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A comfortable, supportive mattress is key to helping your kiddo get a great night of sleep. Here are some general guidelines for picking the best mattress for kids.
Best Mattress Types for Kids
Firm: Firm mattresses are best for babies because they prevent the risk of SIDS and keep small children safe and supported. Older kids can help choose the firmness of their mattress based on preference.
Soft: Soft mattresses with gel inserts or pillow top designs can help keep older kids comfy. Soft mattresses for children over 18 months are a matter of preference, and can still offer plenty of support for great sleep.
Spring: Spring mattresses are the traditional mattress design and can offer supportive sleep for babies, toddlers and big kids alike.
Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are becoming more common and are available for cribs and standard bed sizes. Memory foam is often more affordable and can offer more support.
How To Choose a Mattress for Your Kids
Choose your child’s mattress based on size and material preference. Babies and toddlers typically require a crib mattress (see below), while older kids usually require a twin, full-size or larger mattress if you prefer. Older kids can use both spring and memory foam mattresses and can choose the firmness of mattress based on personal preference. Special features like organic materials, waterproof design, pillow top and more should be decided upon in regards to personal taste and special circumstances, like bed wetting, allergies or support needs.
How To Choose a Crib Mattress
Babies under 18 months old should always use a firm mattress to prevent the risk of SIDS and keep your child breathing safely and comfortably through the night. Cribs often transition into toddler beds, so crib mattresses that are used after 18 months can be made with softer material. Many dual-sided crib mattresses are available with a firm side for babies and a softer side for toddlers.
- Best Twin Mattress: Casper Sleep Essential Mattress
- Best Full-Size Mattress: Tuft & Needle Full Mattress
- Best Organic Mattress: Naturepedic Verse Kids Organic Cotton Mattress
- Best Waterproof Mattress: AC Pacific Foam Waterproof Mattress
- Best Crib Mattress: Newton Baby Wovenaire Crib Mattress
- Best Organic Crib Mattress: Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress
- Best Mini Crib Mattress: Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic Mini Crib Mattress
- Best Memory Foam Mattress: Spa Sensations by Zinus Memory Foam Mattress
- Best Toddler Mattress: Dourxi Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed Mattress
- Best Foam Crib Mattress: Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress
- Best Waterproof Crib Mattress: Newton Baby Waterproof Crib Mattress
- Best Firm Mattress: Hotel Style Medium-Firm Memory Foam and Innerspring Mattress
- Best Pillow Top Mattress: Modway Jenna Quilted Innerspring Mattress with Pillow Top
- Best Cooling Mattress: Classic Brands Cool Gel Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress
- Best Spring Mattress: Linenspa Explorer 6” Innerspring Mattress
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1 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Twin Mattress
Casper Sleep Essential Mattress
This twin mattress is a great choice for kids thanks to its washable zip-off cover, multiple layers of soft foam and durable build. The dark charcoal color also helps disguise the inevitable spills and stains that come from years of use by your little child.
2 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Full-Size Mattress
Tuft & Needle Full Mattress
Tuft & Needle’s full-size mattress has a 100 Night Sleep Trial and a 10 year warranty, so you can trust that your kiddo gets the night of rest he or she deserves. The supportive foam creates a comfortable sleep surface and the cooling gel design helps regulate temperature.
3 of 15 Image Credits: Bed Bath & Beyond
Best Organic Mattress
Naturepedic Verse Kids Organic Cotton Mattress
This mattress has an organic cotton quilted cover and organic cotton filling to keep your child comfortable all night long. The cotton material also creates a breathable design that helps regulate temperature while your kiddo snoozes. The mattress provides firm support and has a no-flip, one-side design.
4 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Waterproof Mattress
AC Pacific Foam Waterproof Mattress
Spills, accidents, sickness and potty-training are all part of raising kids—prepare for the worst with a waterproof mattress. The fabric upholstery on this foam mattress is moisture-repelling but breathable for maximum comfort.
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Best Crib Mattress
Newton Baby Wovenaire Crib Mattress
This crib mattress for babies offers a firm, supportive sleep surface to keep your little one safe and comfortable. The mattress has a machine-washable woven cover, a breathable design and a lightweight build to make changing sheets a breeze.
6 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Organic Crib Mattress
Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress
You can rest easier, too, knowing your baby is sleeping safely on this organic crib mattress from Naturepedic. The mattress has certified organic fabric and filling, a waterproof design and is easy to clean.
7 of 15 Image Credits: Bed Bath & Beyond
Best Mini Crib Mattress
Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic Mini Crib Mattress
Mini cribs are space-saving baby bed options with a smaller size than standard cribs. This mini crib mattress is designed to fit the smaller crib size and is made of non-toxic material. Babyletto’s mini crib mattress has a waterproof design and a removable, machine-washable cover.
8 of 15 Image Credits: Walmart
Best Memory Foam Mattress
Spa Sensations by Zinus 12” Theratouch Memory Foam Mattress
This memory foam mattress has a deluxe velour cover and is infused with green tea to keep the mattress fresh. There are also three layers of supportive, ventilated memory foam. This mattress comes in sizes from twin to California king.
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Best Toddler Mattress
Dourxi Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed Mattress
Invest in a dual-sided sleep system like this mattress, and make it easy to transition your baby’s crib mattress into a toddler mattress after the 18-month mark. The firm side is ideal for baby cribs, while the soft, plush side keeps toddlers comfortable and still fits easily into standard toddler-size beds or cribs that convert into small toddler beds.
10 of 15 Image Credits: Walmart
Best Foam Crib Mattress
Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress
This memory foam crib mattress has a water-resistant, removable, washable cover so you can keep all of your baby’s messes at bay. The mattress is made of high-quality, breathable foam and has a firm design to keep young babies safe and supported.
11 of 15 Image Credits: Bed Bath & Beyond
Best Waterproof Crib Mattress
Newton Baby Waterproof Crib Mattress
This firm, supportive crib mattress for babies and toddlers has a removable, breathable and waterproof cover included. The waterproof material is designed to be breathable, so you can trust your little one is cool, comfortable, and breathing easy all through the night.
12 of 15 Image Credits: Walmart
Best Firm Mattress
Hotel Style Medium-Firm Memory Foam and Innerspring Mattress
This firm inner-spring mattress is great for kids who prefer a little extra support. Premium comfort foam provides a plush, comfortable surface that contours to the body, while inner springs provide a supportive, firm sleeping surface.
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Best Pillow Top Mattress
Modway Jenna Quilted Innerspring Mattress with Pillow Top
The pillow top on this spring mattress provides ample plush comfort for kids who prefer a soft sleeping space. The mattress has two layers of foam over individually wrapped spring coils and a 2-inch pillow top to provide maximum comfort.
14 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Cooling Mattress
Classic Brands Cool Gel Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress
Have a kiddo who always wakes up sweaty after a night of sleep? Help keep your little one cool with this temperature-regulating memory foam mattress. A ventilated cool gel foam layer provides a cooling surface, while breathable foam layers underneath help air circulate so your child can sleep better.
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Best Spring Mattress
Linenspa Explorer 6” Innerspring Mattress
This spring mattress has a quilted cover, cool gel infusions and a plush layer of foam to help your child get a restful night of sleep. The low-profile on this 6-inch mattress makes it ideal for bunk beds, toddler beds, trundle beds and other popular sleeping options for children.
