Why You Can Trust CNET Best Mattresses for Kids in 2024
If your child has been struggling to sleep, their bed might be to blame. Here are the best mattresses for kids that we recommend.
Sleep is essential for the health and development of children. While a child can fit into most beds, the best mattresses for kids are made just for them. They're typically on the softer side to support their lower body weights, and some have special layers, like waterproof covers, that help ease your mind during potty training or with nighttime accidents.
From memory foam mattresses to hybrid mattresses, to specialized dual-sided beds that you can flip as your children grow, our team of mattress experts have seen them all. With years of experience testing mattresses, we know what makes a good mattress. Below are our top picks.
What is the best mattress for kids?
The Saatva Youth bed is the best mattress for kids thanks to its two-sided construction that's 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 meant for kids aged three to seven. It has a five-zone support foam layer that is firmer at the center third of the bed to make sure their spines stay aligned all night. Flipping the mattress over gives you the older kid side, which features patented Lumbar Zone Active Spinal wire.
Then there's a water-resistant finish that will protect the bed as your kid ages. You can't beat this two-bed-in-one mattress.
Best mattresses for kids in 2024
Mattress price scale:
$ = Budget: $799 and below
$$ = Average: $800 to $1,699
$$$ = Premium: $1,700 and up
These reflect MSRP or list prices. Sales might make a mattress less expensive, but are always changing.
The dual-sided Saatva Youth Mattress is designed to grow with your kid. One side is made with a five-zone support layer that's firmer in the center of the mattress to maintain proper spinal alignment for kids between the ages of 3 and 7. The other side has high-density comfort foam and additional lumbar support that's necessary for older kids from 8 to 12. As your child grows, just flip the mattress to suit their needs.
The organic cotton cover on both sides has a water-resistant finish that protects against accidents and spills, but there's also an option to add a removable waterproof mattress protector (for $125) if you want additional peace of mind.
Pros:
- Flippable design
- Antimicrobial organic cotton
- Water-resistant finish to protect against accidents
- Supportive coils with lumbar support
Cons:
- On the expensive side of kid mattresses
- Not for kids who want a memory foam feel
Additional details:
- Type: Innerspring
- Firmness: Medium and Firm
- Trial: 365-night trial
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Price: $
While babies and toddlers may need more support, memory foam mattresses are a great option for older kids. This two-layer Puffin Mattress from Nest Bedding has a 5-inch base layer that offers the ideal amount of support for a child's body weight, plus two inches of a highly responsive memory foam that reacts quickly to movement and makes it easier for your child to adjust positions during the night.
The foams are all CertiPUR-US certified, which means that they contain very low amounts of potentially harmful chemicals, and all mattresses are aired out in Nest Bedding's factories prior to delivery to help reduce off-gassing.
Pros:
- Affordable, all-foam mattress
- CertiPUR-US certified foams
- Highly responsive so they can move around easily
Cons:
- All-foam design means it won't work for older kids
- Maximum capacity is only 110 pounds
- Short trial
Additional details:
- Type: Memory foam mattress
- Firmness: Luxury firm
- Trial: 30-night trial
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Price: $
If you're looking for your child's first "big kid" bed, the Naturepedic 2 in 1 Organic Kids Mattress is an excellent option for easing the transition. Like the Saatva Youth Mattress, it's a dual-sided mattress that's designed to adapt with your child through the early life stages. One side offers firm support and a waterproof barrier, while the other side has a quilted cotton cover and is a bit more plush -- ideal for older kids.
The mattress is constructed of USA-grown certified organic cotton and stretch knit fabrics that contour to the body and contribute to a more comfortable night's sleep.
Pros:
- Waterproof or quilted side
- Vegan
- GOTS-certified organic cotton and non-toxic materials
Cons:
- May be too firm for side sleepers
- On the expensive side
Additional details:
- Type: Innerspring
- Firmness: Firm
- Trial: 100-night trial
- Warranty: 25-year warranty
- Price: $
Another option from Naturepedic, the Verse Organic Kids Mattress, is a slight upgrade from the 2 in 1. Specially designed for older kids, this hybrid mattress is 2 inches thicker to support heavier body weights, and it has a quilted top layer that's made with organic wool batting -- a temperature-regulating layer that wicks away moisture and keeps your child comfortable no matter the ambient temperature.
Like the 2 in 1, it's classified as a firm mattress, but it has a plush organic cotton cover that adds some cushioning so it feels soft while also providing adequate support.
Pros:
- Greenguard certified
- GOTS-certified cotton
- Hybrid construction makes it good for growing kids
- Gives a nice amount of cushioning
Cons:
- Organic beds cost more
Additional details:
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Firm
- Trial: 100-night trial
- Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
- Price: $$
Like all of Purple's mattress models, the star of the Purple Kid Mattress is the proprietary Purple Grid that's designed to contour the body better than memory foam and react more quickly to body movement. The grid gives the mattress a softer feel, and it also has open-air channels that allow air to flow through, so if you have a hot sleeper on your hands, this can help regulate temperature throughout the night.
While it's made with two inches of the grid like the adult-sized mattresses, this kids' version is softer and lighter, making it a good choice for bunk beds and loft-style setups, too. It also has a removable, washable cover, in case of the inevitable spill or accident. Purple recommends this mattress for kids up to 14 years old and anyone weighing up to 115 pounds.
Pros:
- Machine washable cover
- Temperature neutral
Cons:
- Only one size option
Additional details:
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial: 100-night trial
- Warranty: 10-year warranty
- Price: $
The Casper Element Mattress isn't specifically designed for kids, but it's a great reasonably priced option that adapts to smaller bodies, as well as adult-size ones. With two layers of memory foam, it's similar in construction to the Puffin, but it has more of a focus on temperature regulation. The top layer of foam has thousands of small perforations that circulate air and pull heat away from the body, which means less sweating during bad dreams.
Since the Casper Element is supportive enough for adults and comes with a 10-year warranty, this durable option can grow with your kids into their teenage years and even beyond.
Pros:
- Budget memory foam mattress
- Ideal for any sleeping position
- Zoned support
Cons:
- Not a soft, plush feel
Additional details:
- Type: Memory foam
- Firmness: Medium to medium-firm
- Trial: 100-night warranty
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
- Price: $
Casper Sleep Element Mattress, Twin, Grey
Most kids are active in their own right, but if you have a kid who's involved in a lot of sports or activities that take a physical toll on the body, the Zoma Mattress is likely the best choice. It has three layers that are specially designed to alleviate pressure points and promote resting recovery in athletes.
One of the layers is divided into three zones that provide the ideal amount of pressure for different areas of the body -- the head and shoulders, hips and lower back, and upper and lower legs. It also has a ventilated cover and cooling channels that help regulate temperature, so it's great for hot sleepers too.
Pros:
- Good pressure relief
- Accommodating medium firmness
Cons:
- Changing positions can be difficult
- Not a budget choice
Additional details:
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial: 100-night trial
- Warranty: 10-year warranty
- Price: $
How we tested the best mattress for kids
Our team of experts has been testing mattresses for years. We've established testing methods we use across each bed, including assessing edge support, firmness and motion isolation.
For this review, we also considered special features that are important for children, like waterproof materials or a flippable design. As well as third-party certifications that show a mattress has safety testing, including GREENGUARD and CertiPUR-US.
CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read more on how we test mattresses.
Things to consider when shopping for mattresses for kids
There are a lot of beds for kids out there, some specifically designed for kids or twin-size options of popular models. Keep these things in mind when shopping for a new mattress for your child.
Age
Your child's age will help you hone in on what size of mattress they need. While babies need crib mattresses, older kids could use either a twin or twin XL mattress.
Also, remember that some mattresses specifically designed for children also have weight limits, like the Nest Bedding Puffin bed. Your child's age and weight will help you determine if the mattress you choose has enough room for them to grow with.
Sleeping positions
Your child's sleeping position will determine how firm or soft their mattress needs to be. Side sleepers need enough pressure relief to combat pressure points at the shoulders, hips and knees. Stomach or back sleepers need a firmer mattress that keeps their spine aligned at night.
Kid-specific features
Common unique features for mattresses for kids are waterproof materials for potty training, zoned support and flippable constructions meant to grow with your child.
You also should keep in mind your child's specific needs when shopping. For example, if they have allergies, you look for materials like latex foam that are naturally antimicrobial.
Best mattresses for kids FAQs
Foam mattresses are best for kids because they are quality-made, but typically won't cost you an arm and a leg. Hybrid mattresses aren't necessary because they offer more support than your child might need, and they cost more money. Memory foam offers ample pressure relief, while latex foam is breathable and can be made to be organic or natural. Lastly, poly foam is a breathable and cozy material that's very affordable. You also want to consider your child's preferred sleeping position, weight and the length of time they'll be sleeping on the bed.
You want your kid to have a comfortable mattress, but they're going to eventually grow out of it. For that reason, you may not want to invest in an expensive mattress you might purchase for yourself. With that being said, most kid mattresses are between $200 and $800. Some exceed that price, but then you're looking at luxury kid mattresses with extra bells and whistles.
We recommend a medium mattress -- the smaller you are, the firmer the mattress is going to be. That means a medium-firm mattress will likely feel even firmer for your child. A medium mattress should provide ample support and pressure relief at the same time. If your kid loves sleeping on their side, you should go even softer.
Mattress Buying Guides
Type
People
Preference
Mattress Reviews
Other Sleep Guides
Bed Accessories
Sleep Tech