10 Best Toddler Mattresses for That New Big-Kid Bed
If you’re in the market for the best toddler mattress, it’s likely because you’re thinking of transitioning your little one from a crib to a toddler bed. 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 toddler mattress you choose will set the tone for a comfortable night’s sleep for your kiddo.
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; these two types of furniture use the same size mattress. But if you’d like to try something different, or you’re moving your kiddo into a twin-sized bed, our guide to the best toddler mattresses will make your decision easier. Keep reading to find the one that will ensure a good night’s sleep for your little one.
Most toddler 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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: 24" (L) x 38" (W) x 5" (H)
- Standard toddler mattress: 28" (L) x 52" (W) x 6" (H)
- Twin-size mattress: 38" (L) x 75" (W) x 6" (H)
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 Sharifa Glass, MD, a pediatrician and clinical assistant professor at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. “Today, 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),” she says. Other helpful features to look for in a toddler bed mattress include the following:
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. A medium-firm to firm mattress to provide more support for a toddler’s neck and head. Good edge support.
Now that you have a better idea of how to shop for the best toddler mattress, it’s time to figure out which is right for your little one. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites for you to consider.
Overall best toddler mattress
- Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial organic cotton
- Non-toxic natural thistle flame barrier
- 365-night trial
- High price point
This premium mattress is constructed with high-density foam that provides just enough lumbar support for growing kids. It’s double-sided, with one side suitable for children from 3 to 7 years old, and the other 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 that’s breathable but firm, while the mattress’ core is made from steel coils, for a hybrid base that’s supportive but comfortable.
Type: Hybrid | Size: Twin | Dimensions: 75" (L) x 38" (W)
Best twin mattress for toddlers
- Cooling system
- Ergonomic spinal support
- CertiPUR-US certified
- Firm
- High price point
a twin-sized option. But our pick for the best twin mattress for toddlers is Casper’s Original Mattress. It features multi-zoned support to ensure spinal alignment, which is super important for growing kiddos. What’s more, the company offers quick shipping, as well as other important add-ons like a waterproof mattress protector. A 10-year limited warranty rounds out the great features of this mattress.
Type: Foam | Size: Twin | Dimensions: 75" (L) x 38" (W) x 11" (H)
Best organic toddler mattress
- Breathable cover
- Wipe-clean surface
- Lightweight
- Some parents say it sags in the middle
Our top pick for safety- and eco-minded parents is the Naturepedic organic toddler mattress. This GREENGUARD Gold-certified pick provides firm but comfortable two-sided support for both babies and toddlers and fits convertible cribs and toddler beds. It’s a perennial favorite among parents for good reason: It’s made from 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton with no glues or adhesives, polyurethane foam, chemical additives or fire retardants (while still passing flame standards). Plus, it features a non-toxic waterproof layer made of non-GMO sugarcane.
Type: Innerspring | Size: Toddler
Best budget-friendly toddler mattress
- Breathable cover
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- Stain-resistant
- Thinner than other options
If you’re hoping to save a few dollars, know that it’s totally possible to get a quality toddler mattress for less than $100. Our top pick for the best budget-friendly toddler mattress is the Dream On Me 2-in-1 mattress. This foam mattress is a basic six-inch-thick option that features enhanced breathability on the infant side and a waterproof surface on the toddler side. Sized to fit a standard crib or toddler bed, this toddler mattress makes a great choice at an affordable price point. That’s what we call a win!
Type: Foam | Size: Toddler | Dimensions: 38" (L) x 24" (W) x 3" (H)
Best memory foam toddler mattress
- Free shipping and returns
- Hypoallergenic, nontoxic materials
- Machine-washable cover
- Dense
The iconic Purple foam mattress is our pick for the best memory foam toddler mattress. With adaptive support using the company’s patented GelFlex grid system, and a softer, cooler feel for little bodies, this toddler bed mattress will have your little one in dreamland in no time. You can also choose from two different frame options, including a beautifully upholstered frame or a more affordable platform one. Bonus: Purple offers a 100-night free trial and a 10-year warranty.
Type: Foam | Size: Twin | Dimensions: 75" (L) x 38" (W) x 7" (H)
Best waterproof toddler mattress
- Affordable price point
- Waterproof edges and top-layer
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- Thinner than other options
- Some parents said it was too soft
We can probably all agree that a waterproof toddler mattress is the way to go, for so many reasons! The Kolcraft Baby Dri mattress sports a waterproof layer that means business: The top is reinforced for the ultimate protection from accidents or spills, and the cover easily wipes clean when the inevitable does occur. What’s more, this toddler mattress features waterproof lock-stitched binding that prevents liquid from seeping into the edges of the mattress.
Type: Innerspring | Size: Toddler | Dimensions: 52" (L) x 27" (W) x 5" (H)
Best hypoallergenic toddler mattress
- Breathable
- Easy to clean
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- High price point
- Air-dry only
The Newton mattress is a one-of-a-kind toddler 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 free from common allergens like latex, glue or polyester. The cotton cover is removable and machine-washable for easy cleanup from spills and accidents, and the inner core can be cleaned in a bathtub and set out to dry as well. The mattress is available in gray, pink, blue or white and should be used without a sheet or mattress cover for maximum breathability.
Type: n/a | Size: Toddler | Dimensions: 52" (L) x 28" (W) x 5.5" (H)
Best breathable toddler mattress
- Hypoallergenic
- Waterproof toddler side
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- High price point
HALO Dreamweave Breathable Crib Mattress For a comfortable option that provides plenty of breathability for baby, consider the HALO Dreamweave. The mattress’ polymer core is surrounded by air pockets that enhance air flow and promote a safer sleep environment for little ones. A waterproof barrier prevents mold and mildew growth, while a mesh cover that’s washable helps keep this toddler mattress cleaner for longer.
Type: Hybrid | Size: Toddler | Dimensions: 52" (L) x 28" (W) x 4.5" (H)
Best toddler crib mattress
- Firm support
- Waterproof cover
- CertiPUR and GREENGUARD Gold certified
- High price point
This posh toddler crib mattress features a luxe, silky cover for a soft feel, and individually wrapped coils surrounded by a foam encasement that ensure your tot will have the best sleep possible during the crib years and beyond. This comfortable mattress is also free from toxic materials, and is CertiPUR and GREENGUARD Gold certified. We especially love that it’s double-sided: the infant side features a supportive sleeping surface while the toddler side offers a layer of convoluted foam that’s designed to provide comfort and support.
Type: Hybrid | Size: Toddler | Dimensions: 52" (L) x 27.5" (W) x 6" (H)
Best toddler air mattress
- Portable
- Reinforced vinyl for durability
- Fits all standard crib sheets and blankets
- Not suitable for children under 2
If you need a portable solution for your toddler’s sleep needs, a toddler air mattress might be the best bet for you. We love the Hiccapop, which is an easily inflatable bed that features safety bumpers on all four sides. It’s the perfect lightweight solution for camping, traveling or overnights with grandparents. We especially love that the mattress inflates in less than 30 seconds and fits any standard crib bedding. One thing to note is that this mattress isn’t safe for kids under 2-years-old due to side bumpers that could lead to entrapment and suffocation.
Type: Air | Size: Toddler | Dimensions: 62" (L) x 39" (W) x 12" (D)
To help you find the best toddler mattress on the market today, we browsed lots of different options from the most trusted brands and retailers. We considered features like material, comfort and safety. For each mattress, we read user reviews to find out how it performed for other families and didn’t consider any mattresses with less than an average four-star rating.
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. We also follow the safety recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and look for certifications and seals of approval from key organizations.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
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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