Research1 shows that there are multiple factors that impact sleep quality in kids—and according to Seema Bonney, M.D., founder and medical director of the Anti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia, “Sleep is especially important for toddlers, since it’s crucial for their growth and development.” Bonney notes that there are a few considerations to take (more on these later) when deciding between a toddler bed or a twin bed, and ultimately, only you will know which option is best-suited for you and your tot. If you’re focusing on longevity, we can’t lie that your child (and your wallet) will get a lot more mileage out of a twin bed than a toddler bed. What’s most important is that you find a supportive and safe solution that helps your child drift off to dreamland, and stay sleeping throughout the night. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to pick the best bed for your child, and to see our picks of the best twin mattresses for toddlers. Per Bonney, “It really depends on the emotional maturity of the child—some are ready at 18 months, and some are not [ready] until they’re 3 to 4 years old.” She goes on to explain, “Some kids are on the larger side, and should be more quickly transitioned to a bed so they’re more comfortable, and safer as they can jump or fall out of a crib if the chest reaches the top of the rail at the lowest setting.” Materials Most mattresses are either innerspring, latex, memory foam, organic, or a hybrid. Hybrid models often feature innerspring coils surrounded by memory foam, latex, or other materials. Memory foam is most susceptible to off-gassing, the process of chemical vapors to be released and is not a sustainable choice—so Eco-focused parents should prioritize latex or organic mattresses. “Hypoallergenic mattresses are particularly appropriate for toddlers with various sensitivities,” Bonney confirms. She also adds, “Mattresses made of wool have moisture-wicking properties that help to keep toddlers dry and comfortable. Removable organic cotton covers with a water-repellent barrier that can make cleaning quick and simple are another option. Some mattresses can even be entirely washable.” Certifications If you’re concerned about volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or the ecological impact that many bedding materials can have on the environment, then you’ll want to look for certifications that confirm a brand is minimizing its impact. If your sole concern is low VOCs, GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US are common certifications to look for. Edge Support True children’s mattresses have more pronounced edges to provide extra protection. For the ultimate safety solution, you’ll want to install toddler gates on the bed frame. Firmness & Sleep Position The firmness you want will depend on your child’s preferred sleeping position. A side sleeper will usually feel more comfortable on a softer mattress while back and stomach sleepers will want something a bit firmer to avoid sinking into the mattress. For young children, experts recommend a firmer bed. That in mind, most children’s beds are a bit harder than you might prefer as an adult. If it’s bothersome for your child, consider investing in a mattress topper to create a more plush experience. Contour and Pressure Relief Contour and pressure relief refers to a mattress’ ability to redistribute weight and minimize unnecessary strain on contact points along the body. Again, this feature will go hand-in-hand with your child’s sleeping style. Finding a mattress that’s designed for their sleeping position will directly impact how well a mattress can effectively contour to their body and provide pressure relief. Durability The average lifespan of a mattress is between seven to 10 years. Bonney expands on this, saying, “A standard twin lasts on average for about 8 years, but often for more than a decade. Toddler mattresses last for shorter periods of time.” Assuming you’re buying a mattress for your child when they’re between three and five years old, it should be durable enough to last them until adolescence or even high school age. Keep in mind, little ones love to jump on beds—which can prematurely age the mattress. Look for features like reinforced seams, extended layers of foam, or a flippable mattress that will last longer, and better support a growing body. This organic mattress arrives in recyclable packaging. Most reviewers note that there is minimal-to-no off-gassing (thanks to the natural materials), and that the mattress is ready to use within a few hours of opening the package. What Customers Say: One person shares, “We have two of these and the kids are loving it! They are perfect for their loft beds that need a lower profile mattress. The rest of our mattresses are the regular Avocado mattresses that are also great. This Eco model is lower profile and less firm than the regular model. We really appreciate this company saving the earth for our kids!” Note, some people find this mattress to be too firm. This mattress ships vacuum-sealed in a box with no excess packaging. However, you might want to let it sit for two to three hours so that it fully expands and airs out. What Customers Say: It has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating, and reviews tend to imply that once you buy one of these, there’s no going back. One reviewer shares, “My husband and I have a tempur pedic bed that costs a fortune. Then we bought our son the bed from you guys and I’m amazed by the comfort. It is everyone in our house’s favorite bed. I wish we had one ourselves!” Some individuals note that the mattress can lose support over time. One couple mentions that their mattress lost its shape and support after just three years. For an added charge, the brand will provide a white glove, in-room delivery service. This includes bringing the mattress into your home, setting it up, and removing your old mattress (depending on the brand and model) at no extra charge. This is a low-odor mattress, and it doesn’t need much time to achieve its full 10-inch height. What Customers Say: While this mattress may be considered a splurge, the overwhelming sentiment is that it will be money well spent. As one parent puts it, “I was hesitant to spend this much on a mattress for my 5 year old but I’m so glad I did. It arrived earlier than expected and having the old one hauled away was an added bonus! My daughter continues to tell me how comfy her new bed is and she has been sleeping so good since we got it. Definitely worth the money.” Any negative feedback we found centers around the delivery experience, which is described as chaotic, frustrating, and confusing. This mattress arrives vacuum sealed in a large cardboard box. It can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours to fully expand. The brand promises that it gives its mattresses time to air out in the factory to minimize off-gassing before packaging them for shipment. What Customers Say: Even parents found the bed to be comfortable, with one mentioning, “Such a comfortable bed! Purchased the twin mattress for my toddler. I like it so much I enjoy napping with him every once in a while. He sleeps great all through the night.” But, while reviews for the actual bed are overwhelmingly positive, people aren’t as impressed with the processing and shipping timelines. It’s important to know before you buy a mattress from Nest that the mattresses are made to order. This means that the brand doesn’t keep an overstock of inventory in its factories. From the date of placing an order, it can take up to a month before you receive it. The mattress will arrive in a box and can be used the same day. However, some parents mention that the actual mattress is wrapped in non-recyclable materials, and many mention that it needed to be aired out for several days to minimize chemical odor. While it’s not the most sustainable option, this mattress is certified Clean-Air Gold and CertIPUR-US. What Customers Say: One family stated, “This is the first mattress that we purchased for our daughter after moving up from a toddler bed. It is super comfortable, she loves it and it is more comfortable than our queen size. Looks like I’m buying a Purple mattress for me and my wife now.” On the negative side, the not-so-eco-friendly shipping method was a point of contention for a few customers. You can choose between extra firm, medium, or plush, to fit your child’s preferences and needs. This mattress is made with 53% bio-based materials that it is certified through the USDA BioPreferred Program, but (because it uses memory foam) it is not the most sustainable option. Note that this mattress arrives vacuum sealed in a tote box for easier delivery, and expands to full size within 30 to 60 seconds of opening the packaging. So, you can have this mattress set up and ready to be slept on the same day. What Customers Say: Rave reviews center around the customization and enhanced support. One notes, “This is a great product of superb comfort. The plush pillow top allows so much comfort that you fall asleep as quickly as you lay your head down on the pillow. The firmness is just right and aligns to your body for added support. This leaves you refreshed and feeling renewed after sleeping. This product is great and it is highly recommended.” A few people do mention premature sagging.
