Best Toddler Mattresses
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Eventually, the time comes: Your tiny little baby requires a bed of his own. And making the switch from crib to bed can come with a lot of questions, from when you’re supposed to switch your growing toddler to a bed and what exactly to look for in a toddler mattress.
When you make the switch, you have two main choices: You can put your child in what’s known as a toddler bed, which is basically a small bed frame that fits a crib-size mattress, or you can upgrade to a twin-size mattress and bed frame with portable safety rails.
“Both a toddler or twin bed are safe options; there is no strong recommendation either way,” says Charisma Garcia, M.D., a pediatrician at Texas Children’s Health Plan's Center for Children and Women. “The decision should be based on your particular family’s needs, whether that be based on space, finances or potential new siblings.”
Otherwise, the benefits vary. A toddler bed might ease the transition from crib to bed but a new twin mattress will last longer. But no matter what you choose, the best mattresses have certain features in common.
Choosing the best toddler mattress
Toddlers generally prefer a firmer mattress, as it is most similar to their crib mattress, says Dr. Garcia. And that’s one big benefit of a toddler bed: You get to continue using your crib mattress, which your child is already familiar with.
Looking for a twin mattress? Make sure it is durable and sturdy, suggests Dr. Garcia. “They will jump and pounce on this mattress when you aren’t looking,” she says. “In regards to the thickness of the mattress, avoid one thick enough to boost the child above the guardrail, which makes the rail less protective.”
Don’t forget a mattress protector. You want something waterproof or, at the very least, water-resistant. “That will be your best investment from nighttime accidents and sippy cup spills,” says Dr. Garcia. “Much like you, your child may have a personal preference on the firmness and feel of the mattress, so get them involved in the process.”
Do toddlers need a special mattress?
As long as the mattress fits flush into the bed frame and does not lift your child too high in relation to the guardrail, you are good, says Dr. Garcia.
“Both toddler mattresses and crib mattresses are the same size, though the crib mattress might be thinner, usually around 6 inches thick. Both mattresses are usually 28 inches wide by 52 inches long.”
When can baby use a toddler mattress?
It’s time to graduate to a toddler bed when a crib is no longer a safe place for your little one, says Dr. Garcia. You can ask yourself the following questions:
- Can he pull himself over the crib rail?
- Can he climb over the crib rail?
- Can he put his leg over the crib rail?
- Is he 3 feet tall or taller?
- Is he toilet trained and will he need easy access to his potty at night?
Answered "yes" to any of these questions? It’s time to move out of the crib, she says. “This transition is usually between 18 months to 3 years of age.”
Now, whether you’re on the hunt for a toddler mattress or a new twin, check out the below options.
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Best Eco-Friendly Toddler Mattress
Avocado Organic Crib Mattress
- Organic
- firm mattress that works for toddler beds
- Pricier than some other options
If you’ve gone organic in other areas of your home, why not continue the trend in your little one’s room? Avocado’s crib mattress (handmade with certified organic cotton, wool and latex) works for both infants and toddlers. One side (the infant side) is firmer and the other side (the toddler side) has a bit more plushness to it for growing kids. Just flip the mattress over and transfer it to a toddler bed (or adjust your crib if you’re able) for a safe, eco-friendly spot for your little one to sleep on over the next few years.
Dimensions: 28 x 52 x 6 inches
Weight: 28 pounds
Best Durable Toddler Mattress
Sealy Baby Soybean Foam-Core Waterproof Standard Toddler & Baby Crib Mattress
- Comfortable
- long-lasting
- May be too firm for some
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Prefer not to spend a lot on a toddler mattress? You don’t have to. This one from Sealy is made with soy-based foam, making it a durable green pick for the price. The cover is also waterproof and stain-resistant for inevitable wear and tear, and the mattress is Greenguard Gold certified, ensuring the air your toddler is breathing is clean. This popular pick fits both standard cribs and toddler beds.
Dimensions: 51.63 x 27.25 x 5 inches
Weight: 8.3 pounds
Weight capacity: 5–65 pounds
Best Twin Mattress for Toddler
My BKB, Big Kids Bed by Nest Bedding
- Just firm enough
- high quality
- Very low density
Made specifically for little ones, this foam pick comes in a box (easy and fun!) and comes in both twin and twin XL sizes. It’s breathable and on the firmer side as far as mattresses are concerned, supporting your child (active sleepers included!) and his go-to sleeping position. Just remember: Since it’s a twin-sized bed, your toddler will need both a bed frame and portable safety rails (not included) for safe sleep.
Dimensions: 39 x 75 x 7 inches
Weight: 30 pounds
Best Toddler Mattress for Easy Cleaning
Newton Baby Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed
- Super breathable
- fully washable
- One of the pricier options
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Toddlers are messy. There’s no way around it. But this mattress is here to save the day. The whole thing is washable, making rinsing off any stains or preventing a build-up of bacteria easy. This toddler mattress is also Greenguard Gold certified and the breathable design will help your tot stay cool, helping him sleep comfortably through the night.
Dimensions: 52 x 28 x 5.5 inches
Weight: 14 pounds
Best Hypoallergenic Toddler Mattress
Nook Pebble Asthma-Friendly Twin Mattress
- Cover is soft
- baby sleeps comfortably
- Need a mattress pad cover if baby is potty training
If you’ve seen (and loved) Nook’s pebble crib mattresses, we have good news: The brand offers bigger products to stay with your child as he grows. This one is specifically designed to be breathable, antimicrobial and asthma-friendly. It’s also organic, water-resistant, Greenguard Gold certified and constructed without any scary ingredients like flame retardants, heavy metals, formaldehyde or phthalates. It might just be the healthiest (and most comfortable) mattress in the house.
Dimensions: 39 x 75 x 6 inches
Weight: 34 pounds
Best Crib and Toddler Mattress
Colgate Mattress Eco Classica III
- Holds up from crib to toddler bed stage
- great quality and good price
- More firm than other toddler mattresses
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Six inches of eco-friendy foam can be flipped both ways (a firmer side for your infant and a softer side for toddlers craving a little more comfort) growing with you as your child grows. The cotton cover is certified organic and waterproof-backed, ensuring that the mattress stays dry, no matter what the night brings. Like other picks on the list, this one is also Greenguard Gold certified, making it a good pick for eco-conscious parents. It fits all standard cribs and toddler beds.
Dimensions: 52 x 27.75 x 6 inches
Weight: 9.44 pounds
Best Cheap Toddler Mattress
Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress
- Long-lasting quality
- affordable price
- Some parents had trouble getting it to expand after opening
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This mattress in a box checks all the boxes: It’s water-resistant, Greenguard Gold certified, fits all standard cribs and toddler beds and has a removable cover. Plus, it’s an affordable pick in a sea full of more expensive options. Better yet, there’s a six-year warranty on the product, so you know you’re covered.
Dimensions: 52 x 27.6 x 5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Best Classic Toddler Mattress
Sealy Cotton Cozy Rest 2-Stage Infant/Toddler Crib Mattress
- Super lightweight
- durable
- great price
- Some parents say it tends to sag in the middle over time
Classic and cost-effective, the Sealy Cotton Cozy Rest 2-Stage offers two-stage dual firmness that transitions from the baby to toddler years. The firm side for infants is made of 204 interwoven steel coils and an anti-sag weight distribution frame, while the softer toddler side features hypoallergenic, cotton cushions.
Dimensions: 27.25 x 5.5 x 51.63 inches
Weight: 14.89 pounds
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