Best Mattresses for Kids (2026)

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Arguably, nothing is more important for a childโ€™s growth and development than a good nightโ€™s rest, and the right mattress is the key to helping them get that restorative sleep they need. However, the overwhelming number of options can make making an informed decision tricky. If youโ€™re unsure about the right budget or bed size for your child, trust us to find the best childrenโ€™s mattresses available.

To find the best mattresses for kids, our product experts , young and not so young, took these beds for a spin. We even had some help from our 10-year-old tester Conrad when our adult opinion wouldnโ€™t cover it. Our top picks range from flippable hybrids to cushy memory foam options, all of which are made with safe, high-quality materials designed to bring support and comfort for your little ones.

500+

Mattresses Tested

Hands-on testing across leading brands

43,000+

Mattresses Purchased

Readers trust our picks year after year

30+

Data Points Per Review

Objective testing methodology

Our Verdict: Whatโ€™s The Best Mattress For Kids?

After putting these beds through numerous tests, we named the Helix Kids as the best mattress for children. This bed is made with quality materials, and itโ€™s flippable, so itโ€™s like having two mattresses in one. One side is for 3-7 year-olds, while the other is for kids 8-12, so you wonโ€™t have to buy a new mattress for several years of your kidโ€™s life.

The Best Mattresses for Kids

Top Deals

Several of our top picks are currently available at a discount. See the details below to save on your next mattress.

How We Tested and Selected the Mattresses

Naturally, we mainly included beds that are specifically designed for children. For the remaining mattresses, we focused on beds that were either flexible in their firmness (to accommodate growing bodies) or had a streamlined design. Kids tend not to need as many extra features as adultsโ€”itโ€™s more important that they have a bed with a simple design thatโ€™s easy to get in and out of.

We also stuck to beds that are medium-firm to firm. Per Dr. Raj Dasgupta, โ€œMedium-firm beds are generally recommended for most, but some younger children may need a firmer bed to support their skeleton as they grow.โ€ These beds, therefore, all fall between 6.5 and 8 out of 10 on our firmness scale.

Flippable tag on the Helix Kids Mattress

When buying a mattress for your child, support, comfort, and pressure relief should be top priorities. A mattress that promotes proper spinal alignment is essential, especially as kids are growing, and a bed with good pressure relief will keep kids comfier during growth spurts.

We aimed to find kidsโ€™ mattresses that received a 4 or higher rating for pressure relief. All but one of these mattresses met this threshold, with some skewing even higher. Pressure relief scores from our testersโ€™ experience lying on the bed on their back and side.

A young tester rests on his side on the Leesa Kids mattress

We also focused on durability, since kids can be tough on mattresses. To ensure this, we took a closer look at the bedโ€™s construction, making sure there were multiple layers of quality materials, like dense foams and thick coils.

We also considered how well the mattress performed in our edge support tests, as the less the mattress dips when bearing weight, the less likely it is to sag over time with repeated use. Many mattresses on this list earned above a 4 out of 5 for edge support, a sign of great durability.

Many of the featured beds are also flippable, which can contribute to a bedโ€™s longevity if your childโ€™s preferences shift frequently..  Flipping and rotating the mattress lessens the likelihood of a dent forming.

One note: while twin or twin XL sizes are popular for children, it may be worth considering a full-size mattress to give your child extra room to grow, especially if you plan to keep the mattress for several years.

A young tester sits on the edge of the Bear Cub mattress to test its stability.

Our team of certified sleep science coaches selected the best beds for kids by looking for top performers in the categories above: versatility, support, pressure relief, and durability.

But our complete process involves testing several aspects of a bedโ€™s performance, including edge support, cooling, and more. We evaluate and score these factors using specialized technology as well as firsthand accounts of how a bed feels to testers with different body types.

An infographic showing how different performance categories are weighted when calculating an overall score for a bed on Mattress Clarity. The bed is split into 6 bars to show the relative percentages of each category.

Once we have all those scores, we calculate the bedโ€™s overall score using a weighted formula. This score is a good indicator of a mattressโ€™s general quality, and is always a number out of 5.

As we decide which mattresses to feature in any roundup, we only include beds with an overall score of 3.5 out of 5 or higher. Even if a mattress does certain things well, we wonโ€™t point you towards it if it falls below this baseline.

Learn more about how we test mattresses at Mattress Clarity.

  • 500+ mattresses tested in person
  • 30+ data points collected for each bed
  • Certified Sleep Science Coaches on staff
  • Expert input from our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta (MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM) and our Chief Medical Product Tester Dr. Hannah Habeeb (DPT)
  • 43,000+ readers who bought a new bed based on our recommendations

Learn more about Mattress Clarity.

Measuring the deflection from weight plates on the edge of the Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress

Need help finding the right mattress?

Compare the Best Kids Mattresses

Helix Kids MattressNectar Kids MattressBear CubNolah Nurture MattressSaatva Youth MattressBB KidsBirch Kids NaturalBrooklyn Bedding Plank Firm MattressLeesa Kids
Helix Kids MattressNectar Kids MattressBear CubNolah Nurture MattressSaatva Youth MattressBB KidsBirch Kids NaturalBrooklyn Bedding Plank Firm MattressLeesa Kids
Rating
4.3
4.8
4.8
4.7
4.7
4.1
4.5
4.1
4.4
FirmnessMultiple Firmness OptionsFirm: 8/10Medium-Firm: 6.5/10Medium-Firm: 6.5/10Medium-Firm: 6.5/10Firm: 7.5/10Multiple Firmness OptionsFirm: 8/10
MaterialHybridFoamHybridHybridInnerspringFoamLatexFoamFoam
Coolingโ€”โ€”โ€”โ€”โ€”โ€”โ€”โ€”
Best For
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers,
Kids
Kids
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers
Kids
Kids
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain
Kids

Our Best Kids Mattresses Video Review

Read about our testing experience with each of the beds on our list below.

Helix Kids โ€“ Best Mattress for Kids Overall

Best Overall
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Helix
Helix Kids Mattress
Flippable
Non-Toxic
Water-Repellent
Mattress Clarity Deal
27% Off Sitewide with Code CLARITY27 See Details
Brand Icon 31
Material
The Helix Kids mattress is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Brand Icon 14
Firmness
The softer side is medium-firm (6.5/10), and the firmer side is solidly firm (8/10).
Brand Icon 42
Price
$748 โ€“ $998 (before any discounts)
Brand Icon 13
Size
Twin, full
MC Icons Update 2022 08
Kids
This bed is ideal for young sleepers and will help support their growing bodies.
Brand Icon 1
Back Sleepers
This mattress offers good support and a decent amount of cushion for children who like to sleep on their backs.
Pros
A water-repellent layer helps with mess prevention.
Its edge support and pressure relief were ranked highly for a kidsโ€™ mattress.
Cons
This bed is not supportive or durable enough for teenagers or adults.
It sleeps pretty cool, but other childrenโ€™s mattresses had more impressive cooling scores.
Brand Icon 39
Shipping
Free shipping
Brand Icon 40
Trial Period
100 nights
Brand Icon 41
Warranty
10 years
Brand Icon 38
Returns
Free returns during the trial period

With a flippable design, water-repellant cover, and springs in the center, the Helix Kids mattress is one of the best beds for children on the market. We were particularly impressed by its sturdy edges and pressure relief, the latter of which can be tough to find in a kidsโ€™ bed.

Testing Highlights

  • Edge Support: Both sides of the Helix Kids mattress have impeccable edge support, with the 8+ side earning a 4.8/5 and the 2-7 side earning a perfect 5/5.
  • Cooling: The 8+ side of the mattress earned an impressive 4/5 during testing, making it a great option for active kids needing to cool down after a long day.
  • Firmness: Unlike many kidsโ€™ mattresses, the Helix Kids features two distinct firmness options: a balanced medium-firm (6.5/10) side for younger children and a firm (8/10) side for older kids.

Why the Helix Kids is Our Best Kids Mattress Overall

The Helix Kids mattress is a great first pick if youโ€™re looking to transition from a crib mattress to a big-kid bed. Itโ€™s also a top choice for growing kids because itโ€™s flippable, featuring a firmer side for children aged 2-7 and a slightly softer side for those aged eight and up. Its hybrid design should also lend it plenty of durability for years to come, since it earned an impressive 4.9/5 for edge support on average between its two sides, a sign of its sturdy construction.

Our testers rated the eight and up side of the mattress at around a 6.5/10 on our firmness scale, which is medium-firm. โ€œNot too firm but a little soft,โ€ said our 10-year-old tester Conrad. Though Conrad preferred the mattress on his back, lightweight tester Riley Otis added that this mattress could be a good pick for side sleepers.

For more about this bed, read our full Helix Kids mattress review.

What Our Tester Says

โ€œThereโ€™s some cushioning up top thatโ€™s preventing pressure from forming at the joints, and enough lift to keep the spine straight and neutral. The side for younger kids (2-7) should have a firmer feel and may not offer as much pressure relief, but it should give them the support they need.โ€

Riley Otis, Certified Sleep Science Coach

โ€œAges 8 & Upโ€ Side Testing Data

Our young tester stomach-sleeping on a Helix Kids Mattress

Pressure Relief: 3.5/5

Below average. Thereโ€™s a firmer feel to this mattress, but it has decent cushioning and good support for growing kids.

Measuring the edge of a weighted Helix Kids mattress

Edge Support: 4.8/5

Above average. The edge of this bed remained sturdy and stable during our testing process. 

Thermal imaging of the Helix Kids mattress

Cooling: 4/5

Average. Although not a cool-to-the-touch mattress, it should provide a temperature-neutral experience.

โ€œAges 2-7โ€ Side Testing Data

Our young tester back sleeping on a Helix Kids Mattress 2

Pressure Relief: 3.5/5

Below average. Both sides strike a decent balance of comfort and support despite the firm feel.

Our young tester side-sleeping on a Helix Kids Mattress 3

Edge Support: 5/5

Exceptional. There was hardly any sinkage while seated or lying down on the perimeter of this bed. 

Our young tester back sleeping on a Helix Kids Mattress 4

Cooling: 3/5

Below average. This side of the Helix Kids mattress retained heat a bit more, so it may not suit warmer sleepers.

Who Might Like the Helix Kids Mattress

  • Growing kids. The flippable design features a firmer side for ages 2โ€“7 and a medium-firm side (6.5/10) for ages 8โ€“12, allowing the mattress to adapt as your child grows.
  • Back and side sleepers. Our testers praised the softer side for its balance of cushioning and support, which should help keep the spine aligned while reducing pressure around the shoulders and hips.
  • Parents looking for durability. Strong edge support (4.9/5) and a sturdy hybrid construction suggest this mattress can withstand years of use.

Who Might Not Like the Helix Kids Mattress

  • Kids who sleep exceptionally hot. The mattress maintained a temperature-neutral feel overall, but the firmer side retained more heat than the softer side, and there are cooler options available.
  • Kids who need deep pressure relief. While the softer side provides some contouring, the mattress earned a moderate 3.5/5 for pressure relief, so children with sensitive joints may prefer a softer bed.
  • Parents who want the same feel on both sides. The Helix Kids has two distinctly different firmness levels, which may require an adjustment period when itโ€™s flipped.

Other User Reviews

The Helix Kids mattress has an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 960 reviews on the Helix website. Many positive reviews appreciate the easy setup and say their kids have no trouble sleeping through the night. Some more critical reviews say the mattress is thinner than they expected and has a strong off-gassing smell.

Nectar Kids โ€“ Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids

Best Memory Foam
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.8
Nectar
Nectar Kids Mattress
Flippable
All-Foam
Removable Cover
4th of July Deals โ€“ Extended
Save Up to 50% on Mattresses + 66% on Bundles See Details
Brand Icon 28
Material
This is an all-foam mattress.
MC Icons Update 2022 MattressSoftness
Firmness
The Nectar Kids mattress is flippable. It feels like a 7.5/10 (firm) on one side and an 8/10 (even firmer) on the other.
MC Icons Update Pcire Range
Price
$595-$706 (before discounts)
MC Icons Update 2022 mattress
Size
Twin, full
MC Icons Update 2022 08
Kids
This bed was designed for children between the ages of 3 and 12.
Brand Icon 12
Budgets
Both sizes can be purchased for less than $500 with frequent discounts.
Pros
A flippable design allows you to lessen the firmness of the bed as your child grows.
The cover is removable and machine-washable for easy cleaning.
Itโ€™s fiberglass-free and made with OEKO-TEXยฎ Standard 100 certified fabrics.
Cons
This isnโ€™t made with organic or all-natural materials, so parents who prize eco-friendly products may want to look at other models.
Itโ€™s made entirely of foam, so it wonโ€™t be very bouncy.
MC Icons Update 2022 Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping
MC Icons Update 2022 Sleep Trial 41
Trial Period
365 nights
MC Icons Update 2022 Warranty
Warranty
Forever warranty
MC Icons Update 2022 Return
Returns
Free returns

Nectar has applied all the generous policies that come with its adult beds to its kidsโ€™ model, so you still get a full year to try and out and a lifetime warranty. This all-foam mattress is flippable to suit different age ranges, and has some of the contouring, comforting feel the brand is known for. However, because itโ€™s designed for kids, it will feel quite firm to adults (and anyone over 12 shouldnโ€™t use it as their primary bed!).

Testing Highlights

  • Pressure Relief: Our testers agreed that either side of the Nectar Kids should help childrenโ€™s spines stay aligned and prevent tension from building up.
  • Edge Support: During testing, our mattress experts were impressed with the Nectarโ€™s edge-to-edge stability.
  • Cooling: While many memory foam mattresses trap body heat, the Nectar Kids seems to be the exception to the rule, earning a near-perfect 4.8/5 for cooling overall.

Why the Nectar Kids is the Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids

Memory foam beds are a great option for budget-conscious parents or guardians, as these models often marry quality and affordability. Itโ€™s especially the case for the Nectar Kids, which gives you two mattresses in one, thanks to its dual-sided firmness.

While it offers plenty of the cushioning comfort foam beds are known for, it also earned an impressive 4.8/5 for cooling, an area in which these heat-trapping beds tend to fall behind. Edge support is another important consideration if your child sits on it to tie their shoes, and a crucial feature for adults sitting on the side of the bed for story time. Thankfully, the 3-7 side of the Nectar Kids has some rock-solid edge support.

In fact, the Nectar Kids mattress performed well across the board in our tests, leading to an impressive overall rating of 4.8/5.

Read more about this mattress in our full Nectar Kids review.

What Our Tester Says

โ€œI think kids will find good pressure relief on this mattress, especially on the softer side. The foam is pretty slow-moving, so it really conformed to my body as I lay there.โ€

Riley Otis, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Our young tester stomach-sleeping on a Nectar Kids Mattress

Pressure Relief: 4.1/5

Average. This all-foam mattress provides solid contouring to help cushion joints.

Seated edge support test on the Nectar Kids Mattress

Edge Support: 4.6/5

Above average. The edge of this bed feels just as supportive as its center.

Tag on a Nectar Kids Mattress

Cooling: 4.8/5

Above average. This mattress rose only 5 degrees in our cooling test, impressive considering its foam construction.

Who Might Like the Nectar Kids Mattress

  • Parents shopping on a budget. This well-constructed mattress delivers strong all-around performance at a budget-friendly price.
  • Kids who sleep hot. Despite its all-foam construction, the Nectar Kids didnโ€™t absorb much body heat during testing.
  • Kids of all ages. The flippable design features a firmer side (8/10) for ages 3โ€“7 and a slightly softer side (7.5/10) for ages 8+, helping the mattress grow with your child.

Who Might Not Like the Nectar Kids Mattress

  • Young side sleepers. The firmer 3โ€“7 side is built with spinal support in mind, meaning younger children who sleep on their sides may prefer the softer side with more cushioning.
  • Shoppers seeking consistent edge support. While the younger side offers excellent edge support, the softer 8+ side has noticeably more sinkage around the perimeter.
  • Kids who prefer a bouncy mattress. The slow-moving memory foam creates a deeply contouring feel, which may not appeal to sleepers who like to move around easily.

Other User Reviews

The Nectar Kids mattress has an average score of 4.4/5 on the brandโ€™s site. Many of the 346 reviews praise its firmness and cooling abilities. Some say it was firmer than expected and dislike the pillows that it came with.

Bear Cub โ€“ Best Twin-Size Mattress for Kids

Best Twin-Size
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.8
Bear
Bear Cub
Affordable
Lifetime Warranty
Mattress Clarity Deal
40% Off Sitewide with Code CLARITY40 See Details
Brand Icon 31
Material
The Bear Cub is a hybrid mattress. It features softer foam layers for cushioning and pocketed coils for support.
Brand Icon 14
Firmness
This mattress is a 6.5/10 on our firmness scale, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Brand Icon 42
Price
$695-$845 (before any discounts)
Brand Icon 13
Size
Twin and full
Brand Icon 8
Kids
This mattress is specifically constructed to accommodate children.
Brand Icon
Side Sleepers
Kids who sleep on their sides should get plenty of pressure relief from the Bear Cub.
Pros of the Bear Cub
The Bear Cubโ€™s gel-infused memory foam can help active children stay cool throughout the night.
Itโ€™s an affordable option. A twin-size Bear Cub mattress is less than $700, even before discounts.
Bear offers a lifetime warranty on this mattress. That means if you find any covered defects or indentations during the life of your mattress, they will replace it free of charge.
Cons of the Bear Cub
Early blooming children might outgrow the bed quicker than youโ€™d prefer, since the weight limit is about 150 lbs.
Unlike many other kidsโ€™ mattresses, the Bear Cub is not flippable.
Brand Icon 39
Shipping
Free shipping
Brand Icon 40
Trial Period
120 nights
Brand Icon 41
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Brand Icon 38
Returns
Youโ€™ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โ€œbreak-inโ€ period.

The Bear Cub is a hybrid mattress with a little extra appeal for children, since they can choose which color theyโ€™d like (Arctic Blue or Salmon). The bed has pretty perfect edge support and pressure relief, but it isnโ€™t flippable, unlike many competitors.

Testing Highlights

  • Pressure Relief: With a 5/5 pressure relief score, the Bear Cubโ€™s hybrid design provides ample cushioning while supporting young sleepers through the night.
  • Edge Support: The Bear Cub also earned a perfect 5/5 for edge support, allowing both parents and kids to sit or lie along the perimeter with minimal sinkage.

Why the Bear Cub is the Best Twin-Size Mattress for Kids

Twin mattresses are a great way to save space in your childโ€™s bedroom and maximize your budget. The aptly named Bear Cub mattress comes in twin and full sizes, but also two color options, pink and blue, for even more cute customization. In our tests, it earned perfect scores for pressure relief and edge support, leading to a total overall score of 4.8/5. Itโ€™s a sturdy hybrid that should suit young ones in all sleeping positions.

You can read more in our full Bear Cub mattress review.

What Our Tester Says

โ€œI liked how the foam gave me some good pressure relief and the coils kept me aligned. I wouldnโ€™t mind sleeping on this mattress for an extended period of time as a guest. The edge support was also pretty great, especially considering I weigh substantially more than the target audience.โ€

Sosha Lewis, Certified Sleep Science Coach
A young tester lays on his back on the Bear Cub mattress

Pressure Relief: 5/5

Exceptional. The hybrid construction struck an ideal balance between comfort and support.

A young boy sits on the edge of the Bear Cub mattress

Edge Support: 5/5

Exceptional. Parents and kids should be able to sit on the edge of this bed without sinking in much at all.

Thermal reading from the Bear Cub Kids Mattress

Cooling: 4/5

Average. Our tester hardly noticed the bed heating up during testing, so it should work for most kids.

Who Might Like the Bear Cub Mattress

  • Kids in any sleeping position. The medium-firm feel (6.5/10) and hybrid construction earned a perfect 5/5 for pressure relief, offering a balanced mix of cushioning and support.
  • Parents seeking strong edge support. The Bear Cub also scored a perfect 5 stars for edge support, so kids can sit or lie near the perimeter without feeling unstable.
  • Hot sleepers. The mattress maintained a temperature-neutral feel during testing, even in a warmer testing environment.

Who Might Not Like the Bear Cub Mattress

  • Parents who want a mattress that grows with their child. Unlike many kidsโ€™ mattresses, the Bear Cub isnโ€™t flippable and offers just one firmness level.
  • Families needing more size options. The Bear Cub is only available in Twin and Full sizes, so shoppers looking for Twin XL or larger sizes should consider another model.

Other User Reviews

The Bear Cub has a 4.8/5 rating on the Bear website based on 138 reviews. Parents frequently note improvement in their childrenโ€™s sleep and praise the mattressโ€™s supportive feel. Many of the rare critical reviews note that the customer service could be better.

Nolah Nurture โ€“ Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids

Best Hybrid
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.7
Nolah
Nolah Nurture Mattress
Flippable Design
Eco-Friendly
Kidsโ€™ Hybrid
4th of July Sale
35% Off Sitewide, Additional $50 Off with Code CLARITY50 See Details
MC Icons Update 2022 Hybrid
Material
The Nolah Nurture is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
MC Icons Update 2022 MattressSoftness
Firmness
The Nolah Nurture is flippable. It feels like a 7/10 (firm) on one side and a 6.5/10 (medium-firm) on the other.
MC Icons Update Pcire Range
Price
$919-$1,224 (before discounts)
MC Icons Update 2022 mattress
Size
Twin, twin XL, full
MC Icons Update 2022 08
Kids
This bed was designed for children between the ages of 3 and 15.
MC Icons Update 2024 ECO
Eco-Friendly Folks
The Nurture boasts organic textiles and a GREENGUARD Gold certification.
Pros
The flippable design means that growing children can choose between two firmness levels as their preferences shift.
Thereโ€™s no fiberglass in this bed; instead, an organic wool layer serves as a natural fire barrier.
You can add 10-year accident coverage to your order for a paltry $0.99.
Cons
There are still synthetic foams in this mattress, so itโ€™s not entirely organic.
Because it was designed for children, this bed shouldnโ€™t be a primary mattress for adults or guests.
MC Icons Update 2022 Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping
MC Icons Update 2022 Sleep Trial 41
Trial Period
120 nights
MC Icons Update 2022 Warranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty plus $0.99 10-year accident coverage
MC Icons Update 2022 Return
Returns
$99 fee for returns within the sleep trial period (but after a 30-day initial period)

The Nolah Nurtureโ€™s flippable construction enables growing kids to choose the feel of their bed: soft or medium-firm. Its organic materials and safety certifications should help with parentsโ€™ peace of mindโ€”and the 99-cent 10-year accident coverage is especially generous.

Testing Highlights

  • Pressure Relief: Children should sleep soundly on the Nolah Nurture in any sleeping position without worrying about pressure buildup, thanks to its foam layers and balanced feel.
  • Edge Support: The reinforced perimeter of the Nolah Nurture hybrid mattress earned a perfect 5-star edge support score during testing.

Why the Nolah Nurture is the Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids

Hybrid mattresses are made up of soft comfort layers and coils for balanced support. Theyโ€™re great if youโ€™re looking for a bed thatโ€™ll last your child many years. The Nolah Nurture is a hybrid mattress with a flippable construction, offering a soft side and firm side for your childโ€™s ever-shifting preferences. Most notably, both sides offered plenty of pressure relief (scoring 4.5/5) and a sturdy perimeter (earning 5/5 for edge support).

Kids who run hot should also be able to find comfort on the Nolah Natural. When mattress tester Sosha Lewis performed the cooling test for this bed, our studio was quite hot. She used a thermal gun to measure the surface temperature before and after lying on it for 7 minutes. Even with the added temperature in the room, she recorded only a 6.5-degree increase.

See how it performed in our other tests in our full Nolah Nurture mattress review.

What Our Tester Says

โ€œI felt very supported lying along the edge of this bed on both sides, and I am an average-weight adult, so I think kids would have no worries at all about falling out of this bed.โ€

Sosha Lewis, Certified Sleep Science Coach
A young tester rests on his stomach on top of the Nolah Nurture kids mattress

Pressure Relief: 4.5/5

Above average. This mattress provides pretty solid pressure relief for side and back sleepers.

A young tester sits on the edge of the Nolah Nurture mattress to judge its support

Edge Support: 5/5

Exceptional. With a strong perimeter, children should be able to lie on the side of this bed without falling off.

Thermal readings of the Nolah Nurture Kids Mattress

Cooling: 4/5

Average. The breathable coils helped the Nolah Nurture disperse heat, provide a temperature-neutral sleep.

Who Might Like the Nolah Nurture

  • Growing kids. The flippable design offers two firmness options (6.5/10 and 7/10), allowing the mattress to adapt as your childโ€™s comfort needs change.
  • Back and side sleepers. Both sides provided a supportive balance of cushioning and spinal alignment, making the mattress comfortable for multiple sleeping positions.
  • Parents prioritizing durability. Strong edge support on both sides creates a stable perimeter for sleeping, sitting, and bedtime story sessions.

Who Might Not Like the Nolah Nurture

  • Budget-conscious families. With a twin size starting at nearly $700, the Nolah Nurture is one of the pricier options on our list.
  • Kids who enjoy a cool-to-the-touch bed. The mattress earned a respectable 4/5 for cooling and stayed temperature-neutral during testing, but there are cooler-performing options available.

Other User Reviews

The Nolah Nurture only has a few reviews (20) but an average score of 4.8. Parents appreciate the level of support that the Nurture model offers their kids. One critical review noted that their Nurture mattress only expanded 8 inches, while it is supposed to be 10 inches.

Saatva Youth โ€“ Best Full-Size Mattress for Kids

Best Full-Size
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.7
Saatva
Saatva Youth
Medium-Firm Feel
Flippable
Durable
BIGGEST Summer Sale
15% Off Classic Mattress Bundle | Ends 7/13 See Details
Brand Icon 31
Material
The Saatva Youth is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Brand Icon 14
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated one side a 6.5/10 (medium-firm), and one side a 7/10 (slightly firmer).
Brand Icon 42
Price
$795 โ€“ $1,055 (before discounts)
Brand Icon 13
Size
Twin, twin XL, full
Brand Icon 1
Back Sleepers
Children who predominantly sleep on their back.
Brand Icon 2
Stomach Sleepers
Children who predominantly sleep on their stomach.
Pros of the Saatva Youth
It shouldnโ€™t trap too much heat thanks to coils and breathable cotton.
It should last for several years.
It has a water-resistant treatment on the cover to help with accident cleanup.
Cons of the Saatva Youth
It might be too firm for children who are side sleepers.
It might be too pricey for parents on a budget.
Brand Icon 39
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Brand Icon 40
Trial Period
365 nights
Brand Icon 41
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Brand Icon 38
Returns
Youโ€™ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โ€œbreak-inโ€ period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.

The Saatva Youth has a flippable design that should last several years while your kiddo grows. It has a classic medium-firm feel overall and a fair degree of bounceโ€”perfect for kiddos who have some energy to burn before bed.

Testing Highlights

  • Pressure Relief. The firm and soft sides of this mattress delivered impressive results on our pressure relief tests.
  • Edge Support. Parents and kids should be able to sit and lie along the perimeter of the Saatva Youth without fear of rolling off.
  • Company Policies. Like Saatvaโ€™s mattress options for adults, the Saatva Youth comes with a year-long trial, lifetime warranty, and free white-glove delivery.

Why the Saatva Youth is the Best Full-Size Mattress for Kids

If your child wants a big-kid bed that gives them more space to stretch out, you might want to opt for a full-size mattress. This size is slightly smaller than a queen but notably bigger than a twin or twin XLโ€”a perfect pick for sleepovers, spreading out, or future use in a guest room.

Our pick for the best full-size mattress comes from one of our favorite brands, Saatva. During testing, 10-year-old mattress-expert-in-training Conrad took the softer side of this mattress for a spin to see how well the bed relieved pressure. On his side, he said that he didnโ€™t feel any pressure buildup in his hips or shoulders. 

However, the icing on the cake is the policies that come with this mattress. With Saatva, you get a year-long trial, lifetime warranty, and free white-glove delivery with this mattressโ€”features that earned it a 5/5 customer service rating.

For more about this bed, read our full Saatva Youth review.

โ€œParents should have no problem sitting there with their kids to read them a story or tuck them in at night. I also feel supported when lying down, and not at risk of falling off the bed regardless of my position.โ€

Riley Otis, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Our tester back-sleeping on a Saatva Youth Mattress

Pressure Relief: 4.3/5

Above average. Our 10-year-old tester didnโ€™t notice any pressure buildup while lying on both firm and soft sides of this mattress.

Our tester performs a seated edge support test on a Saatva Youth Mattress

Edge Support: 4.7/5

Above average. The strong perimeter will make getting in and out of this bed a breeze.

Our tester uses a Saatva Youth Mattress

Cooling: 4/5

Average. The Saatva Youth should work well for warm sleepers, though very hot sleepers may need a model with cooling features.

Who Might Like the Saatva Youth

  • Kids in different developmental stages. The flippable design features a soft side and a slightly firmer side, allowing children to switch between comfort levels as their needs change.
  • Back and side sleepers. Both sides earned strong scores in the pressure relief category, providing a comfortable mix of cushioning and support for healthy spinal alignment.
  • Parents who value customer perks. The Saatva Youth comes with a year-long sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free white-glove delivery, earning a perfect 5/5 for customer service.

Who Might Not Like the Saatva Youth

  • Kids who are hot sleepers. The mattress earned a respectable 4/5 for cooling and stayed mostly temperature-neutral, but children who frequently overheat may prefer a cooler option.
  • Budget shoppers. While its quality build and premium policies help justify the cost, the Saatva Youth is more expensive than many other kidsโ€™ mattresses.

Other User Reviews

The Saatva Youth mattress has an average score of 4.8 out of 5 based on 38 reviews. Shoppers praise Saatva for its quick and easy white-glove delivery and excellent customer service. Many parents have also noted that their children are sleeping better after getting the Youth mattress. Currently, the only overwhelmingly negative review is a complaint about shipping time.

Brooklyn Bedding Kids โ€“ Best Affordable Mattress for Kids

Best Affordable
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Brooklyn Bedding
BB Kids
Fiberglass-Free
Cooling Gel
Stain-Resistant Cover
4th of July Sale
30% Off Sitewide with Code JULY30 See Details
Brand Icon 28
Material
This is an all-foam mattress.
Brand Icon 14
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 7.5/10, which is quite firm.
Brand Icon 42
Price
$265-$332 (before any discounts)
Brand Icon 13
Size
Twin, twin XL, full
Brand Icon 8
Kids
This mattress was made for kidsโ€”no grown-ups allowed! (Well, maybe for a quick nap.)
Brand Icon 12
Budget Shoppers
Itโ€™s an affordable bed no matter which of the three available sizes you order.
BB Kids Pros
This mattress does not skimp on support, which is perhaps the most crucial element in a childrenโ€™s bed.
Its price makes it an affordable buy at any size.
Its cover is treated with a stain-resistant finish to prevent big messes.
BB Kids Cons
It has very little pressure relief and plushness, so if your child likes to sleep on their side, they may want more cushion.
With only two foam layers, its design is relatively simple.
Brand Icon 39
Shipping
Free shipping
Brand Icon 40
Trial Period
120 nights
Brand Icon 41
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Brand Icon 38
Returns
$99 return fee

The BB Kids mattress doesnโ€™t have many fancy features, but it performs where it counts: its two foam layers are super supportive, and protected by a stain-resistant cover. Its minimalist construction also lends itself to an attractive price point, so parents on a budget can feel confident that theyโ€™re getting a good deal on a fiberglass-free childrenโ€™s bed.

Testing Highlights

  • Price. The Brooklyn Bedding Kids mattress starts at $265 for a twin-sized bed (before discounts), which is an exceptional deal.
  • Edge Support. Our testers detected a very minor amount of sinkage on the perimeter of the BB Kids mattress, indicating that it is unlikely to sag over time.

Why the Brooklyn Bedding Kids is the Best Affordable Mattress for Kids

If youโ€™re looking for a simple mattress thatโ€™ll get the job done at a reasonable price, youโ€™ll love the Brooklyn Bedding Kids mattress. This bed starts at just $265 for a twin mattress, and thatโ€™s before any sales or coupons. However,  donโ€™t mistake it for a cheap productโ€”it has a firm, robust feel thatโ€™ll bring the support. We were most impressed by the bedโ€™s edge support (4.7/5), a sign that it wonโ€™t start sagging prematurely on you.

The Brooklyn Bedding kids mattress is a very firm all-foam bed, with our in-house tester having trouble deciding whether it was a 7.5 or 8/10 on our firmness scale. Even our 10-year-old tester Conrad noted the firmness during the pressure relief tests, exclaiming, โ€œWow! This is a hard bed.โ€

While this level of firmness might be too rigid for side-sleeping children, kids who primarily sleep on their backs and stomachs should find it quite comfortable.

Read more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Kids mattress review.

What Our Tester Says

โ€œOverall, this mattress has great edge support. It would be great for smaller children who have moved to a toddler bed.โ€

Riley Otis, Certified Sleep Science Coach
A young boy in a blue shirt and green shorts rests on his back on the Brooklyn Bedding Kids mattress

Pressure Relief: 3/5

Below average. This bedโ€™s firmness doesnโ€™t provide as much cushioning or sinkage as some sleepers prefer.

A young boy in a blue shirt sits on the Brooklyn Bedding Kids mattress

Edge Support: 4.7/5

Above average. Thereโ€™s a bit of sinkage while sitting on the BB Kidsโ€™ edge, but itโ€™s still a sturdy perimeter.

A thermal imaging gun pointed at the Brooklyn Bedding Kids mattress with a temperature readout of 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit

Cooling: 3.5/5

Below average. The all-foam construction and lack of cooling fabric make this a less-than-ideal bed for hot sleepers.

Who Might Like the Brooklyn Bedding Kids Mattress

  • Shoppers looking for a deal. With a twin starting at just $265 before discounts, the Brooklyn Bedding Kids is a steal.
  • Stomach sleepers and kids who prefer a firm bed. The mattress has a very firm feel (7.5โ€“8/10) that will keep your kiddo lifted and well supported.
  • Parents looking for longevity. Strong 4.7/5 edge support suggests the mattress should be durable and maintain its shape for a while.

Who Might Not Like the Brooklyn Bedding Kids Mattress

  • Side sleepers. The firm surface offers minimal cushioning around the shoulders, so children who primarily sleep on their sides may experience pressure buildup.
  • Kids who sleep hot. The dense foam construction tended to trap heat during testing, making it less suitable for hot sleepers.
  • Children who prefer a soft sleep surface. This mattress emphasizes support over cushioning, so kids used to a more cradling surface may fare better on a softer model.

Other User Reviews

The BB Kids mattress has an average score of 4.5 stars based on 287 reviews. Parents love that it is affordable, comfortable, and easy to move. That said, some reviewers were disappointed by how firm it was and thought that the mattress was a bit too thin.

Birch Kids Natural โ€“ Best Organic Mattress for Kids

Best Organic
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Birch
Birch Kids Natural
Flippable
Latex Foam
Organic Materials
Mattress Clarity Deal
27% Off Sitewide with Code CLARITY27 See Details
MC Icons Update 2022 Hybrid
Material
The Birch Kids Natural is a latex hybrid mattress. It has both cushioning latex and supportive coil layers.
MC Icons Update 2022 MattressSoftness
Firmness
This mattress is flippable. Thereโ€™s a firmer (7/10) side for younger children and a softer (6.5/10) side for older ones.
MC Icons Update Pcire Range
Price
$998.75-$1,248.75 (before any discounts)
MC Icons Update 2022 mattress
Size
Twin, full
MC Icons Update 2022 08
Kids
This is a childrenโ€™s mattress for kids between 3 and 12 years old.
MC Icons Update 2024 ECO
Eco-Friendly Folks
Inside, youโ€™ll find natural latex foam, organic cotton, and organic wool instead of synthetic materials.
Pros of the Birch Kids Natural
Instead of poly foam, the Birch Kids Natural has latex foam, which is a springy material derived from the sap of rubber trees.
Organic cotton and organic wool replace synthetic textiles in the upper layers of this bed.
A flippable design with a softer and firmer side allow you to alter the feel of the bed based on your childโ€™s age and preferences.
Cons of the Birch Kids Natural
As an organic mattress, the Birch Kids Natural is pricier than many other childrenโ€™s beds.
Adults shouldnโ€™t use this bed as their everyday mattressโ€”check out the Birch Natural for the grown-up version.
MC Icons Update 2022 Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping
MC Icons Update 2022 Sleep Trial 41
Trial Period
100 nights
MC Icons Update 2022 Warranty
Warranty
25-year warranty
MC Icons Update 2022 Return
Returns
Youโ€™ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โ€œbreak-inโ€ period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.

If youโ€™d rather steer clear of synthetic materials when shopping for your child, the Birch Kids Natural is an intuitive choice. It boasts latex foam, organic cotton, and organic wool in its flippable construction. The latex is also innately hypoallergenic and cooling for added comfort. Simply flip to the softer or firmer side to change its feel during different stages of your childโ€™s development.

Testing Highlights

  • Pressure Relief. Our testers loved the Birch Kids Natural bedโ€™s balanced blend of contouring from its foam top and robust support from its innerspring coils.
  • Edge Support. Likewise, the sturdy innerspring coils extended to the far reaches of the Birch Kids, giving young sleepers a secure surface to sit and tie their shoes on in the morning.

Why the Birch Kids Natural is the Best Organic Mattress for Kids

Most kidsโ€™ beds are free from harmful chemicals, if you want an organic mattress, you should opt for the Birch Kids Natural. Just like other Birch mattresses, the Birch Kids has an all-natural construction, featuring organic materials like cotton and wool, as well as sustainably sourced latex.

However, the latex hybrid childrenโ€™s model is also flippable. This design provides two comfort options: a firmer side for kids 7 and under, and a softer side for those over 8. Both sides offered a bouncy, sturdy feel that allowed for plenty of pressure relief (scoring 5/5) and robust edge support (5/5).

If you want to learn more about this bed, head on over to our full Birch Kids mattress review.

What Our Tester Says

โ€œI wish adult beds had as good of edge support as kids. I have no concerns about rolling out. Kiddos should be snug as a bug on this mattress.โ€

Sosha Lewis, Certified Sleep Science Coach
A young tester rests on his back on the Birch Kids mattress

Pressure Relief: 5/5

Exceptional. The foam top provides ample contouring, all while your spine stays aligned with supportive coils.

A young tester sits on the edge of the Birch Kids mattress to judge its support

Edge Support: 5/5

Exceptional. The edges of the Birch Kids Natural hardly sank while sitting or lying on them.

A young tester rests on his side on the Birch Kids mattress

Cooling: 3.5/5

Below average. The mattress trapped a bit of heat during our cooling tests, so warmer sleepers may want to avoid this model.

Who Might Like the Birch Kids Natural

  • Environmentally-conscious shoppers. The Birch Kids Natural is made with organic cotton, wool, and natural latex, making it a great choice for shoppers seeking natural materials.
  • Parents seeking a long-lasting bed. The flippable design allows the mattress to adapt to your child as they grow.
  • Back and side sleepers. The Birch Kids earned a perfect score for pressure relief, offering excellent cushioning and stability for young sleepers across the board.

Who Might Not Like the Birch Kids Natural

  • Kids who sleep hot. The mattress performed about average in the cooling category and retained more heat than many competing kidsโ€™ mattresses.
  • Budget-conscious families. The premium organic materials come at a higher price than many traditional kidsโ€™ mattresses.

Other User Reviews

On the Birch website, the Birch Kids Natural mattress has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 112 customer reviews. Many praise it for its quality build, comfortable materials, and the lack of an off-gassing smell when unboxing the bed. Some reviewers mention that the dimensions are not 100% correct.

Plank Firm โ€“ Best Firm Mattress for Kids

Best Firm
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Brooklyn Bedding
Plank Firm
Firm Feel
Flippable
Supportive
Summer Sale
25% Off Sitewide with code SUMMER25 See Details
MC Icons Update 2022 Foam
Material
The Plank Firm is an all-foam mattress.
MC Icons Update 2022 MattressSoftness
Firmness
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with two firmness levels on each side. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the softer side a 8/10. The firmer side comes in at a 9/10.
MC Icons Update Pcire Range
Price
$749-$1,532 (before any discounts)
MC Icons Update 2022 mattress
Size
Twin, twin XL, short full, full, short queen, queen, olympic queen, short king, split king, split california king, California king, RV king
MC Icons Update 2022 11
Stomach Sleepers
It offers ample hip support for most stomach sleepers, especially on the firmer side.
MC Icons Update 2022 01
Heavyweight Sleepers
This mattress has a thick comfort layer and sturdy coils that can handle heavier weights.
Pros of the Plank Firm
It has a flippable design, so you can easily change its firmness level by turning the mattress over.
Itโ€™s the firmest mattress we have tested, so if you need a lot of spinal support, this is a good option.
It works well for stomach sleepers because it helps keep hips elevated and in the correct alignment.
Cons of the Plank Firm
This mattress is too firm for most side sleepers.
Because itโ€™s made entirely out of foam, it tends to trap body heat.
MC Icons Update 2022 Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping
MC Icons Update 2022 Sleep Trial 41
Trial Period
120 nights
MC Icons Update 2022 Warranty
Warranty
10-year warranty
MC Icons Update 2022 Return
Returns
Youโ€™ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โ€œbreak-inโ€ period.

The Plank Firm mattress is one of the most supportive mattresses on the market. It has a flippable design, with two firmness levels in one. On our firmness scale, the the softer side feels like a 8/10 and the firmer side feels like a 9/10. Both sides tend to work well for stomach sleepers, but most side sleepers wonโ€™t get enough pressure relief on this bed. Watch our video review to learn more.

Testing Highlights

  • Response. Both sides of the Plank Firm are easy to move around on, making it a good option for children who are restless sleepers.
  • Edge Support. The Extra-Firm side of the Plank Firm has exceptional edge support, which is perfect for children who tend to gravitate towards the perimeter or fall off of the bed at night.

Why the Plank Firm is the Best Firm Mattress for Kids

The Plank Firm mattress isnโ€™t designed specifically for kids, but itโ€™s definitely intended to be firm. Like many of the other mattresses on this list, itโ€™s flippable, with two extra-firm sides coming in at 8/10 and 9/10 on our firmness scale. The result is a lifted feel that should work great for young sleepers who need extra support, such as those with larger frames or kiddos who prefer sleeping on their stomach.

To find out more about this bed, read our full Plank Firm mattress review.

What Our Tester Says

โ€œThere was enough contouring from the foamโ€”especially on the less firm sideโ€”that I didnโ€™t notice a lot of pressure build-up. I think either side is good for back sleepers, but I am concerned about how side-sleeping kids would feel on it, and hope the foam would be enough.โ€

Sosha Lewis, Certified Sleep Science Coach

โ€œFirmโ€ Side Testing Data

A man presses into the Plank mattress

Firmness: 8/10

Even the traditional firm side of the Plank mattress is still very firm, ensuring the extra-firm side lives up to its name.

Pressure map of an average weight back sleeper on the Firm Side of the Plank Firm mattress.

Pressure Relief: 2.7/5

Below average. This isnโ€™t the best mattress for pressure relief, even if you like a firmer feel.

Testing the edge support of the Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding

Edge Support: 3.8/5

Below average. Even with its firmer feel, we noticed a surprising amount of sinkage along the edge of the Plank Firm mattress, particularly on the traditional-firm side.

Thermal imaging of the Plank Firm mattress after being slept on

Cooling: 3.5/5

Below average. Despite the increase in surface temperature, the Plank Firm felt temperature-neutral on either side.

Partner test on the Plank Firm mattress 3

Motion Isolation: 3.3/5

Below average. Motion traveled rather easily across this mattress, which could annoy light sleepers who share the bed.

Response test on the Plank Firm Mattress

Response: 5/5

Exceptional. Since the bed is so firm, you donโ€™t sink too far into it, making for excellent ease of movement.

โ€œExtra-Firmโ€ Side Testing Data

Plank Firm seated edge support test 2

Firmness: 9/10

The extra-firm side of the Plank Firm is indeed extremely firm.

Pressure map of an average weight back sleeper on the Extra Firm Side of the Plank Firm mattress.

Pressure Relief: 3.1/5

Below average. This mattress is super-firm and wonโ€™t provide much in the way of pressure relief.

Plank Firm seated edge support test

Edge Support: 4.8/5

Above average. Compared to the traditional-firm side, the extra-firm sideโ€™s edge support is rock-solid.

Thermal imaging of the Plank Firm Luxe Mattress after being rested on

Cooling: 3/5

Below average. The Plank Firm mattress didnโ€™t feel particularly cool, so we wouldnโ€™t recommend it for hot sleepers.

Ripple test on the Plank Firm mattress 2

Motion Isolation: 4.3/5

Above average. In our water glass test on the extra-firm side, we were surprised to see very little disturbance.

Stomach-sleeping on the Plank Firm

Response: 4/5

Below average. The dense nature of the extra-firm side made it more difficult to move around on, but itโ€™s still impressive for an all-foam mattress.

Who Might Like the Plank Firm

  • Stomach and back sleepers. With firmness levels of 8/10 and 9/10, the Plank Firm offers exceptional support for kids who need a lifted sleeping surface.
  • Kids with bigger bodies. The ultra-firm construction helps prevent excessive sinkage, making it a good fit for children with larger body types.
  • Families who want an eventual guest bed. The flippable design offers sleeping surfaces that may appeal to adults who prefer an especially supportive feel.

Who Might Not Like the Plank Firm

  • Side sleepers. While the foam provides some contouring, the mattress is unlikely to offer enough cushioning around the shoulders and hips for most side sleepers.
  • Kids who sleep hot. The Plank Firm didnโ€™t perform particularly well in our cooling tests, so kids who tend to overheat may want a mattress with better ventilation or additional cooling features.

Other User Reviews

The Plank Firm has an average score of 4.7 out of 5 based on 4,156 reviews. However, many of these reviewers are adult sleepers. Still, many reviewers praise its firmness and support for back and stomach sleeping. There are a handful of reviews that mention giving the Plank Firm to their kids with positive feedback.

Leesa Kids โ€“ Best Cooling Mattress for Kids

Best Cooling
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Leesa
Leesa Kids
Good for Bunk Beds
Memory Foam
Fourth of July Sale
30% Off Mattresses | Up to 35% Off Mattress and Adjustable Base Bundle | 25% Off Bedding See Details
MC Icons Update 2022 Foam
Material
The Leesa Kids is a memory foam mattress. It features softer foam layers for cushioning and firmer ones for support.
MC Icons Update 2022 MattressSoftness
Firmness
This bed feels quite firm (7.5/10 on our firmness scale).
MC Icons Update Pcire Range
Price
$499-$599 (before discounts)
MC Icons Update 2022 mattress
Size
Twin, full
MC Icons Update 2022 08
Kids
This mattress is intended for children transitioning to a big-kid bed (ages 4 and up).
Brand Icon 15
Hot Sleepers
This bed scored a 4/5 on our cooling tests, which is very respectable for a foam model.
Pros of the Leesa Kids
Although itโ€™s an all-foam bed, its medium-firm feel should still be supportive enough for growing kids.
The aerated foam that comprises the second layer runs cooler than traditional memory foams.
Its low profile (7.5โ€ณ) makes it a good fit for bunk beds and trundle beds.
Cons of the Leesa Kids
Unlike many other mattresses designed for growing children, this one is not flippable.
Thereโ€™s no water-repellent or waterproof layer to this bedโ€”it will likely need a mattress protector.
MC Icons Update 2022 Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping
MC Icons Update 2022 Sleep Trial 41
Trial Period
100 nights
MC Icons Update 2022 Warranty
Warranty
10-year warranty
MC Icons Update 2022 Return
Returns
Youโ€™ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โ€œbreak-inโ€ period.

The Leesa Kids mattress has three foam layers that stack up to a 7.5-inch height. Its low profile makes it a popular choice for bunk beds, and its sturdy base foam ensures that children have proper support for their backs beneath airier comfort layers. Although it isnโ€™t flippable and doesnโ€™t have built-in waterproofing, itโ€™s a relatively affordable and cozy option for youngsters.

Testing Highlights

  • Response. Both sides of the Plank Firm are easy to move around on, making it a good option for children who are restless sleepers.
  • Edge Support. The Extra-Firm side of the Plank Firm has exceptional edge support, which is perfect for children who tend to gravitate towards the perimeter or fall off of the bed at night.

Why the Leesa Kids is the Best Cooling Mattress for Kids

If your child wakes up drenched in sweat, they might like a cooling mattress like the Leesa Kids bed. Most all-foam beds like this one tend to trap heat and make a less-than-ideal choice for hot sleepers, but this isnโ€™t the case with this mattress. It earned a 4/5 in our cooling tests, with our tester Sosha Lewis rather surprised that it felt cooler than expected. 

Sosha used a thermal gun to measure the surface temperature of the mattress before and after lying on it for seven minutes. For the Leesa Kids, she recorded an impressive 6.3-degree increase, meaning it shouldnโ€™t retain much body heat over an extended period of time.

Aside from cooling, it performed respectably in all our other tests, so itโ€™s a well-rounded mattress that should appeal to a variety of younger sleepers.

For a deeper dive into this bed, read our dedicated Leesa Kids mattress review

What Our Tester Says

โ€œThe Leesa Kids didnโ€™t noticeably heat up as I was lying there. I would recommend this mattress to any parents with kids who struggle with overheating at night.โ€

Sosha Lewis, Certified Sleep Science Coach
A young tester rests on his side on the Leesa Kids mattress

Pressure Relief: 4/5

Average. The firmer feel may not be for everyone, but the Leesa Kids provides solid support and comfort for kids.

A young tester sits on the edge of the Leesa Kids mattress

Edge Support: 4.5/5

Above average. Thereโ€™s a bit of sinkage while seated, but not while lying down on the mattressโ€™s edge.

Thermal readings of the Leesa Kids Mattress

Cooling: 4/5

Average. The Leesa Kids performed well in our cooling tests, only recording a 6.3-degree increase within a few minutes.

Who Might Like the Leesa Kids Mattress

  • Kids who sleep hot. The Leesa Kids earned a strong 4-star score for cooling, beating the odds and staying temperature-neutral despite its all-foam construction.
  • Back and side sleepers. Its firm yet contouring foam construction helped it earn an above-average pressure relief score, offering a comfortable blend for most young sleepers.
  • Parents looking for a well-rounded all-foam mattress. The Leesa Kids performed consistently well across our tests, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of children.

Who Might Not Like the Leesa Kids Mattress

  • Parents seeking strong edge support. During testing, the perimeter of the Leesa Kids compressed noticeably when sitting on it, indicating it might not be the best option for children who sleep on the far reaches of the bed night after night.
  • Older kids who need a firmer mattress. The contouring foam creates a more cushioned feel than other models on this list.
  • Families seeking a versatile mattress. Unlike many of our favorite kidsโ€™ mattresses, the Leesa Kids isnโ€™t flippable, so it offers just one comfort level.

Other User Reviews

The Leesa Kids mattress has a 4.3-star rating based on 30 reviews. Many parents like using it as a bunk bed mattress, praising it for being on the thinner side so it properly fits in them. A handful of critical reviews say the mattress is firmer or shorter than advertised.

Latest Updates: In May 2026, we updated our scores for the Plank Firm to reflect the performance of the latest model. We also added images and performance scores to further explain how we came to each mattressโ€™s overall score.

Other Mattresses for Kids We Researched

Didnโ€™t find what you were looking for in the list above? Here are some other kidsโ€™ beds that we tested:

  • Brentwood Juniper โ€“ The Juniper mattress has a cute striped pattern and is touted by the brand as one of the best kidsโ€™ mattresses for bunk beds. Our young tester really loved this mattress on his back, which had a surprisingly softer feel in this position. Unfortunately, this mattress ran a little hot, so we wouldnโ€™t recommend it for kids who are prone to overheating. 
  • 5 Little Monkeys โ€“ This 8โ€ memory foam mattress has a slightly firmer feel but still offers plenty of pressure relief for kids who sleep on their back and side. Like most mattresses manufactured for kids, it comes in twin and full sizes. However, it is also offered in queen-size, which can come in handy if you have young ones who share the bed or sometimes convert your little oneโ€™s room into a guest room. Our testers stayed pretty cool when testing its temperature regulation, but found the edge support a bit lacking.

How We Tested the Best Mattresses for Kids

Kids are a notoriously picky bunch, making it difficult to choose a mattress that will work with their ever-adapting preferences. To help you find the right bed for your kid, hereโ€™s what we focused on when narrowing down the best childrenโ€™s mattresses out there.

Versatile Feel

A young boy in a blue shirt and green shorts rests on his side on the Brooklyn Bedding Kids mattress

Sleep is essential during all stages of life, especially in the early years. Children under 12 need more sleep to function well during the day. While thereโ€™s no steadfast rule, in broad strokes, kids younger than seven years old should sleep on a firmer mattress to ensure proper spinal alignment. Parents can begin introducing softer mattresses to kids eight and up. A durable, easy-to-clean mattress can be important in case accidents occur.

However, just like clothing, kids can outgrow a mattress. From 0 to 3, a firm mattress is ideal for safe sleep in infants and toddlers. Children 3-7 should have a firm to medium-firm bed that helps promote proper posture. Kids 8-12 may prefer a softer surface with more cushioning. Once kids reach 12, they may develop their own firmness and feel preferences.

Support and Pressure Relief

A versatile mattress must also offer plenty of support and pressure relief. โ€œA mattress that balances support and pressure relief will provide the most comfort for sleepers of all ages,โ€ says Dr. Raj Dasgupta. โ€œA supportive mattress will keep the spine aligned, while a pressure-relieving one will cradle pressure points as they dig into the mattress, eliminating discomfort and pain.โ€  

To measure support, we had our testers lie down in each sleeping position (on their side, back, and stomach) and judge whether they felt their spine was aligned in each. The ideal alignment should follow the natural S-curve of your spine. This is especially important for younger children during growth spurts. A supportive mattress can also help with growing pains.

Pressure relief can also help cradle sensitive joints like the knees, hips, and shoulders. To test a bedโ€™s pressure relief, our testers lie on the surface of the mattress on their back and side, the two positions that require the most pressure relief. From here, they note whether they feel pressure building up anywhere along their body and rate their overall comfort out of 5. 

In some instances, weโ€™ll have our tester use a specialized mat that records which parts of the body experience the most pressure. The result is a color-coded map that shows areas of high (red and yellow) or low (blue and green) pressure, as well as an overall average pressure reading. This allows for a more subjective assessment of our testerโ€™s opinion. The final rating out of 5 for pressure relief is the average of all our testersโ€™ scores. 

The pressure that builds up along the body varies from children to adults, with adults tending to feel more pressure in the hips and shoulders, whereas children experience it mostly near their head and heels. Whenever possible, we had testers under the age of 13 try out these beds. If not, we had our lightweight or average-weight testers take their place and make note of where kids might feel a difference.

Durability

Kids are often restless sleepers and many of them  love jumping or roughhousing on the bed, meaning that their mattresses go through more than just stages of growth. Itโ€™s important, then, that these beds are built to last throughout this period of change. 

If youโ€™re looking for a durable mattress, I always suggest you go for coil mattresses over those made of foam, as coils will help the mattress maintain its shape. But if you choose a foam bed, make sure it has dense, quality layers, including a strong support core. 

Also, look for beds with strong edge support. We use this metric for durability because it indicates how likely a mattress is to sag over time. If the perimeter can hold up when bearing weight, thereโ€™s a high chance that the rest of the mattress will behave similarly, even with repeated use. Edge support is assessed by sitting and lying down at the perimeter, evaluating the amount of sinkage and our level of security in each position, and then rating it out of 5. 

Finally, you can also take a look at the brandโ€™s offered warranty. The warranty acts like a preview of the bedโ€™s longevity. Most mattresses will last around seven to ten years, which is why the most common warranty type is a 10-year warranty. But some brands offer 15-year, 25-year, and even lifetime warranties, which speaks to the brandโ€™s confidence in the product. 

What Else Is Important When Buying a Mattress for Kids?

If the high-level categories I outlined above havenโ€™t helped you make a decision, here are some other factors you and your child might want to consider before your final purchase. 

Sleeping Position 

โ€œYour sleeping position has a large impact on the ideal feel and firmness of your mattress,โ€ says Dr. Raj Dasgupta. While we recommend firmer mattresses for kids overall, they might take issue with this suggestion if they sleep in certain positions.

Three icons show different sleeping positions

Side sleepers, for example, tend to prefer softer mattresses. This is because they need their body to sink further into the mattress around the hips and shoulders, while also keeping pressure off these areas. If your child sleeps on their side, they might prefer a medium or medium-firm mattress over a super-firm bed.

But if your child sleeps on their stomach, a firm bed might be perfect for their needs. Stomach sleepers need a super-supportive surface to keep their hips elevated in this position. Back sleepers might also be able to get away with a firm mattress; just make sure it allows for enough give at the lower back to keep proper spinal alignment. 

Mattress Size

Children can grow fast, and that usually comes faster than you expect them to. If your child has grown uncomfortable on their twin bed, the extra space provided by a twin XL will give themโ€”and your walletโ€”a break.

A young boy in a blue shirt and green shorts rests on his back on the Brooklyn Bedding Kids mattress

Full-size mattresses are also a great pick for a big-kid bed. As your child grows and demands more space, a full mattress is closer in size to a queen. It might even last them up until they move out, as itโ€™s a popular pick for young adultsโ€”or at the very least through terrible teendom. It could also work if you plan on using their bed for a guest room after theyโ€™ve transitioned out of it.

Safety Certifications and Allergies

Safety and materials are crucial when looking at beds for your little ones. Studies have shown that many commercial mattresses contain several harmful emissions of volatile and semivolatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) that could negatively impact your childโ€™s health. This is why we sought out a well-rounded batch of mattresses made from non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials to ensure a healthy sleep environment. We also included mattresses made from organic cotton or natural latex, which are good options for those concerned about allergens. 

A collage of organic certification logos on a white background

If your child suffers from allergies, itโ€™s best to choose an organic or all-natural mattress made from hypoallergenic materials. When shopping for anti-allergy bedding and mattresses, look for materials that resist allergens, including dust mites, mold, and mildew. Some of these materials include certified organic Talalay or Dunlop latex, plant-based memory foams, organic cotton, and bamboo.

Many mattresses that fall into the organic and all-natural category also use natural flame retardants, which is a plus for those looking to avoid models with fiberglass. While these mattresses are not a cure-all for your childโ€™s allergies, they can help prevent them from worsening by mitigating the buildup of allergens to which they may be sensitive.

Best Kids Mattress FAQs

What type of mattress is best for kids?

Whether you opt for a foam or coil mattress, choose a medium-firm to medium mattress that offers plenty of support for your child. You might want to consider a flippable option with dual-firmness that can accommodate both younger and older children. The best mattresses for kids will be versatile, supportive, pressure-relieving, and durable enough to last through many life changes.

Should kids have a soft or firm mattress?

Younger kids typically fare better on a firmer mattress, since it will better support their spine as it grows. When they reach the age of about 7 or 8, they may want to transition to a softer mattress that has more pressure relief for their larger size.

Are spring or memory foam mattresses better for kids?

We often recommend beds with springs over foam because they may offer better support. Children may love the bouncier feel for restless shifting or playing on the mattress. Beds with coils also tend to hold their shape better, which might benefit parents who like to sit on the edge of the bed for storytime or tucking their child in.

But memory foam mattresses have their perks too; if your child wants to feel โ€œhuggedโ€ by their mattress, you may have more luck. Foam beds also tend to cost less if youโ€™re looking for a budget option.

Recap: Best Mattresses for Kids

MattressAward
Helix KidsBest Mattress for Kids Overall
Nectar KidsBest Memory Foam Mattress for Kids
Bear CubBest Twin-Size Mattress for Kids
Nolah NurtureBest Hybrid Mattress for Kids
Saatva YouthBest Full-Size Mattress for Kids
Brooklyn Bedding KidsBest Affordable Mattress for Kids
Birch Kids NaturalBest Organic Mattress for Kids
Plank FirmBest Firm Mattress for Kids
Leesa KidsBest Cooling Mattress for Kids

References

  • Bathory, E., & Tomopoulos, S. (2017). Sleep Regulation, Physiology and Development, Sleep Duration and Patterns, and Sleep Hygiene in Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care, 47(2), 29โ€“42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cppeds.2016.12.001
  • Laird, Molly & Razmus, Ivy & Conrad, Megan. (2020). WEIGHT AND PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION ON MATTRESS SURFACES VARIES BETWEEN CHILDREN AND ADULTS. Biomedical Sciences Instrumentation. 56. 370-374.
  • Vaezafshar, S., Wolk, S., Simpson, K., Razegheh Akhbarizadeh, Blum, A., Jantunen, L. M., & Diamond, M. L. (2025). Are Sleeping Children Exposed to Plasticizers, Flame Retardants, and UV-Filters from Their Mattresses? Environmental Science & Technology. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5c03560

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Livvi DiCicco

Livvi DiCicco

Staff Writer, Certified Sleep Science Coach, Certified Stress Management Coach

About Author

Livvi has been writing and researching sleep-based content for over a year. This, alongside her penchant for napping and extreme tossing and turning, has made her something close to an โ€œexpertโ€ in the realm of sleep science, sleep products, and sleep accessories. Sheโ€™s been consulted for her knowledge of the sleep space by publications such as Authority Magazine, Bustle, and Livingetc.