Best Mattress for Kids (2023): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Even though everyone benefits from a good night’s sleep, it’s essential for the health and development of children. Several factors determine how well your child sleeps every night, but the mattress plays a significant role in their quality of sleep.

Once your child outgrows their crib mattress, you have several options from toddler-size to standard full-size mattresses. Although many parents choose to purchase a mattress that their child can grow into, the features you need in a kid mattress are undoubtedly different from those in an adult mattress.

Selecting the right mattress for your child is essential to their health and safety but is also a difficult decision. We’ve put together an in-depth guide to help you find the best mattress for kids. With this information, you can confidently choose a mattress that will meet all of your child’s sleep needs.

Best Mattresses for Kids

Brand	Model	Highlights	Price (Queen)
	Zoma Mattress	Gel-infused memory foam keeps you cool and comfortable.	$799
	Amerisleep AS2	Two inches of pressure-relieving Bio-Pur® foam contribute to deep, pain-free sleep.	$999
	Vaya Mattress	Features 2 layers of CertiPUR-US® certified foam, designed to promote healthy recovery for all sleep positions.	$599
	Nolah Nurture 10	Flippable, two-in-one design to suit different sleep styles.	$1499
	Nest BKB	Cooling, CertiPUR-US® certified foam with a firm feel to support a growing body.	$349
	JoyBed LX	Organic cotton, plant fiber, and wool covering pocketed coils.	$495
	Tuft & Needle Original	Contains proprietary pressure-relieving T&N Adaptive® foam.	$595
	Naturepedic Verse Organic Mattress	Organic mattress made without chemicals	$1299
	Modway Aveline	Equipped with cooling gel foams to prevent night sweats.	$335
	Avocado Green	Eco-friendly latex offers a firmer sleeping experience.	$1349

The Zoma Mattress is 11 inches tall and medium in firmness, so it offers a good balance of comfort and support. It’s a comfortable mattress for side and back sleepers but is likely too soft to support stomach sleeping.

The Zoma Mattress is our recommended mattress for kids because it’s designed to help you sleep deeper and wake up feeling more rejuvenated— and for a growing body, deep sleep is crucial. The Zoma Mattress is marketed towards athletes because it’s supposed to facilitate faster muscle recovery; this is beneficial for children because they’re still developing, and sleep is the time for the body to grow and restore itself for a day ahead.

The first layer of the Zoma is 2 inches of gel memory foam; when you lay on this mattress the memory foam contours to your body for pressure relief and comfort, while the gels infused within combat body heat to prevent night sweats. Zoma also includes Triangulex™ technology within this layer to foster healthy sleeping positions.

Triangulex™ is a surface modification technology (SMT) in place to support proper spinal alignment. Underneath your midsection, Triangulex™ feels firmer, offering more support and preventing uncomfortable sinkage. Under your shoulders and hips, however, Triangulex™ is softer to allow for deeper compression and pressure point relief. Zoned support technologies are important for a child’s mattress because they prevent your child from sleeping in wonky positions and waking up in pain. They’re also conducive for healthy spinal development.

The second layer of Zoma is Reactiv™, a latex-like poly-foam. Reactiv™ is more responsive than traditional memory foam, so it gives the bed a bit of bounce and prevents you from feeling “stuck” in the mattress. If your child tends to toss and turn at night, this layer will make it easier for them to switch between side and back sleeping without disrupting their rest.

The third and final layer of Zoma is a 7-inch core layer of Support+, a sturdy poly-foam. Support+ reinforces the two layers (and sleeper) above to prevent sagging or indentations from forming. Plus, Zoma backs their mattress with a 10-year warranty to ensure you get the most for your money.

Zoma is an online-only mattress brand, so even though you can’t test their beds in stores, they offer a 100-night sleep trial with every mattress, giving you the opportunity to test your bed in the comfort of your own home. If you decide against keeping the Zoma, they offer free returns, too.

Another notable memory foam mattress for children is Amerisleep’s AS2. Amerisleep makes and sells mattresses all ranging in firmness, but we like the AS2 because it’s their firmest model and equipped to promote healthy sleep.

The AS2 contains two inches of plant-based memory foam to offer comfort, relieve pressure, and prevent pain points. Because the foam is plant-based, it’s less likely to off-gas than other memory foam mattresses, leading to healthier sleep.

The transition layer of Affinity foam is 3 inches thick and offers five zones of targeted support, thanks to its use of HIVE® technology. Hexagonal cutouts create “softer” feels in the shoulders and hips, while the head, back, and feet have “firmer” feels for more support.

The base of the AS2 is 7 inches of supportive Bio-Core®, a durable poly-foam to give the bed structural support and shape. Bio-Core® also prevents premature wear and tear, helping you get the most life out of your mattress.

We also like the AS2 because it’s made of a lightweight, airy fabric designed to keep air flowing throughout the bed. This breathable cover keeps you cool and comfortable all night. The cover is also removable and completely washable so it is easy to keep your mattress clean throughout many years of use.

Amerisleep has a select few showrooms across the country but primarily sells its mattresses online. Every bed comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Amerisleep Mattress Reviews

The Vaya Mattress has a simple but effective design meant to support a variety of sleeping positions, including side and combination sleeping. Sleepers on a budget will find this high-quality, breathable mattress is just as supportive and comfortable as other high-end brands.

First, the mattress is encased in a plush, airy cover that allows you to fully enjoy the cushioning and support of the top layer, known as Vaya Comfort Foam. This foam is CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning it’s free of harmful chemicals. It’s also got an advanced-cell construction, so air flows through easily, preventing heat buildup.

The Vaya Support Foam maintains the durability and evenness of the layer above it while supporting the spine. The Vaya Mattress is perfect for kids through every stage of life.

The Vaya Mattress ships free and comes with free returns, plus a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

The Nolah Nurture 8 is a dreamy haven for your little ones. This mattress embraces CertiPUR-US® certified foam in its layers. The exterior of this recently revamped mattress maintains its familiar look but now stands at a height of 8 inches.

Wrapped in a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover, this mattress boasts durability, breathability, and a luxuriously soft touch. The absence of latex is compensated with layers of responsive CertiPUR-US® certified foam, ensuring a comfy sleep for your child. The flippable design endures, allowing you to choose between a firmer 6-7/10 feel or a softer 4-5/10 feel, catering to your child’s changing preferences.

Ensuring safety, the fiberglass-free fire retardant layer shields against potential flammability. The firmer comfort layer provides a denser and bouncier surface, ideal for energetic kids, while the softer side embraces gel memory foam for soothing relief on growing bones and joints.

The support system remains robust with six-inch steel coils, individually-wrapped to align your child’s spine and strengthen mattress edges. The mattress’s longevity is further emphasized, making it a resilient companion for your child’s playful years. The GOTS-certified organic cotton cover, now equipped with handles, eases the task of flipping or moving the mattress.

The Nolah Nurture 8″ ensures your child’s sleep is not only comfortable but also safe and sustainable.

Some children’s body temperatures run naturally hot, while others live in climates with warm, balmy nights. For kids who need a cooling mattress to help them sleep through the night, we would recommend Nest Bedding’s Big Kid’s Bed (BKB). With a phase-changing cover and temperature-responsive comfort foam, the BKB can help hot sleepers rest well.

The BKB is also firm and relatively thin, perfect for growing children who need a supportive mattress that fosters ideal spine alignment. Nest notes the bed is designed to support all sleeping styles in children, from side and combo to back and stomach sleepers. If you’re seeking a new mattress for a child that’s leaving their crib behind, the BKB is near unmatched.

Nest keeps it simple when it comes to the BKB’s construction. The mattress’s cover is a Thermic Phase Change Cooling fabric. Instead of a chemical fire barrier, hydrogenated silica underneath the cover offers fire protection. This is excellent for parents who want a mattress without fiberglass for their children.

Two foam layers make up the BKB. First is 2 inches of Energex™ Temperature Responsive Foam, followed by 5 inches of Edge Support Base Foam. Both of these foams are certified safe by CertiPUR-US®. These foams are also aired out in the factory after production to reduce the chances of off-gassing.

Nest backs their BKB with a 100-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

Children often enjoy sleeping on bouncier mattresses, especially as the buoyancy makes it easier for their small bodies to move out of bed in the morning. When it comes to spring mattresses for kids, our top recommendation would have to be the JoyBed LX.

The JoyBed LX takes the idea of an innerspring mattress with pocketed coils and supplements it with natural, cushioning materials for a comfortable sleeping surface. The JoyBed LX’s simple design also keeps highly affordable for parents shopping on a limited budget.

There are four layers inside the JoyBed LX, all wrapped inside a light and airy cover of organic cotton fabric. The cotton feels gentle against a child’s skin as they lie down.

Underneath the cover is a fire barrier made with plant fibers, a departure from the chemical or synthetic materials found in many mattresses. This layer of potato plant fibers promotes breathability while meeting the U.S. standards for flame resistance.

Cotton and wool layers underneath the plant fibers provide a comfortable cushion without feeling overly soft. Both materials are temperature neutral and hypoallergenic, plus wool resists microbes that can cause sickness or unpleasant smells.

The mattress’s base is a layer of pocketed coils, providing bounce while keeping a child’s movement from spreading across the surface.

The JoyBed LX comes with free shipping, a 120-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

5. Tuft & Needle Original Mattress

The Tuft & Needle, or T&N, Original Mattress is a 10-inch foam mattress that is suitable for all types of sleepers with a medium level of firmness. Unlike some foam mattresses on the market, the T&N Original Mattress has adaptive foam that not only cools but supports the body in various sleeping positions. The foam mattress has a basic design with a hypoallergenic and breathable fabric cover and durable multi-layered foam.

Each material in the T&N mattress plays an essential role in cooling, comfort, and support. The patented Adaptive foam offers gentle support while reducing motion, while graphite and ceramic gel keep the mattress cool. The design of the mattress helps to minimize tossing and turning, reduces noise that may wake your child, and keeps even the warmest of sleepers comfortable. All the features prevent common sleep issues that interfere with restful sleep.

Tuft & Needle offers a 100-night sleep trial on their Original mattress. If the mattress isn’t comfortable for your child or you’re unhappy with it in any way, Tuft & Needle will give you a full refund as long as it is in the 100-day period from delivery. The T&N mattress is tested for at least ten years, and the 10-year limited warranty will cover your mattress against manufacturer’s defects.

6. Naturepedic Verse Organic Mattress

The Naturepedic Verse Organic Mattress has all-natural and organic materials. The 9” mattress is firm and contains no ingredients like glue, flame retardants, or unknown chemicals. The spring mattress contains wool batting on the quilted surface and cotton filling for a comfortable and breathable mattress.

Even though the Verse may not contain some of the same materials, like cooling gel or proprietary foam, found in other top-rated mattresses, the hypo-allergenic and all-natural materials are an excellent alternative. Instead of cooling gel to keep your child from overheating and waking up, the wool helps regulate the temperature. Encased coils provide support, comfort, and flexibility without causing too much restlessness.

The cotton filling is a good option for kids with allergies, and even without chemicals, the Verse mattress still passes Federal and State flammability tests.

Naturepedic doesn’t offer any official sleep trials, but they have various full or partial refund policies on many of their mattresses, which are typically valid within 30 to 90 days of purchase. The Verse is tested for at least ten years and the manufacturer offers a 10-year limited warranty. The first five years offer a full-replacement and repair or replacement credits for the next five years. The warranty covers material or workmanship defects.

7. Modway Aveline

The Modway Aveline memory foam mattress is available in 6, 8, or 10-inch thickness, and the firmness level is between medium and medium-firm. The top layer of the Aveline mattress is a diamond stretch breathable fabric, and the second layer is memory foam with cooling gel. The third foam layer is high-density responsive foam that offers pressure relief. Unlike some memory foam mattresses on the market, the Aveline is low on VOC and other irritating chemicals.

Similar to other high-quality memory foam mattresses on the market, the foam composition in the Aveline not only supports the body and cradles it for uninterrupted sleep, but it also reduces movement. Many memory foam mattresses lack support along the edges, but the Aveline has better support, which may help keep your child from rolling off the bed.

Even though many memory foam mattresses cause sleepers to overheat, the cooling gel foam in the Aveline helps regulate a comfortable sleeping temperature year-round.

Modway offers a 100-night trial period from the date of delivery. 100 nights is a fairly standard trial period and allows you enough time to confidently decide if the Aveline is the best choice for your child. The Aveline is also covered by a limited 10-year warranty, which covers manufacturer’s defects. To ensure the validity of the warranty, following mattress care instructions is important.

8. Avocado Green Mattress

The Avocado Green Mattress is an eco-friendly hybrid mattress, which means it has the feel and durability of an innerspring mattress and the comfort and support of other materials. While many hybrid mattresses contain poly foam, the Avocado mattress contains all-natural materials, including organic cotton, latex, and wool. The 11” mattress is also available with a two-inch pillow top.

With over 1,000 individually tempered and tuned steel coils set up in five ergonomic zones, the Avocado Green mattress has a design built for durability, firmness, and support. While some innerspring mattresses provide too much bounce, which can cause your child to wake up from tossing and turning, the upcycled steel springs are individually wrapped and carefully situated inside the mattress to reduce motion.

The organic cotton, latex, and wool add comfort and temperature regulation while still passing fire safety tests without the use of flame-retardant chemicals.

Avocado offers a year-long sleep trial period, which is considerably longer than other mattress manufacturers. The year-long sleep trial only applies to mattresses purchased after June 2019, and the trial period is subject to change. Avocado also has a limited 25-year warranty, which offers full coverage on manufacturer’s defects within the first ten years. Between 11 and 25 years, the warranty has prorated charges, which means it will replace a certain percentage at no extra cost.

Sleeping Position

There’s a good chance that your child has a different sleeping position than you. Young children are more likely to move around in their sleep, so your child may not have a “go-to” sleep position. Even though most sleepers have their own preferred sleep position, some are more beneficial than others. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common sleeping positions and the best type of mattress for each position.

Side Sleepers

Over half of all sleepers prefer side sleeping, and even if they try out different sleeping positions before they fall asleep, they typically end up sleeping more soundly on their sides. If your child is a right-side sleeper, the good news is that it’s gentler on the heart and can keep blood pressure at a normal rate.

Side sleeping also facilitates limbic system cleansing, which is your brain’s way of cleaning out toxins. While your child doesn’t have to worry about Alzheimer’s at an early age, the natural process is still essential for a developing brain.

Worried that your child might be too young to sleep on their side? Keep in mind that once your child reaches over the age of one year, it’s typically safe to let them sleep in the position in which they sleep best.

Whether your child sleeps in the fetal or log position, the key is to find a mattress that will provide enough support and comfort without making their arms go numb. Spinal alignment is also important when thinking about side sleepers. Too firm of a mattress doesn’t cradle side sleepers enough, so selecting a mattress that is medium-soft helps promote restful sleep.

Back Sleepers

When your child was an infant, you probably spent a lot of time worrying about whether or not they were sleeping on their back. While some children find a different sleeping position as they get older, many of them stick to the back-sleeping position.

If your child has allergies or issues with acid reflux, back sleeping is often beneficial and can help reduce issues related to these conditions. It’s important to note that if your child snores, you may want to explore and encourage other sleeping positions as back sleeping often makes snoring worse.

Since back sleeping allows the spine to rest naturally, medium to firm memory foam mattresses is a popular choice for back sleeping. Other types of mattresses also work well as long as they offer adequate support and are not too soft or plush.

Stomach Sleepers

If you have a young child that sleeps on their stomach, it doesn’t automatically mean that sleeping on their tummy will become the preferred sleeping position as they get older. Stomach sleeping is initially comfortable for many sleepers but can create back and neck pain. The upside is that it can help reduce snoring, but the overall benefits to stomach sleeping are limited.

If you can help your child adjust to different sleeping positions, it’s more beneficial to their health, but if not, make sure you have the right types of mattress. Stomach sleepers typically sleep best when the mattress firm enough to keep the spine aligned but soft enough to support the stomach and ribs. Hybrid or memory foam mattresses may offer the right amount of support without causing extra stress on the neck, back, chest, and stomach.

What is the Best Type of Mattress for a Child?

The best mattress for your child is dependent on many factors and is different from one child to the next. When shopping around for the best mattress for your child, considering their sleeping position will help you decide the firmness level.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly mattress, it’s important to keep in mind that you may end up with a mattress with a shorter lifespan or less durability. Most mattresses are durable enough for a growing child, especially if you follow the care instructions and select a mattress with a warranty.

Organic and all-natural mattresses are increasingly popular choices for parents who want mattresses that don’t contain chemicals. As long as you consider the sleeping needs and preferences of your child, most types of mattresses are best for kids.

Is a Memory Foam Mattress Good for a Child?

As memory foam has become increasingly popular in the mattress world, many parents wonder if it’s a good choice for their child. Like other types of mattresses, memory foam is available in various firmness levels. While some sleep experts don’t recommend a memory foam mattress for young children, due to the level of softness, it’s a good option as long as you choose a medium to firm mattress.

Since young children are more likely to wet the bed during their toilet training years or may even spill water on their bed, it’s a good idea to have a mattress protector that will repel water and still allow the memory foam to “breathe.”

If your child is a warm sleeper, look for memory foam mattresses that have cooling gel properties to help regulate body temperature for a sounder night of sleep. Memory foam mattresses are often a preferred choice for side sleepers.

Are Latex Mattresses Good for Kids?

Many of today’s all-natural and organic mattresses contain natural latex. Latex is a natural material with springy and durable qualities. Latex is also resistant to mold and dust mites, so it’s a clean and relatively maintenance-free option.

Latex is a good alternative for your child’s mattress as long as your child doesn’t have an allergy to latex.

Is a Foam or Spring Mattress Better for a Child?

Neither mattress is necessarily a better option for your child. Some sleepers find traditional innerspring mattresses too firm or uncomfortable, while others don’t like the “sinking” feeling of foam beds.

One of the best ways to determine which type of mattress is best for your child is to consider their sleep needs, such as sleeping position, and take advantage of a sleep trial period. Most sleep trials are at least a month-long, which is typically enough time to decide if a mattress is a good choice.

How to Choose a Mattress for My Child?

Choosing the best mattress for kids is often an overwhelming experience for many parents, but with careful consideration, it’s easy to select the right mattress. Since your child is likely to sleep on a mattress for at least ten years, it’s a good idea to look for a durable mattress that has a good warranty.

Don’t forget to think about other factors such as your child’s sleeping position, any health issues, and some of their sleep habits such as tossing and turning or if they are warm sleepers. Not sure if a mattress is a right choice? Look for mattresses that offer sleep trials and a good return policy just in case it’s not the right one for your child.

Common Questions

Check out some of these frequently asked questions that many parents ask when looking for the best mattress for kids.

How thick should a child’s mattress be?

As you’re shopping around for mattresses, you will notice that most mattresses range between 8 and 11-inches. If you have a younger child, you may have concerns about your child’s safety on a thick mattress. You can choose a mattress that is less thick, but if you do, keep in mind that it might not offer adequate comfort and support as your child grows.

Most young children adapt easily to a bigger bed, and if you are concerned about the thickness and whether or not your child will fall out of bed, you can always invest in guardrails or other products for young children.

What size bed should a 3-year old have?

When children turn three years old, this is a popular time for many to transition to a larger bed. There’s no rule about which size mattress you choose for your 3-year old, but if you plan on buying a mattress for them to “grow into,” you want a bigger mattress.

The size bed you choose is dependent on your budget, the space in your child’s room, and how long you intend to use the mattress. Every 3-year old is different, so do what’s best for your child.

What firmness should a child’s mattress be?

There’s no “best” firmness level for a child’s mattress. The firmness level depends on the type of mattress you prefer and your child’s sleeping position. Stomach and back sleepers benefit from a medium to firm mattress while side sleepers sleep best on a medium-soft mattress.

You can purchase a firmer mattress for a side sleeper, but the mattress should have a supportive and comfortable design and materials like memory foam.  If your child is an occasional bed jumper or moves around in their sleep, you want a mattress that is firm enough to withstand “wear and tear” and disperse motion evenly.

Can a 2-year old sleep in a bed?

While many 2-year old’s sleep in cribs or toddler beds, others require (and are ready for) more space. Before transitioning your toddler to a larger bed, such as a twin size, it’s often a good idea to your child’s pediatrician.

The short answer is yes, a 2-year can sleep in a bed, but every toddler is different, so what is appropriate for one 2-year old may not be a good option for another.

Can you flip mattresses anymore?

For decades, many parents would try and get some extra “mileage” out of their kid’s mattress by flipping it over. The mattress industry even recommended turning mattresses every six months. Today, most mattresses are one-sided, which means you don’t have to flip them.

Most mattresses, including all-natural, innerspring, foam, and hybrid, have a lifespan of at least ten years. Depending on your child and how they sleep, the mattress may last longer. A warranty can help you ensure you get the most out of your mattress.

Do all kid mattresses smell when they are new?

“Mattress in a box” foam mattresses are often known for their strong odor, which is also known as “off-gassing.” Regardless of what type of mattress you buy, you may notice an odor, and it’s best to let it sit in a well-ventilated room for a few hours or even days. The manufacturer’s instructions offer advice on how to deal with this odor.

While all-natural and organic mattresses typically have low odor, keep in mind that the “new” smell can still irritate sensitive respiratory systems.

Which types of mattresses are best for reducing noise?

If your child is a light sleeper, the noise of their mattress can interrupt quality sleep. Foam mattresses are typically the quietest mattresses and less likely to disturb light sleepers.

Conclusion

Choosing the best mattress for your kid is as important as other decisions you make for them. Selecting the right mattress is an easy process as long as you consider factors about your child’s sleeping habits. Not only is it important to consider your child’s sleeping position when shopping for a mattress, but also think about other important factors like light sleeping, snoring, or whether or not they toss and turn.

If you are hesitant to buy a larger mattress for a younger child, keep in mind that your child will have plenty of growth spurts and a good quality mattress will last you at least a decade. Your child may seem small for a big bed but will grow into it faster than you think.

Innerspring, foam, and hybrid mattresses all have various firmness levels that are beneficial to specific types of sleepers. Don’t worry if you don’t find the ideal mattress right away. It’s better to take your time finding the right mattress and taking advantage of sleep-trial periods rather than rushing to buy a mattress that might not be right for your child in the long-run.