10 Best Twin Mattresses for Kids and Toddlers in 2024

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Choosing the most suitable twin mattress for children can help support good quality sleep and overall health and well-being. A twin mattress is the same as a single and is the smallest size available other than a crib mattress.
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A quick look at the best twin mattresses for kids and toddlers
Best for a long warranty: The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress | Skip to review
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
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Best for a firm mattress: Nest Bedding Puffin Memory Foam Kids Bed | Skip to review
Nest Bedding Puffin Memory Foam Kids Bed
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Best for a dual-sided mattress: Saatva Youth Mattress | Skip to review
Saatva Youth Mattress
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Best for a cotton and wool mattress: Joybed LX | Skip to review
Joybed LX
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Best for a vegan mattress: Avocado Vegan Mattress | Skip to review
Avocado Vegan Mattress
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Best for a dust mite-resistant mattress: Perfect Cloud Kids Mattress | Skip to review
Perfect Cloud Kids Mattress
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Best for easy setup: DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress | Skip to review
DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
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Best for all sleeping positions: Leesa Original Mattress | Skip to review
Leesa Original Mattress
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Best for adaptability: Kid’s Purple Mattress | Skip to review
Kid’s Purple Mattress
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Best for a budget: Linenspa Innerspring Twin Mattress | Skip to review
Linenspa Innerspring Twin Mattress
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Many brands offer mattresses designed for kids. This article looks at some products to consider when searching for the best twin mattress for children.
Best mattresses for kids and toddlers in 2024
The list below features some of the mattresses for kids available on the market.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
Price: from $359
Height: 12 inches (in)
Type of mattress: memory foam
Firmness: medium firm
This is a memory foam mattress with a medium-firm feel.
The breathable fabric makes it ideal for those children who overheat when they sleep. The memory foam feature will provide comfort during sleep.
Customers receive a 1-year sleep trial with a Forever Warranty, alongside two free pillows, sheets, and a mattress protector.
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good for a budget
design features cooling gel and cover
free shipping and returns
may still sleep hot
may not be a good choice for stomach sleepers
memory foam is not bouncy
Nest Bedding Puffin Memory Foam Kids Bed
Price: from $499
Height: 7 in
Type of mattress: memory foam
Firmness: luxury firm
Nest Bedding designed this mattress specifically for kids and toddlers. The company claims it is suitable for children no matter their sleeping position.
With a polyester cover to help regulate temperature, this mattress will suit toddlers and kids who sleep hot.
It is also compatible with bunk beds.
Customers receive a 100-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty.
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designed for children and toddlers
reportedly good for any sleeping position
has a natural, not chemical, fire barrier
may not be good for larger children
some online reviews report off-gassing scent
has a shorter sleep trial than some other options
Saatva Youth Mattress
Price: from $795
Height: 10 in
Type of mattress: hybrid
Firmness: soft and firm
The company created this dual-sided mattress for children. One side provides firmer support, recommended for children aged 8–12 years. The softer side is suitable for kids aged 3–7 years.
This mattress has a water-resistant barrier to protect against accidents and spills.
The mattress is also environmentally friendly, as it is hypoallergenic and has an organic cotton cover.
It comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.
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two sides makes it potentially useful for children 3 – 12
water-resistant barrier
hypoallergenic
cover is not removable
may be too tall for use in bunk beds
expensive
Joybed LX
Price: from $475
Height: 10 in
Type of mattress: hybrid
Firmness: firm
Joybed LX uses organic cotton and natural wool. It is a potential option for people looking for an alternative to foam or latex mattresses.
latex mattresses
Due to its breathability and a layer of eco-wool, which helps take heat away from the body, this model may suit children who get hot at night.
Joybed LX comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty.
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made from natural materials
may sleep cooler than memory foam options
firm and bouncy
some people may prefer the body-hugging feel of memory foam
may not be good for side sleepers
does not have good motion control
Avocado Vegan Mattress
Price: from $1,399
Height: 11 in
Type of mattress: hybrid
Firmness: medium firm or gentle firm
This Vegan.org certified and PETA approved mattress uses 100% organic cotton instead of wool. It also has Greenguard Gold certification, which means it has low chemical emissions.
Vegan.org
PETA
Greenguard Gold
These certifications may make this mattress suitable for children due to a lower risk of exposure to harmful emissions.
Learn more about the best nontoxic mattresses here.
Learn more about the best nontoxic mattresses here.
This mattress has medium-firm support. The company also offers the addition of a pillow top for added comfort.
The mattress comes with a 1-year trial and a 25-year warranty.
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low risk of exposure to harmful materials
25-year warranty
may be good for people who sleep hot
expensive
may be too firm for some people
Perfect Cloud Kids Mattress
Price: $385.11
Height: 7 in
Type of mattress: memory foam
Firmness: medium firm
This product, specifically made for kids, is a memory foam mattress with a matching pillow and teddy bear. Customers can choose from two colors: pink and blue.
The product is naturally hypoallergenic and dust mite-resistant. A velvet cover gives the mattress a soft look and feel.
dust mite
Customers receive a 10-year warranty and a 120-night sleep trial.
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competitively priced
designed specifically for children
reportedly odor and germ-eliminating
some online reviews described problems with durability
removing the velvet cover may void the warranty
may be too soft or firm for some people
DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
Price: from $839
Height: 14 in
Type of mattress: hybrid
Firmness: medium firm
This hybrid mattress has seven layers, including cooling memory foam, individually wrapped coils, and a cashmere blend cover.
This mattress comes in a box, meaning it may be easier for people to take it into a room and unroll it onto the bed. While mattresses in a box can take some time to expand fully, they offer a more convenient setup than unboxed mattresses.
Customers receive a 1-year trial and a lifetime warranty.
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responsive surface may be good for restless sleepers
reportedly sleeps cool
has a lifetime warranty
weighs more than other mattresses
could take up to three days for mattress to open fully
cashmere-blend cover is reportedly not removable
Leesa Original Mattress
Price: from $849
Height: 10 in
Type of mattress: memory foam
Firmness: medium firm
Leesa states that this memory foam mattress is suitable for all sleeping positions. This may suit children, who tend to move positions more during sleep.
The mattress has CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold certifications, which means it does not contain hazardous materials. Additionally, it contains a cooling foam layer, which may be beneficial for children who sleep hot.
Customers receive a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty.
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reportedly a good choice for all sleeping positions, including side sleepers
has a responsive feel
does not contain hazardous materials
some online reviews noticed off-gassing scent
does not provide strong edge support
may sleep hot
Kid’s Purple Mattress
Price: $699
Height: 7 in
Type of mattress: memory foam
Firmness:medium firm
The manufacturer has adapted its Purple GelFlexTM Grid for use in a twin-size mattress that is specifically designed for children. The grid reportedly helps the mattress adapt quickly to a child’s movement.
This is a memory foam mattress, with the purple grid topped by a layer of comfort foam designed to support people weighing less than 115 pounds gently. It has a machine washable cover.
The mattress is hypoallergenic. It is Clean Air GOLD and CertiPUR-US certified to contain no harmful materials, which are important factors for children’s beds. It has a 100-night sleep trial, free returns, and a 10-year warranty.
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mattress is responsive
grid may promote a cool night’s sleep
mattress cover is machine washable
only comes in one size
not a good choice for people over 115 pounds
more expensive than some other options
Linenspa Innerspring Twin Mattress
Price: $99.99
Height: 6 in
Type of mattress: innerspring
Firmness: firm
With a price of $99.99 on Amazon, this mattress has a budget-friendly price for a transitional mattress. It features a base layer of tempered 5” steel coils topped by a felt pad, followed by a 1” cushioned foam layer and a quilted cover. According to the manufacturer, it makes a good mattress for children and can be used in bunk beds, trundle beds, and RVs.
It is available in narrow twin and XL twin sizes. It ships in a box and is reportedly easy to set up on any bed frame. The mattress comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
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reasonably priced for a child’s bed
online reviews said this mattress would be comfortable for child-sized bodies
offers a narrow twin option
the manufacturer does not appear to offer a sleep trial
online reviews describe problems with durability
some users described it as cheap
Comparing the best twin mattresses for kids and toddlers
The following table compares the mattresses in this article.
Nectar
Nest
Saatva
Joybed
Avocado
Perfect Cloud
DreamCloud
Leesa
Purple Mattress
Linenspa
What to look for in a twin mattress for kids
People may wish to consider the following when choosing a twin mattress:
Height: Younger children and toddlers may require a thinner mattress to minimize the risk of injury after falling off the bed. Older children may be able to sleep on taller mattresses.
Allergies: People should consider any allergies a child may have. For example, children with latex allergies should not sleep on a latex mattress.
Bed base: Some mattresses are supportive enough to rest directly on the floor, whereas others may be more suitable for traditional bed bases. Some companies state that their mattresses are suitable for adjustable bases, which may benefit children with limited mobility.
Certifications: People may wish to choose a mattress that has certifications from organizations such as CertiPUR-US or Greenguard. These certifications mean that the mattresses do not contain hazardous materials to human health.
Warranties and sleep trials: People may wish to purchase a mattress with a robust warranty and a sleep trial period. It is important to read the company’s policies to check what it covers. For example, warranties usually do not cover accidental damage.
Reviews: People may wish to read customer reviews to learn more about mattresses and the companies that make them before committing to a purchase.
Price: Twin mattresses are usually less expensive than larger sizes. However, twin mattresses range from under $200 to over $1,000. People should consider their budget before purchasing.
Benefits and risks of a twin bed for kids
Some potential benefits of choosing a twin bed for kids include:
Space: They typically use less floor space than larger mattresses and bed frames.
Cost: A twin bed will be more cost-effective than a toddler bed, as the child will not outgrow it as quickly.
Extra comfort: Twin beds have more space than toddler beds, meaning children can move around more. It also means more room for parents and caregivers to sit on the bed and read a bedtime story with a child.
There are also some disadvantages associated with choosing a twin bed for kids:
No rails: A toddler bed would come with a rail to prevent a child from rolling out of bed in their sleep.
Cost: Upgrading from a crib or toddler bed to a twin bed will require spending money on another mattress.
Types of mattresses for children
Mattress types that may be suitable for children include:
Innerspring: This durable material can benefit children, as they are more likely to cause wear and tear to their mattresses. Mattresses with individually wrapped pocketed coils might be a good option as they can withstand a child’s jumping and playing.
Innerspring
Memory foam: This material responds to body heat and conforms to a child’s body shape. Some children may find this material more comfortable than an innerspring mattress.
Memory foam
Hybrid: These mattresses combine coils with memory foam, latex, or gel layers.
Hybrid
Learn about different types of mattresses here.
Learn about different types of mattresses here.
Firmness level
The ideal firmness level of a mattress depends on the child’s weight and sleeping position. Medium-firm mattresses may better suit older children.
Toddlers weigh less than older children, so they may find softer mattresses more comfortable. Softer mattresses should more easily conform to a toddler’s body than firmer mattresses. However, most guidance does not recommend soft mattresses for infants as they pose an increased risk of suffocation.
increased risk of suffocation
Individual mattress product descriptions should provide further guidance on choosing mattresses to benefit children of different ages and sizes and their preferred sleeping positions.
Learn more about choosing mattresses for children here.
Learn more about choosing mattresses for children here.
Alternative options
There is a range of different styles and sizes of mattresses for kids. Twin mattresses are just one option.
Different size options include:
a crib mattress
a toddler mattress that goes on a toddler bed frame with a small railing
a twin XL mattress, which is slightly longer than a twin mattress to accommodate taller or older children
People can also choose from different mattress materials. These change the feel and durability. Common options include:
How we chose the best twin mattresses for kids and toddlers
Medical News Today chooses mattresses that meet the following criteria:
Age: MNT chooses products available for kids and toddlers of different ages.
Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
CertiPUR-US
Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
Firmness: MNT selects mattresses available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products with warranties and clear returns policies.
Additional features: MNT chooses mattresses that include water resistance, organic materials, and dust-mite resistance.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here
Mattresses and sleep health
The National Sleep Foundation states that people need different amounts of sleep depending on their age. It recommends the following amount of sleep per night:
National Sleep Foundation
toddlers aged 1–2 years: 11–14 hours
children aged 3–5 years: 10–13 hours
children aged 6–13 years: 9–11 hours
teenagers aged 14–17 years: 8–10 hours
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest trying the following to ensure that children are getting a good night’s sleep:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
establishing a routine, such as reading a bedtime story
having children go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
not allowing electronic devices in the bedroom
engaging children in physical activity during the daytime, which will help them fall asleep more easily
keeping the bedroom quiet and a comfortable temperature
Very little research indicates how a mattress can affect sleep in children.
According to a 2022 review of the scientific literature, a medium-firm mattress is generally best for quality and comfort of sleep and proper spinal alignment. However, this study examined the effects of different mattress designs on adults. Therefore, the same may not be true for children.Learn more about good sleep hygiene for children and teenagers here.
2022 review of the scientific literature
Learn more about good sleep hygiene for children and teenagers here.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most common questions and answers about mattresses for kids and toddlers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that infants sleep on their backs on a firm surface. Soft mattresses and those made from memory foam have an increased risk of causing suffocation. They can create a pocket when an infant is on the mattress or rolls over.
American Academy of Pediatrics
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) agrees that it may be best to choose a firm mattress that does not leave any spaces in the cot so that a toddler does not trap their head.
National Health Service (NHS)
Learn more about the safest position for babies to sleep here.
Learn more about the safest position for babies to sleep here.
According to the AAP, the risk of sudden infant death syndrome may be higher when parents or caregivers share their beds with their toddlers.
risk of sudden infant death syndrome may be highe
The AAP suggest that adults have a separate bed specifically designed for infants. Adults can move it closer to their bed to monitor the toddler and check that there is no risk of suffocation.
Learn how to help a baby sleep safely here.
Learn how to help a baby sleep safely here.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that crib mattresses should be no more than 6 inches thick. The manufacturer’s instructions and the crib should also indicate the dimensions of the mattress.
6 inches
Learn more about choosing a baby crib here.
Learn more about choosing a baby crib here.
A child’s age in a twin bed may depend on several factors. For example, if a toddler tries to climb out of a crib, it may be time to move them to a bed where they may be less likely to receive injuries.
Most children begin sleeping in a twin bed by the time they are 3 years old. However, when in doubt, people should speak to a pediatrician for advice on when to transition children into a twin bed.
Thinner mattresses of 6 inches and lower may be more suitable for younger children. Low-profile mattresses may reduce the risk of injury if a child falls from the bed.
Older children may wish to choose a mattress that is the most comfortable rather than deciding on a particular thickness.
There are no studies that specifically compare spring and foam mattresses for children.
People may wish to shop for mattresses at companies that offer sleep trials. People can return the mattresses if their child finds them uncomfortable.
That depends on the child to a certain extent, particularly their age, height, weight, and any allergies they may have. Some children may prefer the body-hugging feeling of a memory foam mattress and others may prefer more bounce. Consider cost and how long the child or their siblings will use the mattress.
The best mattress firmness for kids is closely linked to their age. Younger children and older toddlers may do better with softer mattresses, but an infant should not be placed on a soft mattress due to the risk of suffocation. Medium firm mattresses may be better for older children.
A youth twin mattress is smaller all around than a regular twin. A youth mattress is 33” wide and a regular twin is 38” wide. It is 66” long compared to 75”. The height of the mattress varies, depending on the brand. Higher mattresses may not be a good choice for younger children due to the increased risk of falling out of bed.
Summary
There is no evidence to suggest which mattress is best for children. Parents and caregivers should consider the child’s needs, sleeping habits, and age.
Potential considerations when choosing a mattress include cost, materials, and health concerns.
Reading product reviews on different websites can help get an overall unbiased picture of the advantages and disadvantages of a mattress.