After researching for the best mattress to buy for my nephew, I became an expert on kids matresses. Here’s what type of mattress works for kids and why.
Last year, when we were out looking for a mattress for my nephew, I realized that there are a lot more things you have to consider than for an adult’s mattress. You have to think about the support for their growing bodies, contouring, airflow, durability, organic materials, spine support, etc.
While all these things are essential to an adult, a wrong mattress won’t affect us as much as it would a child. My nephew likes his bed to be soft and have a bouncy feel so that he can jump up and down on it. Not precisely the function of the mattress, but who can exactly make kids use things for what they are meant for?
Anyway, along with that, he is messy and is a bundle of energy who can’t sit still in one spot. We kept all of these things in mind on our hunt for the perfect mattress. During the shopping spree, I sort of became an expert on what type of mattress works for kids and why.
Based on that and research, here are a few mattresses that I think will fit the bill, no matter what your kids’ needs are.
1. Casper Essential Mattress
When buying mattresses for kids, durability is the key. If your kids are anything like my nephew and use their bed to jump, wrestle, and play boxing with, then you will know how far a durable mattress goes.
Casper’s essential mattress is a premium and open-cell foam layers design that is built to last. Despite its slim design, this foam mattress has three layers. The breathable top layer provides you softness and bounce followed by the memory foam layer focusing on relieving pressure points along with providing support to your growing kid. The final layer is a durable and supportive base foam layer.
It is designed with a dark cover which is upholstery-grade hybrid knit and has easy-to-clean cover zip-offs, it will easily hide any spills or mess your kid makes.
Price: $350 – $716
Type: Foam
Warranty: 10-Year Limited Warranty
For all the details, check the Casper’s essential mattress on Amazon here.
2. The Sleep System – 5 Little Monkeys
The Sleep System is designed to encompass the needs of growing and developing bodies. The amount of consideration that goes into making this mattress is what makes this company one of the people-favorites.
This mattress is made from three layers of CertiPUR US certification memory foam, making it perfect for supporting even and proper weight distribution. The appropriate weight distribution further provides your kid with adaptive pressure relief. This also makes it soft and supportive at the same time.
The technology of Dual-Phase Change that is used regulates the temperature throughout the year. The mattress protector is toxin-free and waterproof, and the cover is stain-resistant, can be washed easily, and has an OEKO-TEX certification.
Price: $399 – $799
Type: Memory Foam
Warranty: 15-Year Warranty
For all the details, check the 5 Little Monkeys mattress on Amazon here.
3. Tuft & Needle Adaptive Foam Mattress
Tuft & Needle Foam Mattress are a huge hit with adults, no wonder they are widely appreciated by parents for kids as well. Like The Sleep System, Tuft & Needle also has CertiPUR US and OEKO-TEX certifications. The adaptive foam mattress, which is called the “Mint Mattress,” in their collection, is the perfect middle ground between all-foam and hybrid.
An adaptive foam is used to make the mattress. The top-layer has 30% more graphite added to it, which draws the body heat away from you and gives the bed a cooler feel in comparison to memory foam.
The second layer comprises ceramic cooling gel beads, on which when pressure is applied, they stack on top of each other and create unique cushioning support. The cover is made of a thick, cozy plush knit fabric that remains breathable.
Price: $395 – $945
Type: Adaptive Foam
Warranty: 10-Year Limited Warranty
For all the details, check the Tuft & Needle Adaptive Foam Mattress on Amazon here.
4. Saatva Mattress
Saatva Mattress is another one of the popular brands that have become a household name. This mattress is an innerspring design that provides good airflow between coil layers. The airflow allows keeping the bed cool. The individually wrapped coils also make the mattress highly supportive.
It is engineered for better back and spinal support. It provides contouring and cushioning to relieve pressure on the back and joints.
There are three firmness settings available: firm, medium-firm, and medium-soft. You can decide on the firmness depending on what kind of a sleeper your kid is. Because it is highly supportive and best for longevity, it is best for growing kids. Your kids’ needs will be met while they transition into teenhood.
Price: $599 – $1499
Type: Innerspring
Warranty: 15-Year Non-Prorated Warranty
For all the details, check the Saatva Mattress here.
5. Zinus Pressure Relief Green Tea Mattress
Zinus Mattresses doesn’t precisely have a kids’ line. Still, because of the way their mattresses are made, they have become a popular choice for parents.
This mattress works perfectly for older children or teenagers. Zinus provides many thickness options, so depending on what kind of a sleeper your child is and their body weight, you can make a perfect decision.
If you need pressure relief, then I suggest going for the 8-inches or 10-inches version. Because they have a core – high-density, pressure relief foam – layer added between the top memory foam layer and the base layer of high-density foam.
The most important feature that has parents queuing up is that Zinus has green tea and ActivCharcoal infused in the memory foam. Green tea neutralizes odor, and ActivCharcoal has purified charcoal that minimizes odor by absorbing moisture.
Price: $112 – $410
Type: Memory Foam
Warranty: 10-Year Limited Warranty
For all the details, check the 5. Zinus Pressure Relief Green Tea Mattress on Amazon here.
6. Signature Sleep Contour (8-Inch) Independently Encased Coil Mattress
Signature Sleep offers mattresses featuring multiple technologies, and the independently encased coil is one of them. The coil system makes the base of the mattress and provides edge-to-edge support. Encased/pocketed coils allow airflow, allowing the mattress to breathe and stay cool. Then there is a layer of a pressure relief memory foam topped by a plush top layer.
This mattress is available in three thickness options: 8, 10, and 12 inches. The double-sided mattress that allows you to reverse it adds on to the durability and longevity of the mattress, making it great for kids. Because the mattress is reversible, you can avoid the problem of sagging by flipping it on the other side.
It contours and supports the body, making it comfortable and also reduces motion transfer. The foam in this mattress has CertiPUR-US certification. The cover is made using moisture-wicking fabric.
Price: Prices start at around $180
Type: Innerspring
Warranty: 15-Year Warranty
For all the details, check the Signature Sleep Contour Mattress on Amazon here.
7. Home Life Comfort Sleep 8-Inch Two-Sided Spring Mattress
This mattress is perfect for kids who haven’t reached their teens yet. The design makes the mattress soft yet gives the kids firm support. It is affordable and has the same two-sided attraction as the Signature Sleep Reversible Mattress.
This mattress is designed with multi-layered Pressure Relieving Foam, and independently pocketed pads. The base is made from Independently pocketed 15-gauge pocket coils that offer comfortable support for young developing bodies.
It is topped by Italian Greenfoam certified foam. There are quality foam and polyester padding between the cover and coils, and the two-sided padding adds to the comfort.
Price: Prices start at around $180.
Type: Innerspring, Foam
Warranty: Protects from manufacturer damage and defects
For all the details, check the Home Life Comfort Sleep Mattress on Amazon here.
8. Nest Bedding’s BKB
Nest Bedding’s BKB, also known as, Big Kid’s Bed is a mattress designed specifically for kids. This mattress has a high-density edge support base foam that’s 5 inches thick, which is then topped with a layer of 2-inches thick, Energex CertiPUR US-certified foam of 2.8-pound.
Energex includes the viscoelastic foam elements, which helps the mattress conform to the kid’s body shape. It responds and regenerates its shape faster than other foam models, almost as quick as latex. The mattress is then covered with a non-chemical material.
The mattress company itself recommends it for kids up to 120 pounds. This is perfect for stomach and back sleepers alike. The firmness provides excellent support to children on the heavier side.
Price: $299 – $499
Type: Foam
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
For all the details, check the Nest Bedding’s BKB on Amazon here.
9. Nectar Mattress
Even though Nectar is a relatively new brand, it has garnered the attention and love of the masses. I would contribute it to their customer accommodating policies of a lifetime warranty, free returns, and the best of all – a trial period of 365-nights.
Although it does not have a dedicated kids’ line, the design makes it suitable for children. This mattress is an all-foam design that features five layers. The base layer is made of a stable foam to provide support. It is topped with a layer of recovery foam so that the kids can have contouring without sinking, which can be an issue in an all-foam design.
The next layer is memory foam, which helps contour and distribute body weight evenly and thus, enhances cooling. The topmost layer is the quilted gel memory foam, which is in charge of loft and breathability. Finally, a Tencel material fabric is added as the cover. All the layers and cover advances airflow circulation and breathability, even with it being all-foam.
Price: $399 – $899
Type: Memory Foam
Warranty: Lifetime
For all the details, check the Nectar Mattress on Amazon here.
10. Linenspa 10-Inch Hybrid Latex Mattress
Hybrid mattresses are perfect for siblings who share beds because it helps reduce motion transfer. This mattress is designed with a blend of latex and innerspring.
The bottom layer is made up of 7-inches individually encased steel coils with foam edge support. So sagging and sinking are not the issues that you will have to face, even with the added weight of two kids. The coils provide exceptional support and also give the mattress a bouncy feel.
The base is topped with 2-inches of fast response foam and latex, and 1-inch of quilted fast response foam that conforms to the body well. It provides contouring and recovers its shape fast – faster than memory foams. There are many options for the firmness of the mattress, though the 10-inch profile has a universal comfort feel (medium-firm).
Price: Prices start at $199.99
Type: Hybrid – coil, latex, foam
Warranty: 10-Year Limited Warranty
For all the details, check the Linenspa Latex Mattress on Amazon here.
Conclusion
Once your child grows, their body will mold differently on the comfort/contouring layer. Which is why, a durable, strong bottom layer makes the bed stable throughout those growing years.
When looking for a mattress to last for years, keep your child’s body weight and sleeping position in mind because it contributes to the firmness and material of the mattress you choose. Don’t shy away from spending a little more if that means getting a mattress that will last for years and provide excellent support.
