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Best Toddler Mattress

Updated February 29, 2024

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A good night’s rest plays an essential role when it comes to health and wellbeing. Sleep is especially important for a toddler, as it is crucial to their growth and development. A toddler mattress often marks the transition from a crib to bed. Whether you decide to keep the crib or switch to a bed frame or foundation, the mattress needs to fit snugly for safety.

Toddlers have specific needs when it comes to firmness level, as proper spinal alignment is critical at this age. We’ll discuss the top recommended mattress models for toddlers and what distinguishes them from other brands. To ensure your toddler’s comfort and well-being, we’ll also outline the most important features to consider, such as breathability, ease of cleaning, and material quality.

If you’re also hunting for mattresses for the rest of the family, we’ve got a guide dedicated to 2024’s best mattresses.

The Best Toddler Mattresses

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If you’re still not sure which type of mattress would be best for your little one, you can review our collection of mattress guides to narrow down your search.

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How to Choose a Toddler Mattress

Toddlers spend 11 to 14 hours a day sleeping, so it’s important that their mattress is both safe and comfortable. Evaluating a mattress’ firmness is key, as a toddler’s growing body requires additional support. A mattress that is too soft could potentially be hazardous. The mattress also needs to fit snugly within the crib or bed frame in order to prevent entrapment.

Infants and young children are more vulnerable to certain chemicals, and parents may want to prioritize finding a non-toxic option. We’ll highlight the most important factors to keep in mind before purchasing your toddler’s mattress.

What to Look For in a Toddler Mattresss

While searching for the most suitable mattress for your toddler, you’ll often come across the terms flippable or dual-sided. This describes a mattress model with a different construction on each side, so that it can adapt to your growing child’s needs. Considering that a high-quality mattress can last several years, shoppers may want to choose one that will also comfortably fit a young child, and not just a toddler.

In addition to breathability and support, waterproofing and ease of care are significant factors to consider, since this is a more accident-prone age. We’ll break down these and other important features to be mindful of while shopping for your toddler’s mattress.

Price
Price can vary substantially when it comes to toddler mattresses. Dual-sided or flippable mattresses will typically command a higher price-point, since they are meant to last longer and grow alongside your child. Other features like organic covers, waterproofing, and washability may also increase the price.

Quality Materials
Safety and comfort are a top priority for your toddler, so it’s important that your toddler’s new mattress consists of non-toxic, quality materials. If you opt for a foam mattress, look for one that is high-quality and dense enough to provide sufficient support. Similarly, innerspring mattresses should be firm and supportive. Higher quality materials can also increase breathability to help regulate temperature and keep your toddler comfortable.

Waterproofing & Care
Toddlers are prone to bedwetting and accidents, so it helps to have a waterproof cover that is easy to remove and wash. This will protect the mattress from the buildup of unwanted bacteria, dust, mold, and other contaminants. Some designs are washable from cover to core, though this is less common.

Firmness Level
Firmness level is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for a toddler mattress, as it will help keep your child safe and secure. A mattress that is too soft and conforming can potentially cause suffocation or entrapment. Most toddler mattresses are medium firm or firm.

Size
Many toddler mattresses are designed to fit standard crib and toddler beds. Regardless of bed type, the mattress needs to fit snugly to ensure safety. If you’re concerned with longevity, you may want to opt for a twin or twin XL mattress that will accommodate your child as they grow.

Sleeping Position
Back sleeping is considered to be the safest sleeping position for toddlers, which is why medium firm to firm mattresses are the best fit. As your child grows, back and stomach sleeping are also considered to be safe.

Temperature Regulation
Some mattresses are heat-wicking, while others are more likely to retain heat. If your child tends to sleep hot, look for a mattress that is highly breathable, as this will help to regulate temperature and increase comfort. Innerspring mattresses tend to be better at dissipating heat due to the coil layer, but some foam models are engineered to regulate temperature.

Support
An infant requires a different level of support than a toddler, so the infant side of a flippable or dual-sided mattress will usually be firmer than the reverse. For both toddlers and infants, the mattress needs to be supportive enough to encourage proper spinal alignment and prevent too much sinkage.

Versatility
Some mattresses are designed to safely transition from a crib to toddler bed, while other models have two different sides to accommodate a growing child. Flippable models are likely to be the most versatile, as they will comfortably fit a wider age range for your child, which increases their longevity.

Mattress Type
This refers to the type of material or construction used for the mattress, which will often affect its firmness level and comfort. The most common mattress types for a toddler are foam and innerspring, but there are also hybrid and latex options.

Types of Toddler Mattresses

Foam

Foam mattresses for toddlers typically contain polyfoam and not memory foam, as the conforming tendency of the latter is not considered to be as safe for young children. Polyfoam generally provides more durable support. The mattress should be firm with an even surface. To prevent the likelihood of off-gassing, shoppers may want to look for models that have been aired out in advance and do not contain any toxic chemicals.

Hybrid

Hybrid models combine coil support systems with comfort layers made from foam or latex. This type of mattress often maximizes the strengths of multiple mattress types while minimizing potential drawbacks. Hybrid models are typically designed to cradle the body and relieve pressure points. They also tend to provide better edge support when compared to all-foam models.

Innerspring

Innersprings are a more traditional mattress type, with a support core of coils and a thinner comfort system. This construction enables better airflow, which makes the mattress more breathable and temperature-regulating. They may be less durable and supportive when compared to other models, but they also tend to be more economical.

Latex

Latex mattresses contain single or multiple layers of either natural or synthetic latex. Depending on if it is processed using the Talalay or Dunlop method, a latex mattress may have a lighter or denser feel. Latex is typically durable but also more expensive, which may not be ideal for a mattress that a young child will ultimately outgrow.

Dual-Sided

Dual-sided mattresses are appealing because of their versatility and longevity when compared to uniform designs. Depending on the model, dual-sided mattresses will accommodate both an infant and toddler, or a toddler and child up to approximately age 12. The infant side will be extra firm and supportive, while the toddler side will be slightly softer. Dual-sided models may utilize a combination of coils and foam, or consist primarily of foam.

Last Things to Consider With a Toddler Mattress

Now that we’ve discussed the basics of toddler mattresses, we’ll cover some of the most critical factors to consider when making this important purchase.

Toddler Bed Safety

Regardless of mattress type, it’s crucial that a mattress fit snugly within a crib or toddler bed in order to prevent suffocation or entrapment. The two-finger test is one way to assess how well the mattress fits. If there’s space to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib or bed frame, then the mattress is too small.

Although it varies from child to child, toddlers typically transition from a crib to a toddler bed between the ages of 18 months to 3 years. Your toddler may be ready for a toddler bed if they are able to climb out of the crib, or if you have started potty training. Consulting with your physician can help you determine the best age to make the switch to a toddler bed.

Material Safety & Certifications

Toddlers are more susceptible to airborne chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a byproduct of certain manufacturing processes. A mattress that is GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified indicates that it adheres to rigorous, third-party chemical emissions standards and does not contain phthalates, formaldehyde, or heavy metals like mercury and lead.

Look for mattresses that use non-chemical flame retardants, such as silica or plant-based thistle, as these are non-toxic alternatives. If opting for a foam or latex model, check to see if the mattress has been aired out in advance, so that off-gassing odors are minimal by the time it reaches your home.

Care & Cleaning

Bedwetting, spills, and other accidents are inevitable in the toddler years, so a mattress that simplifies the care and cleaning process may be beneficial. Look for a removable cover that can be washed by machine or hand, which will help keep your toddler’s sleep space hygienic. In some circumstances, the mattress core may be washable.

A useful add-on to consider for additional peace of mind is a removable mattress protector, as this will help shield the mattress from spills, stains, mold, allergens, and odors. Mattress protectors can be removed and washed regularly.

Sizing

Even though crib mattresses and toddler mattresses may differ when it comes to firmness and frame type, they typically measure at least 27.25 inches wide and 51.75 inches long. A toddler’s mattress is meant to fit on a small bed frame without front rails, and it sits nearer to the ground than a crib frame.

There should be no more than two-fingers width in the space between the mattress and bed frame in order to ensure your toddler’s safety. If you opt for a flippable twin size mattress that will also sleep your toddler as he or she grows older, then you’ll likely need a larger bed frame and removable bed rails.

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Written By

Jackson Lindeke, Executive Product Director

Jackson leads editorial product recommendations at Sleep Foundation, transforming the data from our sleep product test lab into real world takeaways for consumers. He has spent over half a decade developing protocol to evaluate and measure the impacts of products on sleep quality. As a cited sleep product expert, Jackson helps guide millions of shoppers to find personalized recommendations for everything from pillows to bedding to mattresses.

Learn more about our Editorial Team

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