(Top 7) Best Toddler Mattresses: Top Picks for Your Childs First Mattress
What a toddler mattress is and where you can buy one online.
All of the mattresses in this post are made to the comfort level of a toddler. While many are 2-sided and have an “infant” side as well, they all have softer and comfortable sleeping options made specifically for your toddler. In this post we will list everything you need to know about choosing a toddler mattress, as well as give our top picks for the best toddler mattresses on the market today. There are a variety of different types of toddler mattresses as well as different price points and features. It is important to know what the most important features are for you, so that you can make the right decision for your child. From organic to breathable and affordable options, we have an option for everyone.
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means we may be compensated if you decide to purchase an item through one of our links.
- TOP 7 TODDLER MATTRESSES
- 1. BEST OVERALL OPTION - Organic Crib Mattress by Naturepedic
- 2. BEST TWIN SIZE OPTION - The Sleep System by 5 Little Monkeys
- 3. BEST LUXURY OPTION - EcoAir by Brentwood Home
- 4. BEST BUDGET OPTION - Premium Foam Mattress by Graco
- 5. BEST WASHABLE OPTION - Crib & Toddler Mattress by Newton Baby
- 6. BEST MEMORY FOAM OPTION - Perfect Start Supreme by Serta
- 7. BEST ORGANIC OPTION - The Organic Crib Mattress by Avocado
What size is a toddler mattress?
A standard toddler mattress is 28″ wide by 52″ long. This is the same size as a crib mattress, however they are not the same in terms of comfort. Some parents also choose to put their toddler in a larger mattress. If you do put your child in a standard size bed it is important to take safety precautions and minimize the risk of falls with railings or bumpers. We always recommend talking to your doctor to see when it is right for your child to transition to a new size bed/mattress.
What is the difference between a toddler mattress and crib mattress?
A crib mattress and toddler mattress are both the same size (28″x52″), however, they have different comfort levels and purposes. A crib mattress is meant for younger infants and therefore needs to be firmer in order to be safe. A firmer mattress helps to reduce risk of SIDS and suffocation in younger babies. As a child gets older (1+ years old) their risk of SIDS reduces and they can transition to a “toddler mattress” which is softer and provides a more comfortable night sleep.
What is a toddler mattress used for?
A toddler mattress is used for the interim period between a crib mattress and a standard size “big kid” bed. A toddler mattress is generally suggested to be used after 1 years old and is generally used for a few years after that. Many crib mattresses come as a 2in1 options with one side being a firm crib mattress and the other being a softer toddler mattress. Toddler mattresses are essentially meant to be used as a more comfortable crib mattress. comfortable crib
Things to consider before buying a toddler mattress.
Lifespan: Many of the higher end mattresses listed on this post will last for years to come and for multiple children. If you need a mattress to last for a long period of time then it may be more economical to go with a more expensive or higher end mattress. If you only need the mattress to last for one or 2 years, then a budget friendly option may be a good pick.
Features: From breathable mattresses to organic and double-sided options, there are features to match all preferences and needs. It is important to understand what is most important to you and find a mattress that meets those needs.
Price: Generally speaking, the more expensive the mattress the higher quality materials and the longer it will last. Our best all around toddler mattress pick is a great middle ground between quality materials and an affordable price.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for toddlers?
While infants generally require a firmer mattress for safety purposes, toddler mattresses can be made slightly softer and more comfortable. Many toddlers will begin to toss and turn or wake up at night as they get heavier and their crib mattress becomes too firm for them. A standard toddler mattress will be a medium-firm comfort level and will still have enough support but will have a comfort layer on top to help provide pressure relief and conform to their growing body.
Top 7: Toddler Mattresses
BEST OVERALL OPTION
WHAT WE LOVE: 2-sided for baby and toddler options. Organic, waterproof and breathable.
PRICE: $289
Summary:
The Naturepedic Classic Organic Baby Crib Mattress features organic cotton fabric & filling as part of a healthier, non-toxic design plus a patented food-grade waterproof surface made from non-GMO sugarcane that easily wipes clean. The innovative construction also passes all federal and state flammability standards without any fire retardant chemicals or flame barriers whatsoever. In addition to using certified organic components, the entire crib mattress is certified organic and non-toxic as well. Choose an innerspring for a traditional support option or the patented lightweight core which matches the strength and durability of an innerspring but without the added weight. With the Naturepedic Classic Organic Baby Crib Mattress, your baby will be sleeping on a firm, healthy certified organic mattress that’s fully waterproof for a truly hygienic sleep environment.
WHAT WE LOVE: Organic, made with CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam and comes with a waterproof mattress protector.
PRICE: $599
Summary:
The 5 little monkey’s sleep system has created the ideal sleeping environment for your child. Their system includes a triple-layered mattress made using CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam, waterproof mattress protector and custom fill pillow.
The mattress has cutting-edge temperature regulating technology to keep little bodies comfortable and cozy. The removable and washable mattress cover, made with organic cotton, ensures years of good sleep hygiene. For added protection and comfort, our waterproof mattress protector is made with soft organic jersey knit and comes alongside a custom filled pillow, which is anatomically correct for smaller bodies.
BEST LUXURY OPTION
WHAT WE LOVE: Ultra soft washable cover. Sustainably built and chemical free.
PRICE:
$299
Summary:
The Ecoair is a 100% breathable, 100% washable, super sustainable crib mattress. Featuring a recyclable, lightweight, food-grade PETE core that’s 90% air for worry-free sleep. Two-stage, dual-density design for infants and toddlers. Removable, machine-washable cover with a zipper made from sustainable REPREVE® material (made with 14 recycled plastic bottles) and a GOTS organic cotton and waterproof liner on the toddler side for bigger messes. Even the core can be washed in the shower. Hypoallergenic. GREENGUARD Gold and Formaldehyde-Free certified.
BEST BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTION
WHAT WE LOVE:
A comfortable firm crib and toddler mattress at an affordable price.
Summary:
The Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress is a great mattress choice for your newborn, infant, or toddler. Awarded the 2020 Women’s Choice Award for 9 out of 10 Customer Recommended Crib & Toddler Mattress, the Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Bed Mattress is the ideal recommended firmness for infants, and is designed to fit any standard full-size crib and toddler bed. This mattress features a water-resistant, removable, and washable cover making it easy for parents to keep their baby’s sleep environment clean & cozy. The ideal firmness for infant safety and development, this mattress features a core made of high-quality, breathable foam to maximize air flow.
BEST BREATHABLE OPTION
WHAT WE LOVE:
Breathable, Washable, hypoallergenic and non-toxic.
Summary:
The Newton Mattress is a one of a kind toddler mattress, made with wovenaire technology. The core of this mattress is essentially a woven plastic type material that allows for the mattress to be 100% breathable and washable. You can literally stick it in the bath and wash it out! If you want a breathable and washable mattress for your toddler then this is the best on the market.
BEST MEMORY FOAM OPTION
WHAT WE LOVE:
A great pick for those who love the comfort of gel memory foam.
Summary:
Promote restful sleep for your little one each and every night with Serta’s Perfect Start Supreme Crib & Toddler Mattress. Designed to grow with baby, this mattress offers the perfect combination of comfort and support throughout their infant and toddler stages. The unique, 2-sided design provides the ideal firmness for newborns on the infant side, while Cool Twist gel memory foam on the toddler side helps maintain healthy airflow, regulate temperature and offers advanced pressure point relief.
BEST ORGANIC OPTION
WHAT CUSTOMERS LOVE:
Organic quality materials. Made and sourced locally.
PRICE: $279
Summary:
No petroleum-based polyurethane foams, no chemical adhesives, no vinyl waterproofing, polyethylene, or flame retardant chemicals. Just pure, healthy, natural materials — at an affordable price. That’s the idea of the Organic Crib Mattress and Toddler Mattress, with a GREENGUARD Gold certification and a coconut fiber that’s infused with 100% GOLS organic certified latex and 100% GOTS organic certified wool and cotton. The result is a gentle, delicate feel that’s supportive, breathable, and soothing for your little one. This mattress has a infant and toddler side to grow with your child over the years.
Need toddler mattress accessories?
If you need sheets, comforters, mattress protectors, etc… all of the companies listed above also provide accessories that you can purchase with your mattress.
Alternative options for purchasing a custom toddler mattress?
If you prefer not to purchase your mattress online you can look for custom mattress factories in your area to build you a mattress you can test out before buying. A couple custom mattress manufacturers you can check out in person are:
What to do with an old mattress or bed set?
When you purchase a mattress online you are left to find a way to get rid of your old one. Luckily “A Bedder World” has mattress disposal services throughout the country. We work with mattress recycling centers to make sure your old mattress gets disposed of in the most eco-friendly manner possible. To date we have recycled over 500K mattresses. Book a pick up here. Or try recycling it yourself!
Conclusion
Toddler mattresses are slightly different than a standard crib mattress and there are quite a few high quality companies providing options on the market. Masny of the options are dual sided sleep systems that allow you to flip your mattress from an infant side to a toddler side as your child grows. All of the companies listed in this post are companies that we trust and that have great reputations within the sleep community. You can feel confident placing an order with an of them.
