conform. This provides a good balance that enables the relief of pressure points in children.
Performance
The coil system provides enough edge support to protect your child from falling off when asleep on the Saatva Youth mattress. The mattress cradles the body of the little ones and provides great pressure relief. The coil system allows for substantial airflow that keeps children cool throughout the night. The 10-inch high Saatva Mattress is safe for your child’s sleeping environment. To be sure your kid will enjoy sleeping in this dual-sided mattress, Saatva offers a 365-night trial to assist you are getting the mattress that is best for your kid.
Brooklyn Bowery
Source – brooklynbedding.com
Features
120-night trial
10-year warranty
Hybrid design
Free shipping and returns
Open cell technology
Great edge support
Sizes available – Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Short Full, Short Queen, Olympic Queen, Short King, and RV King
The Bowery mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is a reasonably priced hybrid mattress that combines the best memory foam and coil core to give optimal comfort for kids. This affordable mattress is medium firm providing support and cushioning for back, side, stomach, and combination sleepers. Kids that sleep on their stomachs will find the contouring of the mattress gentle and comforting. It offers gentle pressure relief and optimizes open cell technology for enhanced airflow and breathability. Brooklyn Bedding Bowery mattress has a layer of gel memory foam to keep kids cool and guard against retention of body heat.
Bowery mattress can be shared by siblings as the coils limit motion transfer between sleep partners. The mattress comes with a 120-night risk-free trial to enable you to ascertain if this is the mattress you want for your kids. This mattress is best suited for preteen kids or toddlers transitioning from a crib. It is an affordable option for parents who don’t want to spend so much on a kids’ mattress but wants a good mattress for their kids. The Bowery also offers improved edge support to keep your child in bed when asleep.
Design
The Bowery mattress is designed to support children with varying sleeping positions. With a layer of quilted gel memory foam, the Bowery is resistant to body imprints and provides cooling comfort to children when they sleep. Beneath the 1-inch gel-infused memory foam is a layer of transitional foam. This foam layer creates a soft transition between the gel memory foam and the mattress core. Bowery is designed with an open cell technology for enhanced breathability and airflow.
The support base comprises 1032 individually encased Ascension X coils that provide good support for multiple sleeping postures. The 6-inch coil base has great reactivity and also limits motion transfer such that your child will not be disturbed by the motions of a sibling or pet in bed. The core is supported by an inch of highly dense foam that reinforces the encased coils as they compress. This increases the overall durability of the Bowery mattress. The perimeter of the Bowery mattress is made of high gauge coils that confer superior edge support on the mattress.
Performance
The Bowery is comfortable for side, stomach, back, and combination sleepers because of its amazing balance between comfort and support. The mattress aids good spine alignment and keeps children cool while they sleep. The texture and softness of the mattress enhance deep sleep in younger children. Bowery also provides relief for pressure points giving your kid a refreshing night’s rest.
The mattress provides motion isolation that allows the mattress to be shared between siblings. The open cell technology promotes increased breathability and airflow for a rest-filled sleep. Your child will enjoy the comfort the Bowery mattress provides. The foam layers are thick and firm enough to prevent your child from sagging into the mattress.
Bowery has a risk-free 120-night trial period and a 10-year warranty.
Nolah Nurture 10
Source – nolahmattress.com
Features
120-night mattress trial
Lifetime warranty
OEKO-RTEK 100 Class 1
Premium hybrid design
Eco-friendly materials like Talalay latex, recycled steel, organic cotton, and organic wool
Dual-sided flippable firmness (plush and firm)
Coil core
Breathable
Sizes available – Twin, Twin XL, and Full
The Nolah Nurture 10-inch mattress is made from natural materials and is safe for direct body contact for children of all age ranges. The mattress is an all-organic mattress made of natural Talalay latex and covered with organic cotton. The Talalay latex gives the Nolah Nurture 10 superior breathability. The Nolah Nurture is a hybrid mattress with pocketed/wrapped coil at the core and 2 distinct firmness levels on each side. This affords your kids the opportunity to select what firmness level they want per time. The soft side provides a plush feel and comfort to your child. The firm side provides adequate support for your child’s growing body. Irrespective of the side, your child is guaranteed a safe and cool sleeping experience.
Latex provides superior cooling ability compared to memory foam. The GOTS-certified organic cotton cover is compatible with direct skin contact. All materials used in the manufacturing of the Nolah Nurture 10 are natural, eco-friendly, and of high quality. Nolah Nurture 10 mattress is a durable mattress with a hybrid construction that provides support for your child’s sleep needs at all developmental stages.
Design
The Nolah Nurture mattress is handmade and covered with organic cotton. The organic cotton cover is breathable, durable, cooling, and has a soft texture. The mattress’s breathability is improved by the wool layer that serves as a natural fire barrier. The 2-inch layer of natural Talalay Latex is supple softly relieving pressure points. At the core of the Nolah Nurture 10-inch high mattress is a 6-inch HDMax Tri-Zone Nolah support coil system. The support coils confer structural strength on the Nolah Nurture mattress giving it the strength needed to support your child’s body weight. This support zone ensures proper spine alignment for your child.
The flip side of the mattress has a layer of 2-inch firm natural latex. This firm side provides optimal comfort for pressure points guaranteeing a restful sleep for your kid. The latex layer rests on a wool layer that increases the general stability and durability of the Nolah Nurture Mattress. This wool layer also gives this side of the mattress a cooling ability. The Nolah Nurture Mattress is designed to promote increased comfort for pressure points and cooling effects on kids when they are sleeping. The side handles on the mattress make lifting and flipping easier.
The Nolah Nurture mattress is made of organic cotton, organic wool, Talalay latex, and recycled steel. It is free from toxic chemicals and materials. Safe and biodegradable raw materials were used in the processing of the Nolah Nurture 10. It has OEKO-TEK 100 Class 1 certification, and GOTS certification to prove that the mattress is free from toxins and safe for your kid. The available sizes for the Nolah Nurture 10 include Twin, Twin XL, and Full Mattress. The Talalay latex component of the mattress resists sagging and daily wear and tear. Coupled with the coil support system, the Nolah Nurture mattress is a mattress that is durable enough to last your child throughout their preteen stage.
Performance
If your child frequently complains of being hot when they sleep, we recommend the Nolah Nurture Mattress for such a child. The combination of latex, wool layer, and the coil core provided superior breathability and airflow that keeps your child cool at night The mattress has a hard side on one side and a soft side on the other.
The Nolah Nurture 10 provides excellent comfort for pain and pressure points. The mattress favors side sleepers, back sleepers, and combination sleepers. The mattress encourages proper spinal alignment by preventing your child from sinking into the bed. Instead, the latex provides enough contouring to ensure gentle pressure relief.
Leesa Kids Mattress
Source – leesa.com
Features
100 nights risk-free trial
10 years limited warranty
GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US Certified
All foam design
Breathable design
7.5-inch height
Suitable for use in bunk frames
Sizes available – Twin and Full
The Leesa Kids Mattress is designed for kids age 4 and above who are upgrading to a larger mattress. It is suitable for low-profile kids’ beds or bunk arrangements. It comes in 2 sizes – Twin and Full. The Leesa Kids Mattress provides moderate joint support for younger children. The all-foam mattress is comfortable for children in their preteens. For teenagers and young adults, the Leesa Youth Mattress is a great option.
The Leesa Kids Mattress has a medium firmness that supports your child’s body adequately and encourages good posture when they sleep. The mattress affords parents peace of mind as it is free from toxic chemicals and certified by CertiPUR-US. Your kids enjoy a mattress that does not adverse effects on their health. The mattress hugs the body of your little one and provides pressure relief for their joints and muscles. The mattress is made of breathable materials preventing retention of body heat.
Design
The mattress is covered with knitted material that allows airflow providing cool comfort for your child. The Lessa Kids Mattress is an all-foam mattress that has 3 layers to provide great comfort for your kid. The first foam layer is constructed from memory foam that is responsive providing cradling comfort. The layer gives a hugging sensation to children comforting them while they sleep. This layer is supported by an aerated foam layer with billions of tiny air capsules. This layer provides a soothing effect for growing bones and muscles.
The foam base layer provides the core strength the Leesa Kids Mattress needs to support all sleeping positions. The 7.5-inch height of the mattress allows this mattress to be used with bunk frames. The Twin size mattress has a weight of 28 pounds while the Full size weighs 39 pounds. The Leesa Kids Mattress has low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) emission and has been certified to be safe for kids by CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold. Your child can sleep and wake up without complaints.
Performance
The Leesa Kids Mattress has good temperature control. Many mattresses with memory foam tend to perform poorly in keeping a child cool at night. The Lessa Mattress has an aerated knitted mattress cover and a foam layer that has multiple tiny air spaces that promotes airflow that reduces heat retention.
The mattress has 2 foam layers that provide good body support and contouring. This gives your child a hugging sensation. The mattress has a medium firmness preventing your child from sinking into the mattress and feeling confined within the mattress. The third layer which is the base layer is strong enough to support your child’s body weight.
The Lessa has a 10-year warranty and a 100-night risk-free trial for you to determine whether the mattress is the best fit for your child. The mattress is safe for your child and the environment.
DreamCloud Mattress
Source – dreamcloudsleep.com
Features
365-night trial
Lifetime warranty
CertiPUR-US certified
5-layer hybrid design
Free shipping and return
Compatible with all bed frames
Cashmere top cover
Sizes available – Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cal King
The DreamCloud is a luxury hybrid mattress that provides unparalleled comfort for kids. The perfect mix of innerspring coils and memory foam provides kids with dreamy nights. With the DreamCloud Mattress, your child can start the day energized. The individually wrapped coils provide the needed body support for children of various ages, sizes, and sleeping positions. DreamCloud’s comfortability is not limited to kids. The mattress can be used by individuals across diverse age groups. Kids who love having a hugging sensation when they sleep would benefit greatly from the DreamCloud mattress.
It is a good transition mattress because it is very comfy and plush accommodating side, back, stomach, and combination sleepers. The mattress is a good choice for preteens who are yet to determine their sleeping preference. The hybrid design provides the mattress with enough support to encourage proper spinal alignment in kids while providing the comfort they seek. It is more affordable than other hybrid mattresses in its class.
Design
DreamCloud’s soft-to-the-touch cover is a combination of quilted foam and cashmere finish to keep your kids cool and cozy throughout the night. The soft mattress lays directly above a pressure relief comfort foam layer. This gel-infused memory foam layer contours to individual body shape to provide soothing relief to pain and pressure points. The transition layer provides a smooth transition between the memory foam and the base support. This transition foam layer provides just the right amount of sinking that gives the hugging sensation without your kid getting swallowed in the bed.
The DreamCloud Mattress has a support layer that provides the needed support for the other foam layers and serves as the link between the top layers and the individually wrapped innerspring that provides the support needed for proper spine alignment. The innerspring rests against a strong firm foam foundation that provides the coil system with the foundation it needs to perform well and improve longevity. This mattress is layered to fit your kid just right!
The edge of the mattress is supported by a heavy-duty gauge shield that lines the perimeter of the mattress to provide good edge support to the DreamCloud mattress. The mattress has a height of 14-inches and is compatible with all bed frames. The mattress has low levels of VOCs and is CertPUR-US certified.
Performance
The 5-layer hybrid design is cushiony enough to give a cool cozy feel while supporting your child’s body frame. The cashmere blend cover is soft to touch and comfortable to lay on. Sleeping in this mattress gives a cool, invigorating experience as the gel memory foam conforms to the body and prevents the retention of body heat that is responsible for sweaty nights. Getting into bed with your kid will not disturb your kid’s sleep as the DreamCloud mattress provides limited motion transfer.
The mattress soothes pressure points giving your child the pleasure of waking up rejuvenated. The innerspring support system provides support that enables proper spinal alignment. The hybrid construction gives DreamCloud better breathability than many all-foam mattresses. The DreamCloud gives you as a parent enough time to make a decision about keeping the mattress with a 365-night sleep trial.
Nest Puffin
Source – nestbedding.com
Features
30-night sleep trial
Lifetime limited warranty
CertiPUR-US Certified
All foam design
Energex Temperature Responsive Foam
Thermic Phase Change Cooling Cover
Natural fire barrier
Soft quilted mattress cover
Eco-friendly
Compatible with bunk beds, slatted base, and metal folding frame
Weight capacity – 110 pounds
Sizes available – Twin, Twin XL, and Full
The Nest Puffin mattress offers amazing comfort that is tailored to fit your kid. The one size fits all doesn’t apply when getting a kid’s mattress. Nest Bedding offers you the opportunity to get a mattress that is healthy, safe, durable, certified, and tailored to meet your kid’s specific needs. The Puffin Kids’ Mattress is designed specially for every individual child.
The Puffin Kids’ Mattress is an all-foam mattress that is breathable and stable to support children with varying sleep postures. Nesting Bedding offers a 30-day night trial for Puffin Kids’ Mattress. The mattress provides adequate support for growing children and unlike many mattresses designed to fit both adults and kids, the Puffin is designed exclusively for kids. This mattress entails amazing features to give your kid sweet dreams when they sleep.
Design
The Puffin Kids’ Mattress is free of toxic materials including a chemical fire barrier. Instead, the mattress has a non-chemical fire barrier (hydrogenated silica). The all-foam mattress design has 2 layers of foam to provide the proper support needed for your child’s spine alignment. The Puffin Mattress uses a breathable hybrid foam called Energex to aid your child’s body temperature control. This foam is responsive and infused with a variety of blended minerals that function to naturally pull heat away from your child’s body.
Puffin mattress uses a natural fire barrier to ensure kids get a safe mattress that is free of toxins. The mattress is encased in a soft breathable quilted cover that contains Thermic Phase Change Cooling Material to keep your kid cool and comfy all night long. The Puffin is an eco-friendly mattress that is safe for kids at all stages of growth. The Puffin mattress is CertiPUR-US certified. The mattress is available in Twin, Twin XL, and Full sizes. All Puffin Kids Mattress has a height of 7 inches and a maximum weight capacity of 110 pounds. The height provides enough headroom for kids on the bottom bunk and provides safety for younger kids.
Performance
The Puffin Kids’ mattress is ideal for kids who are combination sleepers, back, stomach, or side sleepers. The foam is strong enough to support your child. With the medium firmness, your kids are aided in having a good body alignment when they sleep. The quilted mattress cover provides a cozy finish to the Puffin Kids’ mattress. Kids who slept in the Puffin mattress had happy experiences.
The foam contours around the body without the child sinking into the bed or feeling trapped in the bed. The mattress has improved responsiveness and breathability. Body temperature is well regulated, and kids have cool nights in the Puffin Kids’ Mattress. Children experience great pressure relief when they sleep in the Puffin Kids’ Mattress and wake up refreshed after a happy night. The Nest Puffin affords parents the opportunity to sleep soundly knowing that their kids are well asleep on a comfortable and safe mattress.
The Puffin Kids’ Mattress has a 30-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty.
Bear
Source – bearmattress.com
Features
120-night risk-free mattress trial
Lifetime warranty
GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US Certification
Foam and Hybrid models are available
Celliant cover
Made of environmentally friendly materials
Free shipping and returns
Sizes available – Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, and Split King
The Bear Original mattress has two styles – the all-foam design and the hybrid design. The mattress is great for children because the Celliant cover assists in muscle restoration when they sleep. The Celliant cover also keeps the mattress cool and comfortable. The Bear mattress adapts to an individual’s body shape and sleeping position to give them the relief needed. It is firm and responsive providing great pressure relief.
Design
The all-foam Bear mattress has 4 layers to give kids a sleeping experience they would love. The Celliant cover is breathable and helps to keep the mattress cool. The gel memory foam directs unwanted body heat away from the body and cradles your child’s body. The memory foam layer is supported by a transition foam layer that helps relieve pressure points and provides kids with balanced support for proper body alignment. For structural support and durability, the Bear mattress has a high-density foam for support. The open-cell construction of the all-foam model prevents overheating when your kids are asleep by enabling better airflow. This helps to regulate your child’s body temperature even on warm nights.
The hybrid model is similar to the all-foam model. The difference is that in the hybrid model individually wrapped coils replace the high-density foam layer found in the all foam model. The coil system offers exceptional reactivity. The hybrid mattress features motion isolation that reduces sleep disturbance in children. The Bear mattress has low VOC emissions providing a safe sleeping environment for your kid.
Performance
The Bear mattress disperses heat keeping kids cool throughout the night. The gel memory foam draws excess heat from the body and keeps your child from burning up at night. The open-cell construction helps in regulating the body’s temperature. With the aid of the supportive foam layer, the mattress adapts to your kid’s body keeping the pressure off the back, hips, and shoulders irrespective of their preferred sleeping position. Back, side, and stomach sleepers all found the Bear mattress highly comforting.
The Bear Mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified.
Tuft and Needle
Source – tuftandneedle.com
Features
100-night trial
10-year limited warranty
GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US Certified
Foam mattress
Open cell technology
Graphite and gel-infused foam layer
Compatible with various bed frames and foundations
Free shipping
Sizes available – Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cal King
The Tuft and Needle afford kids the comfort they need to sleep and not just lay in bed. The mattress is great for back and stomach sleepers. It is the perfect blend of firm and soft needed to provide children with the sleep quality they deserve. This can be a great mattress for your kids if you are looking to find a compromise for siblings with opposing firmness preferences in mattresses.
The Tuft and Needle is a foam mattress with technological improvements to ensure your kid has constantly cool nights. It is available in multiple sizes. The sizes available include Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cal King. It is versatile enough to be used with different many bed frames and foundations including traditional frames, platform frames, slatted frames, box springs, adjustable frames, and bunky boards.
Design
The Tuft and Needle mattress is manufactured with 2 foam layers. The 3-inch Tuft and Needle foam offer good contouring and immense relief to pressure points. This gel-infused foam layer is also infused with heat-conducting graphite. The heat-conducting graphite draws heat away from the body while the gel keeps the body cool. These combined properties help in regulating the body temperature of children when they sleep. The mattress is safe for your kids and it is certified by GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US.
For effective air circulation, Tuft and Needle employ open cell cooling technology. The open cell foam is durable and serves as the foundation for the Tuft and Needle mattress. Both foam layers are durable, breathable, and safe for your child. The mattress is covered by a soft-knit fabric that ensures that the mattress maintains its breathability. This knit cover is not designed to be removed from the mattress. Some might prefer to get an extra mattress because of the color of the bed cover.
Performance
The Tuft and Needle mattress delivers great body contouring and bounce-back support for kids. The firmness and bounce of this mattress make it an excellent option for stomach and bad sleepers. They get the support and softness they require to have a restful sleep. The foam thickness and design help the mattress avoid substantial body imprints and provide bounce-back support to the mattress.
The overall mattress design wicks heat away from kids’ (and adults’) bodies keeping the body temperature regulated while they sleep. With the cooling technology employed in the manufacturing of the mattress, kids sleep soundly in the Tuft and Needle mattress. The mattress provides flexible support needed for proper growth in children (kids grow even when they sleep). The mattress cover gives a cozy soothing feeling as the mattress contours to your kids’ bodies. The mattress is pressure relieving and the foam base layer prevents your child from sinking into the mattress.
How does the mattress your kids sleep on affect them?
The type of mattress children sleep on have significant impact on their sleep pattern and overall health. Let’s consider some of the effects of mattresses on children.
Body pain: many children experience growing pains. Growth pains are muscle cramps felt mostly at night. A good mattress choice can help to relieve such pains. Also generally, children need mattresses that are firm enough to support them and relieve pressure points but not too firm to cause body aches. Children are generally active during the day and need a good night’s rest to feel rejuvenated during the day. When a child sleeps, the body (bones, joints, and muscles) repairs itself. The quality of sleep a child gets at night affects their activeness during the day.
Body alignment: children are in their developmental stages and it is therefore important to ensure that their spines have all the support it needs even when they are asleep. Proper spine alignment when sleeping reduces the risk of neck and body pains and assists in ensuring proper posture for your child. It is important that your kids can lay in their natural positions when sleeping.
Physical health: some mattresses like traditional memory mattresses release volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in the process of gassing off. VOCs are harmful materials that can cause headaches, irritations, respiratory tract anomalies, and other health challenges. Some VOCs are known to increase the risk of cancer. So you can’t take chances with your child’s health.
Mental health: when a child does not get adequate sleep at night, it affects their mood, concentration span, attentiveness, memory, and academic performance. It is therefore important to ensure your child gets proper sleep at night. One of the factors that largely affect a child’s sleeping pattern is the mattress the child sleeps on – choose carefully. A child that sleeps well is smart and happy!
Important Features to consider when getting a mattress for your child
Size: your child’s age and size should guide you in picking a mattress size. There isn’t a one size fits all in getting a mattress for your child. It is therefore important to be guided by your child’s need to get a mattress that is tailored to your child. Children experience growth spurts and as such, it is best to get a mattress that gives some allowance for growth. If your child is tall or has inherited some tall genes, it might be a smart idea to get a Twin XL Mattress for that child. Twin XL Mattresses have an additional 5 inches in length when compared to Twin Mattresses and Full Mattresses.
Below is a guideline based on age to assist you in making an informed decision.
Age bracket
Advised Mattress Type
Mattress Dimension
Infants to toddlers
Crib mattress
28 x 52 inches
Young kids
Twin mattress
38 x 75 inches
Young kids to adolescents
Twin XL mattress
38 x 80 inches
Adolescents (young adults)
Full mattress
54 x 75 inches
As shown in the table above full mattresses provide more room for your child to turn while twin XL mattresses provide extra room for tall children. Before you get a full mattress ensure that the room you want to place it is spacious enough to accommodate the mattress.
Another factor that determines the size of mattress you purchase for our child is the size of their room. A bigger mattress fits into a bigger room.
Firmness: many people wrongly assume that a soft mattress is best for kids. That’s not true. Soft mattresses don’t have the firmness needed to support children as they change positions frequently when they sleep. Children need mattresses that can support their bodies properly. A very firm bed is not best for them either. Very firm beds would not provide the comfort needed for children to sleep firmly. Kids sleep better in firm or medium firm mattresses. At this firmness level, children have the firmness they need to support their weight and have the right spine alignment when they sleep.
Another reason why children need firm or moderately firm mattresses is that their beds take a high level of wear and tear. Kids are fond of playing and bouncing on their beds. It is, therefore, necessary to select a mattress that is built to accommodate such levels of abuse.
The firmness of any mattress reduces with use (some faster than others). Changing mattresses as they get softer is therefore important. It is not best for a young child to use a second-hand or hand-me-down mattress. As parents, it is important to plan to change our kids’ mattresses at least 3 times before they become adults.
Edge support: one major fear parents have when their children are asleep is that they might fall off the bed. This fear keeps many parents awake during the night. This fear is not unfounded as many children (and adults) toss and turn during the night.
Having a mattress with firm edges greatly reduces the risk of a child falling off during the night. Unlike soft edges that easily give way under little pressure, a mattress with firm edges will provide the support needed to keep your child in bed throughout the night. With this, there would be no more accidents and you as a parent can have a peaceful night’s rest.
Material: the material a mattress is made of largely affects the health of children. This is one distinguishing factor between an okay mattress and a great mattress.
The question is how does a mattress material affect the health of a child? If your child frequently complains of headaches after waking up in the morning, the culprit might be the mattress. Some mattresses release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere in a process termed gassing-off. This release of gases can have adverse effects on the health of a child. Some of the effects include but are not restricted to headaches and irritation of the respiratory tract. Some VOCs have been found to increase the risk of some health conditions like cancer.
Don’t take chances with the health of your child! Ensure that the mattress you purchase for your kids is properly certified. A Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification indicates that such a mattress is made of organic materials and is therefore free of toxic chemicals. Other similar certifications are the CertiPUR-US label or GREENGUARD label.
These certifications simply mean that the mattress is without toxic chemicals and has a very low level of VOC emission. Another factor to consider is mattresses with hypoallergenic material like organic cotton. Hypoallergenic mattresses contain allergen-resistant materials (like latex or memory foam) that reduce the effects of allergy triggers such as dust mites, bacteria, and mold. Some mattresses are safer for allergies than their counterparts. Latex is a material that has a natural resistance to dust mites. Mattresses made of memory foam are another excellent choice as it inhibits the spread of dust mites.
A hybrid or innerspring mattress with memory foam or latex material is an excellent option for children. Getting a dust-resistant mattress cover also helps protects your child from allergic reactions.
Regulation of body temperature: If you want a mattress that would keep your child cool during the night, latex is a good option to consider. It has natural properties that aid in regulating body temperatures keeping your child cool through the night. Memory foam is not your best choice if you want a mattress that can help in regulating your child’s temperature when they sleep. Memory foams tend to retain body heat. Some mattresses are specially made with cooling gel to mitigate heat retention.
Motion isolation: this factor is of great importance if your kid is to share a bed with a sibling or bet. This refers to the ability of a mattress to absorb individual motions and limit the spread to other areas of the mattress. Motion isolation ratings are typically good for all-foam mattresses with a memory foam comfort layer over a polyfoam support core. The memory foam absorbs the majority of surface-level motion, while the polyfoam isolates compression for a comfortable sleeping surface.
Sleep posture: is your child a stomach, back, side, or combination sleeper? If you are not sure it is advisable to go for mattresses that favor combination sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers are more comfortable on mattresses that are firm enough to support them and prevent undue sinkage at the center of the mattress. Many side sleepers prefer to sleep on softer mattresses as it promotes better weight distribution for their sleep position.
Price: This is an important factor because as your child grows, their needs change. Children’s beds should be changed averagely 2 to 3 times before they mature into full adults. It is therefore important to consider the price of a mattress bearing in mind that it would need to be replaced within a few short years. This is not to encourage getting a substandard mattress for your child. Like you would get comfortable and quality clothes for your child though you know that in a few years your child would most likely have outgrown the clothes, you should get the best mattress for your child. Arguably, a mattress has more effects on your child than regular clothes do. Remember, only the best is what your kids deserve.
Extras: an important additional feature to consider when getting a mattress for a kid is the durability of the mattress. It is also sometimes important to get a waterproof mattress cover to protect the bed from spills and bed-wetting. As parents we also want the mattress to be neat and look as good as new. Getting a washable mattress protector is the way to go in ensuring that your child’s mattress is constantly clean. Besides, mattress protectors are easier and cheaper to replace than the mattress itself.
Children generally move frequently even when sleeping. Getting a mattress that absorbs their movements and minimizes noise is great in assisting them to have a restful sleep and sleep throughout the night.
What mattress type is best for kids?
There is a variety of mattress designs available today. Children most especially younger kids are delicate and have stringent needs for optimal growth. Care should be taken in deciding mattress types for kids. It is also important to note that the sleeping needs of children vary based on factors like age, size, sleeping positions, presence or absence of allergies, and individual preference. Innerspring or hybrid mattresses are generally more suitable for kids. What makes each mattress type suitable for kids?
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses provide your kids and teens with the best edge support they can get. This would keep your children on the bed by preventing them from falling off their beds when they are asleep. This mattress type firmly protects your child from the pain caused by soft beds. The firmness of innerspring mattresses provides pressure relief by supporting pressure points in children while they sleep.
Innerspring mattresses are highly recommended for young children and adolescents because they generally have lesser body weight. Additionally, they are one of the most affordable picks in the market and are quite healthy for kids.
Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses provide your kids the firmness and edge support provided by innerspring mattresses but with more comfort. This additional feature significantly increases the price range of innerspring courses. Quality Hybrid mattresses are generally made of breathable materials. This prevents suffocation irrespective of your child’s sleeping pattern. It also helps to regulate the temperature of your child when asleep on the mattress.
If you are looking for a mattress that would keep your child cool, relieve pressure, provide the needed edge support, and provide excellent comfort for your kid, the hybrid mattresses are your best bet. They are more expensive than the innerspring mattresses but relatively affordable. They are a lot cheaper than many other mattress types you would find on the market.
Is memory foam good for children?
Memory foam is fun and relieving to children. Mattresses with memory foam have a natural slow recovery that helps the body burrow into it. Many children love the ‘hugging’ sensation provided by memory foam. Memory foam generally provides good body contouring that aids pressure point alleviation from the body by providing pressure point relief.
However, memory foams are not suitable for infants and toddlers. Younger children need firmer sleeping surfaces that would not be provided by memory foam. Memory foams also tend to retain body heat which can be dangerous for younger children.
Before getting a memory foam mattress for your kid, ensure that the child is within the right age bracket. Choose mattresses that have been certified to be free of harmful materials to ensure a safe sleep environment for your child. Parents should choose mattresses with CertiPUR-US or GREENGUARD certifications.
Is a mattress protector necessary for a kid’s mattress?
Mattress protector protects your investment and is a necessity for growing children. It is easy and less expensive to change a mattress protector than it is to change the mattress itself. Proper hygiene is important, especially for growing children. With the help of a mattress protector, it is easier to keep your child’s mattress clean always.
Mattress protectors protect the mattress from stains, spills, and bedwetting. Younger children, preteens, and teenagers would benefit from a good mattress protector. Children generally tend to play and live in their beds. Getting a mattress protector is essential for the health and safety of your child. Some mattress protectors are hypoallergenic and are therefore suitable for children prone to allergic reactions.
When getting a mattress protector for kids, it is crucial that the mattress protector is smooth, soft to the touch, and free of harmful chemicals. Some mattress protectors have been found to improve sleep quality in kids.
What mattress is best for kids with sensitive skin?
If your kid has sensitive skin or has allergies, it is recommended that the mattresses they sleep on are made of natural or organic materials. A mattress made of hypoallergenic materials is best for children with allergies. Consider the Helix Kids Mattress or Nolah Nurture 10 if your kid has allergies or sensitive skin.
What sleeping position is best for kids?
Many kids have developed preferred sleeping positions that might be difficult to change. As a parent, you might be concerned about the effect of a sleeping position on your child and how to correct your child’s sleeping position to a better one.
For infants, parents are often advised to place them on their backs when they are sleeping. The back position is safe for infants and toddlers as it provides better body alignment and keeps the child’s body in a neutral position. This enables proper spinal alignment, reduces the risk of your child developing tension headaches, and relieves sinus buildup.
Many experts believe that sleeping on the sides, most especially the left side has great advantages. Children who sleep on their left sides are less likely to develop gastroesophageal reflux disease. Children with the disease condition have found that sleeping on their left sides reduces the risk of reflux episodes. Side sleeping also enhances proper spinal alignment which reduces the risk of heartburn and snoring. It has also been discovered that people with back pains are relieved when they sleep on their sides.
Sleeping on the stomach is the least beneficial of all the sleeping positions. Sleeping on the stomach has been discovered to reduce the risk of snoring and sleep disorders like sleep apnea. A person with sleep apnea experiences frequent pauses in breathing while they are asleep. Sleep apnea can lead to more fatal health conditions like increased blood pressure and heart failure.
All sleeping positions have their disadvantages as well. Stomach sleepers are more prone to body pains. When a child sleeps on the stomach, the child is prone to shoulder, neck, and back pains. This is because sleeping on the stomach distorts the natural body alignment and causes a lot more harm to the body than good. Side sleepers place their body weights on one side of their body. This can lead to shoulder stiffness and tightness on one side of the body. If your child is a side sleeper, it is advised to ensure that they sleep on both sides to reduce the pressure placed on one side of the body. Sleeping on the back has the potential to worsen back pains in people that suffer from low back pains. For some children, sleeping on their backs leads to frequent disruption of their sleep.
All sleep positions have their strengths and weaknesses. It is advisable that kids are allowed to sleep in the positions they naturally find comfortable except if advised against by a medical practitioner. Stomach sleepers should be encouraged to try other sleeping positions.
Summary
Selecting the best mattress for your child can be a lot of work without the right guide and resources. In this article, we have reviewed the best mattresses for kids that cut across various age groups, sleep needs, and preferences.
Mattresses are available in an array of designs from all foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses, and latex mattresses. Many kid’s mattresses combine various technologies to provide improved sleeping conditions for children. Latex and hybrid mattresses are generally better for the regulation of body temperatures. Memory foam provides good body contouring necessary for pressure relief but tends to retain body heat. Gel-infused memory foams mitigate against overheating in children as the gel traps excess body heat.
Mattresses made of hypoallergenic materials protect against allergic reactions in children. Before getting a mattress for your child, it is important to understand your child’s preferred sleeping position. This will guide you in getting a mattress that bests provide the support your child needs.
Any mattress you purchase should be free of harmful products and have proper certifications. The mattresses in this guide have been well researched and proven to provide a safe and healthy sleeping environment for your child to improve the quality of sleep they get.
