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To find the best twin mattress for kids and toddlers, we looked at safety, certifications, parent reviews, and price. Find out why our top pick is the Birch Natural mattress.
If your little one is not so little anymore, it might be time to go shopping for a twin mattress. But with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.
“Toddlers spend about half of their lives asleep, so the choice of a mattress is a crucial one,” says 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.
Quality Zzz’s are crucial for children. Below, you’ll find some general information to consider when shopping for a twin mattress, as well as what kind of mattresses are best for kids, plus our top eight picks for the best twin mattresses for toddlers and young kids.
We considered many criteria when selecting the best twin mattresses for toddlers, including:
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?
In terms of furniture sizes, there are toddler beds available, typically measuring 28 x 52 in, which is the same size as a crib mattress.
However, unless you have a crib and toddler bed combo, 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 directly 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 comes in handy if you’re trying to make a bed last for many years.
There’s no single type of mattress that’s best for toddlers. However, here are a few general guidelines to keep in mind:
Materials
Several material options exist for toddler mattresses, including:
foam
innerspring
hybrid
Memory foam isn’t as bouncy as a spring mattress — 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 may not be firm enough for toddlers. They can be great for older kids, but younger ones should have a firmer surface, says Barnett.
Otherwise, look for a natural latex mattress, or a bouncier innerspring or hybrid model.
Firmness level
Your toddler is likely used to the feeling of their firm crib mattress, and you want the transition to be as smooth as possible, says Barnett, so a mattress that has a similar firmness to their crib mattress is likely the best option.
“It can be overwhelming for kids to move to a ‘big kid’ bed, so making the transition smooth is important,” she explains.
That likely means they’ll find a firm or medium-firm mattress to be the most comfortable.
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
Look for a mattress with a cooling gel foam layer if your child sleeps hot. Alternatively, mattress toppers can provide temperature regulation to keep your child’s sleep more comfortable.
However, this act does not 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 toddler, look for certifications like:
Barnett points out that for children with allergies, a hypoallergenic mattress may be the best option. She also recommends opting for the convenience of a model with a waterproof, washable cover if you have a little one prone to accidents.
What mattress firmness is good for kids?
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.
When shopping for a twin mattress for your toddler or a mattress of any size, you’ll want to consider:
Safety: Checking certifications is essential.
Quality:Affordable mattresses are a plus, but make sure you’re not sacrificing quality or safety for cost.
Price: Twin mattresses range in price from $70 to over $1,000. Remember, a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean the mattress is better. Test each bed out, read reviews, and check for warranties.
Trial period: 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 typically range from 10 days to 1 year.
Warranty: Ask about the length and type of warranty. Most mattresses come with a limited warranty, but some of the more expensive brands come with a generous warranty.
It’s also common for mattresses to come with beds or bedroom sets, so it’s important to note that some mattresses are made for specific manufacturers and dealers. These mattresses have to meet the same federal requirements as ones sold directly to you.
Here are some questions to consider when deciding between a twin or full bed for your toddler:
Will you sleep with your toddler on occasion? A bigger bed might make things more comfortable.
Do you want a bed they can grow with? A full bed meets this need, and you won’t have to upgrade down the line.
Do you like the idea of having more space? A full bed offers more room to move around and limits the chances of your toddler accidentally falling out of bed.
Keep in mind that whatever option you choose, it’s important for the bed to be close to the ground to prevent injuries from accidental falls.
Twin mattresses are common, and you can buy them almost anywhere mattresses are sold. Most online mattress retailers offer twin options, and you’ll find plenty of twin models available at brick-and-mortar locations.
Once you find a mattress that works for your toddler, keeping it in tip-top shape can help you get years of use out of it and make the money you spend go even further.
While some kids may be ready for a toddler bed as early as 18 months, others may stay in their crib until 2 1/2 years of age.
How long do kids sleep in toddler beds?
This can vary greatly depending on your child’s height, weight, and development. However, the CPSIA says that toddler beds are generally designed for kids at least 15 months of age and under 5 years old.
They’re also intended to hold no more than 50 pounds.
When should I switch my toddler to a twin mattress?
There are no hard and fast rules for when to transition your toddler out of their toddler bed and into a twin. However, here are a couple of considerations:
Manufacturer recommendations: If your child is currently in a toddler bed, check to see the weight limit and any other restrictions.
Comfort: If your child isn’t sleeping soundly in their toddler bed, it may be time to make the switch.
How thick should a twin mattress be for kids and toddlers?
Mattresses for toddlers typically range from 4–6 in in thickness. Bunk beds also tend to accommodate mattresses up to 8 in high.
Should a child’s mattress be firm or soft? When can my toddler sleep on a soft mattress?
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 for you, look for a mattress that comes with safety certifications like CertiPUR-US. Otherwise, opt for natural latex, innerspring, or hybrid models with less foam.
Can you use the same type of mattress for a loft or bunk bed?
Yes! Although, you may want to go with a memory foam model because they tend to weigh less than hybrids and coil-containing mattresses.
It’s also important to pick a mattress with the right height. Find a model that’s no more than 7 or 8 in tall to ensure it doesn’t clear the guardrail and increase your toddler’s risk of rolling out of bed and falling onto the floor.
Deciding on the right twin mattress for your toddler may require a few trips to the store, but if you do the research ahead of time, the process can go a lot more smoothly.
When choosing a mattress, make sure to check for safety standards, quality certifications, trial periods, and warranties.
Last medically reviewed on May 22, 2023
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
