Twin Mattress For Kids: The Complete Buying Guide

While on the hunt for the right twin mattress for kids, you may have some questions. For example, how firm should it be? Which materials are safe and which aren't? And does it need to be waterproof?

These are all important things to consider, but you don't have to find the answers all by yourself. In this article, we've compiled a detailed guide of everything you need to know about buying a twin mattress for your child.

From comfort to safety, we’ve got you covered.

Different Kid Mattress Sizes

Before we focus solely on twin mattresses, let’s first discuss the different bed sizes you may want to consider for your child’s room. Keep in mind the right mattress will fit your space and needs and also meet safety standards.

Toddler Bed

A standard toddler mattress is 28” by 52”, making it big enough to fit your growing child.

For safety reasons, these beds typically lay close to the ground. And they may also have rails to reduce the chances of children rolling off while asleep.

There is no set age when kids are supposed to move from their crib to a toddler bed. However, most make this transition between 18 and 24 months, just before they begin climbing out of their cribs and hurting themselves.

Twin Mattress

A standard twin mattress measures 38” by 75” and makes a great “starter” bed for your little one. It’s also big enough to fit children as they grow taller, so you don’t have to worry about buying a new bed as they get older.

In addition, if you have multiple children and limited space, these beds work perfectly for a shared bedroom.

Twin XL Mattress

Twin XL mattresses measure similarly to a standard twin mattress in terms of width, but they are five inches longer at 38” by 80”.

This extra length can be great for teens who need a few extra inches in legroom.

Also, most college dorms include a twin XL bed frame and mattress. So, if your child will be heading to college in a few years, getting this option can make it more affordable for them to swap out the dorm’s bed for their own if they want.

Full Mattress

Full mattresses are also known as double beds and measure 54” by 75”. This size is a good mix between a twin and a queen-sized bed.

And while they’re suitable for growing teens who want more wiggle room, they’re also perfect for younger children to grow into as well.

Queen Mattress

A queen mattress is 60” by 80” and works well for older children who have more space in their bedroom.

However, queens tend to be more costly than an average twin mattress, so you’ll need to have a bigger budget if you want to go with this option.

Now that we’ve discussed the different mattress sizes you can get for your child’s room, let’s talk about what makes twin beds special.

Why Do Parents Love Twin Mattresses For Kids?

 

As mentioned above, twin beds are typically 38” by 75”. This makes them big enough to fit most kids and growing teens.

And when it comes to working within your budget, choosing a twin bed can be cost-effective, as it’s often more affordable, and a quality one can last your child for years.

Twin mattresses are also great transitional options from a toddler bed. If your toddler is quickly outgrowing their bed, this option will be big enough for them but not too overwhelming in size.

Lastly, a twin mattress works great for parents who have spatial concerns. For example, if your child’s bedroom is small or they will be sharing a room with a sibling, a standard twin bed can fit comfortably in the corner while also leaving enough room for other bedroom furniture.

What To Look For In A Twin Mattress For Kids

1) Mattress Type

 

The type of mattress you choose can significantly impact how it feels, its durability, and other essential factors.

The most common mattress types are hybrid, latex, innerspring, and foam, and each has its own unique characteristics.

Hybrids mix coils and a layer of comfort materials (latex, cotton, wool, or foam). Their cost varies depending on the type of materials used and how thick the comfort layer is.

As long as they are labeled as 100% natural, latex mattresses use eco-friendly materials, but you have to be extremely cautious and do your research with this option.

While they can be good for children with sensitive skin, you’ll always want to know how this type of mattress is manufactured to ensure no synthetic blends or toxic chemicals are added. We believe in leaving the latex out, so the materials in our mattresses are 100% safe.

Innersprings are usually firmer because they’re made of coils that support the bed. However, they don’t have a thick comfort layer compared to hybrids. So, although this option may be reasonably priced, your child may not find it comfy.

Lastly, as the name suggests, a foam mattress is made of layers of different types of foam. They also often have a contouring feel. However, while they may feel good to sleep on, the challenge is that most are made from potentially toxic materials.

2) Materials Used

This point on our list connects to the previous one. However, we thought it deserved its own spot because, besides the four popular mattress types mentioned above, there are plenty of other materials that can be included in mattress construction.

Some can be great, while other materials can be harmful to your little one. Toxic chemicals within a mattress can negatively impact your child’s health. Because of this, you’ll want to look for a hypoallergenic mattress made from organic fabrics and none of the icky toxins.

At Newton Baby, our Crib Mattress’s Wovenaire Core is made of 90% air to provide just the right amount of firmness for babies and toddlers. And it’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it exceeds the highest industry emissions safety standards.

No matter the type of mattress you choose, the materials used to make it can also affect its overall performance and longevity.

3) Price

While mattress types and the materials used are important, sometimes, the price of the bed is the deciding factor for many families.

When looking at the cost, consider the other factors mentioned on this list, too. Remember, you want a quality bed to support your child’s proper growth and development, and this might mean paying a little extra.

While prices may vary, the great news is that twin beds are generally affordable compared to bigger bed sizes.

4) Firmness

 

The firmness of a mattress will influence how much support and body contouring it offers your child. Firmer mattresses usually give users more support, while softer ones allow sleepers to sink in more.

So, which one is better? There is no “ideal” mattress firmness for older children because everyone’s body and preferences are different. In fact, a person’s weight can influence the firmness level that they prefer.

However, it’s important to note that the level of firmness is extremely important for infants because they need the right support for proper development.

Regardless of preference, it’s essential to ensure that the mattress you choose can give your child the comfort and restful sleep they need every night.

5) Temperature Regulation

Unfortunately, many mattresses on the market tend to trap heat. If your little one is prone to sweating or overheating while they sleep, this isn’t great news.

Ideally, you want a mattress that allows for airflow and better temperature regulation, as this will reduce sweating and offer your child the safe, restful sleep they deserve.

Here at Newton Baby, we pride ourselves on providing parents with completely breathable mattresses and mattress pads.

Our Crib Mattress and twin mattress pads are made with innovative technology that prevents overheating, bacteria and dust mites, and reduces suffocation risks.

All of our products are also independently tested and certified to meet GREENGUARD Gold standards for the lowest chemical emissions, which means they promote healthier indoor air quality.

6) Waterproof

We don't have to say much to convince you that a waterproof mattress is important. You know how easily accidents can happen, and it would be a shame to ruin a quality mattress because of bedwetting or spills.

If you decide to purchase a bed that isn't waterproof, don't stress. You can still buy a waterproof pad for the mattress, like the one mentioned above. This will ensure that the bed stays protected throughout every sleep.

7) Durability

If you’re going to be spending your hard-earned money, you need a bed that will last.

Your best option to combat daily wear and tear is to choose a durable bed by a reputable bed manufacturer. And as you do your research, pay close attention to the materials used to ensure the frames and mattresses are high-quality and safe for your child.

Help Your Child Get A Good Night’s Sleep

 

There’s plenty to consider when buying a twin mattress for kids. Some of the most important things to remember are that it needs to be made from safe materials, affordable, waterproof, and durable.

Children need proper temperature regulation throughout the night, so having a mattress pad like our Twin Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad that allows airflow is also necessary.

At Newton, both our Crib Mattress and our mattress pads are made from high-quality, nontoxic materials for peace of mind and no chemical exposure for your little one.

By knowing what goes into your child’s mattress and the size that’s just right for them and their room, you can both have sweet dreams!