Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best toddler bed mattresses allow little children to have a relaxing and serene sleep and maintain good posture too. In this post, we bring you a list of the best mattresses for toddlers and highlight their features and pros and cons to help you choose the right product. These mattresses for kids are tried-and-tested choices of moms and dads. We also tell you about the different types of mattresses for toddlers and give you a few tips on choosing the right one. So, check out the options and take your pick.
Top Picks
Types Of Toddler Mattresses
- Dual-sided: These are long-lasting and can support toddlers and infants. They feature a firm side for infants and a soft side for toddlers.
- Latex: Processed using the Dunlop method, these latex mattresses contain single or multiple layers of synthetic latex.
- Innerspring: These traditional innerspring mattresses are made of coils to ensure good airflow, making them breathable. They may be less durable than other mattresses.
- Hybrid: Combining coil and layers of foam or latex, these hybrid mattresses provide firm support to relieve pressure points. They are better than foam models.
- Foam: Designed with memory foam for the toddlers’ comfort, it helps spread the body weight evenly and provides durable support.
10 Best Toddler Bed Mattresses
1. Best Breathable: Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress
This baby-friendly and lightweight mattress for toddler from the trusted brand Graco has a zippered, removable outer cover that is machine-washable and helps keep your child’s environment healthy and clean. Trusted for its impeccable quality, this safety-tested mattress is constructed from high-quality foam that is breathable and soft and meets all applicable federal safety standards.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Greenguard gold-certified
- Lead-free
- Mercury-and phthalate-free
- JPMA-certified
- CertiPUR-US Certified
- Six-year limited warranty
Cons
- Might take time to expand
"This mattress is true to size, fitting perfectly in my little one's bed. The removable c ver is also super soft and makes it easy to handle any spills. Although it did have a slight odor when new, after airing it out, it lessened. Overall, it's a comfortable mattress that lets my toddler sleep peacefully."
Point to consider
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 39,065 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
2. Best Safe-To-Use: Delta Children Twinkle Stars Crib and Toddler Mattress
Constructed from high-density polyester fiber, the toddler mattress has a square corner design for a secure fit inside the crib. This baby-friendly mattress is made of non-toxic materials, free of any harmful chemicals, to give your child safe and comfortable sleep. The dual-sided and safety-tested mattress is water-resistant, which keeps it clean and fresh and the environment healthy for your child. It is backed by a seven-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Greenguard gold certificate
- Lightweight
- Fire retardants-free
- Durable material
- Easy to clean
- Lead-and phthalate-free
Cons
- May be a firm mattress
"My search for a water-resistant bed for my new toilet-training toddler brought me to this product, and after using it for a few months, I can vouch for its effectiveness. It offers firm yet soft support and is completely water-resistant, albeit a bit crinkly. Also, I love the soft vinyl cover that it came with."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 7,650 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
3. Best With Bamboo Cover: Milliard Memory Foam Crib Mattress
Available in eco-friendly, compressed packaging, the comfortable mattress ensures a firm fit in your toddlers’ crib. With a foam base and a memory foam layer at the top, it provides peaceful and cozy sleep to your child. It comes with a zippered bamboo cover that is easy to remove and wash, keeping the mattress clean and healthy. Go ahead and check out this product testing video for more details about the product.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Machine-washable
- CertiPur-certified
- Allergy-and mercury-free
Cons
- Contains glass fiber
"This mattress has been perfect for my fussy sleeper. Soft yet firm, it fits snugly into the crib. The washable, zip-off cover is a helpful feature. There were no crinkling sounds to disturb sleep, and although it did have a slight smell upon unboxing, it disappeared after airing. I loved it for my second child and repurchased it for my third."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 5,191 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress Best Breathable | Delta Children Twinkle Stars Crib and Toddler Mattress Best Safe-To-Use | Milliard Memory Foam Crib Mattress Best With Bamboo Cover | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | White | Twinkle Stars | White |
| Dimensions | 52"L x 27.62"W x 5"Th | 52"L x 27.5"W x 6"Th | 52"L x 27.5"W x 5.5"Th |
| Fill Material | High Density Foam | Memory Foam | Memory Foam |
| Weight | 10.7 Pounds | - | 320 Grams |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 39,065 | 7,650 | 5,191 |
| Price | $89.99 | $54.99 | $149 |
4. Best With Steel Coils: Kolcraft Toddler & Baby Crib Mattress
Kolcraft’s mattress is crafted from extra-firm steel coils for long-term durability and support. This tried-and-tested mattress has a reinforced waterproof cover with a lock-stitched binding to prevent water from seeping inside the mattress. The airflow pocket allows ventilation and helps keep the mattress fresh and odor-free. It is also lightweight, making changing sheets easy.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Breathable material
- Snug fit
- Eco-friendly
- Lead-and phthalate-free
- Greenguard gold-certified
Cons
- May not be firm enough
Point to consider5. Best Eco-Friendly: Dream On Me Crib and Toddler Mattress
Constructed from eco-friendly and non-toxic material, Dream On Me’s toddler mattress has passed safety tests and has Greenguard gold certification, making it a trusted choice. The safe and effective baby mattress features a polyester fiber mattress core to provide the necessary firmness level recommended by pediatricians. The soft vinyl cover helps prevent mold, odor, and mildew, and its waterproof binding helps prevent stains, moisture, liquids, and bugs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Dual-sided
- Easy to clean
- Phthalate-and lead-free
- Anti-bacterial
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Waterproof cover can be noisier
"I found it very easy to clean this mattress, a significant necessity when one has messy toddlers in the house. It is slightly thin, but adding a topper solved that issue. The waterproof nature and the durability to handle my toddler's and dogs' rough housing have been a big plus. Overall, it's been the perfect addition to my home."
6. Best Cushioned: Sealy Toddler & Baby Crib Mattress
The safety-tested Sealy baby toddler bed mattress offers ideal firmness with a 204 innerspring coil system. The borders are wired to keep the mattress firm with even body weight distribution. It has multiple layers of cushioning to provide soft support to the child, and its square corners allow a snug fit in the crib. The lightweight innerspring mattress makes it easy to change the sheets.
Pros
- Staph-guard protection
- Safe to use
- Breathable material
- Greenguard gold-certified
- Anti-sag
- Anti-bacterial
- Waterproof
- CPSIA-certified
Cons
- Maybe noisier
"This seamless design of this mattress makes my toddler's room look even more stylish. I love that it came with a waterproof cover, as my toddler is in the final stages of toilet training. Although not the most firm model, its performance has been satisfactory, and the multiple beneficial features have added to my overall positive experience with this product."
7. Best Waterproof: Newton Baby Crib Mattress
The Newton Baby mattress comes with a removable waterproof coverand is five inches thick. It is available in white and gray shades and comes in a standard crib size of 52 x 28 x 5.5 inches. Made of woven air fill material with a hypoallergenic washable cover, it feels soft against the skin. Its innovative breathe-through technology minimizes CO2 rebreathing and reduces the risk of suffocation. High on comfort, the baby-friendly crib mattress is also easy to clean.
Pros
- Completely recyclable
- Greenguard-certified
- Pediatrician-recommended
- Free of glue and latex
- Does not have springs
Cons
- Seams may unravel over the time
"Choosing the right crib mattress had me torn, but Newton has been the best decision. Although firm, which is good for safety, my toddler sleeps the entire night comfortably! The only downside was the cover's zipper fraying after a few washes. However, with the mattress's washability and GreenGuard Gold certification, I know my baby is safe and comfy."
8. Best Durable: Colgate Eco Classica III Baby and Toddler Mattress
Colgate’s CPSIA-certified mattress exceeds federal and state inflammability requirements. The water-proof mattress is covered with an organic mattress cover made of cotton to ensure the mattress stays dry. It is handcrafted with quality materials, and its inverted seams ensure extra durability and a snug fit. This safety-tested mattress is designed to fit most standard cribs and toddlers’ beds.
Pros
- CertiPUR-US certified
- Greenguard gold-certified
- JPMA-certified
- Pediatrician-recommended
- Long-lasting
- Eco-friendly
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Stitching may need improvement
"I purchased this mattress for my first baby a couple of years ago, and there's never been an odor issue, and it remains unwrinkled to this day. It smoothly transitioned from crib to toddler bed. And it's comforting to know it's chemical-free and sturdy. I even plan on using it when the next baby arrives."
9. Best With Cooling Technology: Dourxi Baby Crib Mattress
Designed with all the safety standards, the mattress is constructed from certified polyurethane foam with fire-proof lining. It features a high-density, firm layer of foam on one side for infants and a cool gel memory foam on the other side to support toddlers from one to five years. The baby mattress from Dourxi comes with a honeycomb mesh-fabric cover material that ensures airflow to allow breathability.
Pros
- CertiPUR-certified
- Removable zippered cover
- Machine-washable
- Non-toxic
- Ten-year warranty
Cons
- May not be waterproof
"This mattress has been perfect for my petite toddler, who now sleeps better, and it willingly bears my weight too. Its memory foam construction made it comfortable to transition him from cribs to beds. Moreover, the removable, washable cover resists dirt & maintains shape. Hence, it is a winner in my book."
10. Best Dual-Sided: Dream On Me Foam 2-In-1 Toddler Bed Mattress
The Dream On Me foam mattress comes with two-in-one function and doubles as a comfortable crib for your little one. This baby-friendly mattress has a thickness of five inches and is made of breathable foam and fabric, enhancing your comfort level. The plush mattress remains soft yet firm and is set with spring coils to keep its structure intact. It is plush top styled with adorable patterns and is available in several shades.
Pros
- Reversible design
- JPMA-certified
- ASTM- and CPSC-certified
- Two hypoallergenic foam layers
Cons
- Seams may fray over time
- May make sounds when the baby is laid on it
"I'm pleasantly surprised by this bed's quality. It's been the perfect fit for my toddler size, and cleaning accidents is also a breeze, all thanks to the cover. Although slightly firm, my toddler loves it, which is all that matters. Moreover, it's durable enough to handle my toddler and dog jumping on it."
How To Choose The Right Toddler Bed Mattress?
Keep the following features in mind when buying a toddler bed mattress.
- Safety: Choose non-toxic, safe material, free of any harmful chemicals. It should be made of high-quality foam to provide firm support.
- Water-resistant: Toddlers are prone to bedwetting. Pick a waterproof mattress to keep your baby’s surroundings odor-free and clean.
- Firmness: Toddler mattresses should have the right firmness level as soft mattresses may not be safe for your child’s back.
- Fitting: Buy a mattress that can give a snug fit in your toddlers’ crib to ensure proper safety for your child.
- Breathability: Look for a mattress with moisture-wicking qualities. The breathable fabric will help regulate the temperature of the mattress, keeping the child sweat-proof.
, EcE, a cooking blogger and mother of two, says, “Remember that non-toxicity is a non-negotiable feature when choosing a crib mattress for your baby. The materials in crib mattresses touch the skin of the babies and sometimes emit gas that children breathe firsthand in their most vulnerable period of immune system and brain development.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of mattress is best for a toddler?
An ideal toddler’s mattress should be:
- Made of non-toxic materials, free of phthalates and lead
- Water-resistant
- Preferably Green Guard- or JPMA-certified
- Breathable to keep it fresh and odor-free
- On the firmer side
2. Do toddlers need special mattresses?
Yes, toddlers need a mattress that fits their crib or bed in a snug manner for their safety. Plus, keeping their health in mind, they require a hypoallergenic mattress. A toddler’s mattress also needs to be water-resistant to facilitate easy cleaning in case of leaks.
3. Should toddlers sleep on a soft or firm mattress?
Keeping in mind the toddler’s safety, it might be better to avoid soft mattresses to lower the risk of SUID — Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (1).
4. Are foam or spring mattresses better for a toddler?
While both foam and spring mattresses offer good support to toddlers, foam-based ones tend to be warmer while spring-based mattresses are more breathable. Therefore, the selection could depend on the weather aspects of your location.
5. Is memory foam bad for toddlers?
A memory foam mattress provides great comfort by conforming to the body’s contouring, but this very ability to form indentations makes it a soft mattress. Thus, it should be avoided for toddlers (2).
6. How thick should a toddler mattress be?
Ideally, the thickness of most toddler mattresses ranges from five to six inches.
7. How do I clean a toddler mattress?
Most toddler mattresses have a waterproof outer layer that can easily be wipe-cleaned. Some mattresses come with a removable cover that can be machine-washed. However, since the cleaning process may differ from one brand to another, read the care instructions provided by the manufacturer for a precise assessment.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna is a product writer and reviewer who incorporates her detail-oriented research abilities when choosing the best baby products. She has included the important features to consider in this post while choosing the best toddler bed mattresses. These factors include water resistance, durability, easy maintenance, and your child’s comfort. Also included are a buyer’s guide and the types of toddler mattresses so that you get to make the right choice to ensure your child’s sleep.
The best mattresses for toddlers offer maximum comfort and are snug. Choose a mattress that is made using non-toxic materials. A certified mattress ensures that it meets safety standards and is suitable for your little one. Considering a water-resistant mattress will help in easy maintenance and moisture-wicking qualities if the child is prone to bedwetting. Besides, keep a check if the bed is suitable for your child by ensuring that the mattress goes soft on their skin and is safe for their back.
Infographic: Reasons To Choose The Best Mattress For Your Toddler
A premium-quality mattress helps your child sleep peacefully. It can help keep your child’s back supported and aligned, promoting good posture and health. Check out the infographics below to know why a good-quality toddler mattress is a must. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- A Firm Recommendation: Measuring The Softness Of Infant Sleep Surfaces:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436463/ - Memory Foam: Pros and Cons
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/memory-foam-pros-and-cons
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