Best mattresses for kids (top 5 picks)

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Finding a kid-sized mattress can be a big hassle. There are hundreds of companies offering mattresses for kids and it can be hard to determine which one is best for your child’s unique needs. We tested out all of the most popular brands and determined that these are the six best options to consider. The overall best mattress for kids is the Maxtrix 5-inch Premium Twin Memory Foam Mattress.

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Top 5 Best mattresses for kids

1. Maxtrix 5-inch Premium Twin Memory Foam – editor’s choice
2. Saatva Youth – best for growing kids
3. Nest Bedding Big Kids Bed – best budget option
4. 5 Little Monkeys – best for bunk beds
5. Little Luuf – best cooling mattress
6. NaturePedic Verse Organic Kids – best high-end organic mattress

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#1. Maxtrix 5-inch Premium Twin Memory Foam Mattress

Check Current Price | Editor’s Choice | Review

Pros

• Great motion isolation
• Budget-friendly
• Cooling
• Low profile yet comfortable

Cons

• Not suitable for heavier-set kids
• Slight off-gassing
• Slight sinkage

Our experience with Maxtrix 5-inch Premium Memory Foam mattress

Made up of perforated cooling gel memory foam, the Maxtrix 5-inch Premium Memory Foam mattress offers the same contouring comfort as traditional memory foam but without the dreaded heat retention. The perforations help with airflow while the cooling gel helps wick away heat making the Premium Memory foam mattress an excellent choice for kids who tend to sleep hot.

On the mattress firmness scale, the Maxtrix Premium Memory Foam mattress sits on a 6-7, making it a medium-firm mattress. This makes it suitable for all sleeper types, from back sleepers and stomach sleepers to side sleepers. A medium-firm mattress is also the best firmness level for growing and developing bones of children, especially in the spine area.

Both the comfort layer and the base layer of the Maxtrix 5-inch Premium Memory Foam mattress are CertiPUR-US certified and are guaranteed to be free from toxins and any other harmful chemicals that may be detrimental to a child’s health or the environment. Maxtrix also uses a special cotton polyester blend as a fire barrier in all of their mattresses which means all of their mattresses – including the Premium Memory Foam mattress – are fiberglass-free.

The mattress cover of the Maxtrix Premium Memory Foam mattress is made from organic and breathable cotton, which helps wick away both heat and moisture. It is easy to remove and is also machine-washable, which is convenient, especially when it comes to kids that are prone to spills and accidents in bed.

We, however, don’t recommend the Maxtrix Premium Memory Foam for heavier-set kids since it’s thinner profile and firmness level may not be able to give them the best support.

Buy: Maxtrix 5-inch Premium Memory Foam Mattress

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#2. Saatva Youth

Check Current Price | Overall Best | Best Discount Automatically Applied | Review

Pros

• Flippable
• Cooling
• Water-resistant cover

Cons

• May be a bit too firm for some
• Can be pricey compared to other mattresses
• Not for heavier-set side sleepers

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Our experience with Saatva

Saatva Youth is a hybrid mattress designed specifically for children aged 3 to 12. It has a luxurious organic cotton cover that is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, spill-resistant and has a non-toxic flame barrier made of natural thistle plant.

The supportive mattress has five support zone layers designed to provide better spine alignment and deep contouring to smaller bodies. Just under the two support zone layers are dual-sided coil units with two distinct functions: one side provides support and bounce. At the same time, the other side encourages safe sleep posture in children.

We all know how quickly our children develop, so you might be a little hesitant to buy a mattress designed specifically for children. Not to worry – the Saatva Youth’s dual-sided flippable construction is intended to accommodate growing children. So when your child hits the age of 12, simply flip the Saatva Youth to the opposite side.

As expected from hybrid mattresses, the Saatva Youth also has adequate edge support and excellent motion transfer making it one of the best supportive mattresses for children whilst giving them quality sleep. As a result, you don’t have to worry about them rolling off the bed in the middle of the night or having their sleep disrupted by their movements. If your kid’s preferred sleeping position is side-lying, then we wouldn’t recommend Saatva Youth.

One thing we noticed is the mattress firmness level. Upon testing, the hybrid mattress is a little firm compared to other brands in this list. And since they are rated as a medium-firm mattress, they don’t provide the proper contouring to side sleepers.

Since this is a mattress for little children, Saatva Youth only offers three sizes: twin, twin XL, and full mattresses.

Like all their mattresses, the Saatva Youth comes with a 180-night sleep trial and a 12-year warranty.

Buy: Saatva Youth

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#3. Nest Bedding Big Kids Bed

Check Current Price | Best Budget Option | Best Discount Automatically Applied

Pros

• No sunk-in feel
• Lifetime warranty
• Affordable

Cons

• Strong off-gassing odor
• May be a bit thin compared to other kids’ mattresses

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Our experience with Nest Bedding

If your child is ready to move out of the crib, you may want to look into this all-foam mattress. The Big Kids Bed by Nest Bedding, dubbed “My BKB,” is widely regarded as the first mattress for children that comes in a box.

Made exclusively for toddlers and young adults, the quilted cover is made from a combination of cotton and polyester that features Thermic Phase Change Cooling Fabrics intended to keep them cool and comfortable throughout the night.

The comfort layer is located under the cover and includes a 2 inch Energex Foam and a 5-inch edge support base foam. Energex foam offers pressure relief as well as good contouring of smaller and lighter bodies. Unlike conventional memory foams, Energex has a quicker response time, so your kid will not feel that “stuck in bed” feeling. Plus, this works great with younger children since memory foam mattresses like Puffy and Idle Sleep are not recommended for kids.

If you want to use this mattress for a bunk bed, go ahead and do so. You won’t have to worry about safety issues because the five-inch support core offers adequate edge support and stability. Another thing we like about this foam mattress is how inexpensive it is. If you’re looking for an affordable mattress that has high-quality features, then My BKB is your go-to brand.

The only thing we’ve found is that Nest Bedding’s My BKB is a little thin compared to other kid’s mattresses, but that’s to be expected, given that their mattress only has two layers. Another thing we experienced was the off-gassing odor, which is minor since it is non-toxic and disappears after 24 hours.

Overall, My BKB is a comfortable mattress with supportive features and temperature regulation making it one of the best mattresses for kids.

Nest Bedding’s Big Kids Bed foam mattress is available in three sizes (Twin, Twin XL and Full). It includes a 100-night sleep trial as well as a lifetime warranty.

Buy: Nest Bedding Big Kids Bed

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#4. 5 Little Monkeys

Check Current Price | Best for Bunk Beds | $25 Off Coupon: SLEEPLINE | Review

Pros

• Washable cover
• Comes with a complete sleep system
• Suitable for bunk beds
• Made from natural materials

Cons

• Lack of edge support
• Below average temperature regulation

Save $25 with coupon code “SLEEPLINE”

Our experience with 5 Little Monkeys

5 Little Monkeys is widely known as one of the best mattresses for kids on the market (if not the best mattress for kids), and it’s easy to see why.

This 8-inch foam mattress boasts three layers of foam and the ability to offer the best sleep experience for young children at an affordable price. The organic cotton cover is stain and water-resistant, making the mattress suitable for toddlers who still have “accidents” in the middle of the night. It’s also hypoallergenic and machine-washable.

The comfort layer, which is just underneath the cover, is made of 4 lb of gel memory foam, which provides kids with a cooling sensation and has pressure relieving features and a comfort cradling effect. Below the memory foam is a responsive foam layer that prevents young children from sinking deeply into the mattress. Underneath that is a foundation base explicitly designed to support children’s developing bodies.

5 Little Monkeys, like My BKB, are suitable for bunk beds because they have sufficient edge support, unlike other memory foam mattresses in the market. We highly recommend this foam mattress for kids who are combination sleepers or those that prefer the side sleeping position.

In terms of mattress firmness, 5 Little Monkeys stated that their mattress is considered cushion firm. However, if your kid prefers a firmer foam mattress, this wouldn’t do as they have a softer feel.

Each mattress purchase comes with a waterproof mattress protector, kid-customized pillow, and a cute stuffed monkey.

I know we’re reviewing the best mattresses for kids. However, I couldn’t resist mentioning the stuffed monkey because it is just too adorable. If you’re looking for an affordable foam mattress for children, then we highly recommend 5 little monkeys.

5 Little Monkeys offers three sizes: twin, full, and queen. They also have a 100-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty.

Buy: 5 Little Monkeys

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#5. Little Luuf

Check Current Price | Best Cooling Mattress | Best Discount Applied Automatically

Pros

• Great for hot sleepers
• No motion transfer at all
• Pressure relief technology

Cons

• Comes in only firmness option
• May be a bit too thin for some

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Our experience with Little Luuf

Little Luuf (formerly Little Luft) is a hybrid mattress for kids (similar to Amerisleep or Dreamcloud) that is built to accommodate children’s growing bodies and provide gentle pressure relief as they sleep.

Made from a combination of zoned coils and foam, Little Luuf takes pride in how their mattress quickly adapt to children’s growing pains. Just like the other mattresses in this review, Little Luuf’s gel-infused cover reduces body heat, allowing children to sleep relaxed and comfortable throughout the night. The moisture-wicking cover below is the comfort layer made by Serene Foam made to relieve pressure and encourage deep sleep. Next, the coil system has hundreds of gentle pocketed coils strategically placed in the mattress to provide just the proper support and contouring to smaller or lightweight bodies.

If your kid tends to sleep hot at night, the Little Luff might be the best mattress for them. Aside from having a gel-infused cover, beds with coils system encourage more airflow compared to all-foam mattresses. Additionally, the mattress features adequate edge support, great sinkage, and excellent motion transfer making this a high-quality kid’s mattress that is perfect for all sleep positions.

In terms of Little Luuf’s firmness, we rate it as a medium-firm mattress. However, for children who prefer a plushier option, this hybrid mattress for kids doesn’t really cut it. Instead, they can opt for memory foam mattresses for softer options.

Budget-wise, Little Luuf has an affordable price point making them one of the most economical hybrid kid’s mattresses in the market.

Little Luuf offers four mattress sizes: twin, twin XL, full, and queen. Each mattress purchase comes with a 100-night risk-free sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Buy: Little Luuf Mattress for Kids

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#6. NaturePedic Verse Organic Kids

Check Current Price | Best Organic Mattress | Free Shipping Coupon: SWEETDREAMS

Pros

• Made from all-natural and organic materials
• great for kids with severe allergy issues
• Natural fire-retardant

Cons

• Very short sleep trial
• Can be pricey
• May not be suitable for heavier children

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Our experience with Naturepedic

If you’re on the lookout for an organic mattress for kids, you might consider looking at NaturePedic Verse Organic Kids. Using only high-quality organic materials, the NaturePedic Verse Organic Mattress is a healthier option for kids who are highly sensitive to toxins and allergens.

The quilted organic cotton cover, which is also made from wool material, has moisture-wicking properties that promote airflow and reduces night sweats among kids. Individually encased coils under the cover provide good edge support and deep cushioning, enabling children to sleep with proper spine alignment.

Another feature we liked about this mattress was its ability to wick away moisture. Since coil mattresses allow more airflow than a memory foam mattress, we consider the Verse Organic Kids a cooling mattress. So, suppose you’re looking for a comfortable mattress with unbeatable cooling features. In that case, NaturePedic’s Verse Organic Mattress is the brand to go with.

In terms of firmness, the mattress feels a little on the firm side, making it a perfect mattress for children who are combination sleepers.

The NaturePedic Verse Organic isn’t precisely affordable, and their price is on the higher side. There are a lot more affordable mattresses in the market that is not only comfortable but are also long-lasting and sustainable. But if you specifically want a quality mattress made from only organic materials for your child, the NaturePedic is the best mattress to buy.

Since this mattress are created for young children, the Verse Organic only offer four sizes. In addition, the mattress comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 10-year limited warranty.

Buy: Naturepedic Verse Organic Kids

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Kids mattress quick view and comparison

Brand	Maxtrix 5-inch Premium Memory Foam	Saatva Youth	Nest Bedding Big Kids Bed	5 Little Monkeys	Little Luuf	NaturePedic Verse Organic Kids
Size	5	3	3	3	4	4
Thickness (inches)	5	10	7	8	9	9
Feel	Medium Firm	Medium Soft to Medium Firm	Firm	Cushion Firm	Medium Firm	Medium Firm
Motion Transfer	Minimal	Minimal to none	Minimal to none	Minimal to none	Minimal to none	Minimal to none
Hybrid	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes
Adjustable	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes
Edge Support	Good	Excellent	Very good	Very good	Excellent	Excellent
Sleeping Position	All Sleeper Types	All Sleeper types	Back and Stomach sleepers	Back and Stomach sleepers	All Sleeper types	All Sleeper types
Trial (nights)	N/A	180	100	100	100	30
Warranty (years)	10	12	Lifetime	15	10	10
Link to buy	Buy Maxtrix	Buy Saatva	Buy Nest Bedding	Buy 5 Little Monkeys	Buy Little Luuf	Buy Naturepedic

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Sleep tips for kids

Sleep is something that should not be underestimated, particularly when it comes to children.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed recommendations detailing recommended sleep hours for children ranging in age from infancy to adolescence. Although most children adhere to these developed sleep schedules, this does not imply that they have a healthy bedtime routine. And it starts with the mattress.

Before purchasing a mattress, evaluate your child’s sleeping habits: What are their sleep positions? Do they sleep hot at night? Do they have recurring allergies? You also need to consider the mattress type. There are many mattress types for kids in the market (hybrid, innerspring, and memory foam mattresses to name a few), but it is essential to identify which is the right one for your child.

While the quantity of sleep they get is significant, quality sleep also matters. According to research, children who do not get enough sleep or have poor sleep quality are more likely to experience health problems in the future, such as allergic rhinitis, high blood pressure, obesity, and mental illnesses. As parents, we have to establish a healthy sleeping schedule for our children in order for them to achieve optimal health and growth.

A few helpful tips:

• White noise machines for children who prefer falling asleep to sound
• Calming room sprays such as lavender
• Books instead of gadgets
• Lullabies and bedtime stories

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How we rate mattresses – grading criteria that we use when making our recommendations

We rate mattresses using the following criteria:

1. Comfort
2. Structural integrity and durability
3. Firmness and support

Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here.

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Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?