8 Best Full Size Beds for Kids 2023

Any parent worth their weight will tell you that their children’s sleep is crucial to their own rest and well-being. The obsession often starts during the newborn phase (who remembers diligently chronicling naptimes and sleep training?) lasting well into the toddler and kid years, where we start obsessively searching for the best toddler mattresses, best kids' mattresses, blackout curtains and noise machines.

One of the biggest transitions during childhood is moving from a crib or toddler bed to a full-size bed. While it’s up to you and your circumstances when and how you do this, it’s an important step that signals your kid has made it to the big leagues. Here are some of the best full size beds for kids to consider when making this move.

What to look for in the best full size bed for kids

When looking for a full-size bed for your kid, start with the right thickness. "Low profile mattresses around 5 inches are great for young kids," says Dr. Chelsea Arzacon, a naturopathic medical doctor. "This height makes them easy to climb on and off. Older children can tolerate a slightly thicker mattress around eight inches or so."

Her recommendation is a firmer mattress to support their growing bodies, adding that parents should look closely at the materials mattresses are made from.

"One potential health hazard is VOC or chemicals with documented health hazards used to make mattresses flame resistant," she says.

Look for certifications such as CertiPUR-US, GOTS or GREENGUARD to know the mattress you are considering is void of chemicals. However, these certifications can sometimes come with a higher price tag. If a low-tox mattress is out of your price range, Dr. Arzacon suggests letting the mattress sit uncovered in a well-ventilated room for a month to allow these chemicals to dissipate.

Best full size beds for kids 2023:

• Best overall: ZINUS Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress
• Best budget: FDW Gel Memory Foam Mattress
• Best for toddlers: Helix Kids Mattress
• Best memory foam: Vibe Gel Memory Foam Mattress
• Best hybrid: LINENSPA Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress
• Best rated: Saatva Youth Mattress
• Best Walmart: Linenspa 10-inch Dreamer Hybrid Mattress
• Best organic: Happsy Organic Mattress

Best overall mattress

ZINUS Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress

The ZINUS Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress has a whopping 70,000 ratings on Amazon and for good reason—it’s a solid all-around choice for those looking for comfort at a reasonable price point. It provides temperature-controlled sleep thanks to its cooling gel memory foam technology and the 6-inch size allows for a medium firmness.

There’s even a 10-year limited warranty included, which is helpful considering the average lifespan of a mattress is about seven to eight years. We love the supportive memory foam that has a soft top layer that cools and wicks moisture away while cradling growing spines. Parents love this one in their own bedrooms, too.

We think it's the best full size mattress for kids, but if you're working with a smaller bed frame or floor bed, it comes in twin size too.

Pros

• Cooling gel memory foam
• Compressed for easy, compact shipping
• Extremely ffordable price point for this type of mattress
• 10-year limited warranty
• Holds up to 500 pounds (meaning mom or dad can crawl in for storytime!)
• CertiPur-US certified

Cons

• Takes up to get 72 hours to fully inflate and take shape

Best budget mattress

FDW Gel Memory Foam Mattress

For those looking for the most budget-friendly option, it’s hard to beat this one from FDW, available on Amazon. It features a gel memory foam that is six inches thick and boasts a medium firmness. It’s hypoallergenic and breathable and can help relieve the pressure that can be put on the body with traditional mattresses.

The hypoallergenic cover is washable, and a four-way stretch in the mattress allows your child to toss and turn comfortably. Depending on how plush you like your mattress, it’s also available in five-inch, eight-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch mattress sizes.

Pros

• Budget-friendly full size mattress for kids
• Comes in five different thicknesses
• Gel memory foam
• Hypoallergenic and breathable
• CertiPur-US certified

Cons

• Six-inch size may be too thin for some sleepers and older kids

Best mattress for toddlers

Helix Kids Mattress

For those ready to make an investment that will last from a toddler mattress on, the Helix Kids Mattress is a great option. It features a two-sided, flippable mattress that has a firmer and softer side. The hybrid Helix Kids Mattress has springs and memory foam for supremely comfortable sleep and proper spinal alignment.

The firmer side is suggested for younger kids (ages three to seven) who need support for growing bodies, and the softer side can be used for those older than seven years should they want something cushier. The mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, which means it was made without chemicals known to be harmful to kids.

Pros

• Genius flippable design for different ages and stages of development
• CertiPUR-US certified to be free of harmful chemicals
• Anti-microbial
• Water-repellent
• Hypoallergenic and breathable cover
• Ideal for all sleeping positions
• Top-rated comfort and support

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than other options on the market, but an excellent overall value

Best memory foam mattress

Vibe Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Nearly 50,000 people have fallen in love with the Vibe 12-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, which features two memory foam layers that can help with cooling for better temperature control. An additional two layers of foam core beneath the gel exist to provide pressure point relief and assist with spinal alignment.

We love that this budget-friendly sleep option meets CertiPUR-US standards. The setup is easy thanks to fast, free compressed shipping and fits nicely in large-scale toddler floor beds. It also offers a versatile mattress firmness that pleases a variety of sleep styles and types.

Pros

• Cooling gel and foam core for comfort
• Plus 12-inch profile
• CertiPur-US certified
• Useable with adjustable beds
• Compressed shipping

Cons

• Some reviewers note that 12-inch profile is ideal for older kids, though it may not fit flush against smaller little kid bed frames

Best hybrid mattress

LINENSPA 8-Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress

A hybrid mattress is kind of like the Goldilocks of mattresses for some people—not too hard and not to soft; just right thanks to the mix of foam and traditional coils. Offering a medium firmness that is great for growing kids, this Linenspa model is  CertiPUR-US certified, which means it’s free from toxic chemicals.

Over 134,000 people on Amazon agree that this is an excellent hybrid mattress option. It's extremely budget-friendly, boasts no off-gassing or odors and is a breeze to set up. It's a high-quality mattress for a low price and easily fits platform beds and bunk beds.

Pros

• Features both innerspring coils and memory foam
• CertiPur-US certified
• Top-rated bestseller
• 10-year limited warranty
• Available in a variety of thicknesses and sizes
• Budget-friendly
• Built-in edge support

Cons

• Some reviewers note that full inflation can take up to four days, though we found this model is sleepable after 24 hours

Best rated mattress

Saatva Youth Mattress

Specifically made for kids that are growing, the Saatva Youth Mattress offers a lot of longevity from preschool age through grade school. This eco-friendly option for kids is CertiPUR-US certified, which means that it’s free from potentially harmful chemicals, which is important.

It’s water-resistant and comes with a lifetime guarantee, which is pretty impressive, as are its five-star reviews. It comes with a lifetime warranty, free in-home setup and old mattress removal and a 365-night sleep trial. Seriously, your kid can sleep on it for a full year to decide if it's worth keeping (hint: it is!).

Pros

• Top-rated youth mattress
• Dual-sided
• Made specifically for growing children
• Supports spinal alignment
• 365-night sleep trial
• In-room delivery and setup
• CertiPur-US certified
• Lifetime guarantee

Cons

• Pricier than other options, though it's worth every penny

Best Walmart mattress

Linenspa Dreamer 10-inch Hybrid Mattress

Walmart is a reliable staple for great items at great prices, so it’s no surprise that Walmart mattresses also fall into this category. The Linenspa Dreamer 10-inch Hybrid Mattress is a bestseller for a reason—it’s hybrid model of gel foam and innerspring coils is a winning combination.

We think it's one of the best full size mattress options for kids thanks to an affordable price point, easy setup, fast and compact shipping and overall quality. Built-in temperature regulation makes it an excellent choice for a variety of climates, too.

The gel is particularly good for those who need temperature regulation while sleeping, and the coils help provide that traditional mattress feel that some really love. 

Pros

• Walmart's top-rated affordable mattress option
• Comes in several thicknesses and sizes
• Comes with a 10-year limited warranty
• Hybrid style with both innersprings and memory foam
• Highly rated

Cons

• Takes up to 72 hours to form its final shape

Best organic mattress

Happsy Organic Mattress

If you’re looking for the Cadillac of all organic mattresses, the Happsy Organic Mattress might be a good bet. This hybrid mattress for your child is made from organic cotton, wool and latex and is breathable. This kids' full mattress is also a brilliant choice for adults thanks to protection against dust mites and stains.

It’s GREENGUARD certified for low chemical emissions, made in America and GOTS-certified, which means that it has passed additional testing to be declared fully organic and non-toxic. It has no flame retardant materials, uses no glue and boasts a 120-night sleep trial that offers stress-free buying.

Pros

• Organic-certified construction and materials
• 120-night sleep trial
• Doesn't require flipping or rotating as children grow
• Non-toxic construction and treatment
• 20-year warranty
• Added pressure relief
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Pricier than other options on the market, but that's to be expected for organic materials and USA-made construction

FAQs

How big is a full size bed for kids?

A full size bed for kids is often referred to as a double bed, and is roughly 16 inches wider than a twin. A standard full size bed is 53 inches wide and 75 inches long, and typically offers more than enough space for growing children and teenagers.

Is a full size bed OK for 2 kids?

Typically a full size bed is for one person, though in different regions and cultures a full size bed may be used to sleep more than one sibling. That's a personal choice based on the size and age of your children, as well as a variety of other factors. Kids sharing a bedroom is pretty common, and young children making the most of an oversized bed is common in space-constrained major cities and tight apartments.

What size sheet is right for a full size kids bed?

Opt for a full size sheet for a full size kids mattress, though queen sheets are only seven inches wider and can easily work if you're in a pinch. Because you wouldn't want your sheets to be pulled so tight that they tear, most full size sheets measure 54 inches wide—a full inch wider than the mattress itself—to allow ample space for movement and breathability.

If you have a deeper profile mattress, consider buying full size sheets that come with deep pockets—these should measure at least 15 inches in height/depth.

How can I clean a full size bed for kids?

First, it's important to use a waterproof mattress cover on any children's bed—accidents happen. And nose bleeds. And sippy cup spills. And markers gone awry... and the list goes on. Check our helpful guide on how to get blood stains out of a mattress, and then do yourself a favor and invest in a top-rated waterproof protector like this SafeRest Mattress Cover.