Picture this.

Thanks to the best bed mattress for kids, your child is peacefully sleeping on a super comfortable bed. Once it’s time to wake up, your kid does it without any tantrums, being in the highest spirits ever.

Now, let’s switch to another imaginable perspective. Again, your child is sleeping. Yet, this time, it’s a bad mattress. Your precious one keeps turning and tossing and awakens multiple times during the night with nothing else but discomfort, getting up tired and angry in the morning. It might be just a casual fit of temper. But guess what? The mattress has everything to do with it! It may be a silent killer of your child’s health and well-being, while you don’t even suspect it.

Clearly, you’d want to choose the kids’ best mattress to avoid that. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to help you do that by exploring:

• Types of mattresses for kids
• Significant characteristic features to consider
• The top five recommendations for different tastes and needs

Let’s first dive deeper into the “whys” behind selecting the proper mattress for your kid.

Sleep

Did you know that uncomfortable mattresses are responsible for 7% of sleep issues?

High-quality mattresses, on the other hand, create a dreamland of peaceful rest for kids. Here’s how: They help children fall asleep faster and sleep longer overall. Mind: the average sleep range should be between 11 (for school-aged kids) and 16 (for infants) hours daily.

Besides, when the mattress is picked properly, the child has fewer nighttime disturbances and disruptions in the sleep cycle.

Mood

Can poor-quality mattresses really provoke low moods?

Yes, and they sure do!

This closely correlates with poor sleep quality. In fact, your child’s irritability, mood swings, and tantrums may be the side effects of restless sleep caused by a bad mattress.

By contrast, with the best mattress for children, your kid will have a tranquil and relaxing sleep that guarantees more cheerfulness and a higher mood throughout the day.

Child Development

Remarkably, the mattress can either make it or break it when it comes to your kid’s physical and mental development.

Here’s why.

During bedtime, kids’ brains work on their growth and energy renewal. They connect synapses, rebuild and nourish cells, transfer short-term to long-term memories, and do myriads of other crucial things! Just imagine if these processes get interrupted and go the wrong way.

Moreover, the mattress should also support the kid’s growing bones and joints. But what if it’s too soft? Spine development may be at risk if parents buy an overly soft mattress, especially for infants and toddlers.

Overall Wellness

Look at the potential repercussions of a low-quality mattress on your child’s health:

• Constant drowsiness
• Headache
• Back pain
• Lack of coordination
• Allergy
• Damage to the central nervous system and other vital systems (e.g., digestive problems)

Now, move over to the health-related benefits of a good mattress for your kid:

• Proper spinal alignment
• Cardiovascular health
• Better brain function
• Minimized allergies
• Reduced risk of obesity

These are only the most obvious advantages. Of course, there are more, and, in sum, they contribute to your kid’s healthier and happier life.

Let’s see what mattress can be better for a kid with regard to materials.

Innerspring Mattresses

Ideal for: Kids who need a firmer surface and stomach-sleepers.

One of the oldest and most widespread mattress types, an innerspring mattress is constructed with metal wires and springs.

It offers a supportive surface and may become the kids’ best mattress for those who enjoy stomach sleeping. In addition, innerspring mattresses boast immense durability far beyond the ten-year mark.

So, this is a go-to solution if you’re looking for a firmer and highly durable mattress.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Ideal for: Kids who require body contouring and pressure relief.

Memory foam mattresses containing polyurethane or viscoelastic foam are trending among adults and kids. They slowly contour the body’s shape according to pressure and distribute the weight evenly throughout the surface. That’s why they are often the #1 choice for children who fidget during sleep due to their bounce and motion minimization.

However, a memory foam mattress isn’t recommended for the smallest babies and toddlers because their bodies may “sink in” and lack enough support.

Latex Mattresses

Ideal for: Kids with allergies and those who lead an eco-conscious way of life.

Unlike a memory foam mattress, a latex mattress is made of a natural material: the sap from rubber trees combined with springs or foam. However, it may contain synthetic latex, too. There are two natural latex mattresses: Talalay (highly breathable, springy, and soft) and Dunlop (firmer and denser than Talalay). Then, you may come across a blended latex mattress (a fusion of synthetic and natural materials).

Here are some valuable benefits of natural latex mattresses for children:

• Breathability (a splendid option for hot sleepers)
• Non-allergenic material
• Mold-resistance
• Longevity
• Sustainability (it’s totally eco-friendly)

Hybrid Mattresses

Ideal for: Kids who prefer an all-in-one package of comfort and support.

And finally, here comes the peak performer among all other mattresses for children due to its multi-layered nature.

A hybrid mattress is a combo of multiple layers, including memory foam, micro-coils, latex, and other materials. It often includes hybrid foam that regulates the kid’s body temperature all night. The major perk of a hybrid mattress is that it maintains the ultimate equilibrium between a comfortable, supportive, and healthy sleep routine for your child.

Hybrid mattresses are virtually golden tickets to children’s bedtime bliss. And the Helix Kids Mattress can become yours. It’s an award-winning mattress, quality-tested by medical specialists and pediatric sleep consultants and time-tested by moms, dads, and their children.

Firmness

The standard medical advice for parents is to choose a medium-firm mattress for their children. There’s a proven reason: medium-hard mattresses boost sleep quality by 55% at any age.

Yet, there are age-appropriate considerations to help you decide on the right level of firmness.

For example:

Suppose it’s a crib mattress for a baby. In that case, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends between eight and ten on the firmness scale, where “1” is the softest, and “10” is the firmest. And if it’s a mattress for a teenager, an optimal firmness level should be 6–8, which means medium-firm or firm.

Size

Time flies, and the child grows in a blink of an eye, so you must change the mattress accordingly.

What mattress size should you pick, depending on your kid’s age?

Here’s a breakdown of proper mattress sizes for different age groups:

• Infants and toddlers (0–3) → The crib mattress size is typically 28" by 52".
• Preschoolers (3–5) → At this age, children can still sleep on the toddler mattress of 28" x 52.
• Early school age (5–8) → When your child has outgrown the toddler bed, opt for the best twin mattress for kids, which is 38 inches wide and 75 inches long.
• Preteens (8–12) → A preteen or “tween” kid may require a twin XL mattress of 38" x 80". This is the best mattress for tweens as they enter the intermediary phase between children and teenagers.
• Teenagers (13–18) → “Teens” is the time to switch to a full-size kid’s bed. The mattress is traditionally 54 inches wide and 75 inches long, but it may also be 80 inches long (full XL mattress).

Durability

How long can the kid’s mattress last?

An average mattress’ lifespan is between seven to ten years. Yet, there are so many factors affecting its longevity! The most impactful one is material quality. Higher-quality materials, such as dense memory foam or natural latex, last longer than lower-quality alternatives. Or let’s take the child’s activity level. The wear-and-tear day may arrive faster, if the kid is an avid bed-jumper.

But—You can make the mattress last through childhood by following these tips:

• Use a waterproof protector against spills and accidents.
• Rotate the mattress 180° every three to six months for an even wear.
• Vacuum and clean the mattress regularly to remove dust, dirt, and allergens.
• Keep pets off the bed to prevent mattress damage or tears.
• Teach your child how to take care of their mattress.

Breathability

Why do you need your child’s mattress to “breathe”?

Breathable mattresses for kids are indispensable for temperature regulation. When the mattress “breathes,” it lets the air circulate more freely, reducing sweating and overheating. This is particularly vital for children who are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations. For example, hyperthermia can expose a newborn to the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Substantial airflow in a mattress guarantees a cooler sleeping environment and mitigates overheating risks. Remember the best mattress materials that promote better air circulation:

• Memory foam with gel infusions
• Natural latex
• Wool
• Cotton
• Bamboo
• Airflow foam
• Mesh fabric (majorly in mattress covers)

Safety

Although it comes last, safety should always be the first feature for parents to evaluate when choosing a perfect mattress for children.

You must check it for certifications to ensure the child’s mattress is safe and free from harmful substances and toxins. To mention a few:

• CertiPUR-US
• Organic Textile Certification (GOTS)
• eco-INSTITUT-Label Certification
• Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
• GREENGUARD Gold Certification

If you need the kids’ best mattress against allergic reactions, you should prioritize hypoallergenic mattresses. These are specifically designed for children with allergies and comply with safety requirements for hypoallergenic materials, such as organic cotton or natural latex.

Best Overall Mattress for Kids

Top recommendation: Helix Kids Mattress

As Meredith Broderick, MD, said, “This mattress is light years ahead in design and quality.”

And it truly is! It’s an innovative hybrid mattress with flippable, kid-focused design and dual firmness sides: a supportive feel for ages 3–7 and a cushioned feel for ages 8–12.

Remarkably, the Helix Sleep brand offers both:

• The best twin mattress for kids: Helix Kids Twin Mattress

And

• The best mattress for a children’s full-size bed: Helix Kids Full Mattress

Features:

• 100-night sleep trial
• AEGIS® Microbe Shield to fight unpleasant odors
• Naturally hypoallergenic
• Breathable TENCEL™ cover
• Stain- and water-repellent finish
• GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certifications
• And a 10-year warranty!

Best Camping Mattress for Kids

Top recommendation: MeMoreCool Tri-Foldable Mattress

Are you browsing the web for the kids’ best mattress while anticipating your family travel adventure?

Look no further!

This is it. MeMoreCool’s tri-fold mattress is portable for traveling convenience and your child’s undisturbed sleep during your trips, picnics, or camping experiences. You can place one of the three sleeping pads upright against any surface to provide sufficient back support when the child prefers to sit on it.

Features:

• High-density foam
• Soft plush material
• Three available sizes: 57x22 inches, 63x26 inches, and 75x25 inches 
• Durable storage bag
• Certified by OEKO-TEX STANDARD

Best Organic/Natural Mattress for Kids

Top recommendation: Birch Kids Natural Mattress

It stands out among the best mattresses for kids and is rated the #1 pick by parents, not without reason. This eco-friendly mattress is filled with natural materials only: Fair Trade Certified organic cotton, layers of 100% wool, and natural latex.

Features:

• Naturally breathable
• Allergen-free
• Two-sided, reversible design
• Premium latex layer for age-appropriate comfort
• Sustainable, with zero fiberglass
• Certified by GREENGUARD Gold, GOTS, and eco-INSTITUT, among others

Best Budget Mattress for Kids

Top recommendation: Gel Memory Foam Youth Mattress by Rest Haven

If you’re on the hunt for a cheaper variant, you can’t miss out on this one. It starts at only $119, making it one of the most affordable mattresses for children.

However, it is only twin-sized. Another drawback is that it has poor temperature regulation, so you may need to buy a breathable mattress topper additionally to prevent the child from sweating.

Features:

• Waterproof cover
• A six-inch mattress thickness
• It consists of two layers only: a one-inch layer of gel memory foam + a five-inch layer of bamboo charcoal
• CertiPUR-US-certified
• Available in several colors (white, pink, and blue)

Best Mattress for Kids with Allergies

Top recommendation: Avocado’s Eco Organic Kids Mattress

Being the winner of the Planet Pinnacle Award and the Good Housekeeping Sustainability Innovation Award, this mattress for children has undergone numerous lab tests for pollutants, toxins, and allergy-provoking substances. It is made of organic Dunlop latex, cotton, and wool.

Features:

• Three sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, and Full
• Contouring support
• Low-profile design (seven inches)
• 100-night sleep trial
• GOLS, GOTS, MADE SAFE, and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certifications
• Warranty: ten years

How do I know if a mattress is safe for my child?

Go through this safety checklist before purchasing:

• Non-toxic, non-allergenic materials
• Firmness level
• Breathability
• Age-appropriateness
• Manufacturer’s reputation (read reviews)

What is the ideal firmness level for a child’s mattress?

The firmness level of kids’ mattresses depends heavily on their age and developmental needs. You may want to double-check the accepted firmness norms for different ages (we’ve mentioned them above).

In any case, the smartest move would be to buy a dual-sided mattress with firmer and softer sides that can be flipped whenever needed.

How often should a kids’ mattress be replaced?

Medical professionals commonly advise changing the mattress every three years for kids under ten and every five years for older children.

The replacement time may be even earlier if you spot the following red flags:

• You see the signs of sagging or indentations.
• It feels softer or less supportive.
• Hygienic issues show up (stains or odors you can’t remove).
• Your child complains about discomfort when sleeping.
• You hear creaking or other noises coming from it.

We hope this article will serve as a handy manual for you to consult whenever you decide to buy the kids’ best mattress. It will help you compare mattresses and pay attention to their essential characteristics.

Remember that the Helix Kids Mattress holds the secret formula to your child’s rejuvenating sleep. Let your darling have the quietest nights and the sweetest dreams with the Helix Kids Mattress.