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Best Mattresses for Kids in 2022
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Is your child getting enough sleep? If not, it could be because they're sleeping on the wrong mattress. A good night's sleep is essential for children, and the wrong mattress can have negative consequences for everyone. If you notice your child is sleepier or moodier than usual, it may be time to invest in a new mattress.
A new mattress can't stop your child asking to stay up one more hour, but it can improve their sleep quality once you actually get them into bed. 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, finding the best mattress for kids is at your fingertips. Below are seven of our top picks. Note the prices quoted are the full list price for the smallest available size, not including discounts.
Is Labor Day a good time to buy a kid mattress?
There are special holidays when mattress manufacturers like to discount their beds, and Labor Day is certainly one of them. You can expect major markdowns from 20% to 40% off and generous bundle deals if you buy a new bed. Other key holidays include Memorial Day, Independence Day, Black Friday, President's Day and Christmas. For the most up-to-date deals from your favorite brands, check out our list of Labor Day mattress deals.
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 mattress comes with a 12-year warranty.)
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.
There are three size options -- twin, twin XL and full -- and prices start at $749.
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.
There are three size options -- twin, twin XL and full -- and prices start at $499.
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.
Naturepedic's mattress comes in four sizes -- twin, twin trundle, twin trundle short and full -- and prices start at $699.
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.
The Verse Mattress comes in four sizes -- twin, twin XL, full and queen -- and prices start at $999.
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.
It comes in one size, twin, and the price is $699.
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.
It comes in all regular mattress sizes -- twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king -- and prices start at $495.
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.
It comes in seven sizes -- twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king and split king -- and prices start at $649.
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Mattress 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, poly foam is breathable and cozy material that's very affordable. However, 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. With that being said, most kid mattresses are between $200 and $800. There are some that 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 a 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. However, if your kid loves sleeping on their side, you should go even softer.
More sleep recommendations
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
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