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8 Best Toddler Mattress and Bed Picks 2023

These toddler mattresses are so inviting they'll actually ASK for bedtime.

By Bryce Gruber

8 Best Toddler Mattress and Bed Picks 2023

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There's so much to consider when you're searching for the best toddler mattress. Whether you're looking for a crib mattress, an option for a compact toddler bed or a full-fledged kids' mattress, we found the best options. We ranked all the most popular styles and best-rated models to help your sleep training methods and keep them snoozing peacefully.

Types of toddler mattresses:

  • Spring mattresses:  These firm, supportive toddler mattresses rely on interior steel coils. Some brands offer wrapped or bound coils. Expect these to all function similarly thanks to layers of padding, upholstery or foam.
  • Foam mattresses: These popular, affordable beds come in plenty of easy-to-ship sizes. A variety of foam densities, textures and layers are available. We love how there's a foam option for every sleep style and budget. Foam conforms to the body, relieving pressure points while providing support.
  • Hybrid mattresses: The best of both innerspring and foam worlds is within reach. These appealing beds have both springs and foam at their core. Some are double-sided—for example, with one very firm side for babies and a more cushioned side for toddlers and growing children.
  • Waterproof: Feel secure on liquid-resistant mattresses that can be made with coils, foam or both. The unifying factor is that they stand up to pee and the dog days of potty training. These are often for the younger toddlers, those who forget to wear their pull-ups and toddler travel beds.

The best toddler mattress picks 2023

Best overall

Helix Kids Mattress

Helix Kids Mattress Merchant

If you don't want to switch out your toddler's mattress as they grow, this Helix model is perfect for you. We covered every itty-bitty detail in our Helix Kids Mattress review, but the short version is that this toddler mattress has two very brilliant sides.

It has one side made to perfectly support, cradle and nurture the youngest growing bodies—up to about seven years old—and another that offers dreamy sleep to older kids. It's a budget-friendly choice because you'll keep it for years (kids will happily grow up on this mattress), and the stain-resistant cover makes it parent-approved. It's one of our favorite dual-sided mattresses for the whole family.

If you're wondering, here's how to remove blood stains from a mattress in case your little one is prone to nose bleeds or other mishaps.

*This slide is part of a paid partnership, though we really did try the mattress. We loved it so much that our own kids really sleep on it.

Pros

  • Offers two flippable sides for a custom sleep experience
  • Moderately priced
  • Available in both twin and full sizes
  • Stain resistant cover
  • Made in the USA
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • Ships right to your door
  • CertiuPUR-US certified

Cons

  • Somewhat pricier than other options, though still affordable

Best flippable

Saatva Dual-Sided Crib Mattress

saatva crib and toddler mattress, best toddler mattress Merchant

The Saatva Dual-Sided Crib Mattress earns our top spot as the best overall because it's designed specifically for babies and toddlers. It fits neatly in all standard cribs and toddler beds. We love that it's handcrafted from natural, non-toxic and eco-friendly materials that are safe for your most precious gift.

What we love most is that it's a flippable toddler mattress that adapts to unique sleep needs. The double-firm side supports babies and toddlers up to about three years old, while the firmer side is ideal for toddlers ages three through about six. It's made with all the same top-notch materials and methods as the top-rated adult Saatva mattresses, only at a far more affordable price.

The breathable organic cotton cover is also water-repellent and water-resistant, because hey—accidents happen. Even on a big kid bed.

Pros

  • The most affordable Saatva mattress of all, yet still handcrafted and made with non-toxic materials
  • Dual-sided for different firmness levels and needs
  • Ideal for infancy through about age 6
  • Certified to be free of harmful emissions, formaldehyde, and VOCs (won't off-gas)
  • Breathable, removable and washable cover made with organic cotton and treated with a safe, eco-friendly water-repellent treatment.

Cons

  • Somewhat pricier than mass-produced crib and toddler mattresses, but worth every penny thanks to better materials and use for up to 6 years

Best twin mattress for toddlers

Saatva Youth Mattress

saatva youth mattress, best kids' mattress Saatva

The versatile Saatva versatile innerspring mattress for the middle stages of toddlerhood, about age 3, all the way through middle school thanks to dual-sided, accident-proof design. It's a handcrafted wonder that should last you about a decade, so it's worth splurging on the eco-friendly materials Saatva is known for.

We think it's one of the best toddler mattress options for all types of sleepers including side, back and belly-floppers. Designed for proper spinal alignment, we feel good about suggesting this high-end mattress for parents prone to hopping in their little ones' beds at storytime. It's so supportive that you won't leave the latest rendition of Goodnight Moon with a backache. Phew.

Pros

  • Ideal for toddlers and big kids ages 3 through about 12
  • Made of eco-friendly high-end materials
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Available in twin, twin xl and full sizes
  • Free in-home delivery and setup
  • Lifetime guarantee
  • Comfortable for adults to crash in, too

Cons

  • Somewhat pricey compared to other models on the market, though it's designed to be used for at least 10 years
  • Only three available sizes

Best for convertible cribs

Newton Crib Mattress

newton crib mattress original grey, best kids mattress Newton

If you're converting your standard crib to a toddler bed and looking for a top-rated, affordable toddler mattress, the Newton crib mattress is a brilliant buy. Designed for infancy through age 5, it's a 100% breathable bed they'll dream big on. Made with a patented, supportive core and detachable cover, parents rave about how pee-resistant this one is.

Airy construction keeps it lightweight and easy to move and change linens. Easy to wash glue-free, latex-free and spring-free construction that can be damaged by moisture makes it one of the best toddler mattress options on the market. It's also one of Amazon's best-sellers thanks to over 2,000 glowing five-star ratings. Pop some Winnie The Pooh crib sheets or floral crib sheets on this affordable find and you'll be all set.

Pros

  • Fits standard convertible cribs and toddler beds
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to wash thanks to a detachable cover
  • 100% breathable materials
  • Modest price point
  • Lasts from infancy through about age five
  • An Amazon bestseller

Cons

  • Air-based inner design won't support adults crawling in at storytime
  • Very tall toddlers and kids over the age of 5 probably need a twin mattress

Best waterproof

Serta Perfect Start Dual-Sided Waterproof Crib Mattress

best toddler mattress, serta dual-sided Merchant

The least expensive option on our list, the Serta Dual-Sided Crib Mattress, is a non-toxic wonder under $100 that boast thousands of positive Amazon ratings. Both sides of this baby and toddler mattress feature a waterproof cover. Flip the mattress when it comes time for your baby to move to a medium-firm toddler bed or just adjust it for freshness. The toddler side is best used from about 18 months of age.

A premium sustainably-sourced firm fiber core made from upcycled plastic bottles offers support for babies and toddlers through about age 5. It fits standard cribs and typical toddler beds and features a durable waterproof cover that's a cinch to clean. Plus, it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to be low in chemical emissions.

Pros

  • Durable waterproof cover that can be removed and easily cleaned
  • Affordable (under $100)
  • Fits all standard cribs and toddler beds
  • Sustainably-sourced foam made from upcycled plastics
  • GREENGUARD Gold certified to be low in chemical emissions and toxins

Cons

  • Not ideal for bigger toddlers or kids
  • Can't support adult weight
  • Takes up to 48 hours to fully absorb air and maximize its shape and size

Best full-size mattress for toddlers

Linenspa Memory Foam Mattress

Linenspa mattress, best walmart twin mattress Merchant

Opting for a Linenspa memory foam mattress makes sense if want a full-size toddler mattress at the best possible price. With over 132,000 ratings and a nearly perfect 4.6-star average, this versatile bed is excellent for both little ones and grown-ups. It's easily one of the most popular memory foam latex mattresses on the market, and the twin size made our list of the best Walmart twin mattress options.

Choose from 8-inch, 10-inch or 12-inch heights and rest easy knowing your toddler is sleeping on the most supportive memory foam on the market. The contouring nature of this multi-layer foam is durable, offers slight bounce (hello, little jumpers!) and is easy to maintain. The best part? It's actually designed for higher weight limits than most toddlers require, so it's plenty comfortable for an adult to crawl into (and maybe some siblings)

Pros

  • The most affordable full-size mattress appropriate for toddlers
  • Over 132,000 ratings with a nearly-perfect 4.6-star average
  • Available in an extended size range
  • Conforms to growing spines and bodies
  • Ships right to your door
  • Three available heights, though we suggest going for the 12-inch

Cons

  • No waterproof cover, so you'll want to add one like this to your cart to get through the potty training stage

Best organic mattress for toddlers

Avocado Eco Organic Twin Mattress

avocado green kids mattress, best toddler mattress Merchant

This certified-organic Avocado Green Eco Organic mattress is made in America with over 600 pocketed coils and 100% GOLS-certitied organic high-density latex that comes from sustainable farms around the world. It's encased with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool for breathable, luxurious sleep at any age or stage.

The low profile is ideal for typical twin beds, bunk beds and trundles and promises no toxic off-gassing that other mattresses fall victim to. No toxic chemical flame retardants, fiberglass or poly foams are used in the construction, either. This mattress is ideal for toddlers through about age 12, making it a worthwhile investment to keep you (and them) sleeping peacefully for years to come.

Pros

  • Organic GOLS-certified latex foam interior and GOTS-certified organic cotton/wool exterior
  • No toxic chemicals or off-gassing like other firm mattresses
  • Low-profile fits neatly into all twin bed settings including bunk beds and trundles
  • Ideal for toddler age through 12
  • Modestly priced for all organic construction
  • Also available in twin XL and full sizes
  • Certipur US certified

Cons

  • No crib size offering
  • Probably not supportive enough for full-size adults, though the brand makes several other mattress models that are exceptional for parents

Best breathable

SleepOvation Baby Crib Mattress

sleepovation crib mattress, best breathable crib mattress Merchant

The SleepOvation scores major points for breathability thanks to clevver knitted-in air channels engineered all throughout the mattress and sleep surface. This keeps your little one cool as a cucumber as they sleep, and has earned this game-changing toddler mattress the title of the only FDA-approved model on the market.

Designed to support the spine and relieve excessive pressure on the head, this model is also great for infants and younger toddlers. It fits neatly inside standard cribs, is moderately priced and it's even machine washable. Seriously! Just take the cover off and throw it all in the machine.

Pros

  • Extremely breathable
  • The only FDA-approved breathable crib mattress
  • Free of chemical flame retardants and other harmful chemicals
  • Dual-sided
  • Waterproof for toddlers
  • Machine-washable, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 cover for easy cleaning

Cons

  • Only the toddler side is waterproof, so we don't love this model quite as much for infants and hand-me-downs
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This article was originally published on Mar 29, 2023

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