Our editors independently researched the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices. Click here to read our disclosure.


Shopping for a kids mattress brings a unique set of challenges. Children have specific sleep needs that often we as adults don’t even think about. If you don’t know some of the basics of mattresses, it will be tough to find one that supports your child’s growth and development.

When you shop for your own mattress, you have a huge advantage: you have been using a mattress all of your life and most likely now know exactly what your preference is. Shopping for children’s mattresses is very different. As a parent, you are responsible for making decisions for your child. You can, of course, ask your child what they’d like out of their new mattress, but every parent knows that sometimes kids don’t make the best decisions: if it were up to them, they would most likely prefer to snuggle up in bed with the adults.

A smart parent needs to think about a few significant aspects when it comes to buying a kid’s mattress, including size, comfort, support, durability, and safety. I put together this in-depth guide discussing the best mattress for kids that I could find so that you can learn about what to look for and choose the right one. Below we discuss each of these, plus much more in further detail.

The Top 7 Best Mattresses For Kids

Mattresses For Kids Reviewed

Here are my top seven choices for kid’s mattresses. For each product, I’ll discuss design features, what makes it stand apart, plus their pros and cons.

Layla Mattress

Layla Mattress

I know that as a parent, finding the perfect mattress for your little one can be a daunting task. But trust me, Layla has features that make it an ideal choice for kids, ensuring they have a comfortable and supportive sleep experience.

What truly sets the Layla mattress apart is its 2-sided flippable design. I found this to be a fantastic feature, especially for children who tend to be harder on their beds – whether it’s from jumping or just typical childhood play. The flippable design means you can easily turn the mattress over when one side starts showing signs of wear. Even better, each side has a different firmness level: one side is soft, and the other is firm. This is perfect for kids who may not be comfortable with one side right away. Just flip it over, and they’ll have an alternative to try out.

The Layla mattress also excels when it comes to cooling and breathability. As a parent, you know how important it is for your child to stay cool and comfortable throughout the night. The copper-infused foam used in the memory foam layers and cover provides excellent cooling properties, which means your child won’t overheat, a common issue with other memory foam mattresses. This can contribute to better sleep quality and overall well-being for your child.

In my experience as a mattress expert, I can confidently say that the Layla mattress stands out as an ideal choice for kids, offering both comfort and support. Its unique flippable design, different firmness levels, and excellent cooling properties make it an investment that will benefit both you and your child. So if you’re looking to make bedtime a breeze for your little one, I highly recommend giving the Layla mattress a try.

Further Reading: Check our full Layla mattress review.

Pros
  • Excellent cooling ability
  • 2-sided flippable design
  • 2 firmness levels for the price of one (Soft and Firm)
  • Lifetime warranty
  • 120 night trial
Cons
  • Sleep trial could be longer in comparison to others who offer circa 365 nights

LinenSpa 8″

Linenspa 8 inch mattress

As a mattress expert, I can confidently say that the LinenSpa 8 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress is a fantastic choice for kids. By combining the comforting support of memory foam with the responsive bounce of innerspring coils, this mattress caters to children’s unique sleep needs.

When I tried out this mattress, I found its medium-firm feel to be perfect for kids weighing more than 25 pounds. The hybrid design offers the contouring comfort of memory foam along with the familiar bounciness of a traditional innerspring mattress. And although the medium-firm support might be a tad rigid for lighter children, the twin size (39 by 75 by 8 inches) provides plenty of room to grow.

The vacuum packing was a standout feature for me, making it easy to handle the mattress upon arrival. Plus, the Certi-Pur-US certification eased my concerns about off-gassing, ensuring that the mattress meets high safety and quality standards.

When comparing the LinenSpa 8 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress to the Layla mattress mentioned earlier, there are some notable differences. While both mattresses provide excellent support and comfort for children, the Layla stands out with its unique 2-sided flippable design, offering different firmness levels to accommodate a child’s changing preferences. The LinenSpa, on the other hand, combines memory foam and innerspring technologies, creating a medium-firm feel that appeals to kids who enjoy both the contouring comfort of memory foam and the bounce of a traditional innerspring mattress.

The Layla mattress also features copper-infused foam for superior cooling and breathability, ensuring that your child stays comfortable throughout the night. Meanwhile, the LinenSpa mattress focuses on the combination of foam and springs for a well-rounded sleep experience. Both mattresses come with extended warranties and are designed with safety and quality in mind.

With its 10-year warranty, I’m confident that the LinenSpa mattress will provide consistent support and comfort for years to come. In my experience, this mattress strikes the perfect balance between memory foam and innerspring support, making it an excellent option for busy families seeking a comfortable sleep environment for their growing children.

Pros
  • Combination of innerspring and memory foam give it a comfortable, kid-friendly feel
  • Felt layer isolates springs so the noise output of old and worn springs is quiet
  • Medium-firm support suitable for kids over 25 lbs
  • 10-year warranty with specific parameters
  • Convenient vacuum-packed packaging
Cons
  • Some parents think at 8 inches tall this may be too thin for extended years of usage

DreamCloud Mattress

DreamCloud mattress review

DreamCloud Sleep is an online company that offers luxurious mattresses at affordable prices, allowing parents to provide their children with a safe and comfortable sleep environment without breaking the bank. The materials used in constructing these mattresses are of exceptional quality, ensuring your child’s comfort throughout the night.

One of the standout features of the DreamCloud mattress is its unique gel layers, which help regulate your child’s body temperature while they sleep. This means your child can sleep peacefully without waking up too hot or too cold, leading to a more restful and undisturbed night’s sleep.

I loved how the mattress arrived at my doorstep in a compact box, making it easy to move and set up in any room of the house. This convenience can be particularly helpful for busy parents or those who need to rearrange their living spaces frequently.

The DreamCloud mattress also comes with a Lifetime warranty and a 365-night trial, offering parents peace of mind and the opportunity to ensure their child adapts well to the new mattress. Overall, based on my experience, I can confidently recommend the DreamCloud mattress as a great option for parents seeking a comfortable, temperature-regulating, and high-quality sleep surface for their children.

Further reading: For more information on this mattress check our full DreamCloud review.

Pros
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Never-ending warranty
  • Very long sleep trial
  • Solid build quality
Cons
  • 14″ thickness and heavy weight might not suit all children’s beds

Nectar Mattress

Nectar mattress

As a mattress expert and a parent, I understand how important it is to find a comfortable and affordable mattress for our children. That’s why I’d like to share my experience with the Nectar mattress, which I found to be an excellent choice for kids.

The Nectar mattress offers a great balance between quality and affordability. Its 12-inch thick memory foam construction, featuring three layers, provides a comfortable and supportive sleep surface for children. The 2-inch gel-infused memory foam layer ensures a cool and cozy sleep experience, which is especially important for kids who tend to sleep hot.

One of the main reasons I believe the Nectar mattress is ideal for children is its medium-firm feel. While it may not be the softest option available, it offers just the right amount of support and comfort for growing bodies. This mattress can serve as an introduction to memory foam comfort for kids, making it an excellent choice for their first “grown-up” bed.

Based on customer reviews, many parents are thrilled with the Nectar mattress, praising its value for money and the quality of sleep it provides for their children. The mattress comes with a Forever warranty and a 365-night trial, giving parents peace of mind and ample time to ensure their child is comfortable on their new mattress.

Another advantage of the Nectar mattress is its minimal off-gassing odors, which is a concern for many parents when purchasing a memory foam mattress. The mattress also ships compressed and rolled, making it easy to transport and set up in your child’s room.

In my personal experience, the Nectar mattress is an exceptional choice for parents seeking an affordable, comfortable, and supportive sleep solution for their children.

Pros
  • Made with high-quality materials
  • Excellent warranty
  • Long sleep trial
  • Excellent customer service
Cons
  • Could be cheaper

AeroBed Air Mattress for Kids

AeroBed Air Mattress for Kids

Sometimes we need a practical and convenient sleep solution for our children. That’s why I wanted to share my personal experience with the AeroBed Air Mattress for Kids, which is an excellent option for temporary or occasional use.

One of the standout features of this air mattress is the 4-inch high safety cushion surrounding the sleep surface. This thoughtful design element provides a barrier for kids who toss and turn, helping prevent them from falling off the bed.

While air mattresses are not known for offering the best back support compared to traditional mattresses, the AeroBed for Kids is comfortable, portable, and quick to set up. It inflates in under a minute, making it perfect for last-minute sleepovers or family trips.

A lovely bonus is the included thick, fitted mattress pad featuring a charming star and moon design. This pad is easily removable and machine washable, making it convenient for busy parents. To enhance comfort, you can also add a down comforter and bottom sheet for extra padding.

The AeroBed’s dimensions are 50 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, making it suitable for younger children, but keep in mind that your child may outgrow it quickly. The mattress is designed to support up to 150 lbs., so it’s essential to avoid overcrowding or allowing adults to sit on it.

Overall, the AeroBed Air Mattress for Kids is a fantastic temporary sleep solution for children aged four to six or seven. It’s an excellent choice for grandparents who need a guest bed for occasional visits, families with vacation homes, or for use on camping trips. Its compact size and portability make it a practical option when space is limited. Just remember that, as with any air mattress, durability may be a concern if children jump on it or misuse it.

Pros
  • Cozy, inviting size for small children
  • Small size fits well in tight bedrooms
  • Easy to pack up and travel with
  • The thick mattress pad is convenient to wash
Cons
  • Small sleep surface (50 by 25 inches)
  • Limits on weight (no more than 150 lbs) mean an adult cannot sit or lie on the bed with the child

Live and Sleep Resort Classic

Live and Sleep - Resort 10-Inch

This particular mattress is made entirely of memory foam, which means it contours to the body and provides a cradling sensation, rather than the traditional bounce found in spring mattresses. While it may take some getting used to, many people, including kids, come to love the feel of a memory foam mattress.

The mattress offers medium-firm support, with a top layer of 2.5 inches of Premium Air-Flow Infused Visco foam designed for breathability. This feature helps regulate the temperature of the mattress on warm nights, which is ideal for those living in hotter climates. Below this layer is a High-Density Support Base, providing maximum support and giving the mattress a solid, firm feel.

One challenge with this memory foam mattress is its bulkiness compared to other options, like the Layla and Nectar mattresses. Although it arrives vacuum-packed, the box measures 40 by 18 by 18 inches, making it a bit difficult to handle on your own. It’s best to have two people set it up. The mattress is also CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring it meets specific standards for content, emissions, and durability.

Now, let’s compare this memory foam mattress to the Layla and Nectar mattresses. The Layla mattress stands out with its unique 2-sided flippable design, offering both soft and firm options. This feature is excellent for kids, as it allows them to choose their preferred comfort level. On the other hand, the Nectar mattress is known for its affordability and medium-firm feel, making it an ideal introduction to memory foam comfort for children.

In conclusion, when choosing between these three mattresses, consider your child’s individual preferences and needs. If they prefer a less bouncy, memory foam feel, this particular mattress could be a great fit. However, if they need more versatility or a more affordable option, the Layla or Nectar mattresses might be more suitable.

Pros
  • Memory foam contours to the body
  • Won’t sag over time like coil spring mattresses
  • Air flow technology keeps the bed cool on hot nights
  • CertiPUR-US certified
Cons
  • Bulky delivery size
  • No bounce (this could be seen as a pro by some, and con by others who desire that movement)

Best Price Mattress 6-Inch

Best Price Mattress 6 Inch Memory Foam Mattress

This full-sized mattress measures 54 inches in width, offering more space than the standard twin-sized options. Its memory foam design creates a dense, stable feel that contours to the body’s pressure points. However, at only 6 inches thick, it may not be as thick as some parents would prefer. The top 1 inch consists of memory foam, followed by 2 inches of super soft foam, and the bottom 3 inches provide a high-density supportive layer.

What sets the Best Price Mattress apart is the inclusion of active charcoal within the materials, designed to keep the mattress odor-free due to its moisture-absorbing properties. This feature is particularly appealing for those living in damp environments, ensuring their child’s bed remains clean and fresh for years to come.

Now, let’s compare this full mattress to our editor’s pick, the Layla mattress, and our budget option award-winner, the Linenspa 8″ mattress. The Layla mattress is notable for its 2-sided flippable design, offering both soft and firm options, making it an excellent choice for children with changing preferences. In contrast, the Linenspa 8″ mattress combines memory foam technology with a traditional spring core, providing a balance between the hugging sensation of memory foam and the familiar bounce of innerspring mattresses, all at an affordable price.

In conclusion, when choosing between these mattresses, consider your child’s individual needs and preferences. If they enjoy cuddling during storytime and appreciate a full-size mattress, the Best Price Mattress could be an excellent option. However, if they require more versatility in firmness or a budget-friendly choice, the Layla or Linenspa 8″ mattresses might be more suitable.

Pros
  • 54-inch width helps with parent/child snuggles and story time
  • Active charcoal absorbs moisture, so mattress stays odor free
  • Three layers for comfort
Cons
  • Softness may make children feel that the bed doesn’t have enough support

How To Choose The Best Mattress For Children

The Size Of Your Child’s New Bed

Size icon

The size of the mattress that you purchase is essential for a few key reasons. Most importantly, the size is going to dictate how long your child can comfortably use the bed.

Many mattresses for children these days are constructed of such high quality that they can easily last eight to ten years. But if you buy a mattress that is only 50 inches in height, for example, you will need to replace it when your child reaches about six years old. The average height of a six-year-old is 40 to 48 inches. It is ideal to have a few extra inches beyond the head and toes when sleeping.

Also, the mattress size can affect the way your child feels about going to bed. A children’s mattress that is sized appropriately will allow the bed to be a place just for sleep, which encourages a healthy bedtime routine. An oversized mattress may make the bed feel more like a play platform rather than a place to be cozy, still, and restful.

Generally, a kids mattress should be wide enough that the child can turn from side to side in the bed. Width also gives parents room to place bumper pillows to prevent falling off the bed or to lie down next to the child if he or she is having sleep anxiety.

Comfort Is Key

The comfort level is critical. The way children’s mattresses feel will directly affect the quality of sleep they’ll get. The quality of the build will directly affect the comfort level. Poorly constructed mattresses will feel uncomfortable and will prohibit sleep.

An uncomfortable mattress will mean that he or she won’t like getting into bed, and will likely get reduced sleep each night. In contrast, a comfortable mattress can allow them to drift into sleep and get the full rest that they require.

Studies show that children ages 5 to 12 typically need 10 to 11 hours of sleep and that adequate sleep can promote healthy brain development. Among the many other benefits of good sleep, proper rest can also help fight off diseases because the body’s immune system works best during sleep.

What Do I Need To Know About Support?

Support icon

The support that a mattress provides to your growing child’s body is critical. The most common levels of support are commonly divided into three categories: soft, medium, and firm.

Each category is designed for a different Indentation Load Deflection (ILD). Soft mattresses are intended for an ILD of under 25 pounds. A soft option, therefore, would be a winner of the best mattress for children category. Medium mattresses are ideal for ILD’s of 25 to 31 pounds. Firm mattresses should only be used with an ILD of over 31 pounds.

When it comes to choosing the right category of a kids mattress, it’s essential to get the firmness correct, because when done properly, it will give your child’s hips and shoulders an appropriate amount of support, which promotes spinal alignment and comfortable sleep.

Consider Durability

As a parent, you’ve probably experienced buying a toy for your child and seeing it get destroyed within the first week – maybe even the first day. Children are often hard on their possessions, usually because they don’t know any better. Likewise, it is important to consider durability when buying a children’s mattress. It should be capable of standing up to some serious wear and tear because, no doubt, all kids love to jump on the bed, especially when parents aren’t around or when friends are staying over.

Safety Concerns

Safety icon

Although I’ve put this towards the bottom of my list, it is a priority in my mind. The best mattress for kids is one that is safe for them to sleep on. Two considerations come into play here: size and allergies.

Size is a consideration because kids toss and turn in bed and can get their limbs trapped in gaps if the mattress is too small for the actual bed in use. Additionally, if it’s too big and there is an overhang on the edges of a box spring, there will be no edge support, and the child can easily roll off the side. It’s not uncommon for kids to fall out of bed while they sleep. So, be sure to order the correct mattress for the right crib or bed, based on accurately measured dimensions.

Latex mattresses are overall one of the best rated that money can buy. However, according to the National Center For Biotechnology Information, approximately 4.3% of the world’s population suffer from latex allergy. If your child suffers from such an allergy, naturally, you would steer clear of a latex mattress.

Long Term Solution

Graph icon

At first, when I started looking for beds for my own children, I took a very short-term view. Once I realized how the quality of a mattress affects the comfort level, I started thinking more about buying a very high-quality product. I saw that the mattress could easily last into my child’s early teen years because twin mattresses average about 75” tall, which is beyond six feet tall. However, if you know that you will be moving soon, or will be fine with replacing your child’s mattress in a year or two, then a long-term viewpoint isn’t necessary.

Conclusion

Now that you know more about mattresses and what to look for when selecting the best kids mattress, are you more excited about finding the right one? The seven that I have reviewed here are, in my opinion, the best on the market right now due to their quality, safety features, and ability to provide a comfortable night’s sleep.

The Layla Mattress is the clear winner due to the custom comfort features of the mattress. It is made with flippable design, which caters for fussy children (and parents) who might want a soft feeling one night, and a firm feeling the next. Also, the copper-infused cooling gel foam is great for those of us who are eco-conscious and want to avoid chemicals where possible.

Additionally, the soft/firm feel gives children support as they grow heavier over the years. At 10-inches, it is thicker than some other mattresses, which speaks to its overall quality and comfort levels. It is more durable than an air mattress, which is great for parents of highly active children. All of these factors considered is why we recommend it for our number 1 choice as the best mattress for kids.

About The Author

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top