Keeping your child’s mattress clean and fresh is an important part of their overall health and hygiene. But with potty training, middle-of-the-night stomach viruses, and sneaky juice box spills, that’s easier said than done. This is where mattress protectors come in handy. As its name suggests, it protects your kid’s mattress from spills and messes, keeping it clean and dry for years to come.

When deciding on the best mattress protector for your kids, there are few things to consider. If your child is a baby,you’ll need a crib-size protector that fits securely around the mattress. If your child is a toddler, a mattress protector is a no-brainer. As toddlers transition out of diapers and begin potty training, they’re bound to have a few accidents, especially overnight. Luckily, there are mattress protectors for toddler beds, too. 

For older kids, you may want to consider a mattress protector for out-of-the-blue bedwetting or for food and drink messes. We’ve all been spending more time than ever at home, and we suspect that more than a few teenagers have gotten used to working, eating, and subsequently living in their beds. 

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A mattress protector can also keep your mattress free from sweat stains, dust, mold, and pet hair (or accidents) and helps relieve indoor allergies. Since they’re also machine washable, you can easily clean them as frequently as you need to, which might be a lot. 

The best mattress protectors for kids are smooth and wrinkle-free, and can even enhance their sleeping experience. We found the best ones that online shoppers rave about, many of which are budget-friendly. Check out our picks for the best mattress protectors for kids below. 

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

This mattress protector has over 105,400 five-star ratings on Amazon. It protects mattresses from liquids, dust mites, and bacteria. One reviewer says that it even protected his mattress through his wife’s labor and delivery!

Best Mattress Protector for Cribs

This mattress fits securely over a crib-sized mattress and is available in a pack of one or two. It also comes in a pack-and-play version that’s great for taking on trips. Reviewers write that the fabric is “ nice and soft .”

Best Mattress Protector for Toddler Beds

This mattress is 100-percent waterproof, so it’s up to the task of protecting against bedwetting or diaper blowouts. It’s washer and dryer friendly, and reviewers say it “works great; protects the mattress wonderfully.”

Best Mattress Protector for Allergies

This breathable mattress protector is made with 100-percent cotton and is vinyl- and PVC-free. It traps dust that can cause kids’ allergies and has eco-friendly waterproof technology built-in.

Best Mattress Protector for Bedwetting

This waterproof mattress protector stops spills, urine, sweat, and other liquids from reaching your mattress and subsequently damaging it. One parent wrote that there was “ not a single spot on the mattress ” after their toddler’s “nasty diaper leak.”

At just $17, this mattress protector has waterproof layers that help distribute liquids so they don’t damage the mattress underneath. One reviewer writes that it’s the “ perfect solution to night-time training of little ones .”

Kids who get super sweaty in the middle of the night will benefit from this mattress protector. It’s made with soft bamboo and designed to keep bodies cool throughout the night. It’s also 100-percent waterproof and doesn’t make any noise underneath your child’s sheets.

This mattress protector is made from hypoallergenic cotton terry fabric, so it won’t irritate kids’ skin while it protects against allergens and liquids. One reviewer reports that it has protected their son’s mattress through occasional bedwetting and bloody noses. 

Best Mattress Protector for Pets

With kids and pets in the house, investing in a mattress protector is a no-brainer. Reviewers say this one worked well to protect their mattresses when house training a puppy , while another wrote that it protects the mattress from dog hair while changing the sheets.

Best Mattress Protector for Travel

When traveling, even for a day, with small children, they’re bound to take a nap or need a drink at some point. These handy protectors are easy to pack and slip under the sheet at grandma’s house. One reviewer reports that the large size makes them easy to use on other surfaces besides a mattress, too, and that they’ve made potty training twin 2-year-olds much easier.

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