Best Mattresses for Kids in 2024
Is your kid struggling to get enough sleep? A new mattress might help.
Our Experts
What to consider
Firmness
Sleeping position
Feel
Construction
Body type
Performance
Company policies
Our Picks
If you're a parent, you want only the best for your kids, and that includes how well your kids sleep, especially since it's crucial to their growth and development. If you want your kid to get a restful sleep and sweet dreams, you'll want to get the best mattress for them. Many brands make dedicated kids' mattresses, but some regular mattresses are also good for your child. The best mattress for kids is a soft but supportive mattress that offers pressure relief, and maybe even one with a waterproof cover if accidents are a concern. Additionally, a twin bed is the perfect size for a child's bedroom and usually the size of a bunk bed if you've got more than one child you're shopping for.
There are a ton of options to choose from, ranging from memory foam mattresses to hybrid mattresses. You can also get specialized dual-sided beds that can adapt as your children 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 kids?
The Saatva Youth bed is the best mattress for kids thanks to its two-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 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
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 mattress for kids FAQs
What mattress types are best for kids?
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, polyfoam 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.
How much money should you spend on a mattress for your child?
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. 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.
What mattress firmness is best for a child?
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.