Our Top Kids Mattress Picks
- "Cushion Firm" (around 7 of 10, per 5 Little Monkeys)
- Trial: 100 nights
- Warranty: 15-year limited
- Medium
- Trial: 100 nights (returns after a 21-night adjustment period)
- Warranty: 10-year limited
- Medium-firm
- Trial: 120 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
Kids aren't small adults. They weigh less, so they sink less into foam. They grow fast, so a mattress may need to last from preschool to high school. And they have accidents, spills and sleepovers. The best kids' mattress is supportive, safe, easy to clean and the right height for the bed it goes on.
Kids Mattress Comparison
| Mattress | Type | Height | Firmness | Trial | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Little Monkeys Kids Mattress Sleep System | Memory foam (3 CertiPUR-US foam layers) | 8" | "Cushion Firm" (around 7 of 10, per 5 Little Monkeys) | 100 nights | 15-year limited |
| 5 Little Monkeys 9" Advanced Hybrid Mattress | Hybrid: memory foam over individually wrapped coils | 9" | "Cushion Firm" (around 7 of 10, per 5 Little Monkeys) | 100 nights | 15 years |
| EGOHOME Dreamer Mattress | All-foam | 6", 8" or 10" | Medium | 100 nights (returns after a 21-night adjustment period) | 10-year limited |
| Essential by Layla | Memory foam | 9" | Medium-firm | 120 nights | 10 years |
The Best Mattresses for Kids Reviewed
5 Little Monkeys Kids Mattress Sleep System: Best Overall Kids Mattress
Best for: Kids ages 3 to 18 moving to a big-kid bed, bunk bed or trundle
| Type | Memory foam (3 CertiPUR-US foam layers) |
|---|---|
| Height | 8" |
| Firmness | "Cushion Firm" (around 7 of 10, per 5 Little Monkeys) |
| Sizes | Twin, full and queen |
| Bundle | Mattress, kids' pillow and waterproof protector |
| Cover | Removable, machine-washable, stain- and water-resistant; organic cotton blend |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US foams; OEKO-TEX Standard 100 cover; GREENGUARD Gold fire barrier |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 15-year limited |
| Made in | California |
- Sized and firmed for kids, with a low 8-inch profile for bunks and trundles
- Waterproof protector and kids' pillow included
- Washable cover and 15-year limited warranty
- All-foam, so less bounce than a hybrid
- Only twin, full and queen
5 Little Monkeys makes mattresses only for children, and the Sleep System bundle includes everything for a big-kid bed: an 8-inch memory foam mattress, a kids' pillow and a waterproof protector. The company describes the feel as "Cushion Firm," around 7 of 10, with open-cell foam and gel for temperature control. The cover zips off and goes in the washing machine, and the 8-inch profile was designed for bunk beds and trundles. It's intended for ages 3 to 18, comes in twin, full and queen, and has a 100-night trial and a 15-year limited warranty. See our full 5 Little Monkeys mattress review.
5 Little Monkeys 9" Advanced Hybrid: A Bouncier Option
Best for: Kids who want more bounce and airflow than all-foam
| Type | Hybrid: memory foam over individually wrapped coils |
|---|---|
| Height | 9" |
| Firmness | "Cushion Firm" (around 7 of 10, per 5 Little Monkeys) |
| Sizes | Twin, full and queen |
| Cover | Machine-washable, stain- and water-resistant; organic cotton |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US foam; OEKO-TEX fabric |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 15 years |
- Coils add bounce and airflow
- Still low enough for most bunk beds and trundles
- Same trial and warranty as the foam mattress
- Heavier than the foam model
- Doesn't include the pillow and protector bundle
If your child likes a springier bed, the Advanced Hybrid adds individually wrapped coils under the foam. It's 9 inches tall, with the same trial and warranty. It doesn't include the pillow-and-protector bundle.
EGOHOME Dreamer: Best for Bunk Beds and Trundles on a Budget
Best for: Guest rooms, kids' rooms, dorms and tight budgets
| Type | All-foam |
|---|---|
| Heights | 6", 8" or 10" |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Foam | Green tea-infused Gel AeroFusion Foam |
| Sizes | Twin to California king |
| Trial | 100 nights (returns after a 21-night adjustment period) |
| Warranty | 10-year limited |
| Made in | USA with imported fabric |
- EGOHOME's lowest-priced mattress line
- Three heights, so you can match a bunk, daybed or full-size bed
- Same 100-night trial and 10-year warranty as EGOHOME's pricier lines
- One medium feel
- Thinner profiles are best for lighter sleepers and occasional use
The Dreamer comes in 6, 8 and 10 inches, which makes it easy to match a bunk bed's maximum mattress height or a trundle drawer. It's an all-foam, medium mattress with a 100-night trial (returns after a 21-night adjustment period) and a 10-year limited warranty. See our EGOHOME mattress review.
Essential by Layla: Best for Older Kids and Teens
Best for: Guest rooms, kids' rooms and tight budgets
| Type | Memory foam |
|---|---|
| Height | 9" |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Foam | CertiPUR-US certified; OpenCell+ memory foam top layer |
| Fiberglass | None, per Layla |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Made in | USA (foams USA; fabric USA and Mexico) |
- Layla's lowest-priced mattress
- Fiberglass-free, per Layla
- Made to order in the USA
- Thinner than Layla's flagship beds
- One firmness
For tweens and teens who have outgrown a kids' mattress, the Essential by Layla is a 9-inch, medium-firm memory foam mattress with a 120-night trial and a 10-year warranty. It's made to order in the USA and is light enough to move on your own. See our Layla mattress review.
Choosing a Mattress by Age
| Age | Typical Bed | Mattress Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to about 12 months | Crib, bassinet or play yard | Firm, flat crib mattress that meets federal standards; fitted sheet only |
| About 1 to 3 years | Crib or toddler bed | Crib mattress (toddler side if dual-sided) |
| 3 to 7 years | Twin or toddler bed | Medium-firm kids' mattress; waterproof protector |
| 8 to 12 years | Twin, twin XL or full | Medium to medium-firm; room to grow |
| Teens | Full, queen or twin XL | Adult mattress suited to their sleep position |
For babies, the rules are different. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a firm, flat, non-inclined surface made for infants, with a fitted sheet and nothing else. See our guides to the best organic crib mattress and the Newton crib mattress.
Mattress Size for Kids
| Size | Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | About 38"–39" x 75" | Most kids; bunk beds; small rooms |
| Twin XL | About 38"–39" x 80" | Tall teens; dorm prep |
| Full | About 54" x 75" | Room to grow; sleepovers; teens |
| Queen | About 60" x 80" | Teens with larger rooms |
A twin is the classic first big-kid mattress. A full lasts longer and leaves room for a parent at story time.
Firmness for Kids
Children weigh less than adults, so they press less deeply into a mattress. A mattress that feels medium-firm to an adult will usually feel softer to a child, and vice versa.
| Firmness | Best For |
|---|---|
| Medium (5–6 of 10) | Light side sleepers; younger kids |
| Medium-firm (6–7 of 10) | Most kids; back and stomach sleepers |
| Firm (8+ of 10) | Heavier teens; strict back or stomach sleepers |
Types of Kids Mattresses
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Memory foam | Quiet; cushioning; light | Less bounce; can feel warm |
| Hybrid | Bouncy; airflow; edge support | Heavier; usually taller |
| Innerspring | Traditional; bouncy | Can be noisy; less contouring |
| Latex | Durable; resilient; natural options | Heavy; costs more |
| Flippable kids' | Two firmness sides for different ages | Fewer choices |
Safety and Materials
Certifications to Look For
| Certification | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| CertiPUR-US | Foams tested for content, emissions and durability |
| GREENGUARD Gold | Low chemical emissions |
| OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | Textiles tested for harmful substances |
| GOTS / GOLS | Certified organic textiles / latex |
Fire Barriers
All US mattresses must meet federal flammability standards (16 CFR 1632 and 1633). If you want to avoid fiberglass, check the law tag and ask the brand what its fire barrier is made of. See our mattresses without fiberglass guide.
Bunk Beds and Trundles
Federal bunk bed rules require the top of the guardrails to sit at least 5 inches above the top of the mattress, using the thickest mattress the bed maker recommends. That's why mattress height matters more for bunks than for any other bed.
| Bed | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Top bunk | The maximum mattress thickness on the bed's label |
| Bottom bunk | Standard twin or full |
| Trundle | Drawer height and clearance |
| Loft bed | Same guardrail rule as a top bunk |
| Daybed | Twin size; check the frame depth |
An 8-inch mattress like the 5 Little Monkeys Sleep System, or a 6- or 8-inch EGOHOME Dreamer, fits many bunk beds. Always confirm with your bed's instructions.
Protecting a Kids' Mattress
- Use a waterproof protector from day one. See our guide to the best waterproof mattress for bedwetting.
- Choose a washable cover if you can.
- Rotate the mattress every few months to even out wear.
- Discourage jumping, which strains foam and coils.
- Keep the receipt and law tag for warranty claims.
Kids, Sleep and Back Pain
Most kids don't have back pain from their mattress. If your child complains of ongoing back pain, see a pediatrician rather than buying a new bed first. A supportive, medium-firm mattress and a pillow that keeps the neck level are good basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Mattress Is Best for Kids?
Most kids do well on a medium-firm foam or hybrid mattress. Kids are lighter than adults, so a supportive surface with a modest comfort layer is usually enough. Look for certified foams and a washable or protected cover.
What Size Mattress Should a Child Have?
A twin is the most common first big-kid mattress. A full gives more room to grow and works for teens. Twin XL adds length for tall teens and matches most college dorm beds.
When Should a Child Move From a Crib Mattress to a Regular Mattress?
Many children move to a toddler or big-kid bed between about 18 months and 3 years, often when they try to climb out of the crib. Kids' mattresses like 5 Little Monkeys are designed for ages 3 and up.
How Thick Should a Kids' Mattress Be?
8 to 10 inches suits most kids. For a bunk bed, check the maximum mattress thickness on the bed's label, because federal rules require the guardrail to sit at least 5 inches above the mattress.
Should a Kids' Mattress Be Firm?
Medium-firm is a good default. Very soft mattresses let lighter kids sink less evenly, while very firm ones can feel hard. Babies are different and need a firm crib mattress.
How Often Should You Replace a Child's Mattress?
When it sags, smells, or no longer fits your child. Many families replace a first twin when a child becomes a teen or moves up to a full.
The Bottom Line
The 5 Little Monkeys Kids Mattress Sleep System is our top pick for kids ages 3 and up: it's designed for children, low enough for bunk beds, and comes with a pillow and waterproof protector. The EGOHOME Dreamer is a budget option in three heights for bunks and trundles, and the Essential by Layla suits older kids and teens. For babies, stick with a firm crib mattress that meets federal standards.