As parents, one of our most important responsibilities is ensuring that our children get the best possible start in life. And what better way to promote their well-being than by providing them with restful and rejuvenating sleep? A critical factor in achieving this is investing in the right kid bed.
The significance of a good kids quality mattress cannot be overstated. It goes beyond just offering a comfortable surface to sleep on; it directly impacts your child’s physical health, mental development, and overall happiness. A proper quilted mattress can support their growing bodies, alleviate discomfort, and foster a conducive environment for quality sleep, essential for their day-to-day activities and academic performance.
However, choosing the best mattress for your kids can be a daunting task, given the plethora of options available in the market today. Factors such as materials, firmness, size, and safety standards all play a crucial role in making the right decision.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential aspects to consider when selecting a mattress for your children. Whether you have toddlers, preschoolers, or teenagers, this guide will cater to all age groups and their unique sleep needs.
Best Mattresses for Kids
| Brand | Best For | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Editor’s Choice |
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Overall | Shop Now |
| 2 |
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Organic | Shop Now |
| 3 |
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Most Comfortable | Shop Now |
| 4 |
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Memory Foam | Shop Now |
| 5 |
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Teens | Shop Now |
| 6 |
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For the Money | Shop Now |
| 7 |
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Firm | Shop Now |
| 8 |
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Budget | Shop Now |
| 1 |
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Editor’s Choice
Best For:
Overall
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| 2 |
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Best For:
Organic
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| 3 |
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Best For:
Most Comfortable
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| 4 |
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Best For:
Memory Foam
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| 5 |
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Best For:
Teens
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| 6 |
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Best For:
For the Money
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| 7 |
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Best For:
Firm
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| 8 |
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Best For:
Budget
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Tips for choosing a kids mattress
- Size Matters: Consider the appropriate size for your child’s age and room space. While toddler beds, twin mattresses or twin XL mattresses are suitable for younger little ones, older kids might benefit from a full-size kids mattress or queen size. Ensure there’s enough space for them to grow and move comfortably during sleep.
- Medium-Firm Support: Opt for a medium-firm child’s mattress that provides a good balance of support and comfort for growing bodies. It should align their spine properly, promoting healthy posture and preventing any discomfort.
- Safe and Durable Materials: Look for a type of crib mattress made from safe and durable materials like memory foam, innerspring, or latex mattress. These materials can provide the necessary support while being long-lasting.
- Hypoallergenic Options: If your child has allergies or sensitivities, consider hypoallergenic mattresses. They are designed to resist allergens like dust mites and mold, ensuring a healthier sleep environment.
- Safety Certifications: Ensure the new mattress meets safety standards and certifications, such as CertiPUR-US or Oeko-Tex. These certifications guarantee that the mattress is free from harmful substances and chemicals.
- Reinforced Edge Support: Check if the mattress has reinforced edges to prevent sagging and provide better edge support. This feature can increase the mattress’s longevity and prevent it from losing its shape.
- Waterproof or Washable Cover: Accidents and spills are common occurrences with kids. Consider a mattress with a waterproof or washable cover to protect against stains and maintain a hygienic sleeping surface. You can also search for mattresses with a retardant cover that protects against leaks and spills.
- Temperature Regulation: Look for cooling mattress features or breathable materials to keep your child comfortable, especially if they tend to sleep hot. Proper temperature regulation can improve sleep quality.
- Motion Isolation: If your child shares a bed with a sibling, consider a mattress with good motion isolation. This feature minimizes disturbances during sleep when one child moves or shifts positions.
- Durability and Longevity: Evaluate the overall construction and materials to ensure the mattress can withstand active kids and last for several years. A durable mattress is a cost-effective investment.
- Trial Period and Warranty: Choose a mattress with a generous trial period and warranty. This allows your child to test the mattress and ensures you have recourse if it doesn’t meet their needs.
- Customer Reviews and Recommendations: Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from other parents. Real-life experiences can provide valuable insights into how the mattress performs for kids in different scenarios.
- Budget Considerations: Set a budget and find the best mattress within your price range that meets your child’s comfort and support needs. There are options available to suit various budgets without compromising on quality.
- Eco-Friendly Options: If environmental impact is important to you, consider mattresses made from organic or sustainable materials. These options are more eco-friendly and often free from harmful chemicals.
By considering these essential factors when selecting a high-quality mattress for your kids, you can make an informed decision that not only ensures their comfort but also contributes to their overall health and well-being. Remember, a well-rested child is a happy and thriving child.
Our Top Picks for Best Kids Mattress
Best Overall: Helix Kids
- Price Range: $748.80-$998.80
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: 4.5 out of 10 or 6.5 out of 10
- Trial Length: 100 Night Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Limited Warranty
What I Loved
I love that you can flip this Helix kids mattress for a firmer or softer side, depending on your child’s age. The mattress is also made of antimicrobial and hypoallergenic materials, which is a plus if your child has allergies. Thanks to the special eco-friendly finish called RUCO-DRI BIO NPE, the Helix Kids hybrid mattress is resistant to stains and water.
What I Didn’t Love
If you have teenagers, the bed may not be supportive enough because it is designed with children in mind. There was a little bit of off-gassing in the first few hours after opening but that quickly went away.
Best Organic: Birch Kids Natural
- Price Range: $1123.80-$1373.80
- Mattress Type: Latex
- Firmness: 4.5 out of 10 or 6.5 out of 10
- Trial Length: 100 Night Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 25-Year Limited Warranty
What I Loved
Because of its flippable design, you can decide which side of the organic mattress is more comfortable depending on your preferred sleeping position. For example, choose the firmer side for stomach sleepers and back sleepers and the soft mattress side for side sleepers and combination sleepers. It uses organic cotton, organic wool, and natural latex and is GOTS and Greenguard Gold certified.
What I Didn’t Love
This is a pricier option, so if you’re a budget shopper, you might want to opt for another option on our list. However, Birch Kids Natural often has sales and discounts to make their mattresses more affordable.
Most Comfortable: Nolah Nurture 8”
- Price Range: 597-$796
- Mattress Type: Latex Hybrid
- Firmness: 4.5 out of 10 or 6.5 out of 10
- Trial Length: 120 Night Sleep Trial
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
What I Loved
The Nolah Nurture 810” kids mattress features eco-friendly components, including GOTS-certified wool and an organic cotton cover, ensuring safety and biodegradability. Its responsive design allows kids who shift sleeping positions during the night to do so effortlessly on the Nolah NurtureNatural. Designed with responsive foamnaturally cooling latex, breathable cotton, and pocketed coils that promote airflow, the Nolah NurtureNatural hybrid mattress is an ideal choice for those seeking a cooling sleep experience. This kids mattress is made with organic materials making it another great choice if you’re looking for an organic mattress.
What I Didn’t Love
Nolah Natural 8” might be too soft to support stomach sleepers so you might want to opt for a firmer mattress.
Best Memory Foam: Bear Cub
- Price Range: $695-$845
- Mattress Type: Memory Foam
- Firmness: 6.8 out of 10
- Trial Length: 120 Night Sleep Trial
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
What I Loved
While the Bear Cub mattress is generally firm, it can still be a suitable option for side-sleeping kids weighing under 150 pounds. Moreover, it provides comfort for kids who prefer sleeping on their backs. The mattress utilizes CertiPUR-US-certified foams, meeting stringent standards for emissions and durability. Despite being an all-foam mattress, the Bear exhibits impressive responsiveness, enabling kids to move and change positions with ease.
What I Didn’t Love
If your kid is a back sleeper, it may be too soft for them, and they might prefer one of the more firm options on our list.
Best for Teens: Leesa Youth
- Price Range: $549-$799
- Mattress Type: Memory Foam
- Firmness: 6.8 out of 10
- Trial Length: 100 Night Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-year Limited Warranty
What I Loved
The three-layer all-memory foam layer mattress design provides cushioning and even contouring for growing bodies. The breathable open-cell comfort layer is designed to resist uncomfortable heat buildup. The top layer has a cooling gel layer that pulls heat away from the body to help you stay cool while you sleep.
What I Didn’t Love
Stomach sleepers might not find this bed firm enough and may find themselves sinking into the layers.
Best For the Money: Brooklyn Essential
- Price Range: $532-$1132
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: 6 out of 10
- Trial Length: 120 Night Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-year Warranty
What I Loved
This is a great bed for your kid if they are hot sleepers because it should pull the heat away from your body so you sleep cooler. It’s ideal for back sleepers and side sleepers. The innerspring mattress layer makes it so the bed contours to your body and hugs you while you sleep.
What I Didn’t Love
If you like a mattress that contours to your body and hugs you, this mattress doesn’t do that well.
Best Firm Mattress: Plank Firm
- Price Range: $749-$1532
- Mattress Type: Foam
- Firmness: 8 out of 10 or 10 out of 10
- Trial Length: 120 Night Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-year Warranty
What I Loved
The Plank mattress offers a versatile flippable design, featuring both a firm side and an extra-firm side, catering to the preferences of back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Its two sides ensure stomach sleepers receive the necessary support, while back sleepers will find their ideal comfort on the firm side. This firm mattress is perfect for correct spinal alignment.
What I Didn’t Love
Because this is such a firm mattress, side sleepers might not receive the pressure relief that they want.
Best Budget: Dreamfoam Essential
- Price Range: $274-$699
- Mattress Type: Foam
- Firmness: 14” 4 out of 10, 12” is 5 out of 10, 10” is 6 out of 10, 8” is 7 out of 10, 6” is 8 out of 10.
- Trial Length: 120 Night Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-year Warranty
What I Loved
I love that you get to choose your firmness level based on which mattress model you choose. The foam conforms evenly without hugging you too tightly and they have bunk bed-friendly options. For younger children you can also purchase a mattress protector for the occasional accidents and spills.
What I Didn’t Love
The edges tend to sink because of the foam design.
In conclusion, finding the best big kid bed is a crucial decision that can significantly impact their sleep quality and overall well-being. By considering factors like size, firmness, materials, safety features, and durability, you can narrow down the options and make an informed choice that suits your child’s unique needs and preferences.
For further guidance on selecting the perfect mattress for your kids, be sure to check out Home of Cozy’s comprehensive article on the “Best Mattress for 2024.” This article provides valuable insights and recommendations on the top mattresses available in the market, offering a detailed analysis of their features and benefits for children of different ages. Armed with this knowledge, you can rest assured that your child will enjoy restful nights and wake up ready to embrace each day with vitality and enthusiasm.