A good nights sleep is, much like eating healthy, one of the most important parts of our day to day life, and even more important for our young ones. Children who are still growing and developing, sleep from 10 to 14 hours per day, and it’s very important that they spend those hours on a comfortable bed.
Every parent will agree that choosing the right mattress is harder than choosing all other details of bed equipment. The main purpose of a mattress is to provide the correct amount of support for sleeper’s spine and whole body. Since children grow so fast, it’s important to pick out the mattress that will give support to their developing bodies and growing bones.
Besides that, a good quality sleep has an effect on children’s attention, stress level, memory and overall health. This basically means that a good mattress plays a huge role in making children’s sleep deep and thus allows them to wake up in a better mood.
Good-quality mattress can last long, following children’s growth and assuring their good night sleep. Because of this, it is very important to consider several facts when you want to purchase the mattress for your kids. There are many mattress sizes and prices, as well as comfort levels, mattress protectors, and toppers.
Best advice for buying a mattress for your child is to take your time before you decide. Mattresses are usually bought to last for some time, so any rush decisions should be avoided. Keep in mind that children are not the same as adults, so if something feels good for you, it doesn’t mean it will be good for your child. Here are some things to look out for when deciding on the mattress:
- This is probably the easiest part of the whole process. Most parents go for standard twin sized bed and mattress but, since a new mattress will last up to 10 years, it’s a good idea to go with larger bed and mattress – if there’s a possibility for that, of course. A bigger sleeping area allows smaller child to move around during night, and it won’t force parents to spend more money on new bed and mattress every few years.
- As mentioned before, growing children need a good support during night so parents should go for more firm mattresses but still soft enough so they are feeling comfortable. It’s recommended to bring your child with you so they can try it themselves
- Although most mattresses these days are made with allergies in mind, it never hurts to double check, especially if your child has a history of allergic reactions. Generally, synthetic mattresses are a better pick for children struggling with allergies since they won’t attract as many bacteria.
Types of mattresses for children
When categorizing mattresses, we can divide them in two big groups: spring and foam.
Coil spring mattresses are traditional and still very popular pick among parents. They offer enough support and keep their shape pretty well. A coil spring mattress will last longer than, for example, a foam mattress, but it will cost more in the beginning.
Pocket spring mattresses are more expensive than coil spring but also offer more support – the most out of all types. They are perfect for infants and toddlers who are growing and developing a lot faster than older children.
If you decide to go for a spring mattress, make sure you check the count of springs and coil gauge. If you’re looking for a firm mattress with great support, pick one with higher spring count and lower coil gauge.
Foam mattresses, both latex and memory foam, are more affordable than classic spring ones but they aren’t as durable. They are available in large varieties when it comes to size and density, and it’s best to have your child try and pick the most comfortable one – if they are big enough.
Foam mattresses offer less support than spring ones but they are still a good choice, especially if your child has troubles during night and restless sleep. They are lightweight and easier to clean as well.
Picking a mattress for a growing child is a big deal. It can influence their body development but also their mood when they wake up. If you can, invest in high quality mattress that is bigger than your child needs at the moment and use it for years to come. Avoid buying used mattresses, no matter how good they look – a new mattress is always the best choice. If your child is big enough, take them with you and let them try out the mattresses. They won’t have as detailed opinion as you might, but it would be a bad idea to pick something they are not feeling comfortable with.
About the Author: Lisa Reed is an interior designer, DIYer, and promoter of quality sleeping. With years of experience in sleep ergonomics and biomechanics, she writes about latest trends in the mattress industry for Somtex Sleep Lab, www.somtexsleepscience.com.
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