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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.

That’s where we come in. Below, you’ll find some general information to consider when shopping for a twin mattress, what kind of mattresses are best for kids, as well as our top six picks for the best twin mattresses for toddlers and young kids.

Now that the crib is packed away, it’s time to get your toddler sleeping in a bigger bed. Depending on their age and size, you have a couple of choices.

In terms of furniture sizes, there are toddler beds available. The mattresses measure 28 inches by 52 inches, 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 inches by 75 inches, and a twin XL mattress measures 38 inches by 80 inches. A twin XL provides extra length, which comes in handy if you’re trying to make a bed last for many years.

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:
  • Solid customer reviews. We looked at customer reviews from a variety of retailers, such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, and company websites.

Pricing guide

All prices below reflect toddler mattresses in twin sizes.

  • $ = under $500
  • $$ = $500–$1,000
  • $$$ = over $1,000

Best memory foam twin mattress

Tuft & Needle Original Mattress

  • Price: $$

This Tuft & Needle mattress is our top pick for the best memory foam twin mattress. With a flexible sleep surface that adjusts as your little one moves, this medium-firm memory foam mattress is designed to be cooling and free of harmful chemicals. Tuft & Needle calls it a cozy blend of firm and plush.

Since it comes with a 100-night trial period, your child will have plenty of time to decide if this is the right place for them to rest their head.

Available in both twin and twin XL, this mattress is also Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, and it comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

Buy the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress online.

Best innerspring twin mattress

Saatva Youth Mattress

  • Price: $$

Families looking for an innerspring twin mattress for a toddler should check out the Saatva Youth Mattress.

A key feature of this organic, hypoallergenic, and antimicrobial mattress is that it adapts as your child grows. One side is designed for kids who are 3 to 7 years old while the other is for ages 8 to 12. In other words, the dual-sided design is made to give support based on their age. All you need to do is flip the mattress when they’re ready.

The Saatva Youth also comes with CertiPUR-US certification, a generous 180-night home trial, and a 12-year warranty. Plus, it’s made in the United States.

Buy the Saatva Youth Mattress online.

Best organic twin mattresses

Naturepedic Verse Organic Kids Mattress

  • Price: $$

When it comes to organic twin mattresses, the Verse from Naturepedic is a solid choice. Made from certified organic cotton grown in the United States, organic wool batting, and a plant-based comfort layer, this bed is designed for the well-being of your child. The Verse is also certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Made Safe, and Greenguard.

Available in twin and twin XL, the Verse comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 10-year limited warranty. As well, Naturepedic products are made in the United States.

Buy the Naturepedic Verse Organic Kids Mattress online.

Avocado Green Mattress

  • Price: $$$

If cost is not a deciding factor, our second pick for the best organic twin mattress might be your favored option.

The Avocado Green Mattress is a medium-firm mattress that packs a punch when it comes to certifications. It features Global Organic Latex Standard certified latex, GOTS certified wool, and GOTS certified cotton. Plus, it’s certified by Greenguard Gold, Made Safe, and eco-INSTITUT.

Available in twin and twin XL, you can also add a pillow top (for a fee), which adds 2 inches of organic latex for extra relief. Plus, it comes with a 25-year limited warranty and a 1-year sleep trial, so you have nothing to lose.

Buy the Avocado Green Mattress online.

Best twin mattress for the floor

Milliard 6-Inch Memory Foam Tri Folding Mattress with Cover

  • Price: $

No bed frame? No problem. The Milliard 6-Inch Memory Foam Tri Folding Mattress with Cover sits right on the floor, so you don’t need to worry about a box spring or frame.

Great for small spaces and temporary sleeping accommodations, the foldable bed also comes with a removable soft bamboo cover and an anti-slip bottom.

The convenience and portability of this mattress are great, but it’s the material used to make the memory foam that convinced some reviewers to buy this mattress. The mattress comes with CertiPUR-US certification and is free of lead, mercury, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and prohibited phthalates.

It’s also free of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes may be harmful to humans and the environment. And it has low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. VOCs are chemicals that may cause negative health effects.

This mattress comes in both twin and twin XL.

Buy the Milliard 6-Inch Memory Foam Tri Folding Mattress with Cover online.

Best twin mattresses in a box

Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

  • Price: $

If you’re still trying to decide on a frame or base, check out the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress. This five-layer, medium-firm mattress is available in both twin and twin XL. It works on any bed frame, including a box spring, traditional frame, adjustable base, platform, and divan base.

If your child tends to sleep hot, the mattress features a quilted memory foam designed to be breathable. And, speaking of foam, this memory foam mattress meets the CertiPUR-US standards.

The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress ships in a box for easy handling and unloading. It also comes with a 365-night home trial and lifetime warranty.

Buy the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress online.

Best allergy-friendly (or hypoallergenic) twin mattress

The Puffy Mattress

  • Price: $$$

Little ones with allergies may sleep better on a hypoallergenic mattress like this CertiPUR-US certified model from Puffy. The medium-firm model is available in twin or twin XL options.

Memory foam mattresses tend not to attract dust mites, which can aggravate asthma. We also like the addition of the hypoallergenic, easy-to-wash cover that helps keep allergens to a minimum.

Puffy offers a lifetime warranty, free delivery, and a 101-night sleep trial.

Buy the Puffy Mattress online.

Still searching for the right sleep products?

Let us help. Shop our top picks for mattresses by condition or sleep position to get the sound sleep you deserve.

When shopping for a twin mattress for your toddler or a mattress of any size, you’ll want to consider:

  • safety
  • materials
  • price
  • return policy
  • warranty
  • trial period

Since some companies have generous trial periods that allow you to test a mattress and return it for a full refund, it’s worth your time to research mattresses that come with a trial period.

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.

When shopping for a mattress, the decision often comes down to comfort. That said, there are a few other things to consider.

What to look for in a mattress

  • Return policies. Always ask about the store’s return policy and the fine print before purchasing. Some stores will not accept returns on pillows or mattresses.
  • Quality. Affordable mattresses are a plus, but make sure you’re not sacrificing quality 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 range from 10 to 365 days.
  • 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.

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 provides softness and 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.

Otherwise, look for a natural latex mattress, or a bouncier innerspring or hybrid model.

Firmness level

Since toddlers don’t weigh as much as older kids or adults, their mattresses don’t need to be nearly as firm in order to provide support. In fact, softer mattresses are preferable for toddlers. This is because softer mattresses more easily conform to the shape of their bodies.

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.

Safety certifications

Safety is, of course, a top priority for all things toddler-related. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) requires toddler beds to meet certain safety requirements.

However, this act doesn’t 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:

Brand Price Best for
Tuft & Needle Original Mattress $$ those looking for memory foam
Saatva Youth Mattress $$ those looking for an innerspring model
Naturepedic Verse Organic Kids Mattress $$ eco-friendly sleeping
Avocado Green Mattress $$$ eco-friendly sleeping
Milliard 6-Inch Memory Foam Tri-Folding Mattress with Cover $ sleeping on the floor
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress $ easy setup
Puffy Mattress $$$ allergy-prone kids

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.

Simple mattress care tips

  • Place the mattress on a box spring or foundation.
  • Cover it with a mattress protector.
  • Add an extra layer with a waterproof pad or cover.
  • Flip and rotate the mattress regularly.
  • Soak up spills right away.

When are kids ready for a toddler bed?

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.

When can my toddler sleep on a soft mattress?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a firm sleep surface until your child is at least 12 months old. This is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Should toddlers sleep on memory foam?

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 inches 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.

What are some good twin mattress accessories?

What do you need to outfit a twin bed? Here’s a snapshot of what to buy:

  • comfortable pillows
  • a mattress protector
  • bedding, including a fitted sheet, top sheet, and pillowcases
  • a bed frame

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.