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A mattress will support your child throughout their formative years. We looked at safety, certifications, parent reviews, and price to find the best options out there.
Looking for a twin mattress to support your child? With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Kids of different ages may have different sleep needs, for example.
“Toddlers spend about half of their lives asleep, so the choice of a mattress is a crucial one,” said Dr. Natalie Barnett, vice president of clinical research at Nanit and the founder of Seven Oaks Sleep Science, an infant sleep consultancy for families in New York City.
This means between 10 to 13 hours of sleep, including naps. Meanwhile, 6- to 12-year-olds need between 9 to 12 hours of sleep, and teens tend to function best with 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night, according to the
Below, you’ll find information to consider when shopping for a child’s mattress, as well as our top 10 picks for the best twin mattresses for kids at many different price points.
* Prices are accurate as of May 2024.
- Flammability requirements: All twin mattresses included in this list meet standard flammability requirements laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Free of recalls and pending lawsuits: At this time, there are no recalls, pending lawsuits, or warnings specific to the safety of twin mattresses included in this list.
- Verified through certifications: All the twin mattresses we picked are certified by one or more of the following:
- Positive customer reviews: We looked at customer reviews from a variety of retailers, such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, and company websites.
Additionally, all mattresses on our list have been vetted to make sure they meet Healthline’s business standards and approach to well-being. Learn more about our vetting process.
What’s the difference between a toddler bed and a twin bed?
Toddler beds typically measure 28 x 52 in, which is the same size as a crib mattress.
Unless you have a crib and toddler combo bed, you may end up buying a toddler bed and then a twin bed as your child grows. That’s why some parents skip the toddler bed and move from a crib to a twin mattress.
In general, a twin mattress measures 38 x 75 in, and a twin XL mattress measures 38 x 80 in. A twin XL provides extra length, which may come in handy if you’re trying to make a bed last for many years.
No one type of mattress is best for all kids. But there are a few things you may want to keep in mind while shopping:
Materials
The two main mattress types are foam, including gel and memory foam, and hybrid, which contain both springs or coils and foam.
Memory foam isn’t as bouncy as a mattress containing springs, which may mean less temptation to use the mattress as a trampoline.
However, memory foam mattresses also tend to have more chemicals, so you may want to consider only those that come with materials certifications like CertiPUR-US.
Additionally, memory foam mattresses may not be firm enough for toddlers. They can be great for older kids, but younger ones should have a firmer surface, Barnett advised.
Otherwise, look for a natural latex mattress — a type of foam made from natural materials — or a bouncier hybrid option.
Firmness level
The right firmness depends on your child’s age. Infants and toddlers need the firmest support. However, as kids get older, they may develop unique sleeping habits and preferences for softer mattresses.
Kids who tend to toss and turn at night might find a very firm mattress uncomfortable. Like with adults, a medium-firm option tends to be good for most older kids.
Pressure relief
Pressure relief is less of a concern for kids than it is for adults. However, if you do want a mattress that has more pressure relief, memory foam is your best bet.
Temperature regulation
If your child sleeps hot, look for a mattress with a cooling gel foam layer. Alternatively, mattress toppers can provide temperature regulation to keep your child’s sleep more comfortable.
Safety certifications
Safety is, of course, a top priority for all things related to kids. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) requires that toddler beds meet certain safety requirements.
However, this act doesn’t apply to twin-size beds. Instead, twin mattresses must meet the same flammability requirements as other adult-size mattresses.
If you’re considering a twin bed for your child, look for certifications like CertiPUR-US, Greenguard, Made Safe, and others listed above in our vetting section.
Other considerations
If your child has allergies, a hypoallergenic mattress may be the best option, Barnett says. She also recommends opting for a mattress with a removable and washable cover, if they’re prone to accidents.
Price
When getting started, first consider your budget and the types of features you’re looking for in a mattress.
Twin mattresses range in price from around $100 to well over $1,000. But a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean the mattress is better. It may, however, signal a more durable sleep surface and more features.
Some mattresses are flippable, with different features on each side designed to support kids’ changing needs as they grow — you’re essentially purchasing two mattresses in one. These mattresses tend to be more expensive than other options.
Trial period
You may want to consider buying from a company with a flexible or extended trial period, as you’ll want to make sure the mattress works for your child.
Some companies offer a trial period where you can sleep on the bed and return it for a full refund if you’re not satisfied. These periods can range from 10 days to 1 year. Most mattress brands with an online presence offer sleep trials of at least 100 nights.
But make sure to read the fine print before trying out a mattress. Some companies only offer trials for your first mattress purchase.
Warranty
You may also want to opt for a mattress with a lengthy warranty. Most mattresses come with a limited warranty, but some brands with more expensive mattresses offer generous lifetime warranties. At a minimum, a mattress should have a 10-year limited warranty.
While some toddlers may be ready for a twin bed as early as 18 months, others may stay in their crib until 2 1/2 years of age.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends firm mattresses for children 12 months and younger. This is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
After that, a firm or medium-firm surface may help ensure proper spinal alignment as your child continues to grow. And as kids age, they may develop their own sleep surface preferences, just like you!
Some experts warn against chemical off-gassing from memory foam mattresses. A 2019 study indicated that memory foam mattresses do emit higher levels of volatile organic compounds during sleep.
If this is a concern, look for a mattress that comes with safety certifications like CertiPUR-US. Otherwise, opt for natural latex, innerspring, or hybrid models with less foam.
Choosing the best twin mattress for kids is a lot like picking the right mattress for an adult. The best fit for your child will depend on their age, favorite sleeping position, and sleep preferences.
When choosing a kid-friendly mattress, make sure to check for safety standards, quality certifications, trial periods, and warranties. If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, a flippable model that can grow with your child may be your best bet.