Unlike adults, children have softer and more pliable bones. So a mattress that’s too firm can cause extreme discomfort to them. Not to mention, your kids won’t be able to get a good night’s sleep. And sleep is very important for your children’s health and development. 

In addition, children need proper support for their spine. And a tacky mattress can also cause breathing problems in children. So a quality and suitable mattress is non-negotiable. Every child needs to sleep on one.

We’re going to help you figure out what mattress to get for your children. What are the features that you should look for? Start scrolling to find out!

Factors to Consider When Buying a Suitable Mattress for your Children

Age

Age plays a very important factor in choosing the best mattress. Infants and younger children under 18 months don’t really have the capability yet to turn themselves while they sleep. So these babies need a very firm mattress. 

A material that’s too soft can be dangerous for them. It’s also not a good idea to get a contoured mattress for younger kids. An innerspring mattress is a great choice. It’s firmer and is quite durable too.

Older kids or those in their teens, on the other hand, can benefit a lot from foam mattresses. Since they’re lighter than adults, memory foam mattresses can provide them the needed spinal support. Hybrid mattresses can also be comfortable for older kids. It combines the plush feel while offering firm support at the same time. 

As your children go into adolescence, it is then their choice if they want a dreamy plush mattress or a firmer one. 

Make sure to get the right size

Kids mattresses fall into two categories- toddler and kids mattress. When buying one you can also allow room for growth since kids grow really fast.

Toddler mattresses offer more safety features. It ‘s equipped with a railing so your little one won’t fall off the bed during his sleep. And if you’re buying a kids mattress, you can opt to buy the larger size so that your children can still use it as they get older.

Look for non-toxic materials

An organic mattress is free from chemicals that can be harmful to your little one. It should have hypoallergenic materials too. 

Eco-friendly plant-based memory foams are also a great option. These mattresses are free from toxins and harsh compounds that can irritate the skin. These are some of the harmful substances that don’t belong in a kid’s mattress:

• Formaldehyde
• CFCs
• Additives

And always look for the CertiPUR-US certification. This ensures that the mattress is free from harmful chemicals and suitable for children. 

Durability

Kids like to jump on their bed. They can even make a playground out of it. That’s why it’s a must to buy a durable mattress that can withstand all the frolicking and fun.

And kids will always be kids. They’d be sneaking their favorite drinks and snacks in bed. So you’ll just wake up one morning to a mattress with a lot of stains. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider a water-resistant one. This also ensures easy cleanup and it won’t be a thriving ground for molds.. 

Set a budget

Of course, it has to be within your budget reach. Spring mattress may cost between 300-500 dollars. While the more luxe foam mattress will cost a bit more. And the premium brands may cut you back by 1000 dollars.

It should be washable

 Accidents can happen and it’s not uncommon for kids to wet their bed. That’s why their mattresses should be washable. Otherwise, it could be a stinky mess.

Option for shared bed

If two kids will be sharing a bed, a mattress that can reduce motion transfer can ensure everyone’s comfort. Tossing and turning of one child won’t disturb the others’ sleep.

No to bounce

Bouncing may be nice, on a playroom but not on a bed. A mattress that’s too bouncy is a penchant for accidents. With kids randomly jumping on the bed, too much bounce can send him face-planting on the floor. 

Our Top Picks for the Best Mattresses for Kids

SAATVA Youth Mattress

SAATVA is an innerspring mattress that can provide firm support for younger kids. What’s unique about this mattress is that it’s flippable and reversible. One side features firm support, while the other side has a dreamy and more plush cushion. So it can be used by both younger and older children.

It’s also a durable mattress that your kids can use from their toddler years to their teen years. It’ll also provide a cool night’s sleep especially if your kid is a hot sleeper. The coils provide adequate airflow. And the thick construction forms a partial railing that will prevent your little one from slipping off the mattress.

Nectar mattress

Nectar mattress is a memory foam mattress that will give older kids a nice hugging sensation. It feels dreamy and plush yet it can provide enough airflow for ventilation. And it’s durable too. Your kids can continue using the same mattress as they grow older. 

It’s quite a bang for the buck. It’s more affordable than most memory foam mattresses.

Birch mattress

Birch Mattress is our best choice for the organic and hypoallergenic mattresses for kids. It contains both natural and organic material that’s safe for kids. Birch is a hybrid mattress that provides semi-firm support. And your kids can still enjoy the comfort of a plush mattress. So it’s suitable both for younger and older children.

It’s made of latex cotton and wool. But unlike other mattresses that contain latex, it’s not too firm. And it reduces motion transfer too. So it’s also a great choice if two kids are sharing the bed.

It’s made of breathable and responsive materials. And It provides great pressure relief too. It’s also one of the best mattresses that all types of sleepers would find comfortable. And it can also bring relief to nagging back pain. You might even want one for yourself. 

AMERISLEEP AS1

AMERISLEEP AS1 is the most firm mattress out of all the AMERISLEEP’S LINE. That’s why it’s a great choice for children. Your little one would love the cradling and hugging sensation of a memory foam bed. But what sets it apart from other memory foam is that it features a bit of firmness that provides spinal support. 

Another feature that you would love is the mattress cover, It’s cool to the touch and it won’t bunch up when your kid is changing positions in his sleep.

What makes the AS1 firmer is the combination of two types of foam, memory foam, and a high-density polyfoam. The polyfoam acts as a base that neutralizes the dreamy plush of the memory foam.

Nest Big Kids Bedding

This is a perfect mattress for bunk beds and for kids who want a more plush hugging sensation. It’s recommended for kids who weigh less than a hundred pounds. The mattress will provide great contour and spinal support for lightweight teens. 

But despite its plushness, your children will not sink into the bed. This memory foam mattress retains its shape right away. So your kids wouldn’t feel like the bed is swallowing them. 

More Tips!

Mattresses often have an unusual smell. It’s not uncommon. And even for mattresses that have a combination of both natural and organic materials, it can still have a distinct unpleasant scent. That’s why it’s a must to do off-gassing. Make sure that there is enough ventilation when setting up the mattress on the bed. 

You can also decide on adding a mattress topper. Toppers are very convenient as they can add more plushness and support without the need to buy a new mattress overall. It’s quite handy too. As your child grows, he might have a different preference for the firmness of his mattress.

Finding the perfect mattress for your kids can be a challenge. Buying the wrong mattress can be detrimental to their posture and overall health. Ensuring that your kid gets a blissful sleep every night is important to his health and well being. 

Our list of the best mattresses that you buy for your kids will lull them to sweet dreams.