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.
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: $
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.
