Best Mattress for Kids - Firm or Soft, What Type is Best?
Last Updated: December, 2024
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Choosing the right mattress for your child is essential for their growth, comfort, and overall well-being. Kids need proper support as they transition through various stages of development, and a good mattress plays a crucial role in ensuring they get the restful sleep they need. In this guide, we’ll explore the best mattress options for kids, considering factors such as firmness, materials, durability, and safety features, so you can make an informed decision and give your child the perfect foundation for a healthy night's sleep.
According to our 2-stage review process, the best mattress for kids is the Ghostbed Classic. This timeless mattress is built to last and keep your kid well-supported throughout the night, which means they stay asleep longer and wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to take on the day. Below are 7 kid mattresses that work well with bunk beds too.
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7 Picks For The Best Mattress For Kids
GhostBed Classic
Your child will be able to rest easy on the Ghostbed classic mattress, which is a medium-firm bed that's ideal for balanced comfort. It comes in a variety of sizes, including a twin XL mattress model and a California King-size mattress.
Ocean Blue - Sweetnight 8'' Hybrid Mattress
The Ocean Blue features cooling gel-infused memory foam, which helps regulate temperature, keeping kids cool throughout the night.
Zinus Memory Foam 8 Inch Mattress
This Zinus Mattress combines memory foam layers with a supportive system to conform to your kid's body while offering proper support.
Zinus 8 Inch Hybrid Green Tea & Spring Mattress
This Zinus Hybrid bed features green tea extracts that help to naturally maintain freshness on your child's bed and prevent odor buildup.
Signature Design 12 Inch Chime Express Mattress
The Signature Design 12-inch Chime Express Mattress is made of hypoallergenic materials that help minimize the risk of allergens like dust mites and pet dander, for allergic kids.
Inofia sleeping 8 Inch Hybrid Comfort Mattress
Inofia mattresses are well-known for their durability, and this 8-inch hybrid model is no exception. Its innerspring coils ensure that it retains its normal shape over years of use, making it a long-lasting alternative for kids as they grow.
Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress
If you want to get something for a good price, with gel on top and lots of layers of foam, look no further than this cool mattress for hot sleepers.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Material | Sizes | Thickness (inches) | Sleep Position |
|---|---|---|---|
Gel-infused Memory Foam | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King | 11” | Back, Side, Stomach, Combo |
Overall Thoughts
The GhostBed Classic is a medium-firm cooling mattress that's without a doubt worth the investment. It's an 11" all-foam mattress for kids that consists of 4 layers of different foams.
These layers offer a plush, supportive platform while also actively cooling those who sleep hot. Thanks to its unique design, buyers with kids who sleep hot can rest assured the children will appreciate its unparalleled cooling mechanism.
If your child has issues with bedwetting, you can also add a GhostProtector to your order. This waterproof organic cotton cover locks out all moisture without creating a crinkly plastic feeling like most other protectors do.
Based on our assessment, this mattress is highly responsive compared to other foam mattresses. With the perfect balance of firmness and plushness, this mattress provides optimal support for a growing body.
In case your kid suffers from allergies or asthma, this mattress is a perfect fit for them. Its foams are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it's free of harmful chemicals.
GhostBed Classic comes with a 20-year warranty and a 101-night sleep trial. Shipping and returns are free to households within the 48 continental United States. For a high-quality mattress, the GhostBed Classic mattress is available at a reasonably affordable price, with the queen-size model going for $842.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Material | Sizes | Thickness (inches) | Sleep Position |
|---|---|---|---|
Gel-infused Memory Foam | Queen | 8”, 12” | Side, Back |
Overall Thoughts:
The Sweetnight Hybrid is an 8-inch mattress designed with young sleepers and bunk beds in mind. It will provide your child with the perfect balance of support, comfort, and pressure relief with the individually-wrapped innersprings and foam set on top.
As one of the most sought-after mattresses, we loved this SweetNight model's state-of-the-art cooling features. Its gel-infused memory foam layer ensured we slept cool the entire night. The cover's moisture-wicking mechanism keeps the surface cool, preventing your kids from waking up in a pool of sweat.
The high-density memory foam layer, along with the gel-infused foam, is also good at isolating motion. This makes the Ocean Blue Hybrid Mattress a suitable option for those with kids who share a bed.
Your kids can sleep and relax on this healthy and hypoallergenic (CertiPUR-US Certified) mattress. Since it's made of organic materials, it's free of dangerous VOCs, making it an ideal choice for asthmatic kids and those with allergies.
I found that side sleepers will enjoy the support and pressure relief this bed offers. It should help prevent any discomfort around their shoulders and hips.
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If your child is a back sleeper, the support and cushioning offered by the medium firmness of this kids mattress will ensure their spine's natural curvature remains intact. This also limits the possibility of waking up with back pains.
As for kids who are stomach sleepers, the medium firm surface of the mattress is supportive enough to prevent potential spinal misalignment.
This SweetNight mattress is available on various platforms at a relatively affordable price. In addition, the vendors ensure you get value from this mattress by providing a 10-year warranty and a risk-free 100-night sleep trial.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
Material | Sizes | Thickness (inches) | Sleep Position |
|---|---|---|---|
Memory Foam | Twin, Full, King, Queen, Short Queen | 5”, 6”, 8”, 10”, 12” | Back, Side |
Overall Thoughts
This Zinus Memory Foam 8-inch Mattress incorporates green tea infusions that will help with pressure relief and support a better night’s sleep for your child.
Another feature I noticed and liked is its remarkably breathable cover. The cover shielded me against night sweats the entire time. I think this can also be attributed to the ultra-cooling gel memory foam, which wicked away excess body heat to keep me cool and comfortable.
I appreciate how Zinus incorporates safety in all its mattresses, including this 8-inch hybrid model. This Zinus Memory Foam Mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring it meets strict standards for durability, emission, and performance. So, if your child struggles with asthma or allergies, this mattress will be an incredible addition to their overall sleep experience.
As a firmer mattress, I think this mattress will be ideal for buyers with children up to 18 months. It's also a better option for promoting growth and healthy sleeping positions.
Most kids who fall into this age category are predominantly back sleepers. If your kids often sleep on their back, you can rest assured that they'll enjoy an incredible amount of back support, essential for maintaining the natural curvature of their spine.
On the other hand, the mattress contours to their hips and shoulders when side sleeping. This is thanks to the bed’s hybrid design and the memory foam construction.
Like most Zinus Mattresses, this one is available on various platforms at a pocket-friendly price. Most of these platforms offer free shipping and returns within the continental United States. Warranty and trial period vary from one vendor to another.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Material | Sizes | Thickness (inches) | Sleep Position |
|---|---|---|---|
High-Density Foam | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King, California King | 6”, 8”, 10”, 12” | Back, Stomach, Combo |
Overall Thoughts
The Zinus 8-inch Hybrid Mattress is another perfect fit for buyers with kids who often sleep hot. It's also an ideal pick for those looking for the best kids' mattress for bunk beds.
This soft mattress isn’t just any ordinary bed. It’s infused with green tea extracts and castor natural seed oil, both of which will help keep odor and bacteria at bay. Keep your kids safe and sleeping well thanks to the high-quality foam that ensures the mattress is durable, soft, and cooling throughout the night.
I loved the combination of innerspring coils and memory foam, as it offered the perfect balance of comfort and support.
This is evident in its top layer of memory foam that will contour to your child's body, helping relieve pressure points for a restful sleep. Even better, its medium firmness feel makes it an incredible pick for growing bodies.
This mattress has excellent motion isolation that will ensure your kid stays undisturbed throughout the night. This feature is ideal for buyers who often sleep beside their kids or siblings who share a bed. You can toss and turn comfortably without worrying about disturbing your kids at night.
Like other Zinus foam mattresses, this model is CertiPUR-US Certified, meaning it doesn't emit dangerous VOCs. So, if your kid suffers from allergies or asthma, this mattress will protect them from allergic symptoms.
With a pocket-friendly price tag, this bed is among the few high-quality mattresses that come at a cheaper price. Moreover, it's available on various platforms, including Amazon, and comes with warranty, shipping, and trial policies that vary from one seller to another.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
Material | Sizes | Thickness (inches) | Sleep Position |
|---|---|---|---|
Gel-infused Memory Foam | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | 6”, 10”, 11”, 12”, 13”, 14”, 14”, 16” | Side, Back |
Overall Thoughts
The Signature Design 12-inch Chime Express Mattress is a hybrid bed designed with hot sleepers in mind. It features cooling gel foam for a comfortable night’s sleep and is best suited for young sleepers.
Signature Design’s hypoallergenic materials allow kids to comfortably relax on top of the quilted foam without sneezing or having difficulties breathing. It also grants kids lots of support, thanks to the high-density foam and 360 individually wrapped coils.
While testing the mattress, its super breathability prevented heat build up during the night, allowing for proper air circulation. This feature makes the Signature Design 12-inch Chime Express Mattress a perfect choice for parents living with kids in hot regions or during hot summer months.
If you're easily frustrated with being woken up by your kid's nighttime movements, then this mattress is for you. Its foam layers do an excellent task of preventing the transfer of motion from one side of the bed to the other. So you don't have to worry about being woken up as your child tosses and turns in bed at night.
Another feature I loved about this mattress is its hypoallergenic mechanism, which enables it to resist mold, dust mites, and other allergens. Overall, the mattress will shield your kid against asthmatic or allergic attacks.
The Signature Design 12-inch Chime Express Mattress is available on many platforms out there, including Amazon. It also comes with a warranty and free shipping. However, these policies vary from platform to platform.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Material | Sizes | Thickness (inches) | Sleep Position |
|---|---|---|---|
Gel-infused Memory Foam | Twin, Full, Queen, King | 8”, 10”, 12” | Back |
Overall Thoughts
Like most hybrid mattresses, the Inofia Sleeping 8-inch Hybrid Comfort Mattress is made to be firm yet supportive. This hybrid design promotes maximum airflow and makes the surface much more breathable. Your kids are sure to wake up in the morning sweat-free and incredibly rejuvenated—which is crucial for their growth.
While the Inofia Sleeping 8-Inch Hybrid Comfort Mattress is engineered to accommodate a wide variety of sleepers, it's best suited for back sleepers. The innerspring coils and foam layers offer excellent support and body contouring for proper spinal alignment.
Although this mattress tends to be slightly firm for lightweight side sleepers, its foam layers help offer some cushioning around the hips and shoulders. I think it might work well for side sleepers who prefer a slightly firmer feel.
Like many high-quality mattresses on the market, this Inofia Model is made of healthy and eco-friendly materials—all designed to keep your kid's sleep sanctuary hygienic and safe. It features CertiPUR-US certified layers, ensuring it's free of harmful VOCs, heavy metals such as mercury and lead, and other dangerous chemicals.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Material | Sizes | Thickness (inches) | Sleep Position |
|---|---|---|---|
Foam | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King, Cal King | 6”, 8”, 10”, 12”, 14” | Back, Side |
Overall Thoughts
The Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam is engineered to offer an ideal blend of comfort, body support, and temperature regulation, making it a solid pick for kids. It boasts gel infusions, which help regulate body temperature by wicking away excess heat to ensure a cool and comfortable environment.
Another thing I loved about this bed's contouring foam is how it offered essential support for proper spinal alignment. During testing, it conformed to every part of my body, offering support wherever needed.
Thanks to the hypoallergenic quality of this kid's mattress, you can rest assured that your child will breathe and sleep comfortably. Even better, this mattress' foams are CertiPUR-US certified, assuring buyers that it doesn't emit harmful VOCs that may cause breathing complications for kids.
Comparison Table of the Best Mattresses for Kids
Check out our summary table below for a quick comparison of the unique features and benefits of the best kids’ mattresses in the market.
Mattress Model | Sleep Preference | Certifications | Cooling (rating out of 10) | Motion Transfer (rating out of 10) | Edge Support (rating out of 10) | Pressure Relief (rating out of 10) | Responsiveness (rating out of 10) |
GhostBed Classic Mattress | Back, Side, Stomach, Combo | CertiPUR-US, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 6 |
Ocean Blue SweetNight Hybrid Mattress | Back, Side | CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | 8 | 2 | 8 | 7.5 | 7 |
Zinus Memory Foam Mattress | Side, Back | CertiPUR-US | 6 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 5 |
Zinus Hybrid Green Tea & Spring Mattress | Back, Stomach, Combo | CertiPUR-US | 7.5 | 3 | 7.5 | 7 | 7 |
Signature Design Chime Express Mattress | Back, Stomach, Combo | CertiPUR-US | 6.5 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
Inofia Sleeping Hybrid Comfort Mattress | Back, Side, Combo | CertiPUR-US | 7.5 | 3 | 7.5 | 7 | 7 |
Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress | Back, Side | CertiPUR-US | 7 | 2 | 5.5 | 8 | 6.5 |
Why Good Sleep is Important for Children
Children should sleep on the right mattress to enhance sleep quality. This should be backed by keeping the mattress clean throughout, which might be difficult with kids. Click here to read about cleaning pee stains.
Growth
Getting the recommended amount of sleep is important for everyone. But it is especially important for children who are still going through their formative years.
Getting less sleep can do more harm than good, but there are instances where some children will have problems going to sleep or staying asleep, which might require some form of treatment.
Sleep is one of the most integral parts of growth. Children who get an adequate amount of sleep show development in the areas of behavior, memory, learning, attention, and overall physical, emotional, and mental health. On the other hand, those who do not get the recommended hours of sleep can be at risk for depression, obesity, or high blood pressure.
Sleeping Recommendations
There are different sleep recommendations for children depending on their age. Children will typically spend more time asleep than they spend awake, and during those times, it will be important for them to receive adequate sleep for growth, development, and overall well-being.
For infants, the recommended amount is 12-16 hours. Children 1-2 years old will need 11-14 hours, children 3-5 years old will need 10-13 hours, and children 6-12 will need 9-12 hours. Teenagers 13-18 years old should get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
Important Factors for Choosing the Best Mattress for Kids
Remember, each child has unique needs, so there isn't one best kids mattress to suit all children. Factors such as the kid's preferred sleep position, size, and available space may play a pivotal role in which bed is best for them.
When selecting the best bed for kids, considering specific factors that affect the value of sleep and the sleep experience in general, such as edge support, temperature regulation, and pressure relief, may help you settle for the perfect mattress for your child.
Size
The size of your kid's mattress will depend on different factors, such as your child’s size, age, and the ability to let your child grow into it as they get older.
Depending on these factors, you will need to get your child a crib mattress, a toddler mattress, or a kid mattress. When they grow taller, you will be able to upgrade your child’s mattress to a full-size mattress or a twin XL-size mattress.
Toddler beds or crib mattresses are usually quickly outgrown. Tip for the creative parents out there: crib mattresses can also be converted to pet beds after your kid outgrows them!
Durability
Kids love to play rough more often than not, and one way they love to show this is by jumping up and down on their beds. You’ll need to find a mattress for kids that will remain strong through the playful seasons of their lives and through all of the sleepovers they'll have.
Most mattresses can last for ten years, although a few factors can compromise the state and overall durability of your mattress.
Ability to Let Children Grow into the Mattress
Children can grow faster than you may think, so they’ll need a kid's mattress that will allow them to have enough space to sleep even when they are taller.
If your kid is only 6 or 7 years old, they may be better off with a bed that seems large for them. That way, you won't have to look for something new to fit them as they grow.
While most smaller mattresses come at an affordable price point, there is a big chance that your children will eventually grow out of it. To save the most money, get your child a high-quality, durable mattress that they can grow into.
Comfort and Support
Children will need proper spinal alignment and comfort levels to keep themselves and their bodies happy, just like adults do. It is best to avoid a kid's mattress that's rough and saggy to prevent your child’s body from being shifted out of alignment.
To determine which mattress will work best, take advantage of the trial period that most mattress stores offer so you can test the mattress' firmness and comfort level of the bed before making a final decision.
I'd recommend at least a 100-night sleep trial for most memory foam, crib, and pillow top mattresses, especially if this is your first time purchasing a kid's mattress. Pressure relief is also very important, especially in a big kid bed where your child has more freedom and space to move around.
>> Related Content: Best Extra Firm Mattress
Sleeping Position
Your child's preferred sleeping position plays a vital role in how comfortable the bed feels. Side sleepers usually prefer a slightly softer mattress that allows the wider parts of the body, such as the shoulders and hips, to sink in more.
Back and stomach sleepers tend to opt for a firmer mattress to help support their midsection and prevent excessive sinkage.
If your kid moves around a lot at night, look for a mattress that balances contouring and support to accommodate all your kid's potential sleep positions.
A flippable mattress can also be an ideal alternative as it allows your kid to easily change from the firmer side to the softer side, and vice versa, for a good night's sleep.
Mattress Firmness Level
Mattress firmness level plays a significant role in how much support and contouring it offers.
Generally, softer mattresses allow the sleeper to sink into the mattress surface and enjoy more contouring. On the other hand, firmer and medium-firm mattresses tend to offer more support.
Generally, your kid's body weight and preferred sleeping position can impact the ideal firmness level.
Temperature Regulation
Nobody wants to wake up in a pool of sweat, and your child shouldn't have to, either. It's wise to find a quality kid's mattress with temperature control properties.
Some beds trap body heat, while other models allow it to dissipate. For kids prone to sweating or overheating at night, a bed with excellent temperature regulation will keep them more comfortable.
Hybrid, natural latex, and innerspring mattresses are usually more breathable than all-foam beds. However, it's also worth noting that some all-foam models have features that help them sleep cooler.
Contouring
This refers to how a bed conforms to your kid's body. Mattresses with more contouring are known for redistributing the sleeper's weight and relieving pressure buildup from the shoulders and hips. Kids suffering from pain at night may benefit the most from this pressure relief.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to how secure the edge of your kid's bed feels when they sleep or sit near it. If the edge doesn't feel safe enough, your child won't be able to use the entire bed surface as they could easily roll off.
Related Content: Best mattress for couples
Materials
The materials that the mattress is made of and the quality of those materials will impact the overall comfort, support, durability, and quality of your kids mattress.
For foam and latex mattresses, you should focus on the density and origin of the foam mattress material to determine the quality of the mattress. However, for innerspring mattresses, you’ll want to focus on the quality of the coils.
Safety Standards
Any mattress that you get for your child should be non-toxic and fulfil safety guidelines.
Your child will likely spend most of their time in their beds. So, it’s important that you surround them with organic materials that will not be heavily affected by environmental factors.
Here, an eco-organic kids mattress with natural materials and global organic latex standard or global organic textile standard certification will be a great alternative. A good option is the Plushbeds Eco Bliss mattress.
Mattress Thickness
When hunting for the best kid's mattress, you'll want to opt for a thinner model.
If your kid's mattress is too thick, it can make it quite challenging for them to get in and out of their beds. If your child's bed has safety runners along the side, make sure the mattress isn't higher than the runners.
Affordability
Because kids grow so fast and will outgrow their mattresses with time, you may want to think carefully about how much you're ready to spend on a new mattress. Spending thousands of dollars on an expensive mattress might not make sense if it's not long-lasting.
An affordable kids mattress is still a good mattress to have if it has all of the amazing qualities you are looking for. Setting your budget before you go searching for the best kids mattress will help you narrow down your selection.
Off Gassing
Off-gassing is the process whereby a new mattress releases a chemical smell when unpacked. This usually happens in mattress-in-a-box style beds. Letting the mattress air out during this period will speed up the dissipation process.
Crib Mattress vs Big Kid Mattress
A kid's best chance at a good night's sleep starts with the right type of mattress. If you have an infant or a toddler, you'll want to look specifically for a crib mattress, as opposed to an older kids bed.
Most crib mattresses feature waterproof, easy-to-clean materials since young kids are more prone to accidents and spills. They also have features that focus on safety, such as firm surfaces to support a baby's growing bones and prevent suffocation.
On the other hand, big kid mattresses are more flexible when it comes to firmness level. This is because older teens don't need the same level of support as small kids do. So, you are free to choose a softer or medium model based on your child's sleep preferences.
Generally, if your kids are outgrowing their crib and they can easily climb out of it, it might be time to invest in a big kid mattress. This transition often happens between the ages of 18 months and 3 years.
Other Accessories
In addition to the mattresses mentioned above for kids, there are other accessories that can help your kid sleep comfortably. They include:
Mattress Toppers
Mattress toppers can be placed over your child’s mattress to increase or decrease the softness and comfort level if the surface is too firm or soft for them.
Memory foam toppers, for instance, can provide extra cushioning to a firm mattress, reducing painful pressure points and making it more comfortable for your kid to sleep on.
However, it's worth noting that there are some instances where a topper might not deliver the desired improvement on your kid's mattress.
For example, if the mattress is sagging and has significant wear, a topper might not solve the underlying issues. Here, you may be better off replacing the mattress itself.
Pillows
While you may have the best supportive mattress for your kid, you'll still need a quality pillow to help align your child’s neck, head, and spine correctly and provide an extra level of comfort to them.
The type of pillow you get for your child may be determined by their preferred sleeping position.
Different types of pillows serve different purposes for each type of sleeping position. Placing pillows on or between different parts of the body can also help with proper alignment.
Mattress Protectors
Mattress protectors will come in handy to prevent your child from making big messes on their mattress. Younger kids tend to make a lot of messes for many reasons, so their mattresses must be protected from stains to maintain a decent level of durability.
Protectors can also help to keep the warranty of the mattress in place. This is because a warranty might become void when the mattress is exposed to liquid damage.
So, as you shop for the best mattress for your kid, it's also a good idea to grab a mattress protector to help safeguard your investment against accidents and spills.
Conclusion
The mattress that your child uses can make a big difference in their quality of sleep and healthy growth. As your kids grow, their needs also change, making it crucial to choose a sleep surface that delivers the right level of comfort, support, and durability for their age.
Irrespective of the material you opt for, ensure you get an affordable, all-natural, high-quality mattress that fulfils your kid's requirements. Our top-rated options are sure to deliver a restorative sleep sanctuary that supports your child's overall physical development and well-being.
Gabe is the newest member of The Sleep Shop team. If you like the design of The Sleep Shop, give Gabe a thumbs up. He’s a digital marketing and design guru and the brains behind the design and SEO of The Sleep Shop. He also won’t say no to testing a ton of mattresses either, and helps on almost every mattress review.
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