Best Mattresses for Kids in 2024
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids
Nest Bedding Puffin Memory Foam Children’s Bed
Best mattress for a first ‘big kid’ bed
Naturepedic 2-in-1 organic children’s mattress
Best mattress for older children
Naturepedic Fresh Organic Children’s Mattress
As a parent, you want only the best for your children, and that includes how well your children sleep, especially since that is crucial for their growth and development. If you want your child to get a good night’s sleep and sweet dreams, you want the best mattress for them. While you can find special children’s mattresses, some regular mattresses are also good for your child. The best mattress for kids is a soft but supportive mattress that provides pressure relief. You may want to consider a waterproof cover if you are concerned about accidents. Additionally, a double bed is the perfect size for a child’s room and is usually the size of a bunk bed if you have more than one child you are shopping for.
There are a ton of options to choose from, ranging from memory foam mattresses to hybrid mattresses. You can also get specialized two-sided beds that can adjust as your kids grow. CNET’s team of mattress experts has seen them all, with years of experience testing mattresses. We know what makes a good mattress, and below are our top picks for the best mattress for kids.
What is the best mattress for children?
The Saatva Youth bed is the best mattress for children thanks to its double-sided construction, which is designed to grow with your child. Saatva is known for its high-quality mattresses and the Youth model is no different.
The first side of the mattress is designed for children ages three to seven. It has a five-zone supportive foam layer that is firmer in the middle third of the bed to help keep their spine aligned throughout the night. Flipping the mattress over will reveal the older child side, which features patented Lumbar Zone Active Spinal Wire.
Then there’s a water-resistant finish that protects the bed as your child grows. This two-bed-in-one mattress is unbeatable.
Best Mattresses for Kids in 2024
Our team of experts has been testing mattresses for years. We have developed testing methods that we use for each bed, including assessing edge support, firmness and motion isolation.
For this review, we also considered special features that are important for kids, like waterproof materials or a reversible design. And third-party certifications that show a mattress has undergone safety testing, including GREENGUARD and CertiPUR-US.
CNET editors choose the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about how we test mattresses.
There are many beds for children, some designed specifically for children or twin-size options of popular models. Keep these things in mind when buying a new mattress for your child.
Age
Your child’s age will help you determine what size mattress he or she needs. While infants need a crib mattress, older children can use a twin or twin XL mattress.
Also, remember that some mattresses designed specifically for children also have weight limits, such as the Nest Bedding Puffin bed. Your child’s age and weight will help you determine whether the mattress you choose has enough room to grow with them.
Sleeping positions
Your child’s sleeping position will determine how firm or soft their mattress should be. Side sleepers need enough pressure relief to combat pressure points on their shoulders, hips, and knees. Stomach or back sleepers need a firmer mattress that will keep their spine aligned throughout the night.
Child-specific features
Common unique features of children’s mattresses include waterproof materials for potty training, zoned support, and reversible construction that grows with your child.
You should also consider your child’s specific needs when shopping. For example, if they have allergies, look for materials like latex foam that are naturally antimicrobial.
Foam mattresses are best for kids because they are high quality, but they usually don’t cost an arm and a leg. Hybrid mattresses are unnecessary because they provide more support than your child needs and they cost more. Memory foam provides adequate pressure relief, while latex foam is breathable and can be made organically or naturally. Finally, polyfoam is a breathable and comfortable material that is very affordable. You should also consider your child’s preferred sleeping position, weight, and the amount of time they spend on the bed.
You want your child to have a comfortable mattress, but they will eventually grow out of it. That’s why you may not want to invest in an expensive mattress that you could buy yourself. Most kids mattresses cost between $200 and $800. Some cost more, but those are luxury kids mattresses with extra bells and whistles.
We recommend a medium mattress: the smaller you are, the firmer the mattress will be. That means a medium-firm mattress will probably feel firmer to your child. A medium mattress should provide enough support and pressure relief at the same time. If your child likes to sleep on their side, you should go even softer.
