The Best Mattresses for Kids in 2026: Expert Approved

For busy parents who want to ensure their kids sleep soundly and thrive, investing in a high-quality mattress is about comfort and supporting focus, energy, and well-being every day. Here’s what to look for when selecting the best mattress for your child in 2025.

Why Trust Fortune

Our team of expert testers has tried around 30 of the most popular mattresses and brands on the market today, using our comprehensive sleep testing methodology to find the best mattresses for all folks.  

Best Mattresses for Kids of 2026

• Best Mattress for Kids Overall: Helix Kids
• Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids: Nectar Classic Memory Foam
• Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids: Saatva Youth
• Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Kids: Bear Cub
• Best Full Sized Mattress for Kids: Leesa Youth Mattress
• Best Mattress in a Box for Kids: Nolah Nurture Kids
• Best Affordable Mattress for Kids: Brooklyn Bedding Kids
• Best Organic Mattress for Kids: Birch Kids

Best Mattresses for Kids Comparison Table

Mattresses	Type	Firmness	Cooling	Cost
Helix Kids	Hybrid	Medium firm	TENCEL cooling cover	$749.33
Nectar Classic Memory Foam	Memory foam	Medium firm	Cooling top cover	$1,003
Saatva Youth	Hybrid innerspring	Firm	Breathable water-resistant cover	$799
Bear Cub	Hybrid	Medium firm	TENCEL cooling cover	$570
Leesa Youth Mattress	Memory foam	Medium firm	Breathable cover	$549
Nolah Nurture Kids	Hybrid	Soft, firm	Breathable, organic cotton cover	$919
Brooklyn Bedding Kids	Memory foam	Medium firm	Gel swirl memory foam layer	$292
Birch Kids	Hybrid	Soft, firm	Organic cotton cover	$998.66

Helix Kids
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Medium firm
Cooling	TENCEL cooling cover
Cost	$749.33
Nectar Classic Memory Foam
Type	Memory foam
Firmness	Medium firm
Cooling	Cooling top cover
Cost	$1,003
Saatva Youth
Type	Hybrid innerspring
Firmness	Firm
Cooling	Breathable water-resistant cover
Cost	$799
Bear Cub
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Medium firm
Cooling	TENCEL cooling cover
Cost	$570
Leesa Youth Mattress
Type	Memory foam
Firmness	Medium firm
Cooling	Breathable cover
Cost	$549
Nolah Nurture Kids
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Soft, firm
Cooling	Breathable, organic cotton cover
Cost	$919
Brooklyn Bedding Kids
Type	Memory foam
Firmness	Medium firm
Cooling	Gel swirl memory foam layer
Cost	$292
Birch Kids
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Soft, firm
Cooling	Organic cotton cover
Cost	$998.66

Best Mattress for Kids Overall: Helix Kids

Our Thoughts on the Helix Kids

The Helix Kids is our pick for the best overall mattress for children because it strikes the ideal balance between adaptability, safety, and comfort. The flippable design ensures years of use, with support for ages 2 to 7 on one side, and a slightly firmer side meant for kids ages 8 and up. It’s available in both twin and full size, too, giving you a little flexibility with size options.

Our tester Kate is 25 and a lightweight (under 130 pounds for our purposes) side sleeper. She rated the motion control of the Helix Kids a 5 out of 5: “There was hardly any movement! I was super surprised, especially since I got so close to the container in the twin size bed,” she said. “If you were in bed with your child, maybe reading a story or helping them fall asleep, I don’t think there would be any disturbance to them when you got up and out of the bed!”

She rated the edge support of the Helix Kids a 5 out of 5, too. “This bed has great edge support! I felt very comfortable getting on and off the bed,” Kate said. “A kid who is shorter would likely have no risk of slipping off when trying to get out of bed, as the edge helps assist you.” While lying down, Kate felt really secure. She thinks this would be a great mattress on a bunk bed, since there is so much strong edge support. 

Our team also took this mattress through a cooling test. This one got a 5 out of 5 for cooling, as the mattress returned to its baseline temperature in two and a half minutes, which is faster than the other kids’ beds on our list. “It stayed pretty cool while I was lying there. I couldn’t feel a huge difference when I put my hand under where I was lying,” she said. 

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids: Nectar Classic Memory Foam

Our Thoughts on the Nectar Classic Memory Foam

Available in both a twin and twin XL size, the Nectar Classic Memory Foam is our pick for the best memory foam mattress for kids because it delivers the plush comfort and pressure relief children need to rest deeply, paired with the dependable support parents expect. Its responsive foam layers cradle growing bodies, promoting proper alignment through all sleep positions, while the cooling cover and gel-infused design help prevent overheating—a common concern for young sleepers. We also appreciated the mattress’s durability and motion isolation, which make it ideal for restless nights or shared bedrooms.

Courtney, a 29-year-old combination sleeper of average weight—130 to 220 pounds for our purposes—tested the Nectar and rated it a perfect 5 out of 5 for motion isolation. “The mattress felt solid underneath me, and I did not feel movement transferred throughout,” she said. Even as Courtney rolled onto her back and exited the bed, the balls used in the motion test continued to slowly spin but did not bounce or show further disruption.

During the couple’s motion test, Courtney observed only minimal movement when her partner got on the mattress and shifted positions. “There was one instance when I felt a slight motion, but it was not very noticeable,” she said. “If I were asleep, I don’t think it would’ve woken me up.” True to what you’d expect from a memory foam mattress, the Nectar Classic provides excellent motion isolation that can significantly reduce sleep disturbances—an important benefit for families, especially when kids rely on a parent for help falling asleep. Less motion on the mattress is ideal in these situations, as it keeps the sleep environment stable and consistent, making it easier for children to transition toward independent sleep over time.

The team also gave high marks—5 out of 5—for cooling performance. The mattress returned to its normal temperature just 3 minutes and 15 seconds after Courtney stood up. Its cooling poly-blend top cover, woven with polyethylene fibers, is included in the base price, helping the Nectar regulate heat efficiently from the start.

Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids: Saatva Youth

Our Thoughts on the Saatva Youth

The Saatva Youth mattress comes in multiple size options, such as twin, twin XL, and full. We chose the Saatva Youth as the best hybrid mattress for kids because of its dual-sided design that adapts to a child’s changing support needs from ages 3 to 12. The mattress offers a firmer side for younger children to support healthy spinal development and a softer side for older kids, ensuring ongoing comfort through growth spurts. Parents can also appreciate its use of a water-resistant organic cotton cover, antimicrobial treatment, and eco-friendly materials—features that make the Saatva Youth both practical and safe for growing children.

Our tester, Addie, is a 25-year-old stomach sleeper in the lightweight category (130 pounds or less). During the bounce test, the ball bounced 21 inches, which is a pretty high bounce result. This number earns the Saatva Youth mattress a 5 out of 5 in the bounce test category, meaning this is a responsive option for those who want to comfortably switch sleep positions.

During the couple’s motion test, Addie noticed all movements made by the other tester, which we expected, given the model’s responsiveness. Addie could feel her partner entering and exiting the bed, as well as shifting positions. In addition to feeling the movement, she could also hear the motion. “The mattress has a slightly rough surface that creates audible rustling when the other tester moved. It doesn’t muffle sound either,” Addie said. This might be a drawback for parents who spend time reading to their kid at bedtime, as your movement when getting off the bed could potentially awaken a child who was starting to doze. For these reasons, the Saatva Youth mattress scored just a 3 out of 5 on this test.

The overall firmness rating of the Saatva Youth mattress comes in at an 8 out of 10. Addie noted that “this mattress has a springy feel, with a noticeable bounce when getting up or sitting down. It feels firm when seated—I don’t feel like I’m sinking to the bottom.” For those who want a firm, supportive bed that softly supports motion, the Saatva Youth may be the best pick.

Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Kids: Bear Cub

Our Thoughts on the Bear Cub

The Bear Cub is our pick for the best hypoallergenic mattress for kids because it prioritizes safety, comfort, and clean sleeping for young, sensitive sleepers. Its advanced hypoallergenic materials, including a cooling Tencel cover and gel-infused memory foam, help prevent overheating and reduce exposure to common allergens. The Bear Cub’s hybrid construction ensures steady support and alignment through growth, while its certifications and fiberglass-free design give parents added peace of mind.

Kate tested the Bear Cub, rating the motion isolation a 5 out of 5. “For how soft this mattress is, I was shocked by how good the motion isolation was! The bouncy balls hardly moved when I got in and out of bed, and there was only a slight disturbance when I was changing positions,” she said. Kate thinks this is a great bed for a young child whose parents help them go to bed, and who tends toward being a light sleeper. “There would be very little disturbance for anyone who is in the bed asleep, so movement shouldn’t wake them up,” she said.

She rated pressure relief while lying on her side a 5 out of 5. “This is easily my favorite kid’s mattress that I’ve tried for pressure relief: it feels great on my side! I sink just enough to get pressure relief in my shoulders and hips, but not so much that I feel stuck in the mattress,” Kate said. She thinks a person lighter than her might like it even more—the plus cover and memory foam top layer help contour her body, which felt like a gentle hug.

The cooling features of the Bear Cub also worked well, and after Kate tested it, the mattress returned to its baseline temperature in about three and a half minutes, faster than many of our picks. 

Best Full Sized Mattress for Kids: Leesa Youth Mattress

Our Thoughts on the Leesa Youth Mattress

The Leesa Youth Mattress is our pick for the best full-size mattress for kids because it balances comfort, support, and roomy dimensions as children grow and their sleep needs evolve. Its dual foam layers provide gentle contouring for pressure relief without losing essential firmness for healthy alignment.

Kate tested the Leesa Youth Mattress, rating it a 4 out of 5 for motion isolation. She didn’t notice much movement as she got into and out of the bed, which is great for parents when putting their kids to sleep. Our tester did notice that when she shifted around and changed positions, there was a bit of movement in the bouncy balls container. Kate thinks that slight movements won’t result in disturbing a sleeper, but that larger movements would be noticeable. 

She rated edge support as a 5 out of 5 for this mattress. “The edge support is fantastic for an all-foam mattress. I had no feeling of slipping or falling when I was sitting on the edge. I think a kid would have no problem getting out of bed safely,” Kate said. 

Kate loved the back and stomach pressure relief that the Leesa Youth provides, rating it a 4 out of 5 for both. “Lying on my back, my hips sink just in as much as my shoulders, and the foam is contouring my lower back. The longer I stayed on the mattress, the more comfortable it got,” she said. Kate recommends this mattress for an older kid who likes to sleep on their back.

Best Mattress in a Box for Kids: Nolah Nurture Kids

Our Thoughts on the Nolah Nurture Kids

The Nolah Nurture Kids is our pick for the best mattress in a box for children because it combines adaptable comfort, organic materials, and hassle-free box delivery. Its flippable firmness will support your child as they grow, while the natural latex and cotton construction ensures a clean, allergen-resistant surface for sensitive sleepers. With quick setup and a supportive hybrid core, it offers lasting value for families committed to safe, sustainable sleep.

Kate tested the Nolah Nurture Kids, rating it a 5 out of 5 for edge support. “I felt great on the edge of this mattress. The seam on the side really holds you in the bed, and even assists you when you are standing up,” she said. “I can tell from how little it sank with 55 pounds that young kids should have no issues getting in and out of bed.” Lying down also felt fantastic to Kate; she had no fear of falling off and felt supported in the bed when she was on her side, facing away from the edge. 

She felt the best pressure relief while lying on her back, rating this mattress a 5 out of 5. “The soft and plush cover contours my lower back; my hips and shoulders are equally aligned. I could easily sleep on my back all night without any discomfort or waking up to change positions,” Kate said. 

Our tester also felt really comfortable while lying on her side. Her hips sank down to meet her shoulders, so both her hips and spine felt great and well-balanced. “The soft side of the mattress is super comfortable—the longer I was there, the better I felt,” she wrote.

Kate rated the motion isolation of this mattress as a 3 out of 5, noticing some movement when she got in and out of bed. “When I changed positions while close to the container, the bouncy balls started to bob in the water and move around pretty aggressively,” she said. “This could cause someone to wake up in the middle of the night, especially a light sleeper.” With that in mind, we think this mattress is best for kids who are sleeping solo.

Best Affordable Mattress for Kids: Brooklyn Bedding Kids

Our Thoughts on the Brooklyn Bedding for Kids

The Brooklyn Bedding Kids mattress is our pick for the best affordable mattress for families seeking a quality children’s bed without compromising on crucial features like safety, support, and ease of maintenance. The mattress’s hybrid construction and waterproof cover specifically address parents’ main concerns—comfort for growing bodies and defense against spills—while its reasonable price makes it accessible.

Kate tested the BB Kids mattress, rating the motion isolation a 5 out of 5. “The motion isolation is fantastic: the bouncy balls hardly moved around, even when I was changing my sleep position really close to the container. The memory foam layers really damper any movement you may feel if someone else is in the bed,” she said. Kate thinks this mattress would be a fantastic choice for young kids who may be light sleepers, or who typically fall asleep with a parent reading to them in bed.

Kate preferred the pressure relief provided by this mattress while lying on her back, rating it a 4 out of 5 for this position. She thought her shoulders sank a tiny bit but felt very on top of the mattress. “This mattress is great for someone who wants a firm mattress and likes to sleep on their back,” she added. “My spine is aligned, but my body isn’t being contoured by the bed like I’d prefer.”

This mattress has less cooling aspects than other mattresses on our list. Kate felt the mattress warming up as she tested it, mentioning that the cover and memory foam layers were likely trapping some heat. If you’re looking for a mattress with stronger cooling features for your child, we recommend trying the Helix Kids mattress, which we rated highly on its cooling factor.

Best Organic Mattress for Kids: Birch Kids

Our Thoughts on the Birch Kids

The Birch Kids mattress is our pick for the best organic mattress for kids because it meets the highest health and environmental standards, prioritizing toxin-free sleep with certified organic cotton, wool, and latex. Its GREENGUARD Gold and eco-INSTITUT certifications validate its clean construction, as well.

Kate tested this Birch mattress and was impressed with the superior edge support, rating it a 5 out of 5. “This edge support is incredible! You can feel a hard edge right at the seam,” Kate said. “For how soft and comfortable this mattress is, I was shocked that the edge was so strong. I had no issue getting in and out of bed; I actually felt assisted by it, which could be great for young kids.” Additionally, Kate felt secure in the bed, with no fear that she would fall out, and also felt that the edge pushes you slightly towards the middle of the mattress while lying down, which she loved. This is especially good for kids just starting to sleep without guardrails on their bed. 

While most kids’ beds are intended to be used solo, Kate did want to point out that she noticed some motion. “There is a ton of responsiveness in this mattress, so when someone is moving around, that movement is going to transfer across the mattress and move the bouncy balls around in their container,” she explained when testing. With that in mind, we recommend this mattress for a child who sleeps solo, rather than next to a parent, as motion may be felt. Kate rated motion isolation a 3 out of 5.

Kate enjoyed lying on her stomach on the Birch Kids mattress. “My stomach was my favorite position to lie in while on this mattress. I could feel my hips elevated to match my shoulders, so my back was not arching in a crazy way, nor was it straight like a board,” she said. She was very comfortable, and thinks this mattress would be good for a kid at any age who likes to sleep on their stomach, rating it a 4 out of 5 for pressure relief while on her side.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Mattresses for Kids

Choosing the right mattress for a child goes beyond comfort—it’s an investment in their growth, posture, and daily performance. Our testing team evaluated dozens of top-rated kids’ mattresses, using a combination of lab data and hands-on testing.

Pressure Relief

Children’s bodies are still developing, so proper pressure distribution is essential for spinal alignment and comfort. We measure how evenly each mattress supports lightweight sleepers, using pressure-mapping tools to identify hot spots at the shoulders, hips, and lower back. Mattresses that provided gentle contouring without sagging or creating pressure points earned top marks, especially for children who sleep on their sides.

Cooling

Kids naturally run warm at night, which makes heat regulation an important metric. Our testing combines infrared sensors and overnight temperature tracking to evaluate how well each mattress dissipates heat. Gel-infused memory foam, breathable cotton covers, and hybrid designs with airflow channels performed best, keeping sleep surfaces cool and comfortable throughout the night.

Motion Isolation

Families often share bedtime stories or siblings share a room, so motion control matters. We measured how much movement transfers across the surface when another sleeper shifts. Memory foam and certain hybrid models showed strong motion isolation, helping children sleep undisturbed even when parents or pets climb into bed for a goodnight cuddle.

Bounce

A child’s bed should be soft enough for comfort but responsive enough to support easy movement. We test bounce by timing recovery after pressure compression. Kids benefit from moderate bounce—it helps them change positions naturally without feeling stuck. Pocketed coil hybrids scored highest for combining gentle springiness with supportive stability.

Edge Support

For growing kids who use every inch of their mattress, sturdy edge support prevents rolling and extends usable space. We test stability by applying weight along the perimeter to measure compression and resistance. Models with reinforced foam or perimeter coils stood out, making it easier for kids to sit along the edge or climb in and out safely.

Durability & Materials

We consider long-term value and sustainability equally important. Durability testing includes simulated years of use through machine compression cycles and assessments of foam density and coil gauge. Mattresses made with certified organic cotton, natural latex, and low-VOC foams scored higher for material safety and eco-friendliness.

Value

Finally, we assess each mattress for overall value by weighing performance, material quality, warranty coverage, and price. Our price comparison chart highlights where each model sits within its category to help families find the best match for their budget without compromising quality or comfort.

Mattress	Sizes available	Twin size price
Helix Kids	Twin, full	$749.33
Nectar Classic Memory Foam	Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, CA king, split king	$1,003
Saatva Youth	Twin, twin XL, full	$799
Bear Cub	Twin, full	$570
Leesa Youth Mattress	Twin, twin XL, full, queen	$549
Nolah Nurture Kids	Twin, twin XL, full	$919
Brooklyn Bedding Kids	Twin, twin XL, full	$292
Birch Kids	Twin, full	$998.66

Helix Kids
Sizes available	Twin, full
Twin size price	$749.33
Nectar Classic Memory Foam
Sizes available	Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, CA king, split king
Twin size price	$1,003
Saatva Youth
Sizes available	Twin, twin XL, full
Twin size price	$799
Bear Cub
Sizes available	Twin, full
Twin size price	$570
Leesa Youth Mattress
Sizes available	Twin, twin XL, full, queen
Twin size price	$549
Nolah Nurture Kids
Sizes available	Twin, twin XL, full
Twin size price	$919
Brooklyn Bedding Kids
Sizes available	Twin, twin XL, full
Twin size price	$292
Birch Kids
Sizes available	Twin, full
Twin size price	$998.66

How to Find the Best Mattress for Your Kids

Every child sleeps differently. Some curl up and stay still all night, while others toss, turn, or sprawl across every corner of the bed. Because kids’ sleep patterns, growth stages, and comfort needs vary, the best mattress for them depends on factors like sleep position, room size, and materials. Understanding these details helps parents choose a mattress that supports healthy rest and lasts through years of growth spurts.

Sleep Position

Whether your child sleeps on their back, side, or stomach, the mattress should provide balanced support to keep their spine aligned. Side sleepers often benefit from softer cushioning, which eases pressure on their shoulders and hips. Back and stomach sleepers, however, may need a slightly firmer feel to support proper posture. For children who like to spread out, a full or twin XL mattress gives extra space without crowding their room.

Weight and Height

As kids grow taller and heavier, the level of support they need changes. Younger or smaller children usually do well with softer mattresses that adapt to lighter body weight. Older kids and teens benefit from firmer or hybrid options that hold up under more pressure and provide long-term durability. Taller kids approaching their teen years might appreciate a twin XL or full-size mattress for extra legroom.

Room Size

Before buying, consider how the mattress will fit into your child’s room and leave space for play, a desk, or storage. Twin and twin XL sizes are ideal for smaller bedrooms, while full-size mattresses suit older children with larger spaces. Make sure to measure both the bed frame and available floor area before upgrading to a larger model—comfort should never come at the expense of mobility.

Mattress Material

Different materials feel and perform differently, and not every child reacts the same to each one:

• Memory foam: Offers plush comfort and contouring, great for pressure relief but can retain more heat.
• Innerspring: Provides bounce and strong airflow but might feel firmer than foam.
• Hybrid: Combines coils with foam or latex for balanced support and airflow.
• Latex: Naturally breathable and durable, excellent for kids with allergies or sensitive skin.

Prior Aches and Pains

If your child sometimes complains of back, neck, or growing pains, choosing the right mattress can make a difference. A mattress with gentle contouring can help relieve tension and improve spinal alignment. However, mattress preference is personal. Parents should consult a pediatrician before purchasing if a child has chronic pain, posture issues, or medical conditions.

Certifications

Look for third-party certifications that indicate the mattress is made with safe, non-toxic materials. Certifications such as CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX, or GREENGUARD Gold show that the mattress has been tested for harmful chemicals and emissions—important for a child’s developing system and long-term health.

Cost

Mattresses are an investment in your child’s health and growth. While prices vary, parents can find high-quality options at nearly every budget. The key is balancing cost with quality, durability, and comfort. Considering how many hours kids spend sleeping each night, a good mattress is one of the best long-term investments a family can make.

Frequently asked questions

What type of mattress is best for a kid?

Look for supportive mattresses made from safe, durable materials. Foam, hybrid, or innerspring mattresses designed for lightweight sleepers often work best. Our pick for the best kid’s mattress is the Helix Kids, which has a flippable design to ensure years of use, with support for ages 2 to 7 on one side, and a slightly firmer side for kids ages 8 and up. It’s available in both twin and full size.

Should children have a firm or soft mattress?

Most children do well with a medium to medium-firm mattress that offers both cushioning and steady support to promote proper alignment.

What type of mattress do pediatricians recommend?

Many pediatricians suggest a firm, supportive surface that supports natural spinal alignment and reduces pressure points, paired with breathable, certified-safe materials.