In today's post, we at TED are offering you some useful tips to help you smoothly handle this challenge.
How to Choose a Mattress for a Child’s Bed
During the first few years of growth, from ages 4 to 12, children have the greatest need for quality, uninterrupted sleep on a comfortable mattress. This is the time when their muscular and skeletal systems are forming, and it is essential for kids to have both comfort and firm support in specific areas of the body. With this in mind, there are several key factors to consider when purchasing a mattress for a child's bed: size, materials, and level of firmness.
What Kind of Mattress Is Best for Children
At this young age, children experience rapid development on several levels. They grow quickly both mentally and physically. At night, a child’s brain consolidates and processes the information learned throughout the day, and during this time, the body as a whole – including bones, hormones, and the brain – develops the fastest. That’s why the role of a good mattress and quality sleep is so crucial to their healthy development. The best sleeping product combines the following features:
- Proper size – standard children’s mattress sizes are: 60 x 120 and 70 x 140. To ensure the correct size, after placing the mattress, make sure there is no gap between it and the bed frame. This will prevent the risk of injury from a trapped leg or arm during sleep.
- Appropriate firmness – the mattress should be moderately firm and flexible to provide support in key areas. Polyurethane foam has suitable properties, as it adapts well to the body’s contours and supports natural movements without causing a “sinking” effect. For extra stability, you can also add a bed base.
- Hypoallergenic filling – it must be hypoallergenic. This prevents the spread of dust mites and reduces the risk of problems for allergy-prone children. Memory foam is naturally hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for any child predisposed to allergies or respiratory issues.
- High-quality materials – one of the most preferred materials is polyurethane foam due to its lightness and ideal adaptability to the body. Latex is also a popular choice, as it provides optimal ventilation and protection against mites and bacteria. Natural materials like coconut fibers and aloe vera are also favorites, as they ensure good air circulation and prevent moisture and microorganism buildup.
- With added protector and removable cover – at this age, occasional nighttime accidents can still happen. That’s why, to provide extra comfort and better hygiene, we recommend getting a protector and a removable cover. As for the cover material, it should ideally be hypoallergenic and soft to the touch – such as organic cotton.
How Often Should You Replace a Child’s Mattress
The most practical choice when selecting a mattress for a child’s bed is a double-sided one. On one hand, children’s preferences regarding firmness may change over time. On the other hand, flipping the mattress regularly can help prevent deformation and premature wear. Still, it's important to know when it’s time to say goodbye to the old one and welcome a new, comfortable addition to the child’s bed. The average lifespan of a mattress is between 7 to 10 years. If that time has passed, it may be time for an upgrade in the kids' room.
If the time has come to find a new mattress for your child’s bed, check out our amazing selection to make sure your little ones get the best possible product, created with personal care for their sleep.