The Best Twin Mattresses for Kids, Tested by Little Sleepers
In a nutshell:
Based on in-depth research and hands-on product testing, we chose the Helix Kids Twin Mattress as the overall best twin mattress for kids thanks to its hypoallergenic fabrics, premium construction and two-stage flippable design.
In this article:
If you’re in the market for a new twin mattress for kids, it’s likely because you’re thinking of transitioning your little one from a crib or toddler bed to a more mature sleeping set-up. Some parents transition based on age (3 is a common age to make the move), while others may notice their dextrous little ones beginning to climb out of their crib on the earlier side. Regardless of the reason for that first big-kid bed, the mattress you choose will set the tone for a comfortable night’s sleep.
If baby has been sleeping in a standard crib, know that you don’t necessarily need to purchase a new mattress if you’re moving them into a toddler bed. This is because a crib and toddler bed often share the same dimensions. In fact, Sharifa Glass, MD, a pediatrician and clinical assistant professor at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine says that “many standard crib mattresses have a firmer side for infant use (ideal for babies under 12 months of age) and a softer side for toddler use (12 months of age and older).” Meaning you may get extended use from a double-sided crib mattress. But if you’re moving your kiddo into a twin-sized bed, our guide to the best twin mattresses for toddlers and kids will make your decision easier. Keep reading to find the one that will ensure a good night’s sleep for your little one.
To help you find the right fit for your family, The Bump conducted extensive market research and created a shortlist of top-rated twin mattresses for kids. From there we took the following steps:
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We enlisted parents of toddlers and older children to thoroughly test the top options on the market. These twin mattresses were used for naps and nighttime slumber, before our independent product testers assessed each one based on the following criteria: set-up; ease of use; firmness; comfort; materials; and value for money.
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To make sure we’re highlighting products that are safe and effective, we spoke with a pediatrician to understand essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind when you’re shopping.
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We also follow the safety recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and look for certifications and seals of approval from key organizations.
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To see how these products worked for a variety of families, we scoured forums and message boards and read user reviews to find out what parents across the country looked for in a twin mattress for kids. Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best twin mattress for kids
- Double-sided design
- Water- and stain-repellent cover
- Feels cool to the touch
- Only suitable up to age 12
This flippable twin mattress for kids is truly the best in class. Mom of three Nicole, whose children range in age from 3 to 8 years old, tested it out with her kids and awarded it high scores across the board. The mattress arrived rolled up in a box and took less than 10 minutes to unbox and set-up. Nicole notes that “the mattress seemed to expand quickly” adding that there was no sign of the smell you sometimes get with a new mattress. She added that “it was very easy to carry up the stairs and into the bedroom to put on the bed frame.” Nicole did notice that it sat a “little higher” on the bed frame than she would have liked, but added that her girls loved the thick, comfortable mattress. (For the record, this mattress is one inch higher than the other products we sent for testing, but still falls within safe height limits.)
The Helix earned a 10 out of 10 score in comfort, which is hardly surprising when you consider the quality construction. Designed for growing bodies, the flippable mattress has a firm side made with responsive foam that provides added spinal support for children between the ages of 3 and 7. Then on the flip side, there’s a soft layer of memory foam for kids over the age of 8 that crave comfort. Plus, internal steel coils provide edge to edge support, stability and long-lasting durability, which is a major plus if your kiddo is a bed bouncer! But what really stood out to Nicole was how the longevity offered by this double-sided design. “We love this one because it has two different sides for certain ages and they can grow into it,” gushed our product tester. Nicole’s 3-year-old daughter slept on the firm side, and had had no complaints. “My younger child was very comfortable on the mattress and fell asleep right away,” says Nicole who felt confident that it was supportive enough for her little girl. Nicole’s older child—who used the firmer side—also gave it the thumbs up. “My daughter said it’s so comfortable and she’s happy to get a new mattress! She couldn’t feel any springs, unlike her old mattress. The size was great for her and gave the perfect amount of support.”
Nicole’s family also loved the premium fabrics. “My kids have sensitive skin and also run warm,” she explained, giving materials a 10 out of 10 rating. That's why she appreciated the hypoallergenic design, telling us the lyocell cover, made from natural wood fibers, was “cool to the touch.” Our product tester also noted that “the mattress is both stain and water-repellent, which is great” especially if your child is still in the early stages of potty training. And these materials didn't just earn a seal of approval from our product tester—this kids’ twin mattress has been awarded multiple safety certifications. The Helix is GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it’s passed rigorous testing and was constructed without the use of harmful chemicals.
Age range: 3 to 12 years | Type: Hybrid | Dimensions: 75″ (L) x 38″ (W) x 8″ (H) | Trial period: 100 nights
Our product tester says: “I’d recommend this mattress to other parents because I know my kids will sleep well. I myself can say it’s a comfortable mattress. Cool to the touch, double sided so kids can grow into it and hypoallergenic, this is the mattress to get for kiddos!” - Nicole P., Mom of 3-year-old and 8-year-old
Best organic twin mattress for kids
- GOTS-certified organic
- Natural materials promote airflow
- Fits bunk beds and trundle frames
- Expensive
- Waterproof cover sold separately
- Some say it is too small to fit a standard twin bed frame
Next up is our favorite organic twin mattress for kids, tested by mom of two Tandra with the help of her 3 and 7-year-old boys. The hybrid mattress uses organic latex foam and pocket-spring coils to create a supportive sleep surface, while GOTS-certified wool and cotton form a breathable outer-layer that helps kids naturally regulate their temperature at night. And the commitment to quality material doesn't come at the cost of comfort—Tandra gave this mattress a 10 out of 10 score for firmness and comfort, telling us that “when you press down, it has a nice cushion feel to it.” She also added, “My 3-year-old found the mattress comfortable and preferred the Eco Organic Soft 660 pocket coils over his Firm Pocket Spring 4 3/4 high mattress.” And her child described it as “bouncy,” which is pretty high praise coming from a 3-year-old! As for her 7-year-old? He told his mom that “it is really comfortable and I like it alot.”
Between the unboxing and waiting for it to expand to its full size, it took 45 minutes to set up the mattress in her kids bedroom. Tandra said that there was “no noticeable smell” and “the mattress expanded quickly within 30 minutes of being taken out of the box, which was nice.” While the packaging itself was easy to open, it was hard to lift the mattress out of the box and she felt that there was “a lot of unneeded plastic” used. She flagged that this mattress is not waterproof, although the brand does sell a waterproof cover. “I am currently night training my 3-year-old /[and] I wouldn't want my toddler to sleep on the bed without protection or a cover.”
Despite the lack of potty-training protection, Tandra gave the materials a 10 out of 10 score. While she noted that the mattress “is not completely hypoallergenic since it is made with natural products,” she appreciated the organic materials. Tandra continued to tell us that “the mattress felt very soft and cool to the touch,” making it worthy of a high rating. But what really sets this mattress apart is OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification, which means that every component has been lab-tested and is free from harmful levels of toxic substances.
Age range: Not specified | Type: Hybrid | Dimensions: 75″ (L) x 38″ (W) x 7″ (H) | Trial period: 100 nights
Our product tester says: “The mattress provided great support for my younger child, and he slept better than normal on it.” - Tandra H., mom of 3-year-old and 7-year-old
Best twin mattress for potty training kids
- GOTS-certified organic
- Firm waterproof side
- Breathable materials
- Expensive
- Quilted side is not waterproof
If you’re still in the midst of potty-training your child—or your little one is prone to accidents—it's a good idea to invest in a waterproof twin mattress for kids. And this option by Naturepedic certainly fits the bill, earning perfect 10 out of 10 scores across multiple testing criteria from our product tester Chelsi, as well as high praise for the waterproof feature.
Chelsi, put the mattress through its paces with her 2- and 8-year-old. She noted that the “mattress was super easy to unbox and set up.” In fact, it only took 15 minutes in total, as “there was no wait for it to expand.” The double-sided mattress features a firm side with a protective waterproof layer made from non-GMO sugarcane. Once your little one is ready to move on, flip it over to the softer, quilted side. The softer side utilizes organic cotton batting and a plush micro-coil layer for added comfort.
Chelsi said “I believe the mattress is around medium-firm, and it is soft on the quilted side.” But she noted that the waterproof side was quite firm, so she “added a quilted waterproof pad on top to soften it.” Despite the fact that the mattress was a little uncomfortable without a topper, Chelsi reported that both her sons “find the mattress comfortable and love it without any complaint.” While she did have some misgivings about the price, Chelsi ended her review by saying that she “would recommend /[it] for potty training moms.”
Age range: Not specified | Type: Innerspring | Dimensions: 75″ (L) x 38″ (W) x 7″ (H) | Trial period: 100 nights
Our product tester says: “The waterproof layer works great and will work great with potty training.” - Chelsi E., mom of a 2-year-old and 8-year-old
Best supportive twin mattress for kids
- Flippable design
- Targeted lumbar support
- Internal waterproof layer
- High price point
- Higher than other options
This premium mattress is constructed with high-density foam that provides just enough support for growing kids. It’s double-sided, with one side suitable for children from 3 to 7 years old, and the other firmer side best for kids 8 to 12 years old.
Engineered with comfort, safety and proper spinal alignment in mind, the Saatva features a five-zone support layer. This includes a wire layer that enhances durability and lumbar support in the center third of the mattress, which tends to carry the majority of your child’s weight. Meanwhile, the mattress’ core is made from steel coils, for a hybrid base that’s supportive but comfortable. And because accidents happen, the mattress has an internal waterproof barrier as well as a breathable organic cotton cover with a water-resistant finish. Still not convinced? This mattress also earned a seal of approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Association
Age range: 3 to 12 years | Type: Hybrid | Size: Twin | Dimensions: 75" (L) x 38" (W) x 10" (H) | Trial period: 365 nights
Best twin mattress for kids that run hot
- Hypoallergenic
- Breathable materials
- Washable cover and core
- Thinnest mattress on the list
- Core can take up to 24 hours to dry
The Newton mattress is a one-of-a-kind twin mattress that features a special hypoallergenic Wovenaire inner layer. The Wovenaire core is made from 90 percent air and 10 percent food-grade polymer, making it one of the most breathable toddler mattresses out there. It’s also hypoallergenic and free from common allergens like latex, glue or polyester. The core is encased in a plush cover that adds a little extra padding but is still entirely breathable. Thanks to the unique composition, air can flow freely through the mattress keeping your little one cool all night long.
The best part? It’s completely washable from cover to core, so there’s no need to worry about those inevitable nighttime mishaps. Simply remove the cotton cover and chuck it in the washing machine. The three-piece core can be cleaned in the bath or shower and set out to air dry. And for added protection, you can purchase a waterproof mattress protector that also happens to be machine-washable.
Age range: Not specified | Type: Foam | Size: Twin | Dimensions: 75" (L) x 38" (W) x 5.5" (H) | Trial period: 100 nights
Twin Mattress Comparison Chart
| Overall best twin mattress for kids | Best organic twin mattress for kids | Best twin mattress for potty training kids | Best supportive twin mattress for kids | Best twin mattress for kids that run hot | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Best Helix Kids Twin Mattress | Avocado Eco Organic Kids Mattress | Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Kids Waterproof Mattress | Saatva Youth Mattress | Newton Baby Kids' Twin Mattress | ||
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | |
| Dimensions | 75″ (L) x 38″ (W) x 8″ (H) | 75″ (L) x 38″ (W) x 7″ (H) | 75″ (L) x 38″ (W) x 7″ (H) | 75″ (L) x 38″ (W) x 10″ (H) | 75″ (L) x 38″ (W) x 5.5″ (H) | |
| Hypoallergenic | ||||||
| Waterproof | ||||||
| GREENGUARD Gold certified | ||||||
| CertiPUR-US certified | ||||||
| Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review |
Most mattresses are made from a blend of polyester, cotton and other fibers. This provides a firm mattress for safety, but also one that’s comfortable enough for little ones to get a good night’s sleep. And while there are exceptions, mattresses tend to come in one of three options:
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Foam. Foam mattresses are great for toddlers because they tend to incorporate features that ensure proper spinal alignment. And for little ones with allergies or parents who are concerned about potentially hazardous chemicals in traditional mattresses, foam offers a hypoallergenic solution.
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Innerspring. This is the typical coil mattress that you likely grew up with. This type of mattress tends to offer the most support and lasts the longest. You’ll also find it slightly bouncier than a foam mattress.
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Hybrid. Can’t decide between foam and innerspring? You don’t have to! A hybrid mattress offers the best of both worlds: good support from a coil system and the plush and contoured feel of a foam mattress, making it a great choice for young kids.
In recent years, some parents have started opting for twin-sized versions of popular mattress brands, like Purple, Nectar, Avocado and Casper (all of which offer a foam or hybrid mattress option).
If you’ll be moving your little one from a crib to a true toddler bed, you may not need to purchase a toddler mattress. That’s because toddler mattress dimensions are often the same size that fits in a crib. However, if you’ve been using a mini crib, the mattress you have is likely smaller than a traditional toddler mattress. Another option is to move your kiddo to a twin-sized bed and use safety rails to ensure they don’t fall out. Here’s a breakdown of toddler mattress sizes by type:
- Mini crib mattress: 38" (W) x 24" (L)
- Standard toddler mattress: 52" (W) x 28" (L)
- Twin-size mattress: 75" (W) x 38" (L)
Double-sided mattresses are a great way to meet the sleep needs of both babies and toddlers without having to purchase a separate mattress, according to Glass. Other helpful features to look for in a toddler bed mattress include the following:
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A protective cover that’s either waterproof or removable for easy cleaning. “This can help to protect the mattress from spills, stains, nighttime accidents and allergens,” notes Glass.
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A medium-firm to firm mattress to provide more support for a toddler’s neck and head.
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Good edge support ensures that the mattress is stable, so your little one is less likely to roll off the sides.
About the writer: Martina Garvey is an editor at The Bump, where she writes and edits e-commerce content covering pregnancy, postpartum and parenting topics. Over an eight-year career in educational publishing and digital media, Garvey has developed a keen eye for detail and robust reporting skills. As a staff member on The Bump for over three years, she leverages an in-depth knowledge of pregnancy essentials and must-have baby gear alongside a passion for the latest trends to create informative content parents can trust.
Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Sharifa Glass, MD, a pediatrician and clinical assistant professor at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. She is also a wife and mother to two children.
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