Dr. Barry Jarvis
Choosing the right mattress is crucial for providing kids with quality sleep critical for their growth and development. With so many options available, it can be challenging picking out the ideal mattress for your child’s needs. This detailed buyer’s guide reviews the top 10 mattresses for kids along with tips for selecting the best model based on your child’s age and preferences.
Guide to Choosing the Best Mattress for Kids
Important factors to keep in mind when shopping for kids mattresses:
1. Age of Child
The ideal mattress firmness, thickness and size often varies based on your child’s age and stage of development. See age recommendations below.
2. Sleep Position
Look for mattresses that accommodate your child’s preferred sleep position, such as options for side sleepers versus back sleepers.
3. Mattress Type
Consider your child’s needs and preferences when deciding between types like memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid models.
4. Size Options
Make sure to choose the right mattress size for your child’s bedroom space, sleeping habits, and stage of growth.
5. Budget
Kids mattresses come in a wide range of price points. Setting a spending limit can help narrow down the options.
Using these criteria, here are the top mattresses recommended for providing kids with a comfortable, supportive sleep space.
1. Birch Organic Mattress
Highlights:
- GOLS organic certified latex
- Organic cotton and wool
- Greenguard Gold and Eco-INSTITUT certified
- Natural fire barrier instead of chemicals
- Available in twin, twin XL, and full sizes
- 25 year limited warranty
The Birch by Helix utilizes premium organic materials like OEKO-TEX certified Talalay latex rubber foam and soft organic New Zealand wool. This makes it an excellent non-toxic mattress for kids seeking an eco-friendly, allergen-free sleep space.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Birch Organic Mattress on Birch’s Website
2. The WinkBed
Highlights:
- Innerspring and foam hybrid design
- Available in twin and twin XL sizes
- Medium firm feel ideal for kids
- Lumbar support zone and unique form-fitting design
- Breathable Tencel® cover
- Lifetime warranty
The WinkBed offers an innerspring mattress tailored to provide growing kids with superior support and pressure relief for healthy development and restful sleep.
Price Range: $$$
Buy The WinkBed Mattress on Amazon
3. Brentwood Home Cedar
Highlights:
- Hybrid design with pocketed coils and latex
- GOLS organic certified and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 materials
- Wool, cotton, and plant-based foam comfort layers
- Zoned coils adapt to kids as they grow
- Medium feel supports all sleep positions
- 25 year limited warranty
The Brentwood Home Cedar pairs all-natural latex and organic wool with an innerspring system designed to grow with your kids through the years.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Brentwood Home Cedar on Amazon
4. Avocado Green Kids Mattress
Highlights:
- Organic latex, cotton, and wool
- Low VOC emission levels
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- GOLS certified organic latex and GOTS certified cotton
- Available in twin and twin XL sizes
- 25 year warranty
Avocado Green produces a non-toxic organic latex and innerspring kids mattress designed to provide superior comfort for little ones while meeting stringent environmental standards.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Avocado Green Kids Mattress on Avocado’s Website
5. Naturepedic Organic Kids Mattress
Highlights:
- GOTS organic certified cotton cover and fill
- Waterproof sewn-in surface made from food-grade polymer
- GreenGuard Gold and MADE SAFE® certified
- Available in twin and twin XL
- Lightweight model for bunk beds and trundles
- Lifetime limited warranty
Naturepedic is known for their organic and nontoxic mattresses and bedding designed especially for kids and babies. This comfortable organic cotton kids mattress meets the highest certifications for health, environmental friendliness, and durability.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Naturepedic Organic Kids Mattress on Naturepedic’s Website
6. Nest Big Kid’s Bed
Highlights:
- 8” profile specifically for big kids
- Super soft stretch-knit cover
- Responsive foam layers provide comfort and support
- Reinforced edges for durability and big kid activities
- Ships compressed in easy to handle box
- 10 year limited warranty
Nest Bedding’s Big Kid’s Bed mattress is designed with the ideal height, feel, and construction to create the perfect “big kid bed” for growing children.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Nest Bedding Big Kid’s Bed on Nest’s Website
7. My Green Mattress Natural Escape
Highlights:
- Organic cotton, wool, and natural latex
- GOTS and GOLS certified materials
- Medium firm support ideal for kids
- Natural fire barrier made in the USA
- Available in twin and twin XL
- 10 year warranty
The Natural Escape from family-owned My Green Mattress utilizes carefully sourced eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, wool, and responsively supportive natural latex.
Price Range: $$
Buy the My Green Mattress Natural Escape on My Green Mattress’s Website
8. Saatva Youth
Highlights:
- Designed specifically for growing kids
- Innerspring coil system paired with memory foam
- Firm support suitable for all sleep positions
- Guard rails on twin size help prevent kids from rolling out
- Made in the USA from eco-friendly materials
- 15 year limited warranty
With its durable innerspring construction, firm support, and guard rails, the Saatva Youth mattress is tailored to provide the restful sleep kids need while keeping them safely in the bed.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Saatva Youth Mattress on Amazon
9. Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams
Highlights:
- Budget-friendly foam mattress
- Unique construction suitable for kids beds
- Softer foam comfort layer
- High-density support foam base
- Made in the USA
- 10 year limited warranty
As a value-priced all foam mattress, the Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams provides an affordable mattress option tailored to meet growing kids’ needs from childhood into the teen years.
Price Range: $
Buy the Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams Mattress on Amazon
10. Tuft & Needle Mint
Highlights:
- Proprietary T&N Adaptive® foam
- Soft, flexible knit cover
- Great motion isolation
- Antimicrobial and resistant to allergens, dust mites
- Reinforced edge support
- 10 year warranty
Tuft & Needle’s exclusive foam provides the close contouring feel growing kids need at an affordable price point. Its antimicrobial properties also help maintain a clean and healthy sleep environment.
Price Range: $
Buy the Tuft & Needle Mint on Amazon
Mattress Shopping Considerations Based on Child’s Age
Here are some general guidelines for choosing mattresses based on your child’s age:
Crib Mattresses for Infants
- Recommended firmness: very firm
- Common sizes: Standard crib, mini crib, bassinet
- Key features: Waterproof, seamless, hypoallergenic
Toddler & Preschool Mattresses
- Recommended firmness: medium to medium-firm
- Common sizes: crib, toddler bed transition
- Key features: Reinforced edges, durable
Elementary School Children
- Recommended firmness: medium with some conforming
- Common sizes: twin, twin XL
- Key features: Allergy-resistant, pressure relief
Middle School & Teenagers
- Recommended firmness: medium to plush
- Common sizes: twin, twin XL, full
- Key features: Cooling, lumbar support, antimicrobial
Always check manufacturer guidelines for weight limits and other safety notices for children’s mattresses based on your child’s age and development.
Mattress Firmness Level for Kids Guide
Here is an overview of mattress firmness levels to look for based on your child’s sleep position and body type:
For Kids Who Sleep On Their Back
- Soft (Under 3) – Allows shoulders and hips to sink in too deeply
- Medium (4-6) – Aligns the spine and provides even support
- Firm (7-10) – Keeps spine aligned but minimal pressure relief
For Kids Who Sleep On Their Side
- Soft (Under 3) – Fills in the gap between shoulders and hips
- Medium (4-6) – Aligns spine while cushioning shoulders and hips
- Firm (7-10) – May create pressure points in the shoulders and hips
For Kids With Higher Body Weight
- Soft (Under 3) – Allows abdomen and chest to sink in too deeply
- Medium (4-6) – Prevents excess sinking while cushioning
- Firm (7-10) – Provides robust support for heavier weights
Mattress Types Pros and Cons for Kids
Innerspring Mattresses
Pros: Bouncy, durable support. Traditional feel kids may find comforting.
Cons: Can be noisy. May lack pressure relief. Motion transfer.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Pros: Close contouring and pressure relief. Good motion isolation.
Cons: Retains some heat. Slow response time. Off-gassing odors.
Latex Mattresses
Pros: Responsive support. Naturally cooling. Low-odor options.
Cons: Expensive options. Not as close contouring as memory foam.
Hybrid Mattresses
Pros: Balance of support and contouring. Good cooling options.
Cons: More heavy and complex. Higher cost. Some motion transfer.
Common Mattress Sizes for Kids
- Crib Mattresses: Standard crib, mini crib, bassinet sizes
- Twin size: 38” x 75”, great for young kids through pre-teens
- Twin XL: 38” x 80”, ideal for bigger kids and tweens
- Full size: Great size for teens who have outgrown twin beds
Measure your children’s bedroom space carefully to select the right mattress size. Consider potential growth in the years to come so the bed accommodates your child as they get bigger.
Tips for Mattress Shopping with Kids
- Test out showroom models by having kids lay on mattresses in their preferred sleep positions for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Select a mattress that allows your child’s spine to remain relatively straight and aligned. Bringing a favorite pillow can help visualize positioning.
- Let kids be part of the mattress selection process within reason. This can help them feel more comfortable transitioning to a new bed.
- For young kids, consider less deep impression memory foams that make moving off the mattress easier.
- Ask about trial periods and return policies so you can test the mattress at home before fully committing.
- Have your child try out the mattress over a weekend when they can catch up on sleep in case the adjustment period is difficult.
Making smart mattress choices for your kids helps support healthy sleep quality during childhood development. Evaluate your child’s age, size, sleep habits and preferences to select the ideal mattress for a lifetime of sweet dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Mattresses
What age can a child move to a normal bed?
Most children can safely transition from a crib to a regular “big kid” bed between 2-4 years old. Look for signs of climbing out.
What size bed is best for a 10 year old?
Twin and twin XL sizes work great for bigger kids ages 8-12 years old approximately. Measure their height and room size.
How do I choose a toddler mattress?
Look for a non-toxic mattress that’s waterproof and firm with reinforced edges suitable for toddler beds and preschoolers under 5 years old.
When should you buy a new mattress for a child?
Plan on buying a new mattress for kids every 5-8 years as they outgrow each mattress size. Replace sooner if you notice sagging or discomfort.
Can kids use memory foam mattresses?
Yes, most memory foam and hybrid mattresses work well for kids if the firmness level matches their sleep style. Look for faster response foams that are easier to move on.
Closing Summary
Choosing the right mattress ensures your kids remain comfortable and properly supported as they grow. Evaluate your child’s age, size, sleep habits and material preferences to select a model that meets their needs for many peaceful years ahead. With quality rest, your kids will wake up refreshed and ready to thrive.
Originally posted on September 18, 2023 @ 6:57 pm
Author
Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dr. Barry Jarvis is a renowned sleep specialist, dedicating their illustrious career to the intricate world of sleep medicine. Holding a medical degree from a prestigious institution, Dr. Jarvis has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern sleep and its pivotal role in overall health and well-being. With a compassionate approach and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Jarvis has helped countless individuals reclaim restful nights and vibrant days. Beyond their clinical expertise, they have contributed to groundbreaking research in sleep medicine, unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders and pioneering innovative treatments that stand at the forefront of the field.
